More than 10 years ago (11 and change), I sat down and wrote a blog post about my thoughts on religion (which can be read here: Religion). I think I remember the general gist of what I wrote back then, but I’ve made a conscious decision not to go back and read it just yet. I want to reflect on where I stand today and see if my perspective has evolved. After all, what’s the point of self-reflection if we aren’t open to the idea that our beliefs—spiritual or otherwise—can and should change over time?

Thinking back, I think I had a lot to say about religion being a deeply personal journey, and that still rings true for me today. But as I’ve grown, so too has my understanding of what spirituality means to me in the context of everyday life. I still don’t subscribe to any one organized religion, but my beliefs have deepened and, in some ways, simplified over the years.

The Importance of Knowing What You Believe

Regardless of what your faith (or lack thereof) may be, I firmly believe it’s essential for each of us to explore our beliefs. Whether you’re devoutly religious, a firm atheist, or somewhere in between, the journey to understanding your own spirituality is important. It’s not about finding the “right” answer but about uncovering what resonates most deeply with you. I’ve come to see religion, spirituality, and even atheism as frameworks through which we attempt to make sense of the world and our place in it.

For me, the value lies in the questioning. Do we truly know why we believe what we believe, or are we just going through the motions? It’s easy to coast through life on autopilot, whether in faith or disbelief. But stopping to ask yourself, “Why do I believe this?” can be a powerful way to grow and evolve as a person.

My Current Beliefs

Today, I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I don’t believe in the dogma or rigid structure that many organized religions offer, but I do believe in something bigger than myself. I find solace and purpose in the connections we share with one another and the natural world around us. Life, in all its beauty and messiness, has taught me that spirituality is less about following a set of rules and more about fostering a sense of wonder, compassion, and self-awareness.

I also believe that there’s wisdom to be found in various teachings—whether from religion, philosophy, or simply from life itself. But none of that wisdom should be taken without question. We should all seek to understand ourselves better, to explore our inner landscapes with the same curiosity we bring to the outer world.

A Blend of Ideas

Today, I don’t neatly fit into any one religious box. My beliefs are more of a mosaic, pulling from various spiritual and philosophical traditions. If I had to categorize my perspective, well…it would be colourful…a mix of Deism, Universalism, Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR), Pantheism, and Agnostic Theism. It’s an unconventional blend (and a mouthful), but for me, it reflects a desire to find truth wherever it exists, without the need for rigid boundaries.

Deism resonates with me in the sense that I believe there’s a higher power or creative force behind the universe, but I don’t think this force intervenes in our day-to-day lives in the way many traditional religions suggest. The idea that the universe is governed by natural laws set in motion by a divine creator feels more in line with what we see in the world around us. There’s a sense of order and wonder in the natural world, and I find that deeply spiritual.

From Universalism, I take the belief that truth and goodness are not confined to one particular religion or system of belief. There’s wisdom in many paths, and no one has a monopoly on what is right or true. I believe that kindness, empathy, and moral integrity are universal values that transcend religious labels. We’re all searching for meaning, and we should honor the diverse ways people pursue that journey.

Spiritual But Not Religious (SBNR) has become a significant part of my identity. I don’t adhere to a formal religious practice, but I do find spirituality in everyday experiences—in nature, in relationships, in moments of quiet reflection. I believe that spirituality is something deeply personal, something that can’t be dictated by dogma or tradition. It’s about connecting with something larger than yourself, whatever that may mean for you.

Pantheism speaks to me in the sense that I see divinity in everything—in the earth, in the cosmos, in the interconnectedness of all life. The idea that the universe itself is sacred, that everything around us is an expression of the divine, brings me a sense of awe and reverence for the world. Life, in all its complexity and beauty, is something to be cherished and respected.

Finally, Agnostic Theism reflects my acceptance that I don’t—and can’t—know everything. I believe in a higher power, but I’m comfortable with the mystery of it all. There’s no need for certainty. I’m okay with not having all the answers, and I think there’s something humbling and liberating in that.

The Role of Scripture: A Human Creation

While I find value in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, I also believe we need to view these texts with a critical lens. The Bible contains important moral and spiritual lessons, but it’s also a book written by men, shaped by cultural, historical, and political contexts. Over the centuries, it has been translated, reinterpreted, and selectively edited to fit the needs and agendas of those in power.

This doesn’t mean that the Bible is without value. On the contrary, I think it offers a lot of insight into human nature and the human experience. But we need to remember that it’s a human document—imperfect, and often inconsistent. Picking and choosing what to include, omitting other parts, and translating it repeatedly over time has inevitably changed its message. That’s why I believe it’s important to read scripture not as an unquestionable, literal truth but as a collection of stories that reflect humanity’s ongoing search for meaning, morality, and connection with the divine.

In many ways, I see the Bible as one voice among many. It’s not the only source of spiritual wisdom, and it doesn’t hold all the answers. There’s as much to learn from other religious texts, philosophical works, and even from our personal experiences as there is from the Bible. To me, no “one” source holds all the answers, but together they form a tapestry that we can draw from as we navigate life.

Growth Through Understanding

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past decade is that our beliefs, like everything else in life, are not static. They change as we change, and that’s a good thing. Growth comes from questioning, from listening, from learning. It’s when we stop asking questions that we risk stagnation.

I’m not advocating for anyone to adopt a particular belief system. Rather, I’m encouraging us all to remain open to the idea that our views can shift and that they should shift as we learn more about ourselves and the world. Whether you’ve found peace in a religious practice, or you’re struggling with your own faith—or even if you’ve decided that faith is not for you—there’s always room for growth.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, what we believe in shapes how we move through the world. It influences how we treat others, how we handle adversity, and how we make sense of the chaos that is life. That’s why it’s important to take stock of your beliefs from time to time, to ensure they are still serving you. Are they helping you become the person you want to be? Are they contributing to a life of kindness, empathy, and purpose?

It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious and open, even when it comes to the big, existential questions.

Closing Thoughts

I know I’m not perfect, and I never will be, there are many aspects of myself that I’m continually working on. But this much I know for sure: life is a journey of discovery, and understanding what we believe. Whether it’s a specific religion, a broader spiritual framework, or the belief that nothing supernatural exists at all, plays a significant role in that journey. For anyone reading this who may be going through similar reflections or milestones in life, perhaps you can find some value in my musings.

As the famous philosopher Socrates once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” So let’s examine, reflect, and keep growing.

As always my friends, remember that we only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough. Embrace the adventure, cherish the moments, and I’ll catch you next time!

~Rob