On Turning 65

Leonardo da Vinci, Studies of an Old Man and a Youth, c. 1500-1505

A while ago, on January 2, 2011, I wrote a reflection piece called Reverse Resolutions – 11 Reflections on 2011. I suppose it’s normal to reflect like this on days of passage and that would include a 65^th birthday.  It’s hard to believe that last article was 10 years ago already, but so that goes as we age as well. Don’t worry, I’m not going to burden you, dear reader, with 65 reflections on the occasion, but taking stock of a few things is not a bad idea from time to time.   These are not resolutions or revelations that I woke up one morning realizing after an epiphany – it’s just things I’ve been thinking about lately.

Five Things I’m Grateful For

I never play well with these viral Facebook things, but when my daughter tags me and when it’s about gratitude, well, I simply must relent. It comes at a fertile time too,

I Am Your Father, IV – Our House

This has been a good old house.  My family moved in when I was 14 and my father still lives here.  Every once in a while he talks about downsizing and moving to a smaller, more manageable place.  He never will. 

From Certainty to Uncertainty

I’ve often said that I cringe at some of our earliest lyrics, even if I still enjoy the youthful and musical exuberance in the songs.   It’s pretty easy to grant myself some grace in growing up. When I was a child I spoke as a child, after all.  I can put those early works in perspective.  Here’s one such lyric:

My Talk at the 2011 FFRF Convention

Last month the Freedom From Religion Foundation put a printed edition of my presentation at their annual convention in Hartford, CT in their newsletter.  For those who are not members and who do not have access to the newsletter (which alone is worth the price of membership in the organization) the printed transcription is now available on their website here.

Spiritual But Not Religious

Those who have ever made use of an online dating website know that part of signing up involves filling out a questionnaire that often includes stating one’s religious preferences.  Besides the usual denominational and sectarian choices there is probably also an option for “Spiritual But Not Religious.”

Yes, I Believe!

Oh yes, my brothers and sisters, I believe these things. Truly and without guile I bear witness, I testify, I can give you a hearty “Amen!”  I want to be the purple stripe. “Don’t tell me then ‘be like the rest.’” 

Passing the Hitchens Meme To A New Generation

Those of us who have followed Christopher Hitchens for any length of time knew the time of his death was coming sooner than we would like.  “Followed” is not the right word.  We did not “follow” him.  Many of us hung on his words; his books, essays, lectures, debates, videos, television appearances, the many works he edited, everything.  A new anything by Christopher Hitchens was  like waking up on Christmas morning all over again.  He has had a profound impact on me and on my thinking.

“Why Do You Write If You Don’t Believe?”

I get lots of great questions by email and public comments on various threads. I received this one, on why I bother to write when I don’t hold religious beliefs anymore, from a good friend in a comment to another essay. 

A Heart Cry For Legitimacy

Edwin Hubble

This is an open letter to my friend Jon Trott addressing an article he wrote, A Heart Cry for a Skeptical Friend on his blog.

Dear Jon,