This blog is more an ear than a tongue. It needs you, and we need a way to revere life while respecting the gift of our critical intellect. We may need to have fun, may need to let our ideas dance for and by themselves. Some elements of a fresh, non-authority-structured Religion 2.0 might include the following, without apologies for the fuzzy thinking that often starts good things off:

·        Respect for all life forms, tempered by pragmatic regard for potential threats posed by them

·        Respect for sentient life that struggles to avoid harm to other life forms

·        Insight into the importance of mutual support by believer community members

·        Acceptance of death or other harm to the extent that such harm is "reasonably inevitable"

·        A theory of causation that reconciles dignitywith determinism

·        Avoidance of mythical saviour figures

·        Avoidance of guilt-based behavioural manipulation schemes

·        “Salvage” approach to congregations of legacy religions,
         i.e, recognition of high probability that “good prospects for Religion 2.0” will be found here

·        Valuation of epistemology as central to dignified,compassionate support for others

·        “Emergency clause” allowing lies (truth denial) that may have evidence-based
         compassionate benefit

So far, so good. But how on earth do we move from here? How do we even begin to engage issues in strategy, tactics and logistics that do not merely supplant one dated vision with another? How do we build a vibrant community of people who eschew pews, and prefer sunrises without verbal commentary?

And where is happiness in all this? Is there some accessibility to community-based joy? What of family? Do we burden those we love with this "best new thing", or do we leave them blessedly alone?

Blessings be upon you!