Can you hold atheistic philosophy and have a religion?

[mroof!]

This sounds kind of contradictory, but I tend to look at the Torah metaphorically.

Now, I believe in science/evolutionary theory, but I also like the idea of having a higher power.

Is it possible to hold an atheistic philosophy while keeping hold of my Jewish roots by means of knowing my culture's history?
Bill: I look at religion in a philosophical sense so to speak (rather than a literal one).
Heroduto: I think you stated exactly what I was trying to LOL.

[Dillicious]

of course it is.
I wouldnt call atheism a philosophy though, its just an unbelief.

Buddhism, and Satanism for example, both contain many atheists.
And there are many atheist Jews as well

[Herodotus]

Maybe it would be clearer to say you have a Jewish philosophy. whilst being an atheist.

[uiop b]

How can you be Atheist but BELIEVE in science? Atheism, or at least I thought, is the non beilief in a system.

and the answer to your question is no.

[purplewitchhazel]

Hrm well let's see.

I am an atheist in every aspect. I don't believe in a higher power, or that it can possibly exist. The bible, jesus, miracles, angels, heaven, hell, judgement day, rapture, purgatory, satan & the afterlife are in no way logical or possible to my mind, heart and way of life.

BUT i do believe in spirits in the way that people may die leaving behind unfinished business. If they were murdered, or if there is a family secret or something that needs to be revealed or loose ends tied, that they stay behind till their business is done.

I believe in the goddesses as a guide for my spellworking & for the seasons, not as a floating entity, but more a theoretical/metaphorical part of my life. Call it a comfort thing i suppose.

Yes i know COMPLETELY contradictory. But i have been that way my entire life, & it won't change It's what makes sense to me. And everyone has their own way of following a path and such.

Just as people think that when they pray & pray & pray, that the actual god or prayer is healing someone, to me prayer is the work of the mind, not of a god. The more good vibes you send out, positive thinking, the more positive the outcome.

If someone is in a car accident and survives, do you thank god, or the doctors & the strength of the survivors body & mind for their healing? I say the latter.

On the science side, i put 100% belief/hope into science to give us the answers we need. The reason not everything comes out perfect, is because scientists are humans, just as religion has flaws, so does science. But that is no reason for fundies to mock evolution and such just because us mere humans can't find all the answers we need in one hour of research. Answers take time. Same with doctors, they're scientists and humans, and they can make mistakes, that doesn't mean you shouldn't trust them. Without a doctor i wouldn't have been born, or been able to see someone when i had tonsilitis, or went into surgery at the age of 5 for something else.

I don't really think i'm trying to prove a point, other than on my path, i feel all the different aspects of what i believe can be harmonious.

I don't think it works for everyone though.

[phoenixstarshine]

Definitely yes...many Jews have become atheists (Einstein, for one was a deist) It can be done!