Religion and Politics

Here we are with the taboo topics! I have a strong ethical compass and there are things I won't budge on but I am constantly listening and evolving. These topics run the risk of having high levels of emotion when there are disagreements and might be the part where people rule me out. That's OK.

Religion

I don’t currently believe in anything supernatural.

That includes the 3,000 or so religions of the world and their associated deities, superstitions, ghosts, and similar claims. I believe that today’s religions will become tomorrow’s mythologies, just like today’s mythologies are often past religions. Some strong evidence could erode my skepticism.

There are people in my life whom I love and care deeply for who hold religious beliefs. My love isn’t encumbered by not sharing their beliefs.

I don't want to participate in religious or religion-supporting activities, but I will attend (and behave at) holiday services if that's important to a partner.

Politics

What's currently happening in Minnesota is abhorrent and I have spoken out about it in multiple ways, including paying to have messages delivered to members of the military. I want ICE out of Minnesota.

With that said, here's my overall political stance.

The short version is that I’m left-of-center. I’ve often heard that you become more conservative as you age, but that’s mostly the opposite for me. That said, I’ve never been a Democrat or a Republican, and I doubt I ever will be. I’m probably voting for the more moderate person in primaries and the more liberal choice in general elections, but not always.

I absolutely abhor the current federal executive branch. I almost always disagree with their approaches to things and with their policies, but it’s not a “they can do no good” attitude (although that seems to be the case; it’s not my default attitude).

According to a Pew Research Center tool, I can be classified as “Outsider Left”

I am a staunch LGBTQIA+ ally, and I acknowledge my cishet white male privilege.

I value the arts over athletics. I see value in both.

I want religion out of government.

I don't care to participate in the nationalistic rituals like the national anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, standing for the flag, etc. I'll just remain quiet until those who want to participate are done.

I think the Constitution is flawed, but it is the law, and until something better replaces it, I want the government to follow it.

The militia is not well-regulated. I think a ban on semi-automatic rifles in the United States is a good next step toward reducing our rampant gun violence.

I like the idea of $1 billion being the largest amount of money any one person can hold and would likely support laws to make that happen.

As you can see, I’m willing to change my mind with good reason. I have been doing so most of my adult life.

Meet Tim!