The Agnostitudes

I know you're like what in the world is The Agnostitudes? Drumroll please....it's the agnostic version of the Beatitudes. Now why would I want to write up an agnostic version of The Beatitudes? Hmm...well not everyone is Christian, but everyone can benefit from Christ's teachings. I got the idea to write The Agnostitudes from this random agnostic/atheist forum where one guy stated The Beatitudes is Christianity's only saving grace, but when he went into further study, he realized only two of them were actually worth keeping. He also said those two were the two most Christians don't even adhere to: blessed are the merciful and the peacemakers. Ouch. Let that one sink in.

I believe everyone has their own path to walk out and that you shouldn't concern yourself with anyone else's beliefs because honestly, it's none of your business, but it's nice to hear different perspectives and learn from them. For this post, I want to come from my newfound perspective that has come from carefully analyzing everything I once held so dear.

So you can refresh your memory of the original Beatitudes they are found in Matthew 5:3-12.

The Agnostitudes- Happy are they who practice these things and understand them.

1. Poor in spirit: "When we are emptied of ourselves, we are free from pride and enabled to seek the truth in humility." So happy are the poor in spirit, those who empty themselves willingly or have their lives turned upside down involuntarily, for when they come to the end of themselves, amongst their fellow man, they can reach out for another to be pulled back up or reach out to another to pull him up. We need each other to be whole.

2. Mourners: Happy are they who don't take pride in, but mourn their wrongdoing. Happy are they who mourn the suffering they see in the world among others due to unhealthy desire and ignorance. Why? Because they understand that after they mourn, to give comfort or to care for one another during suffering is more important than their own happiness and it becomes a gift that keeps on giving.

3. Meek: "The meek inherit the earth because they are grounded in the truth of reality." So happy are the meek, the humble, those who understand their relation to others and the cosmos. They have a real sense of who they are. They aren't prideful, but they also don't think themselves to be invaluable. They understand how their lives impact others and they serve others with utmost sincerity and love.

4. Hunger and thirst for righteousness: Those who crave justice to be done in the earth, those who desire above all for good to reign forever, they will be satisfied. How? Because they are the ones who are going to manifest righteousness in the earth. They are the ones who will wake everyone up. They are the ones who understand no one will save us from ourselves, but us. They are the ones who are actively making this world a better place, so at their end of their lives they will be satisfied knowing they did their part.

5. Merciful: I think this one is obvious. Happy are they who are merciful, those who show others mercy whether they deserve it or not, they will receive the same in return. Let's learn to practice this one often. Agape love.

6. Pure in heart: Happy are they who are pure in heart, they who have only one desire and intention to live undefiled by selfishness, pride, hate, greed, envy, etc., because then and only then will they be able to transcend the suffering of this world and experience pure unadulterated bliss that they will be able to then pass on to others. After all, we are all connected.

7. Peacemakers: Happy are they who are peacemakers, those who strive above all to live in harmony with fellow man, those who desire peace within and manifest it outwardly. These are the people that bring us together. These are the people who remind us of our interconnectivity. These are the people who help us see we are one. These are the people who have the power to heal the wounds of war- inner and outer.

8. Persecuted: And finally those who are persecuted for wanting justice to be served, for good to reign, for humanity to live as one, they are happy in spite of because they know they have their reward. Now I know you're thinking what reward could they possibly have? Their reward may not be an afterlife, but they know in this life they have lived a life well spent. A life dedicated to serving others and making an impact that only they could make. Your persecution isn't in vain. If one life is awakened, transformed, renewed, healed, changed at all by your presence and your service, then you've done all you can do. We can't make people drink, we can only lead them to the water. Remember that.

I know I may have stretched some of these to be very inclusive and broad, but honestly I believe everyone can pull from these eight characteristics and live in a manner that leaves behind a legacy. Govern yourselves accordingly!

Teaching from my heart,
Brittany