I'll admit that I am not a religious man and that atheism is actually a theology unto itself. I know a lot of people who think that they aren't religious who actually subscribe to a belief system that they are completely unaware of. One of the deeply held tenets of atheism is freedom from religion, but is that sacred belief not also a devout expression of faith?
Faith is by nature unprovable and if I find myself in some form of an eternal afterworld, I will surely chide myself for backing the wrong team while throwing myself on the mercy of the heavenly or hellish court.
Nonetheless, I am deeply respectful of the fact that the vast majority of humanity (officially excepting China) worships God in some form or another, and as I researched this trip I became increasingly aware that faith would be the overriding theme of this journey.
And so it was I found myself on a beautiful busride through the mountains of southeastern Turkey to a place called The Virgin Mary House.
Forgive my divine ignorance, and I apologize in advance to proper theologians, but here is the story in a nutshell, with all due respect.
When things were going sideways for Jesus Christ he asked The Apostle John to take care of his mom. It is an accepted fact that The Apostle John was buried in this region.
If you want to know more about this fascinating place click here
I've been to a few "sacred" places, and while I may not be a believer, it doesn't make these places any less sacred, as they are imbued with the tremendous power of human faith.
I walk through the modest site in a beautiful locale. Photography is not permitted. I make a small donation and buy two candles. What the hell, it can't hurt?
I head outside to the candle lighting place. As I light the candles I think about my family and friends and my eyes well up as a very deep sense of gratitude washes over me.
http://www.goyestoeverything.com
