I'm Reverend Rick, founder and pastor. I was ordained over the Internet by the Universal Ministries of Milford, Illinois in November, 2004. I haven't studied theology, either formally or informally, nor have I read most of the Bible. You're probably thinking that I am completely unqualified to preach the Gospel and you're quite right. However, I do take my faith, as well as my lack of faith, seriously.
My religious education was sporadic at best. As a child, I attended Vacation Bible School at the Baptist Church where my great-grandmother had taught Sunday School. When I was a bit older, my grandmother would drag me to meetings at the Kingdom Hall. In my late teens I occasionally attended Pentacostal and Baptist sevices with my girlfriend. In the earliest days of my military career I would sometimes attend nondemoninational services at the base chapel. After I married, I'd occasionally attend Catholic masses with my wife (usually against my will) until she finally gave up any hope of converting me, undoubtedly convinced I'm a heathen whose soul will burn in Hell for all eternity.
It occurred to me long ago that, at least among the various Christian denominations, they are preaching from the same Bible, worshiping the same God, and offering salvation through the same Savior. Where they seem to differ is in their interpretation of God's Word and the methodology used. I've also noticed that different denomination believe that their church is the only path to salvation. I've observed this even among churches within the same denomination.
I've made several other observations along the way. While many people professs to be Christians, they don't always seem to follow the teachings of Christ. I have an avid interest in history and over the last 2000 years, there have been many atrocities, wars, and general evil done in the name of God and Jesus. I've seen a lot of bigotry, hatred, prejudice, and all around ignorance proliferated through the ages in their names.
I will say that I perosnally know many devout Christians who do try to follow the teachings of Jesus and live exemplary lives. It's one thing to proclaim your faith by attending church every Sunday and quoting Scripture. To actually live the Christian ideals is quite another and I salute those who can or at least make an honest effort to do so.
My religious background is predominantly Christian although other religious concepts have also had a influence on me. I believe in the basic tenets of Christianity and I try to apply Christ's teachings as a guide for conducting my life, I am hesitant to apply the "Christian" label to myself. To be quite honest, in my mind the term Christian, unfortunately, has a bad connotation. By wearing the label I feel it lumps me in with the fundamentalist Christian right, whose faith seems to be rooted in fear and ignorance as well as a misguided desire to return to some "simpler" time in the past. That really doesn't fit my concept of Christian ideals.
I have reached the conclusion that organized religion is generally more about the attainment of power and control than it is about salvation or saving souls. If your church isn't going to provide your salvation, then you need to take responsibility for your own soul. That's what the Temple of the Agnostic Savior is about, finding your own path back to the Garden.
Granted there are those who are content with their particular church and its teachings. Others feel the need for the communion and fellowship that an organized church brings. Still others prefer to have their faith fed to them in bite-sized morsels. I'm fine with all that. If that's your path, then follow it; however, you should be aware that this site is probably not for you. If you're looking for a charismatic spiritual leader, authorative theological dogma, or fire and brimstone preaching, you won't find that here either. All I'm offering is my ideas. Ideas are easier to change than beliefs and when you get down to it, when we're talking about God, it's all speculation. Nobody really knows for sure, do they?