Apostasy: A Manifesto

We, the newly liberated, solemnly proclaim independence of thought and worthiness.

We do not outsource our morality. No person or thing stands between us and our ability to judge what is right and what is true—including what any deities may or may not think about us.

Truth and meaning are pursuits of a lifetime. We don’t shed one belief system only to adopt another. We find our own way and support each other on our journeys by giving ourselves space to discover.

The meaning of life is what we make it. Every human life is different. Some are short, some are long, and each takes a path of infinite possibilities. Prescribing a universal destination to each is at best unnecessary and at worst harmful. Significant life decisions should follow our personal convictions—not the moving goalposts set by others.

Personal fulfillment and happiness come from detaching our measured performance from the prying eyes of others and instead setting our internal compass as our only measurement of value, success, and purpose.

Prosperity does not come from adherence to dogma. The human condition is shaped by unavoidable hardship and constant change. Everyone who peaches or sells a method to escape this is inevitably proven a fraud. Accepting this is an important step on the path to freedom.

Everyone deserves respect and dignity. Those who refuse to give this to others relinquish the fabric of society that encourages coexistence and growth in favor of selfish ignorance.

Some of the most violent and destructive eras in history come from the division of people over beliefs, race, or other petty differences. Opening our perspectives to embrace and support each other—no matter our personal convictions—leads to personal fulfillment and satisfaction.