One common thread throughout human history is a longing to build a better world. We have thousands of years’ worth of religion and philosophy all attempting to uncover the core of human existence and purpose. 

Yet we live in one of the most turbulent moments in recent history. 

My name is Dylan Hembrough. I’m a writer, a student of pharmacy, and a lover of all things philosophy and religion. I’m twenty-two years old at the time of this writing, but I’ve seen enough of what this world has to offer to know that something is deeply and fundamentally wrong. Heinous atrocities are being carried out in what was once a free society by people who profess to represent a god of love and forgiveness as his most devout and pious disciplines. 

It’s no wonder so many feel forced to abandon a system of beliefs they knew from birth, and often with little direction forward. I am among those people, and I hope to contribute something new and unique from these experiences. 

My aim here is to analyze wisdom of the past to put the present into perspective and build a better future. I have read a number of sacred and philosophical texts by now, and though one’s journey in knowledge is never finished, I feel comfortable sharing what I have gleaned from these texts with others. 

For the sake of transparency, know that I will be analyzing these texts through the lens of the system of beliefs I have built up over the past few years. Of course, no one possesses all the answers, but many minds are greater than their sum. 

The core of faith, to me, is the soul. Not just the spirit, but the personality, the desires, and most importantly the mind of each individual all constitute their whole. I call this the fith – the ultimate core and center of being that emanates from reality. Everyone has one, and it is more or less imperishable. They move on to a life after death, where they exist as ghosts. It’s our job to keep their memories and legacies alive here, especially those of our ancestors. We are their continuation, in a way. 

I do believe in a God – not an all-powerful and all-knowing one, but one that permeates everything and everyone. God is reality, more or less, and we are all a part of it together. Each of our minds are small slivers of this ultimate Mind. What I have settled on are three essential beams of living well, those being truth, curiosity, and character. There are certain mystical aspects to my beliefs as well, but those aren’t relevant right now. 

I also believe that no one religion, philosophy, or system of beliefs can claim moral exclusivity. I do believe there is an overarching “Moral Law” that we should abide by, but that morality is a natural consequence of our common humanity, not an external force’s arbitrary command. Religion should be a choice and an individual experience, not a means by which to control the masses. 

I embarked on a journey almost two years ago to explore and develop my spirituality through a series of poems. One verse stands out as the core of my beliefs: “The only distinction that matters in regards to my compatriots is their regard for humanity.”

It is our humanity that binds us together and propels us forward along the arrow of progress. What’s beautiful about humanity is how wonderfully diverse it is, and these are things we should cherish and celebrate. To deny one’s identity is to deny their humanity. In an ideal world, this would be the one trait that is absent from humanity. 

This is the lens through which we will be analyzing the vast tomes of ancient wisdom from across the world. We have the benefit of thousands of years of knowledge to apply to our modern day in order to build a better, kinder, and more peaceful future. Hate will not be tolerated here, and I want to make that clear now. 

But, for those who are interested in religion and philosophy, those who are currently deconstructing, and those who may disagree, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all of you. 

In a world full of hate, let this be a sanctuary of love.