When I was a senior in high school one of my assignments was to write “my credo”. That was more than 60 years ago and I have no recollection of what I wrote. It’s probably just as well I don’t remember; hopefully with maturity my thinking and priorities are more intelligently considered today.

So far this year a close relative has accused me of failing to take a stand for a faith, essentially suggesting cowardice; he was promoting my acceptance of evangelical Christianity as the only way to heaven. Similarly I was recently called a socialist by another “Christian” for daring to suggest the US should endorse universal basic healthcare as a right of citizenship.

Do these two critics have a point? Do I need to rethink? With hatred, intolerance, and tribalism rampant in our democracy today maybe it’s time for me to honestly consider, update, and document my own belief systems.

In the coming 13 months we are going to face unbelievably hateful political rhetoric and polarity. That will culminate in what may be the most consequential election in my lifetime. If Trump is re-elected we could even become an illiberal democracy like Hungary.

So in the coming weeks and months I am going to examine my own philosophical thinking and priorities in life. From time to time I will post a paragraph or even a page of my thinking on whatever political, philosophical, or spiritual issue gets my attention at the time. Endorse or criticize me as you see fit. Perhaps we can all become better human beings and citizens in the process.