WARD RICKER

I grew up along the coast of Maine. My father took me to church (Christian and Missionary Alliance) three times a week and I grew up believing (as much as any intelligent person can believe) in Christianity and the Bible. I took it very seriously and was the "Bible boy" in my high school. (Oooh, it hurts to admit that!)

As I went through my twenties I got married and divorced, and my religion more-or-less went along with my marriage. I tried for a while after the divorce to search around and try to find my way in "God's plan", but such was not to be found, so by the time I finished my twenties I no longer held to religious beliefs. I was searching for reality. There was no reality to be found in God or Christianity.

In my thirties I went back to college and after a long, long ordeal finally got a degree in biology, which has been pretty much useless in terms of finding work or establishing a career. I did, however, gain a better grounding in science, and, even though I don't work as a scientist, if anyone asks how I would describe my belief system now that I am no longer religious, I describe myself as a "scientist", not because of my degree, but simply because I believe that we arrive at knowledge and understanding of the world and the universe (and ourselves, to a large degree) by rational investigation and systematic study (i.e., science), rather than by some kind of supernatural revelation.

Some people would refer to me as an "atheist", which is perhaps accurate, since I don't believe in god, but I don't particularly like the word "atheist", since it only tells you what I don't believe, i.e,, that I don't believe in god or gods. It doesn't tell you what I do believe in. "Scientist" tells you what I do believe in.

In my forties I moved to Oregon and dealt with increasing disability issues. I had always envisioned myself as a "writer", but have never had the creativity and perseverance to create my own works. When I discovered that no one has ever written an actual, complete parody of the Bible I was surprised and considered it to be my opportunity to finally write my own book, and so now I embark, late in life, on my career as a writer.

And I consider it an opportunity, not just to make some money and to demonstrate my "talent", but to try to bring rationality and sanity to what often seems like an insane world. I am aware of the damage that religion did in my life -- I am still suffering the results -- and I wish to prevent others from going through the same ordeal. If by using humor I can point out the absurdity and horror of religion, perhaps I can help prevent some people from wasting years of their lives and encourage them to pursue more fulfilling paths in life, and help to guide our society in a more realistic and sensible direction.