I left the church as soon as I had the autonomy to do so (when I moved to boarding school at 16), and have been an atheist since about 17 (preferring the pretentious label “ignostic” for a while), though I still found meaningful philosophy/theology in contemplative texts. I’ll often play devil’s advocate if I think criticism against a religion is unfair, and in discussing religion online I find myself arguing against atheist misconceptions about the Bible or theology about as often as I argue against Christian misreadings. I may have even identified as Christian during that time if I felt it suited my argument, but generally I try to discuss Christian beliefs in the third person. I think remaining religiously ambiguous is probably a useful survival skill here in the Deep South. 

Nothing rude about it btw, obviously I’m very much into discussing religion. Looking forward to more work from you!

"As for my own religion, I'm an atheist (outside of family reunions)."

 Really? I remember having conversations with you 3-5 years ago in the PJ forums over the topic of religion, and coulda' swore you were taking up the side of Christianity back then when me and some others were more on the Atheistic side of things. Was this a recent change after years of thought, or have you always been Atheist? Just curious, as it's always interesting to see an individual's point of view when/if there is such a shift of ideological point of view.

 Either way, it's probably rude to pry and don't mean to egg you on or anything. I always enjoy your work. I don't have as much time to pixel as I'd like, but I have been doodling myself and hope to submit some junk in the future to shake the cobwebs off. Keep at it, Logan, always inspired by your work!

Learning a little more all the time. These days I'd choose the vocalization "litanu" over "lotan", and wouldn't assume the Japanese (or even Norse) dragon-battle myths are related to those from Greece/Israel/Ugarit (which clearly share a history).

As for my own religion, I'm an atheist (outside of family reunions). Raised Baptist and still fond of contemplative Christianity (Merton, Eckhart, et al), but my interest in religion is purely scholarly. However, the foremost scholar on Israel's polytheistic origins and relation to Ugaritic religion is a Catholic who also writes devotional material, so it's certainly possible to balance scholarship with faith.

I think it's a matter of holding two systems of belief: one in literal, historical truth, and another in theological truth. If you think about it, humans already split their time between the world of experience and the world of thought, where those experiences are analyzed and given meaning and placed in a broader narrative. This is as true of a heathen like me as much as a believer. So it's pretty natural to have two different systems running, even if they seem to conflict at times. It really only becomes problematic when one tries to create a unified system that requires theological beliefs to adhere to historical truth.

re: the flag: Not sure I see the conundrum. I'm not above using racist symbols in art so long as the tone is critical. I think the first version of the piece was two subtle in its criticism, which is why I made the second, but I in no way support or identify with the flag. If you just mean the conundrum of flying both a confederate and a US flag in the yard, as is common 'round these parts, I agree, it's a confused worldview.

  Always interesting to see how much knowledge you hold with the subject of the Abrahamic religion. I find the details of this item in particularly interesting not in the piece, but in the artist; if I recall correctly, I remember you being an admitted Christian of sorts, yet the history represented here seems to indicate some admittance that there was some influence from the polytheistic gods of old and forgotten times which the Abrahamic god came about.

 I guess the real question is, if a person or artist can see such a possible point of origin which directly conflicts with the figurehead's dogmatic belief system(one major one being, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me", Exodus 20:2 and Deuteronomy 5:6 ), what else is possibly keeping that person to remain inside such a belief system?

 From an outsider's perspective, I just find it odd. Curiously engaging, of course, but it feels like a individual conundrum. This and the Confederate flag and culture thing I've always found odd. This is no means a gotcha' moment, nor do I mean ill-will with it as I've just always found these ideals in people a bit curious. Either way, I've always enjoyed your aesthetic, Logan, and hope you keep pixeling till the end!

update

Nice goblin.

Awesome story, I like the colours reminds me of the Nes.