On my November 24 blog post, I wrote up a quick blurb about the 150th anniversary of
Today I read a comment from reader Anna (no blog profile shown) who expressed dismay at my post. I know there are probably many others who feel the same way but did not comment.
For this reason, I would like to take this opportunity to clear up a few matters which may or may not be of some concern to my readers.
I am an Atheist.
Please, before you condemn me as a worshipper of Satan and click away, finish reading this piece.
It would seem that Atheism is the new homosexuality. As we slowly “come out of the closet” we face harsh criticism for our beliefs – or lack thereof.
I love visiting the many blogs in this little digital world. Many of the bloggers proclaim to be “good” Christians, or Jews, or Mormons, or Muslims, or Pagans. I am sure they are. I am not here to “convert” anybody. I am not here to judge anybody either.
I would never DREAM of making a derogatory comment on a blog post where someone thanked God or Jesus for something wonderful in their life.
When I say I am Atheist, people gasp and make all kinds of assumptions about me and my morality.
I am here to say that I am a “good Atheist”.
I would like to dispel a few myths about Atheists:
1: Atheists hate God.
No, we do not bear any ill will towards your God. We simply to not believe that God exists. This applies to the all gods – Jesus, Holy Father, Thor, Zeus, Vishnu, the Triple Goddess, and yes, even Satan. All monotheists are quick to discount the other gods as false. I just believe in one less god than they do.
I actually truly enjoy reading about various religions, especially Greek mythology. I do not believe that Dionysus was born from the thigh of Zeus up on
2: Atheists hate believers.
Certainly not! I believe that everyone has a right to their faith (or lack thereof). There ARE militant Atheists out there who are out to argue against faith with anybody who will give them the time of day. The same can be said for theists who will argue FOR their faith. I do hate intolerance from either side.
3: Atheists are know-it-alls.
Quite the contrary, we don’t know it all. Most Atheists are rather passive. We are accustomed to living in a theist world. I accept that science has yet to fully explain how the universe began, and I doubt it ever will. I do not worry myself over something that happened billions of years ago. I do not think that not knowing the answers means that I have to insert a deity into the equation to explain what science is not yet capable of. Atheism is not a religious belief system nor a philosophy, but rather the absence of such.
Most religions seem to be primarily concerned with 2 things: how we began, and what happens after we die. Everything in between is basically morality lessons.
Which brings me to…
4: Atheists are immoral.
I do not think that morality is dependent upon belief in a supernatural power. We all have brains to use logic to make decisions about right and wrong. I do not believe in “sin” or absolute good or evil. I do believe that nature (brain chemistry) and nuture (upbringing) are the 2 factors which work in combination to form our social behavior.
In conclusion, I just want to thank you for taking the time to read this post. I know I will probably lose a few readers, and that is unfortunate. I love all of my readers, of all faiths. I respect you and your right to believe.
11 comments:
Well spoken! Your comment about being "the new homosexuality" hit the nail squarely on the head. I am agnostic and I too am constantly amazed with the intolerance exhibited so people and organizations. I enjoy living on this amazing planet however it got here.
I didn't find your post about Darwin's book insulting or offensive at all. I don't understand how some people can enjoy a site, discuss things in common and generally find a person compatible until they realize one little fact or aspect about their life. It's not like this one aspect of your life defines you as a person. Thousands of little bits make a person who they are. It's so closed minded to completley cast aside your site because of a post liket that.
Let me just say I enjoy the time I spend chatting with you each day. Discussing all things, be it crafty or just day to day life. I would never judge you on what you belive or do not belive! You are totally accepting of my take on things and so I respect yours. You are a kind and generous person no matter what you belive and that is really all that matters in the end. Great friends come in all shapes, sizes, and beliefs!
Hi:
Thanks for your thoughtful post. I'm looking forward to reading more about you and your life.
xoxo
Donna
I think that the attitude to adopt is live and let live. Part of what makes the world so wonderful is that we are all so different. We all have different beliefs and that should be celebrated.
Rhiannon
Daily Paint Journal
Neither the belief that gods exist nor the belief that gods do not exist are culprit...it is the intolerance of one belief to simply allow the peaceful coexistence of other beliefs. Case in point, the senseless tragedy of the 9/11 terrorist attack that took so many innocent lives.
Well put. I would consider myself a very liberal Christian, however have many friends whom are Atheists. I do not judge their beliefs, just as they do not judge mine. Peace and kindness are what is most important to me, and to judge other people's beliefs do not fall into what I believe is peaceful conduct. Blogs are meant to share yourself, your passions, your thoughts, etc, and I think that it is great you did so. I did not find your post offensive in the slightest.
Beautifully said!! I often think of John Lennon's words in his song Imagine. I think it says it all.
Cheers!
I love you. You actually won my heart with this post. Religious (or lack thereof) tolerance is a huge part of my purpose in blogging.
Well said, and I do believe that you probably ADDED a few readers with this post.
-Fae
I'm reading this a few months later, but it still is hitting the nail on the head.
I don't believe in religious beliefs. I am careful in admitting to just anyone of my feelings. They often feel the need to save me from my ignorance. Why do they need to do this? Maybe it is I who needs to save them.
By the way, my hubby is a practicing Catholic and accepts me for what I feel is right for me and I love him all the more for this. A shame more people can't be like him.
Sandi
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