Atheists
Atheism is the
broadly defined as the rejection of belief in spiritual deities and gods.
Originally derived from the word Atheos (without god), the word was used
as a pejorative to label those who didn’t subscribe the gods worshipped in
society. Although the word is Greek, Atheism has a long and rich history
developing and originating from various parts of the world. As it is defined as
the rejection of organized religion it is difficult to say where the concept
originated since there were a number of different groups who fell under the didn’t
have any spiritually based traditions. I encourage any interested party to look
up the history of Atheism* or (scary thought) read a book. Now for some light
Q&A.
What is Atheism today?
This is sort of
loaded question. Like spirituality someone’s view of Atheism could range
between not subscribing to organized religion to a flat out rejection of all
things spiritual. Technically Agnosticism falls under the umbrella of Atheism,
but there are probably a lot of Agnostics who would disagree with that. Atheism
itself is more of an umbrella term as its only defining characteristic is that
its practitioners don’t subscribe to organized religions. It doesn’t help any
further clarification as most (although some) Atheists don’t have organized
meetings. Atheism is mostly recognized by its more famous members accusing
religious folks of stupidity and insanity, but I would remind everyone that it’s
always the loudest people within a movement who define it. Try to not think of
every Atheist as someone who wants to push their beliefs onto you.
So Atheists believe in nothing?
I’m not sure
where this stupid thought originated, but I am fairly certain it wasn’t from an
Atheist. The saying itself is used as an incendiary phase to rile people up,
although I think it says a lot more about the person using it. Everyone
believes in something. The only difference between an Atheist and some
religious people is that Atheists derive their moral center through logical
inquiry (hopefully…). For example an Atheist may believe that murder is wrong
because a society where murder is legal probably wouldn’t work out or that it’s
there are other rational reasons for not murder to be wrong besides God saying
so. Like everyone else Atheists learn
about morality through societal norms. Historically religious folks have taken
the same cues as their institutions changed themselves to fit those norms. Now the
accusation that Atheists don’t have a moral barometer because they don’t
believe in any Gods is a bit frightening as it infers that the person making
that accusation is only being civilized because God is making him...and if God
were not there he or she might be a whole lotta amoral. I would probably stay
far away from someone like that.
Which is it harder to be?
“WHATEVER YOU ARE IS THE ONE THAT’S HARDER
TO BE!” That’s the smart answer. This is more of a self-validating question,
but the main point that I am trying to make is that there are struggles on both
sides. If you are an Atheist it may be difficult to find meaning and purpose in
life as most of the answers to existential questions is cosmic coincidence. Atheists
also tend to be rationalists* and experience a lot of frustration and confusion
regarding the behavior of other people. If one wants to get real deep, an
Atheist may rethink everything they’ve been taught over the years in order to
reaffirm all of things that they believe in.
If you are religious/spiritual you may
have struggles related the institutions that are in place. You may have trouble
buying into all of the decisions that those institutions make, or find that
those institutions don’t act in accordance with your relationship with a
God(s). If you are religious/spiritual you may have a hard time giving yourself
over to a particular deity. It’s rare that anyone admit that having faith takes
courage. It’s not easy giving yourself
over to the idea of a deity or something that is outside the realm of
understanding. Like many other things in life, spiritually and religions is a
lifelong journey. It develops over time and no journey is without its
difficulties. Fact is, life is rough.
Why do some Atheists not like religious people? Why would anyone
dislike me for loving God?
Right, again
there are some Atheists who have a problem with people being religious
and I think most of the time we are talking about Atheists having a problem
with those who subscribe to organized religion and not spirituality (because
there’s a difference). Most of the time an Atheist won’t have an issue with
someone loving or believing in God. If they do it’s not so much that they are
an Atheist as they are probably just an asshole. Atheists tend to get upset
when people who are religious vote, decide, or act in ways that oppress others.
As rationalists, Atheists may run into some ideological differences as some people
feel that questioning of their faith is inappropriate. Also, it’s important to
remember that, but organized religion does have a history of persecuting people
on the basis of ethnicity, sex and other spiritual denominations. Without the
Exception of land and money, more people have been killed in the name of a deity
than any other reason. Most Atheists don’t have a problem with someone
believing in a god or their relationship with a deity, but they may see more
conservative decisions as extensions of previous oppression.
Atheists aren’t spiritual right?
Hmm, some are and
some aren’t. Terms evolve over time. When I told someone I was an Atheist he
linked me to one of its previous movements from years ago and basically told me
what I believed in (a d-bag moment for him). I think Atheism can be the rejection
of spirituality depending on the definition but as spirituality is one of those
amorphous terms and shifts from person to person it’s would be hard to draw any
general conclusions. I would say that most Atheists do not support organized
religion, but they may be spiritual in other aspects of their life.
Why is the number of Atheists growing? What is the appeal?
A lot of it has
to do with modern tools that we use to define our world. Many years ago
organized religion took the place of science, math and psychology. Up to that
point institutions and oral traditions were the only ways for people to explain
the world to people. As time went on we developed more tools to help us better
our understanding. It’s only natural that over time more people would adhere to
the newer methodologies….Also I wouldn’t fret too much. Most people on the
planet still identify as religious. In addition, little things like economic
collapses often brings more people to
faith and some countries go through a cultural rejection of their secular parents
teachings where they are being more religious in order to rebel…..so…..I
wouldn’t worry.
I don’t think I can date an Atheist…
Maybe you can, maybe
you can’t. It probably depends on how you practice your faith. Going to Church
every Sunday may interrupt morning snuggles, or it could give whomever you’re
dating some space (to play video games….or read). Finding another person is all
about attraction and connection. On the chance that you’re able to find those
two things at a time that you are looking to date one person then I’m sure
there are ways to make it work. There are plenty of people who date and have
different politics. I think the key ingredient is respect, which a relationship
should have anyway. I suppose the tough part is when it comes to figuring out
how to raise the kiddies. But you’d be crazy to believe that you were the first
couple with different beliefs to have kids. If other people can do it, then so
can you!
Can’t we all get along?
Yes! At least I
hope so. Regardless of whether you believe in a deity or not, the only
important part is if you aren’t contributing to the oppression of other people.
No single person sees the world the same way even though we all have the same
parts. If you can get along with some people then you should get along with
everyone. Sappy I know, but whatevsky.
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