25 confessions of an atheist

January 8, 2019 — Humans Are Weird

It’s no secret that I think our species is pretty weird.  One of the weirdest things that I find about our species though, is our propensity for isolating, segregating and categorising our fellow weirdos.

Humans are, for better or for worse, multi-faceted creatures.  We are all onions (figuratively), with layers upon layers upon layers of characteristics imbued deep within our psyche, our neuronal network and encrypted in our DNA.  But even with this knowledge in hand, it doesn’t deter us from incessantly judging people by their covers; on the single outer-layer that they feel comfortable in revealing to the world around them, and reducing their entire being to one, petty identifier.  Rarely, in day-to-day interaction with strangers, do we take the time to delve further into the contrived, protective shells that people wear, so to unearth the raw, timid weirdo sitting on his or her lonesome behind the mask.  Well, here is my inner-atheist-weirdo wanting to shake hands with the outside world, and so I’m going to let him.

I know that atheism and all things religion-related is a pretty hot topic currently, and, being the non-religious fanatic that I am, I thought it be a splendid idea to itemise a few of my thoughts (generally rant) on this matter, in the hope that they may, just perhaps, obliterate a few misconceptions floating around out there.  Or better yet, let anyone harbouring similar mentalities – atheist or not – know that you’re not alone.

So here is my – 25 confessions of an atheist:

1. I resent the term, ‘atheist.’  Why is there a word for describing a non-belief? It’s stupid.  If you’re Jewish, you’re not an ‘atheist’ toward Christianity, are you?  I just believe in one less God than you do, it’s that simple.  If you want to label me, call me a weirdo
2. Atheists can be ‘spiritual’ without making metaphysical claims
3. I find that the term ‘spiritual’ is an asinine word
4. I am more fascinated with what is unknown than what is known, and I’m cool – in fact, driven – with knowing that I don’t know that much
5. Just because I think that religion is stupid, doesn’t necessarily mean that I think you are stupid.  In my eyes, you are not your religion, and I’m still going to listen to what you have to say
6. From my own research, I have found numerous aspects from all religions that I find enlightening.  Hell, I’ll just say it, I love Jesus.  He seemed like a great guy.  Do I think that he was the son of an omnipotent, omniscient and generally all powerful creator – no.  Do I believe he existed – undecided.  Point still stands
7. I love Buddhism, Taoism and all things transcendental.  That doesn’t make me a Buddhist or mean that I hold supernatural beliefs
8. Threatening me with an eternity in damnation just isn’t going to work.  It’s like threatening an 80 year old that Santa’s not going to bring them presents.  I don’t believe in Santa and I don’t believe in damnation
9. You can pray for me if you like, I don’t care.  Just try to use your inside voice if I’m around
10. If I bring up the topic of religion with you, it’s not because I’m trying to convert you to atheism.  That is absurd.  It’s merely because I find the topic of religion enthralling and I like to talk about it
11. Atheism and nihilism are different things.  Do your research before you tell me that because I’m an atheist, I can’t find meaning to life (and, as a side, nihilistic thought, if shined in the right light, can be liberating)
12. Einstein wasn’t religious.  Again, do your research
13. Contemplating the infiniteness of the universe is as spell binding for me as contemplating heaven is for you
14. String theory is not a proof for the existence of your God
15. Using the point that scientists don’t know what came before the big bang as an argument in Gods favour is stupid.  It doesn’t tell me anything
16. I make jokes about religion in the same way I make jokes about atheism.  Sorry (no I’m not), but asserting that ‘you should respect religion just because it’s religion’ isn’t going to do you any favours.  In fact, it will have about as much of an impact on me as an ingested gold fish will have on a sharks appetite.  I’ll respect you and your beliefs, but not necessarily the beliefs themselves
17. Not all atheists are narcissistic, self-serving capitalists.  You can be an atheist and still love your enemy as thy self
18. As an atheist, I do believe that there is such a thing as fundamentalist atheists.  All atheists are technically agnostic, and some of them – the atheists – do get carried away in absolutist philosophies
19. When you tell me that you talk to God, I am going to question your sanity
20. Don’t worry though, I can guarantee you that I am just as far more insane than you are
21. To me, all religions are the same.  Though, some do provide for more comedic value than others
22. If you find the topic of religion to be a sensitive one, then probably best not to bring it up.  I can’t take religion – or anything else, for that matter – seriously
23. Not all atheists see humans as the all-glorious, apex predator of planet earth.  I, for one, don’t see humans as any more special than the excrement from a baboons butt
24. You question my values based on my atheism, I question your values based on your religion.  Why don’t we both make an effort to raise these questions free from pre-conceptions?

And finally

• The world is a beautiful place.  Let’s all try do our best in not reducing it to a mere label.  At the end of the day, we’re all human, and that’s what matters

Humans-are-weird