Why I'm an Atheist

First and foremost, religion doesn't make a whole lot of scientific sense. An all-knowing omniscient being that lives in the sky? I don't see it. People do not walk on water. I have never witnessed a person wake from the dead unless revived through medical expertise. Virgins are not mothers unless they came close enough to losing their virginity and were very unlucky. I am a scientific thinker and believe in things that can been seen and touched and proved.

I also have a big issue on taking a concept on faith without question. Because what I've had explained to me on many occasion is that I should just have faith and believe anyway. That me, a lowly and flawed human, should not question God. This is how the Holocaust happened in my opinion. That's what can happen when people accept beliefs without questioning them.

I was not raised an atheist. I was raised in the Lutheran Church, the Protestant religion that most closely resembles Catholicism. It was in making my confirmation in the church that I came to the resounding decision that I was an atheist. I was the top student in my confirmation class. I did all the reading, participated in all the discussions and asked the most questions. But the truth was that I couldn't accept the answers I was given. I made my confirmation, and then never stepped foot in a church again except for weddings and funerals. I was fifteen years-old at the time.

I raise this issue not because I'm trying to convince others that religion is a bunch of nonsense. Actually, I can see that it serves a huge purpose in the lives of many people and in the community. I bring this up because it is a huge factor in my life. While I am at odds with many of the stories of the Bible, I do agree with the lessons and morality that they teach.

And while I'm bringing up the Bible, I'll come clean and admit that no, I have not read the whole thing cover to cover and I have great admiration for anyone who has, my husband being one of those people. It's a daunting task. But I have read the more popular psalms and books, I even had to teach a number of them as an English teacher. Have you ever tried to teach the Bible as literature to a tenth grade class? I'm not sure who hated it more, me or them. I didn't hate it because I'm an atheist. I can appreciate the Bible as history and literature, I just can't accept it realistically. I also think it's important to research a topic before rejecting it. I hated it because they hated it.

But the problems I encounter most often as an atheist are as a parent. How do you teach the lessons and morals without the church and the Bible? How do you explain death to your child without God, heaven and hell? It can also be a difficult thing to explain to new friends when the question arises. It's not something I lead with in meeting new people. People can accept that you're a different religion, they can even accept if you're agnostic, but when you tell them you're an atheist they start to look at you funny. Like they think God is going to strike you down while you stand there in front of them and they might be caught in the cross-fire.

Atheism is an issue I find both a blessing and curse in my life. I don't have questions about faith and forgiveness. I am not tortured by confusion and indecision or guilt (at least not religious guilt). But it does create many challenges in my life, both personally and as parent. Religion, and Christianity specifically, are so dominant in our culture that when you reject them there are consequences.

Comments

[Liz]

Diosa- This is a pretty ballsy subject, good for you! I am also an atheist but often find myself trying to avoid the subject. I have a hard time with the parenting minus religion aspects as well. I often find people who think that because I have no intention of raising my boys in a church that I may as well set them on fire, it would be just as bad. (Maybe a bit extreme but you get the point)

The older I get, the more I realize I shouldn't be talking religion (or politics for that matter) with anyone who isn't very close friends or family.

I've also realized that when it comes to religion, I typically get the same response:

"Oh, you'll come around, wait until the boys are older."

Which I suppose means that they think the guilt will get to me and I'll feel too awful for not giving the boys something to have faith in and run to the nearest church, family in tow.

Do you get that a lot? The "Oh, you'll come around" comment?

[Diosa]

Liz, I realize I may alienate some people with this post. But I'm also curious to hear the responses. I tend to be very upfront and I have a great deal to say on the topic.

I don't really get the "You'll come around" comment. I've found rather surprisingly that many of my friends and family have developed religious opinions that are not so different from mine. Most would consider themselves agnostic, some I feel go to church just because it's expected by their families and some have told me in recent years that they think they may be atheists too. And then I also have friends who are very passionate about their religions. And I do my best to be open-minded where they are concerned because they are wonderful and intelligent people and I don't think religion should matter in a friendship.

My mother-in-law is another issue. She will bring my kids to church when the opportunity arises. I really don't have a problem with that though. I want my kids to learn as much as they can about all religions and schools of thought and make the decision that's right for them.

Mostly though, I want people to realize that being an Atheist does not mean you are an immoral degenerate. It truly frustrates me that so many people put more weight on whether or not you go to church and believe in God than if you are a contributing member of society.

[Bookgirl]

As much as you feel judged for being an atheist by the God-fearing masses, I feel equally judged for being Catholic by my smart friends. Yes, I believe in God. I pray. I practice a largely archaic, somewhat sexist religion that I find utterly comforting. But that's a choice. I don't believe what I do because someone told me to. I believe in it because I truly, bone-deep believe in it. I don't leave my brain at the door of the church. I question, I doubt, I argue. But ultimately I believe.

[Diosa]

Bookgirl, I support your choice. You are one of the smartest people I know and we share so many of the same opinions. Sometimes I wish I could have your faith, but I know it wouldn't make life any easier. I hope you can instill some tolerance and help make a positive change in the church. I really do.

And it's so nice that you don't look at me like the devil incarnate.

[Liz]

One of the things I enjoy the most is listening and taking into consideration someone elses views on life, whatever the subject may be. For some reason, religion is one of the most interesting. Probably because most people truly believe wholeheartedly on the subject, one way or the other.

Bookgirl - I just love that comment. "I question, I doubt, I argue. But ultimately I believe." - it makes me feel interested in understanding your beliefs because you actually believe them, which is something in religion today that I do think is somewhat scarce.