I am an atheist. There, I said it. Now, I hoped I haven't scared you away because in our society atheism along with things like socialism and communism are taboo topics. From our young childhood, we are taught to hate these words, even if we don't understand them.
I'm an atheist, not because I hate the world, not because I'm a teenager doubting everything, and that I think that I know it all. I simply do not believe in a higher power. Why does this have such a negative connotation? I don't judge others because of their beliefs. I don't think of myself as superior because you believe in a funny man in the clouds like Santa Claus. Those thoughts don't cross my mind. Those of you who know me, am I not a good person? Do I not follow the general morals and ethics of society? I haven't killed a man, I don't cheat on my boyfriend, I do my best to be a good friend, sister, and daughter, I have good grades, I'm involved in extracurriculars... What more can you ask?
I've been to church, several times and if you'd ask me to go to church I would even though I disagree with the teachings. I like to learn about to different beliefs. I want to know as much as possible about religions. Many people are able to get through hard times through God. I know of people who have been able to overcome addictions because of God. I am so happy for those who are able to see the light (no pun intended) at the end of the tunnel because of God.
I simply am not able to. People should be okay with that for me. Don't pray for me. If I am wrong about religion, heaven, God, hell, etc. Then, I will gladly eat my words and go to hell and I will be okay with that and you should too.
Just from a philosophical standpoint whether someone believes in God or not, everyone has to have a little faith. For example, everyone either has to believe that a deity (not necessarily God) has always existed and created everything or that matter [or gravity/ laws of physics (according to Stephen Hawking who until recently acknowledged evidence of a creator)] were not created but have always existed themselves. As a people we have come to the conclusion that A (caused)-> B; B-> C; C ->D...however we cannot come to a consensus on what A is. Whether any of us agree/ acknowledge it or not, we all have to have unexplainable faith. We either have to have faith that something came from nothing or we have to have faith that a creator created everything.
ReplyDeleteI'm not trying to sway your opinion one way or another, I just think it is something really abstract and fascinating to think about.
You know, I'll respectfully take that into consideration. I'd really like to know where you read this or did you come up with this bit of philosophy on your own? I'd definitely like to know more.
ReplyDeleteI really wish I had come up with that particular argument; however, I believe it originated with St. Augustine around the 4th or 5th century.
ReplyDeleteMany people have dissected and expanded on it however.
Two great books that talk about it (and if you are interested I can find some copies for you) are:
"The Case for a Creator" and "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel
and
"Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis
(Mere Christianity can be found online here: http://www.full-proof.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Mere-Christianity-Lewis-chapters.pdf)
The authors are both former athiests themselves who know claim christianity which in itself is a very intriguing because it makes you wonder why they changed their minds. Ya know?
Anyway, if you decide to read any of them I would highly recommend "Mere Christianity" because C.S. Lewis is very FAIR when it comes to his arguments. As well as having some very interesting and intelligent things to say. Plus all in all he is just a brilliant guy.
Let me know!
They have been added to my list of books- to- read! It's a pretty long list, but I will get to them.
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