Published by Religious debate is inevitable. Religion influences values, perspectives and ultimately action. But in a world with thousands of religions, let’s face it: most of us are believing in at least something that is not real. We cannot possibly all be right. Maybe each of us holds a little piece of the puzzle; maybe we are all totally misguided in our beliefs. I just find it interesting that, in a world where most of us must be wrong about some element of our religious convictions, everyone always seems to look at an atheists as the assholes.
In all fairness, some atheists are assholes, and that does not help my cause. Denying the existence of God does not warrant a person the ability to belittle those that do. In all fairness again, I do think most religions are silly and equivalent to believing that magic once, or possibly still does, exist. However, I do not make it a habit to mock people openly when it comes to religion just because I have a difference of opinion.
Another misconception about atheists is that we believe in nothing. I believe in science, logic and reason. Denying the possibility of the supernatural is not the same as believing in nothing. In all fairness, others may assert that this is a closed-minded perception of reality, and possibly so. In fairness again, one could make the argument that clinging to the assertions of one particular faith is, in itself, a closed-minded approach to religion. I actually grew up in a catholic household, but like many catholics, struggled to fully commit to the assertions and beliefs championed by the church.
I do believe that religion is a beautiful, disastrous element of the world in which we live; beautiful in the inspiration and benevolence it brings but disastrous in the ignorance and intolerance it injects into our lives. I also believe that every person deserves religious freedom without persecution. Because after all, we are all right and we are all wrong. So stop picking on the atheists.
I grew up in a Catholic household as well, and like you, had problems with the beliefs and plethora of rules and regulations that come with Catholicism. For a period of my life, I considered myself an atheist as well, however, as I got older I realized I do believe in God and a form of heaven or afterlife– I just cannot associate myself with a religion. I wonder if this does have something to do with being raised Catholic. I feel more often than not, I hear, \”Oh, I was raised Catholic, but I\’m not sure what my religious is…\” It\’s quite interesting, in my opinion.
I think one of the strongest points you make is when you explain that clinging to one particular faith can be considered close-minded. This is so true. Everyone is entitled to believe what they want to believe and it is unfair for religious people to persecute unreligious people and vice versa. I think the world would be a much happier place if everyone was just accepting of others.
Great article.