A pre-post post: What religion means to me as an atheist.

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I was about to post a story about Showtime attacking the Catholic faith and lying to do so.  It’s disgusting and vile.

Well, I have discussed religion with friends for years, and one thing really bothers me.  People who claim they are atheists, but are not.

First off, I am an atheist.  I was raised in a southern Baptist school and spent many years learning about Baptists, as well as Methodists.  I spent a lot of time studying other religions just for the heck of it.

Now, according to many atheists, I should be telling you how you are a moron if you believe in God, and you are a danger to society.  I should also be trying to convince you God is a myth and trying to get the government to ban all religion because of “separation of church and state”.  I won’t even get into the fact that the separation of church and state is not in the Constitution, no matter what most liberals claim.

No.  That is not an atheist, that is someone who is afraid a God MAY exist, is afraid of judgment, and wants to make sure everyone else is like them.  If no one believes in God, they won’t be in trouble.

I love this country and one of the things I hold as dear about it is the freedom of religion it has.  You are free to worship any religion you want without persecution.  How awesome is that?  A country, founded by religious people, was forward thinking enough to know that everyone would not believe what they did and that was protected.

The basis of the US legal system is grounded in the Judeo-Christian religion.  The very beginnings of the nation were carried on the hearts of those who looked to the Lord for guidance and blessings.  Read the Declaration of Independence and see for yourself.

“In God we trust”, “one nation, under God”, and so on; the US is intertwined with Christianity and a respect for all religions. 

And as an atheist… I think it’s great!

WHAT???!!!!???

As long as you don’t force your beliefs on me, I am happy to know that you love God and are religious.  I am happy to discuss religion with you and happy to listen and learn.  I would also not dream of trying to convince you that your religion is wrong.  I would tell you what I believe and why if asked, but my lot in life is not to stand between you and God.

Religion gives people peace, guidance, strength, and any other positives they draw from their belief.  Religion also provides a strong moral compass and guidance.  What is wrong with that?  Why is that a bad thing?  It’s not.  When I see people pray, I lower my head and respect that belief.

I look at this nation and am happy to see the Ten Commandments in a courtroom and all the other trappings of religion I see.  These are the beliefs that shaped this nation, and if for no other reason, they represent the basis and history of our country.

To me, a true atheist is not angered by your belief.  Would I attack you, calling you names, mocking your intellect if you believe in the Loch Ness monster or ghosts?  Yet, for some reason, religion causes this strife from people who claim to be atheist.

The reactions you see can only be explained in one way.  These so called atheists are afraid.  Not that you believe in God, but that you may be right.

 

Please note:  This article is for people who are members of sane, non-violent, respectful religions.  I think we all know which one is left out.