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Love and Fear--An Atheist's Perspective
Just a forewarning--I am a realist, and if anything I say offends anyone, I apologize.
When asked to do an article on atheism, I thought, "Great. Make a lot of people pissed off, etc." Then I realized this could be a wonderful opportunity as to insights on the world as I see it. I was asked to cover on how being an atheist affects me--love and fear, my environment, state of mind, how it all affects society. Well, here goes.
First, let me tell you a little about myself. I am a 15 yr. old sophomore who recently moved to a small southern town. Needless to say, high schoolers are not the most accepting when it comes to things such as differences in opinion. I made my choice on religion a few months ago. Since then, I have found happiness for the first time in four years. Being an atheist, I have found that I control my environment and the way I see life--it is not in someone else's (in this case, the Christian God) hands. Being a teenager, I was moody and sullen most of the time, and diagnosed with severe depression, which I have yet to take medication for. That was all back when I was still a theist--when I prayed every night that my mother's abusive boyfriend would leave me alone. Chalk it up to coincidence if you must, but since I became an atheist, I have become stronger as a person--I have become my OWN person, a follower of NOBODY else.
As for the topic of love--this is a very tender subject for most people. I feel it is a word tossed around far too freely, especially among high schoolers. I love my dad. He is the best person in my life, more of my best friend than my father. I love my dog--laugh if you must, but animal lovers know what I mean. I love my best friend. She is ALWAYS there for me, through thick and thin. I have yet to experience love of the intimate sort, but that will come in time. If someone is truly my "soul mate", they will take me as I am. I am extremely secure with who I am-Now. Being a theist, I felt lost, like I was trying to live up to somebody else's standards. Many think that non-Christians are devil worshippers. Impossible. The devil is a Christian deity; if we do not believe in the Christian religion, we do not believe in the Devil.
As for my morals--I am a virgin, and a strong activist against teenage sex. I recently started a SADD program at the local high school. For those who don't know, SADD is an acronym for Students Against Destructive Decisions. I know where I want to go in life, I know what I want to do after high school, and I know what will jeopardize my chances of succeeding in life. I plan on going to a high rated university to go on to becoming a physical therapist, so that maybe one day someone can walk again because of me. There are people who consider themselves to be Christian but who have morals lower than mine--yet they still look down on me. I have been dealt my share of blows, but I came out stronger because of it. Now what were you saying about non-Christians compromising their values?
Fear. According to Webster, or his very first entry anyway, is an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by an expectation of danger. Everyone experiences fear, whether you face up to it or not. Instead of being deathly afraid, I face it, whatever 'it' may be. If someone is breaking into your home, pray all you want to. Your god isn't going to swoop down and take the intruder away. All he might do is take you to the Pearly Gates when you are murdered because you didn't do squat. Get up off your knees and DO SOMETHING about it. Sorry to be harsh, but face reality.
As for society--I could say what I think society should kiss, but I better not. The term "freak" could be a good reference point to describe me. I am not a hardcore freak--I am myself, my own person. I wear blue jeans, a ratty T-shirt, and a flannel shirt over it, unbuttoned, with combat boots. I don't know anyone who dresses like me, though there are undoubtedly some. Society in general probably doesn't think highly of me and my beliefs, but I have never bothered to ask, or really care, for that matter. Individuals have said more than once, to my face, that I need to learn what tact is, but also that I am strong in character and have a good head on my shoulders. When many people find I am atheist, they automatically think less of me. Too bad. Just because atheism is a minority group, most atheists don't discriminate on basis of religion. If Christians are as "Christian" as they claim, they wouldn't, either. The Wiccans got it right the first time when they chose not to attempt to "convert" people to their religion. If you want to be a wiccan, you go to them. Nobody truly claims to be Wiccan without being one (Granted, there is the exception to every rule.) A person can walk down the streets, and see numerous people calling themselves Christian when they, in fact, do not live or act like one. Tell me, have you ever met someone who considers himself to be atheist, but in reality, is not?
~Lyn Grimes
Contact me at: SquishFr0ggy@AOL.com
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