Why I Am An Atheist

Posted by danleone on May 20th, 2007 filed in scepticism

I am an atheist because god doesn’t exist. You do not need to read further.

It truly is that simple. If god doesn’t exist, then nothing else in this thing called religion matters. No bible, no life after death, no hell, no Messiahs, no miracles, no prayers, no spirituality, no devils, no angels….no….well, faith.

It does not matter to me that religion gives people hope or inspiration. That is all wonderful and I guess I am happy that people have something to latch on to. But without first addressing the fundamental question of god’s existence, nothing else matters to me. God was not the first cause. You can call god, God, or you can call it The Light, or some other new-agey term and god still does not exist.

I would never try to convince anyone that believes in god, that god does not exist, but I also should not try to convince anyone that purple elephants are not living in my butt. I am happy to hear that god provides people the answers they need in life or that god is what is left when nothing else in life makes sense. But to me, god does not exist, so it is not simply a “choice” to be an atheist no more than it is a choice for the believer.

I have been told that my lack of faith is bleak. Of course, I do not believe that it is. But more importantly, even if it was a fact my existence is a bleak one, does not alter even for a second the notion in my head that god does not exist.

I have been told that I am lazy because I am not willing to do the work of faith. That is simply ridiculous. In my head, that is the same as saying that I am lazy because I don’t want to do the work in proving 2 plus 2 is 5.

I have been told that I must have had negative experiences as a child that clouded all the true glory that is god. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I have very happy memories of growing up Catholic and sincerely crave some of those traditions and rituals. A priest never touched me.

There is nothing in this universe greater than myself (no, that is not the same as saying that god lies within). I am happy to be an atheist, but more importantly, I am BOTH happy AND and atheist. If your journey is different than mine, then I wish you happiness too.

To BoMR (Both of My Readers): I am happy to elaborate and even happier to hear your stories, but I will not post comments that are offensive to me or Christians. I am in control of very little in my life, but this blog and its contents is one of them.

Thanks for listening. I will happily rephrase my words if I appear intolerant of anyone’s belief system. Not my intent.

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12 Responses to “Why I Am An Atheist”

  1. puglet Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 12:18 am

    I wrote a piece about a week ro so ago about my “faith” or lack thereof. It’s always an interesting one to describe to other people. Good post

  2. paisley Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 5:15 am

    dan… i have been in a quandary lately,,, not so much about the existence of god… but about my relationship to my family who are not only believers… but cannot see past it…it answers their every question,,, fulfills their every need,, and has dictated their relationship with me my whole life….

    i do not believe in god, never have, and have no desire to…i just bemoan the fact that i cannot access my family without jumping thru the proverbial hoop of religion over and over again…

    i loved seeing this in print,, it is so simply stated and exactly how i feel… thank you

  3. Rebecca Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 5:16 am

    Hi. I happened onto your website by chance…I think you may have come to my blog and I got here that way. I am not sure where you live (in or outside of the USA) but you being able to not believe in God is your right. I used to be this Christian who would have totally condemned you for being “stupid” and not “believing,” but I am not that way anymore. I love God and believe in him. It’s not my business what other people think or do not think. I do not however believe in organized religion. It makes me sick actually. I lost my 12-year-old daughter, Andi to abduction and murder and the people who were there for me were not the churches or the church people for the most part…they were average people like me and you. They took care of me and mentored me and loved me. I saw God in them and most weren’t “believers.” So…yes I believe in God because I saw him myself. I also believe in heaven so I can see my daughter again. I think to live through such a tragedy I, myself, have to have some grain of hope that there is something bigger out there that has this plan, that I am all part of. It just makes it better for me. ;) Thank you for visiting my site. *hugs from Oklahoma*

  4. Prudence Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 6:07 am

    This is perhaps the sincerest post on atheism as a choice that I’ve ever read. Thanks for posting this.

  5. Prudence and Madness | The Sincerest Atheist Post I’ve Come Across Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 7:40 am

    [...] to being “religious”.  However, I’ve come across this blog and I believe this post about why he choose to be an atheist is the sincerest blog post that I’ve come across. Share and Enjoy: These icons link to [...]

  6. sophie Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 8:20 am

    It is a simple concept that is so difficult to explain to those who believe. I was raised Catholic–then went through a fairly fundamental phase for a while. As I learned more and my beliefs changed, I became estranged from most of my friends. My family is full of people who are religious, but we seem to be dealing with it fairly well. Except for my dad always inviting me to church–I’ve quit answering.

    Thanks for a well expressed post.

  7. Michael Says:
    May 21st, 2007 at 8:28 pm

    Simple and clear. I like it. Here’s mine:
    Why I don’t beleive in God

  8. Ivy Says:
    May 22nd, 2007 at 8:54 am

    Nice post. Easily stated. Simple beliefs.. I like it. I’m in a constant fight for my right to NOT believe in god.. My family and my husbands being the pushers.. I’m the odd ball in the family.. My kids are being pushed from one side to believe.. Me I choose not to push my beliefs on anyone. I figure when they are old enough they’ll start making up their minds. I don’t hide my feelings from them or anyone else but I do pick my battles.. Some are worth it some are not.
    I have heard the same things when it comes to faith..
    I’ve heard alot of,”well if you dont believe then how do you instill morals in your family”
    That to me is the most ABSURD thing i’ve ever heard. The bible and god doesnt make you a good person or a bad one.. Morals are simple. Right from wrong is easily figured out with out god or a book.. Anyhow.. i’m rambling now.. Good post!

  9. Jackal Says:
    May 22nd, 2007 at 9:54 am

    Good post!

  10. Lisa Says:
    May 22nd, 2007 at 3:28 pm

    Dan, this is a brave post — not because of the potential for disagreement from your readers, but because it’s clear that you have taken the time and the care to really think about WHY, and you’ve done a fine job of explaining your views. Thank you for sharing.

  11. benj Says:
    June 1st, 2007 at 7:58 am

    Excellent post, man. I end up snarling every time I try to verbalize my atheism. I get to hold my angst every once in a while though. hehe

  12. Great Dane Addict Says:
    July 15th, 2007 at 8:12 am

    I’m one of those who’d like to believe there is a God (btw I always type Dog first, and have to backspace and re-type it correctly – which just goes to show you what type of person I am), however, my brain says it’s soooo not logical. I believe in Evolution and nature – and therefore consider myself Pagan (not the kind of pagan who worships weird spirits or several deities.) I worship nature. It’s magical in and of itself, and you can see it without questioning it (well you can question it of course, but there are many answers!)

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