When I was a Christian, I thought I was humble but it wasn't until recently that I really understood what it meant to be humble. I've had Christian friends tell me that certain celebrities are humble when they thank god or their accomplishments. At one time I would have agreed with them. Now I see those celebrities as very obnoxious. Why would a good god help someone make a touchdown but not help a starving child and what kind of egotistical person would praise such a god?
Being an atheist means that I no longer have the comfort of believing that whatever happens in my life is ordained by god for a greater good. I'm just not that special. It is very humbling to admit that there is no bigger purpose to life. I am also as inclined as anyone to do either bad or good. There is no holy spirit who will guide me to do what is right if I only listen to it. The only purpose to my life is in what I give it.
When I die. That is it. My children and friends will remember me but ultimately I will be forgotten by future generations.
Some theists will find all this frightening and I have sympathy for them.
Even though it is humbling to admit how insignificant I am, it is also weirdly empowering. I get to decide the course of my life. There are no do overs with my loved ones. If they walk out the door and die, I will not see them again so I should cherish every moment with them.
For those who were religious, how has your view of life changed?
Being an atheist means that I no longer have the comfort of believing that whatever happens in my life is ordained by god for a greater good. I'm just not that special. It is very humbling to admit that there is no bigger purpose to life. I am also as inclined as anyone to do either bad or good. There is no holy spirit who will guide me to do what is right if I only listen to it. The only purpose to my life is in what I give it.
When I die. That is it. My children and friends will remember me but ultimately I will be forgotten by future generations.
Some theists will find all this frightening and I have sympathy for them.
Even though it is humbling to admit how insignificant I am, it is also weirdly empowering. I get to decide the course of my life. There are no do overs with my loved ones. If they walk out the door and die, I will not see them again so I should cherish every moment with them.
For those who were religious, how has your view of life changed?
