Thank Atheism.

[outtathereligioncloset]

There have been times when I was a little envious of people with religious beliefs.  Which, in turn kind of made me feel guilty---like that bit of envy itself made me a bad atheist.  But to be more specific, that envy came at times when someone they loved died and they found comfort in their genuine belief that the person was "in a better place,"  "called to be with Jesus,"  "at peace now,"  or, as my brother's obituary said, "in heaven now, where clothing is optional."

My brother was a good man.  He led a good life.  He was kind, loving, (mostly) patient, (insert other positive accolades here).  A Christian. The kind of man who led the kind of life that Christians believe would surely go to heaven.  But in one outrageously stupid instant of what can only be described as momentary insanity, he shot himself dead.  While several members of my family (particularly the Fundamental Southern Baptist versions) have an ongoing struggle with anguishing over the belief that, despite him being a good man who led a good life....  he has committed an unforgivable "sin against god,"  the kind that means he now burns in hell for all eternity.  What kind of comfort is that?  If religion can't comfort them now, what possible good is it?

Me, for the first time, I am finding "comfort" in my atheism.  I know that there is no "eternal after life."  That THIS is all there is.  His was a life well lived.  Cut too short, but well lived.  And now there is.....nothingness.  It's just....done.  Gone.  And that is a great deal better than any belief that he is now being punished by burning in hell for one random stupid unforgivable moment. 

Thank Nothing.