Why Consider Yourself Atheist

I had a friend ask me today why I am a vocal atheist and criticize theism.

It was two minutes before my lunch break was over, so I told her I would have to continue the conversation later. However, I did part with a few words....

I told her because I believe we need rational/critical thinkers to survive as a species if we are going to make it through the global warming issue, the Iraq/Afghan war, overpopulation, and the decline of natural resources like water and oil. Belief in a super-natural being that "pulls the strings" and gives us life after death belittles the current life we are living. There are two main points I want to hit upon;however, there are more.

1. By breaking with reality to ascribe all unexplained phenomenon to a "higher power," we create a place in the human mind that reveres ignorance and wishful imagination that goes beyond hope into the arena of delusion. It helps many fall asleep at night instead of stay up worrying about how the world is going to shit by our overconsumption (for example);thus, not doing anything about it. We've all heard, "It's in God's hands now" or "I just have faith things are going to be alright." Why are these statements accepted when they clearly show that the speaker of these words is simply saying I don't really know what is going on, but I'm sure that all powerful God that has never shown up will stop by at the last second and save the day. And when he doesn't show up and things get worse, you hear, "God works in mysterious ways" or "he has a plan greater than what we understand." No matter what, the constant is that God HAS to be. This would be considered willful ignorance. Life is better for myself if I can just believe away my problems through God's higher order. I see the danger in thinking this way, do you?

2. For the second point, I want to draw attention to what I said earlier..."belittles the current life we are living." If we are going to spend eternity in heaven (or hell for myself...my attempt at levity), this short time on Earth seems a little less precious. Thankfully, most Christians aren't fundamental enough to practice this thought. Doesn't our time on Earth seem more precious if it is the only time we ever get. Or larger, it is the only time our solar system has had to reflect upon itself in 4 billion years. Don't we owe it to the Earth to make this a good life? We shouldn't use it simply to our personal benefit. (I plan to return to this idea of the Universe "peopleing" as Alan Watts would have put it.

Lastly, consider point two about how theists care more about the outcome of how they lived rather than living life like it was the only chance they get at existence. Lets say person A lives for the glory of God by living a restricted life of a priest. How about person B who lives his life as a terrorist martyr. Both life choices increase the odds of getting it in good with the almighty according to each dogma (Catholic/Muslim). (I'm not saying all Muslims are terrorists) However, both lives are subverted from their full potential to fulfill duties to a Godhead.

Let take that thinking and replace it with the almighty dollar.

Person C owns an oil company, and he is 56 years old. He finds out his business is fucking up the world, but he won't live to see the day the Earth deals with the destruction his business has inflicted upon it. He ignores it and goes on.

Person D oversees a powerful government, whose economy thrives on oil and natural gas. Becoming reelected even depends on supporting the industry. However, he finds out Person C's company is screwing up the world. Does he stop Person C's company or does he overlook it and hope for the best? Maybe hoping a higher power/technology will come along and fix the problem?

How would you think Person A or B might respond in this situation, considering the programming they have endured through their religious up bringing? Scary thought, eh?

I'm very interested in systems of thought and how they effect behavior in other situations.

Maybe when I have time, I'll be up for composing a well organized essay outlining these ideas.