Not so idle scribble

Today (June 21st) is the most wonderful day of this time of year. It’s the summer solstice, first day of summer, and Atheist Solidarity day. It ultimately is a day of protest, celebration, and awareness-raising. Only in solidarity can atheists create a world in which atheists everywhere can be open about their lack of belief in god and not fear any harmful consequence. I want to take time to celebrate the day by officially “coming out” of the atheist closet. From here on out (and for some time already) I am going to rely on reason, logic, and evidence for my decision-making. I’m not the one who believes in invisible creatures like fairies, ghosts, goblins, demons, angels, and a god who is running around reading all of our thoughts and judging every little thing we do. I’m not the one who believes in childish concepts like heaven and hell. I’m not the one who requires the threat of eternal damnation in order to act ethically.

I am one of 25 million freethinkers in this country who will not follow blindly and who feel free to demand proof, or at least logically sound theory. The fact is that there is nothing shameful about atheism. Rather, it should be viewed as a major accomplishment. Most people stick with the religion in which they were raised, never thinking or examining the reasons why. Those that switch religions (or sects of a particular religion) often never truly question the belief in a god. Those that do should be proud that they have searched and reached an educated conclusion, and so am I.

As an atheist, I have broken out of the cycle of doing what I’m told because someone says God says so. I think for myself, I am self reliant, and I am responsible for my own actions and decisions.

Call me atheist, agnostic, freethinker, whatever. I am Leisel, and this is me. Like it or not, I am what I am.

Thank you for your time. And as always, I mean no offense.

The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one. The happiness of credulity is a cheap and dangerous quality. ~George Bernard Shaw, Irish playright