I must admit my
surprise to see you return. I thought my last rant had sent you on your way for
good. How glad I am we cross paths again. Please my friend, fill your glass and
make yourself comfortable, as we indulge once again, in my wonderings…
Where is my God?
An Atheist's Guide to Spirituality
At one point in
my life, I had it all worked out. I had a wonderful wife, a promising career, a
nice home and a savage car; I still have the car, but like myself, it’s been
through the trenches. I dealt with the here and the now; with facts, figures
and logic. I thought I was smart; much smarter than those God fearing fools. I
had it all figured out. I didn’t fall into the trap of humble, wholesome religion;
God never existed and never will. Who needs God when you have logic?
For me, God
belittles and devalues your own achievements. It always breaks my heart, when
somebody who strives past adversity and pulls themselves from the dregs, thanks
God for their accomplishments. A fictitious God did not give you the power to
succeed, that power dwells within you. It was you, and only you, who reached
for the stars. Understand that; embrace it, own it.
You might now be
crying out. “But Jack! Leading a life based solely on facts will surely dull
the soul and the zest for living” I do see the worth in spirituality, I truly
do; religion and God, however is a different kettle of fish, entirely. Religion
causes more problems than solutions. It was designed as a means of controlling
the masses; Fine, you think you can get away with coveting your neighbour’s
wife, you lowly peasant; you might, you might never get caught coveting but God
is watching. God sees all and he will throw your sinful ass to Satin. It is
simply a small group’s sense of morality, forced upon the world.
Just when I
thought I had life by the balls; life gave me a swift kick in mine. Wife gone;
career gone; house gone. What did I have left besides my old royce? Where does
the atheist turn in that ‘all is lost moment’? A devout man would humbly turn
to God thanking him for the test in his faith. He would seek comfort under
God’s watchful eye; knowing the big man is looking out for him. Where was I
going to find my God?
One of the
biggest mistakes I made, when I knew it all, was lumping spirituality in with
religion. To be spiritual; one must find God. How could I find solace in my
misfortunes if I had no higher being to blame. I made my mucky bed and now I
would have to roll in it, seething and festering in guilt, anger and
disappointment. I drank away my mornings, evenings and nights; numbing the
pain, destined to misery for the remainder of my days. Why go
on with no hope to live for?
I cut myself off
from the world; becoming ever more bitter and cranky. What was the point of it
all? I had nothing in this life and had no afterlife to look forward to. I
needed an outlet; I needed to reevaluate what spirituality really meant.
I am inspired by
the miracle of life; just the fact that anything exists at all is extremely
humbling. Against so many odds, we exist; not only do we exist, but we are made
up of the same stuff as the stars themselves. We are all children of the stars.
For me, truly appreciating the wondrous night sky or truly noticing the colours
of nature led me to peace. Just appreciating the complex simplicity of nature
was my key to enlightenment.
Finding a meaningful
connection to others, is an imperative factor in attaining spirituality. Finding
another’s truth and significance within a painting, song or poem connects me to
the world; I am not alone in this. Listening to that one line, that you have
sung so many times before and actually hearing the artist’s anguished soul
because it speaks to how you feel at that time, washes me with something Zen
like; No, I can’t change my mold and yes everything is changing and I don't feel the same.
At the end of
the day spirituality is about finding a meaningful connection to others, to the
world and the universe; while finding your own sense of peace at the same time.
It is about finding comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. It is
about living a wholesome, happy life. It is about finding your own meaning and
purpose to life.
Catholicism
states that we are all created by a higher being. It promises an afterlife if
you adhere to its rules. It states we are all the same but each, uniquely
different. It states we are all brothers and sisters, who share a divine
connection with each other and with a higher power.
Science states
that we were all created from a single cell organism that evolved into
everything we see around us. Science states that no information can be
destroyed; just changed into something else. Science states that we are all the
same but each uniquely different. Science states we are made up of the same
materials as the stars. We have an ancient, almost inconceivable connection to
each other, the world and the universe. That to me is far more awe inspiring
than any all-knowing being.
I take a huge
amount of comfort in knowing that when I die, I will truly never be gone. The
atoms and molecules that make up me will simply transform into something else.
I will truly never leave this universe. I am of course, under no disillusions. I
know I won’t transform into a butterfly but in terms of the inconceivable
bigger picture, my spirit will live on through the wonders of science.
Science is my
God and its wonders; my salvation.
If, as an atheist, you are unconvinced and would rather find the bosom of God, might I suggest this delightful Wiki. It had me quite literally lolling for some time. Unfortunately this Wiki is still awaiting a quality review but as soon as it's ready, count me in!
If, as an atheist, you are unconvinced and would rather find the bosom of God, might I suggest this delightful Wiki. It had me quite literally lolling for some time. Unfortunately this Wiki is still awaiting a quality review but as soon as it's ready, count me in!
I thank you
again for humouring me and my ramblings. Before we carry on however, I will
need to refuel. We shall talk again, after my liquor cabinet has been
restocked. Until then my friend, farewell.
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© Sarah O’Regan
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