An Atheists Thoughts on The Holidays

Zed Snardbody · Post by **Zed Snardbody** » 2006-12-01 10:40pm

An Atheists Thoughts on The Holidays

I've been an Atheist for a few years now. My parents are a Mormon on one end and a Roman Catholic on the other. I often accuse my Atheism as coming from them, telling them that they told me not to believe bullshit.

From time to time though I still find myself wanting to believe in a high power. To believe that there is someone out there who loves us and looks down on us and watches out for us. As much as I want to believe this though, I know its not true. I tend to think about it more and more as the holidays get closer, especially this year, with my own family more fragmented then before, seemingly more distant than ever. I find myself wondering what it would be like, to be able to embrace the idea of Jesus, of God's love, and going to a church and being with people who felt this way and believed it, and I feel like I'm missing something.

I've been thinking about it though, as I drive through my neighborhood and the city, looking at the lights, and the trees, and the decorations, and just how beautiful it is to look at. And I think about this, not having God's love in my life. I realize though, that I have something better.

I know that I have family, no matter how distant, that still loves me, will still watch out for me and still help me, no matter how distant we are, no matter how long it has been since we talked. I know that there are people out there, who would help me if I needed it, just because I did need it and asked them, from charity, or food banks, or what have you. I know that even in the middle of winter, in the cold, that there are people who will pull over at night and help someone who's car has died, I know they exist, I am one, and I've had 4 people stop and help me on separate occasions. Driving a ford helps me meet these people more often. I know that there are good and selfless people out there, that don't love me, don't like me, but respect me as there fellow man.

People on our own board receive the heart felt sympathy from people they've never met before, with such sincerity that you know that if they were in the same room they would offer a hug, or a hand shake, or still give those kind words and are onlystoped from doing this by distance.

So I say this, and write it to remind us, those who have faith in a higher power, those who don't, and those who are unsure and may never be sure, that even when we feel alone, someone out there loves us, someone out there would help us, simply because they know that someone needs it. I think that's better than any love that a God could ever give us. Now is as good a time as any to remember this, and to think of someone you should say I love you to, either a wife, or husband, or brother, or sister, or friend. Go out and buy a toy or extra food and donate if you can, more than likely the person it goes to would do the same if they were able.

Peace on earth, good will towards men. There is always someone out there who cares, even if you don't know them.

Happy Holidays

FSTargetDrone · Post by **FSTargetDrone** » 2006-12-02 12:24am

Well said. Cheers!

Jason · Post by **Jason** » 2006-12-02 07:28am

That was a very nice post and quite appropriate given the time of the year. The sentiment of love and comradery expressed is something I'm sure all of us here can agree on, atheist or not. Thank you for sharing this.

Tinkerbell · Post by **Tinkerbell** » 2006-12-02 08:53am

Aww Zeddy hun that was really nice

Nieztchean Uber-Amoeba · Post by **Nieztchean Uber-Amoeba** » 2006-12-02 10:00am

Cheers. Have a good Festivus.

Noble Ire · Post by **Noble Ire** » 2006-12-02 10:23pm

I agree wholeheartedly. One does not need faith to demonstrate good will towards their fellow man, and really that's what this season really should be about, even if one does follow a particular religion. Happy Holidays.

Lord Woodlouse · Post by **Lord Woodlouse** » 2006-12-03 09:59am

Merry Christmas.

GeneralTacticus · Post by **GeneralTacticus** » 2006-12-04 08:05am

*Applauds* Well said!

Merry Christmas to all

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2006-12-04 11:07am

Bah, humbug.

Zed Snardbody · Post by **Zed Snardbody** » 2006-12-04 06:48pm

Admiral Valdemar wrote:Bah, humbug.

Go sit on a yule log.

Covenant · Post by **Covenant** » 2006-12-04 09:08pm

Zed Snardbody wrote:
Admiral Valdemar wrote:Bah, humbug.
Go sit on a yule log.

Or go a-wassailing. That'll improve your spirits!