Today's myth: Atheists are depressed, despondent and hopeless. How could our lives possibly have purpose and meaning without God? We must drift about on a sea of melancholy, lamenting our lack of a divine rudder.
Where do I find meaning? I have a spouse. Conversing with him, planning our future together, creating a bond together gives my life meaning. I have two children. Watching them learn and grow gives me joy. Wanting to make the world a better place for them to live gives me purpose. And I can tell you for damned sure that a mother's love has nothing to do with a mother's belief or non-belief in God.
The truth: I can't speak for all atheists, but for me it's true that once I couldn't believe anymore, I did mourn the loss of God for a while. He was the dominant character in my life for 20+ years. Even if the relationship hadn't been entirely healthy, it was still hard to let go of that familiarity. But I've moved on.
And I'm happier now than I ever was when I believed in God. I'm sure there are some atheists who suffer from depression, but I've yet to meet any. I have, however, known many people of faith who were depressed, myself among them for most of my late teens and early twenties. And I find it very interesting that the state of Utah--whose populace is largely made up of people who claim to be following the only path to true happiness--tops the nation in depression rates.
It's true that I don't believe that my life has any predetermined purpose, but I have defined my own. My purpose is to enjoy my life and to do what I can to help others to do the same. That's why I don't steal or vandalize or perpetrate violence. That's why I speak out about my views so that those who are miserable in religion and feel trapped know that they can get out.
And I have hope because every day I see more people waking up and relinquishing the fantasies.
Where do I find meaning? I have a spouse. Conversing with him, planning our future together, creating a bond together gives my life meaning. I have two children. Watching them learn and grow gives me joy. Wanting to make the world a better place for them to live gives me purpose. And I can tell you for damned sure that a mother's love has nothing to do with a mother's belief or non-belief in God.
I love music. I love to sing. I love nature. I love to run. I love to read. I love yoga. I love food. And I definitely love coffee more than I ever loved God.
What's not to be happy about?! My life is full, and more importantly, my life is my own. I'm under no obligation to fulfill some divine destiny. No one is looking over my shoulder or whispering in my thoughts. What a relief to realize there's no god! I'm free from the guilt of not living up to someone else's absurd, arbitrary and impossible expectations.
What's not to be happy about?! My life is full, and more importantly, my life is my own. I'm under no obligation to fulfill some divine destiny. No one is looking over my shoulder or whispering in my thoughts. What a relief to realize there's no god! I'm free from the guilt of not living up to someone else's absurd, arbitrary and impossible expectations.
I don't miss God. I'm too busy reveling in everything around me that actually exists.
