Can Atheists Be Spiritual?
I've been thinking about this question lately, because I want to be a more spiritual person.
The problem is I don't believe in spirits, gods, or ghosts; and I can't force myself to believe in something that doesn't exist. It would be like pretending I believe in unicorns.
I didn't choose to be an Atheist. It wasn't a decision I made one day. In fact, it happened over time. The more questions I asked, the more it made sense to me and felt right. I began to see life with more clarity and realism, and that in itself was a revelation. To me, I had found truth.
Some people see Atheists as Hedonists who believe they no longer have any moral obligations. But, I think we have even more responsibility in some ways. If I fuck up, I can't ask for divine forgiveness and have the slate wiped clean. I have to take personal responsibility for my actions. It wasn't God's will and the Devil didn't make me do it. I did it and I have to live with that. Surprisingly, taking personal responsibility is very freeing. It's hard to explain, but it is.
I also choose my own morals and values. When there were no longer religious rules to follow, it forced me to really think about right and wrong. Suddenly, morals and ethics became very clear to me.
The problem with being an Atheist is that there's this void inside. It's when you need to turn to something or someone and ask for guidance and help, but no one is there...because they don't exist.
Lately, I've especially needed guidance and help. I wish there was something greater than myself that I could connect with, but I can't feel a connection. I hate to admit it, but I also feel silly "trying" to find one. I mean, who or what am I trying to connect with anyway?
So this is something that's been on my mind lately. I hope that it's a problem that somehow works itself out.
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Here's an Atheist joke Vinnie told me the other day:
Q: What do Atheists call out during sex?
A: Oh Darwin! Oh Darwin!
Hehehe.
