Why Function is Not a Bad Word
Some of my readers might think that since I am discussing the "function" atheism serves in my life that that atheism must therefore not be true but rather that it is something to compensate for something else lacking in my life. Of course that very same challenge might be leveled against the Christian or the Hindu or the humanist.
To say that atheism has a function in my life is to say that it has certain consequences of which I regularly take advantage. Gravity also has certain consequences that we humans exploit, as does atmospheric pressure, solar radiation, and death. To exploit or use a theory or a phenomenon or even a belief to accomplish an end is not a crime, nor does it signify that belief's lack of truth.
Why I Became an Atheist
I became an atheist in order to have a recking ball to dismantle the old and obstructive established Christian doctrines that were holding me back from exploring the world in any way I desired. I adopted "negative atheism" as the term for my lack of belief in the deity of Christianity or that of any other religious doctrine.
To be sure, there was a long history of doubt that preceded my dropping of Christianity, but it was ultimately Christianity's antithesis to any other world view that made me drop it. How can one study the thoughts of myriad other cultures when one feels a constant guilt? How can one evolve to adapt to modern society when one constantly scoffs at it believing that a bronze-age text's condemnations should be applied to it? And, of course, Dutch Reformed sermons on the subservience of women in the household or about 'those poor Muslims' also did a lot of damage.
I have written in the past that fundamentalist Christianity is a form of atheism since it rejects God as the lawgiver, implicitly choosing instead man as the measure of all things. After all, if God is so concerned that we follow his every word then perhaps he could stop by and remind us every now and again. But instead we have only people claiming to be the voice of God, or people claiming to have heard God speak.
Why I am An Atheist Now
I am an atheist now for reasons that are quite different from the ones that compelled me earlier. At present, I use atheism is the blank slate upon which to create. I have a fairly active imagination. I can imagine now without feeling guilt about it. I can devise creative solutions to problems without first mumbling words to a projected version of myself (who has not prayed and imagined God up there listening and perhaps nodding, scoffing, crying, or responding in some other way?)
To me belief is a plastic thing, as are morals. Mold them to suit the present situation. Of course, I speak only of my own personal behaviour in this world, not that of groups of people. However, I suspect that groups unwittingly adopt plasticity in their mores and beliefs just as much as individuals might. We should all be thankful that we've enough compassion to understand that killing or maiming one another would not be a wise course of action.
Granted, my philosophy is very easy to dismantle. If God himself comes and tells me off then I fear the entirety of my atheism and its creative consequences will be in ruins. Until then, however, I have ceased being bride to Christ and am only, as I have always been, Nora to the collective Torvald of the people that comprise the Christian religion.
