Nathan's Ramblings

Ignorance is Bliss

In a world where certainty is often mistaken for truth, it's no wonder that many people struggle with understanding what it means to be an atheist. The notion that atheists are somehow devoid of hope or joy is a myth perpetuated by those who refuse to listen to our actual experiences or perspectives.

For years, there's been a growing trend among certain individuals to condescend towards atheists and our beliefs (or lack thereof). It's as if they're trying to convince us that we're somehow missing out on the real experience of being human. Reading this artist's depiction of atheism, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and disappointment, which purports to depict the stigma of being an atheist. Unfortunately, their portrayal is not only misinformed but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about our community.

As someone who has had the privilege of engaging with many fellow atheists over the years, I've come to realize that there's a common thread running through these misguided depictions: a fundamental lack of understanding about what it means to be an atheist and trying to label us as something we're not.

We must take control of the narrative and show that being an atheist isn't about being 'lost' or 'alone,' but rather about embracing the beauty of human doubt and inquiry.

Here we see PZ Myers quoting an artist:

One of the reasons we atheists have to be loud and assertive is that we are floating alone in a vast sea of ignorance.

Case in point: here is an artist who has obviously never met an atheist.

I am expressing my feeling towards the very Idea of Atheism. I almost pity those who have such beliefs. I'm not saying they are wrong or right. I'm just saying that what they believe in is more depressing than any other possibility.

So I made this simple picture to express my feelings for somebody who believes in nothing.

here we see a person sitting in a blank room without any doors or windows. What is most troubling is the fact that this person wants to be here, and is unwilling to move from his chair. Alone, neglected, and lost to the ravages of time. without anything to grab onto and hold as a symbol of his own identity. Those who seek nothing as a reward shall ultimately receive it.

I don't think Atheists can even believe in love, which is the saddest part.

If this picture offends you, remember that it is not directed at you. Even if you are an atheist.

Atheists don't believe in love? Where does this nonsense come from? This fellow is a fool who sits alone himself, imagining what atheists must think, and he conjures up this ridiculous picture based on the idea that atheists are lonely nihilists who believe in nothing. I know a lot of atheists, and no, his portrayal is not accurate.

I'm not offended by the picture — I'm just sickened by the smug ignorance of its creator. There are a lot of comments over there, too, all of which are getting hidden away by the host, which tells us who has got his eyes firmly closed in this debate. I think he needs to retitle his picture to “Self Portrait.”

This atheist simply believes in all that is (which is quite a lot) and doesn't believe in that which isn't (which denial, to some theists, seems to represent a complete denial of the universe…which tells us more about their deluded mindset than ours.) Since the artist doesn't understand that we do believe in something (including love), here's a short, simple creed for the godless. [1]

This response inspired me to craft my own version – a secular creed that captures what atheism means to me, not as a lack of belief, but as an active affirmation of what we do believe:

A Secular Affirmation

I acknowledge time, matter, and energy, which make up the whole of the world.

I accept the primacy of science, as a framework for understanding life, reason, evidence and the human mind, the only tools we have; they are the product of natural forces in a majestic but impersonal universe, grander and richer than we can imagine, a source of endless opportunities for discovery.

I acknowledge the goodness of humankind. I acknowledge the power of doubt; I do not seek out reassurances, but embrace the question, and strive to challenge my own beliefs.

I accept human mortality. I trust my innate ability to think, to solve my own problems, to form my own moral standards. I accept what I can see and touch, the tangible, the physical, the realistic.

We have but one life, brief and full of struggle, leavened with love and community, learning and exploration, beauty and the creation of new life, new art, and new ideas.

I rejoice in this life that I have, and in the grandeur of a world that preceded me, and an earth that will abide without me.

[1] Nathan Sparrow, modified version, inspired by PZ Myers' "An Atheist’s Creed" (Pharyngula, 2008). Original post

This reinterpretation of A Secular Affirmation, based on PZ Myers’ original, is licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0.

About the author: I'm a passionate amateur tech & web enthusiast. I contain multitudes. I see and think things differently. Follow me on Mastodon: @darkpixel@infosec.exchange