I’m An Atheist, Too.
Yep, that’s right. An atheist, too. Like all of us, atheism is just a mere piece of what makes me. I’m a photographer and image manipulator (never people…lol), a video game player, a reader, a writer, a Simpsons’ lover (if you can’t tell by my handle), etc, etc, etc… The list can go on and on and on. And on. Atheism is just me being me without needing life help from outside sources.
Yesterday, I wrote about taking atheism too seriously, in a sense. If I choose to post a stupid video, why does it have to be hurting the cause? Why does this cause have be so serious or even a “cause” at all? We raise money for causes like breast cancer and stem cell research. I don’t like to think of atheism as a cause. Mainly because it makes it seem like a religion. Atheism is the opposite of a religion, the opposite of organized groupthink, and the mere lack of blind faith.
I’ve been thinking of doing something different with this blog. I’m still here for now, but its all up in the air. I have the Coming Out Godless blog which means a lot to me. Real stories of real people, sometimes going through the worst of situations. It’s my way to help “the cause” without debating, criticizing, or publicly speaking. My cause (if I have one at all) is ending discrimination, not necessarily getting people to abandon their life-long faiths. That would be their choice to put a halt to faith; they will do it in their own time, in their own minds.
And what else have I noticed? Many people in European countries, don’t even understand “coming out” because its not a big deal to them. AT ALL. While working to change the negative stereotypes associated with us godless folks (especially in the US), it can’t always about a “cause” that we have to move forward with every ounce of energy we have. Maybe it’s because I live in LA. I don’t have very many atheist friends but all my friends are on the agnostic or reform side, so they aren’t quick to discriminate like some people in other small cities would be.
So where am I going with this? I’m not sure. I started this blog in order to rant for the most part. To let out my frustration from the common association between immorality and godlessness. That’s the main reason I decided I needed to blog. My mom has called me “Lisa” (far from my real name) after Lisa Simpson since the show began (at least on Fox). We are the same age…at least then we were. LOL Perhaps the grapes in the grocery store (Lisa making Marge pay for two grapes she ate) is a little severe. But, in general, I am the Lisa. Always the one asking the whys and the hows. Always the one with the feminist perspective. Always the one interested in science and brain teasers. But also a kid who’s always looking to just have fun!
I speak of Lisa Simpson to say this point. Yes, I have lied before (mostly to my parents in early high school …doesn’t everyone? 
) And I have stolen, I admit, around the same age (only from stores, never people and never arrested); something I deeply regret nonetheless. In any case, I would never steal today. I don’t lie; I hate remembering alternate truths. I am not a “goodie-two shoes” in any sense, but I am very moral. Because I have a conscience and because I care. I act the way I wish all others to act; I do as I do because I wish to live in that sort of society that doesn’t lie, cheat, steal, murder, rape, etc.*
So what’s my next step? Do I continue writing? Yes I will. But I may reinvent this blog somehow. Change my angle or maybe just change my subheading. Who knows? 
In any case, I am me. I am not just an atheist. I am an atheist, too.
*NOTE: Morality (to me) is how you treat others. With respect and care, anything consensual is never immoral.
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I am me. I am not just an atheist. I am an atheist, too.
Can I steal this?
Hee hee. Maybe you can borrow it.
I forgot…thou shalt not steal?
“Lisa” I do hope you will continue. You have an intelligent take on morality and I so admire you and your writing.