Opinion with James Paradie: Why Atheism is a Dirty Word

As stated in my Book Review for Beyond the Veil by Chad Stambaugh, if you were to put me in a category, I would be considered an atheist. I don't consider myself an atheist. I'm here to talk about why atheism is such a dirty word. Why some people, like myself, cringe every time I hear/see it. 

First off, it's not the idea of atheism that makes me cringe. I'm fine with that, because I'm not a believer of God myself. Plus, when they’re mature about it, when they’re stating facts rather than being dicks, I agree with them. It's the way the majority of them act. It's like that way of thought has given them license to be dickheads every time the subject of religion comes up. And, yes, because someone is religious, it doesn't give them the right to be over-zealous with non-believers either. That annoys me as equally as the immature atheists do. 

Almost half my day is spent on the internet. It comes with the territory. Either it's creating new content for this blog, working on my book, what have you. Doing my actual job, which again, takes place here on the 'net. But I constantly have Facebook up and I'm a fan of these sites who post funny pictures, antidotes, what have you. Every so often, one of these sites will post something on God or Jesus, whatever. When people see this, both religious and atheists, it gives them this license to defend their views. Not that I have a problem with defending yourself, you should. You shouldn't let people bully your way of life. But the big problem with these open discussions is the majority of the people on both sides are bullies. The majority of them feel like, "Hey, I'm going to be the biggest asshole I can be! That will get my point across." Their immaturity astounds me. 

I come from the unpopular mind frame that if you can't be mature, you shouldn't debate. As well as not have access to the internet. But unfortunately, the vast majority of people (especially on the internet) do not believe in that mind frame. They think that insulting people who do not agree with their views is the best option to get the best results. Foolish fools. You want more people to join your side? Be civil. Be mature. That's why atheism and atheists is such a bad word, because when you go to internet forums or social media, they're not civil. They're downright nasty. Assholes is the proper term. And again, religious people can be the same. Although, most of the time they play up the wounded victim. Though I can understand that when the majority of these people in the discussions are atheist. It's never fun being the minority. I should know. 

Question: If you don't like religion, why did you get so offended by it? I ignore it. If I don't like it, I don't pay no attention to it. Why? Because no matter what there will always be religious people. It's their life choice, just like it's your life choice to be a non-believer. It's my life choice not to believe in God. There's no reason to get angry, because your anger is not going to make them disappear. They have every right to their opinion just as you do. You can't dictate peoples opinions and beliefs, that only causes even more strain on people choosing sides. 

This goes to both atheists and religious zealots: And another thing, the gloating is unnecessary. You're acting like Gods yourselves; putting yourself on pedestals and having a holier than thou attitude because you think you're better than everyone. You're not Gods. You're someone with an opinion. That doesn't make you a higher power. Sorry to break it to you. But that is probably the BIGGEST reason why I would never consider myself an atheist or religious, because of all the gloating. It's okay to be proud of your opinions and beliefs, but to think you're better because of it? Nah. Snake eyes on that philosophy. 

But no matter what, atheists and religious people will always be enemies. There will always be those who gloat about their God or that there is no God. It will be a never ending battle between the two. All I can do is sit on the sidelines and laugh at their irrational way of handling each others opinions.