A LETTER TO MY FELLOW ATHEISTS

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A LETTER TO MY FELLOW ATHEISTS

 

Dear Fellow Atheists,

In every discussion on right to religion and religious freedom, atheists are often disregarded and through this letter, I express why atheists must be vocal about their beliefs. If we do not speak for ourselves, no one else will.

Being an atheist is not just about not believing in God. Atheism is a result of a thought process and not a blind belief. However, with the scientific and logical approach to ideologies and beliefs, one is confronted with several moral, political and social dilemma. In order to address some of these issues, I write this letter to you.

 

The corona crisis

Last year, 2020, was a tough year for every human being because of COVID-19. While many sought comfort in God and religion, we, atheists, turned towards science and technology. While many considered COVID-19 to be part of God’s plan, we considered it to be one of the worst health crises this generation has faced yet and awaited vaccines while adhering to social distancing rules.

Many of you reading this might have lost your loved ones to COVID-19. And these are times when our belief in the non-existence of God is challenged the most. As one of the greatest atheists of our times, Sam Harris said- Death makes a mockery of everything we do in our lives. Staying calm and rational becomes difficult in times of crisis considering the emotional nature of human beings.  However, realizing that death is the end and not part of a cycle of birth and re-birth, or that there is no heaven and hell, or that for nature human lives are no more significant than the life of a mosquito, is essential to acknowledge the value of life. The value of life for an atheist lies in its insignificance and fragility.

Atheism is not merely a belief. It is the result of a thought process that is rational and scientific. Therefore, it becomes imperative that we act rationally on basis of evidence whenever we face a challenge or crisis. Only rationality can save us from ourselves.

 


Threat to Secularism and atheism

In 2020, we also saw the horrendous murder of a French teacher, Samuel Patty. World-over the murder was condemned. Religious and political leaders across the board took to the internet and TV media to separate the murder from Islam. However, we must not forget that the murder was done in the name of religion. The murder of Patty is not an isolated incident; several killings are committed in the name of religion all around the world. In India, people are killed in the name of cow vigilantism, a lower caste groom is shot for riding a horse on his wedding, and a riot broke out in Bangalore because of a post which “offended” a religious community.

And every such grotesque incident consequently leads to governments and politicians emphasizing freedom of religion; very few talk of freedom from religion. How many political leaders represent the interests of atheists in the legislature? Politicians donated lakhs of rupees for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, but how many have donated for medical research, education, or eradication of hunger?

We, atheists, are in a position of benefit. We do not have to spend our wealth on places of worship or religious charity to religious institutions which already have lakhs and crores of Rupees. We have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of real people without expecting any grace of God or a place in heaven. We have the opportunity to feed the child who has not eaten for days instead of gold plating walls of temples or churches or Mosques.


We are on our own

Atheism is liberating. Not believing in God makes one realize that we are on our own. Help will come from nowhere. Our existence is predicated solely on our actions. Earth will exist no matter what we do, but “we” might not exist. Nature is neutral. Nature does not care if we pray to Allah, or Shiva, or Vishnu, or the Christian God.

Therefore, it is in the interest of our own survival to stop climate change, reduce crimes, advance science and technology, and be reasonable with one another. Expressing atheistic values is in the interest of humankind. So, be vocal about it. Don’t be afraid to offend people. As Stephen Fry says- “It's now very common to hear people say, 'I'm rather offended by that.' As if that gives them certain rights. It's actually nothing more... than a whine. 'I find that offensive.' It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. 'I am offended by that.' Well, so what?"

 

Yours truly,

Nikhil, an atheist

 

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