“Atheist” Is Just A Word

In general conversation, the word “atheist” is, in itself, irrelevant. A non-starter.

In fact, the only time the word comes into play is in religious discussions when it is often used derisively to describe folks who simply live life and accept things as they come — individuals who see no need to attribute events or actions to any “thing” or any “one.” IOW… people who are generally content with the idea that “it is what it is.”

No special identifier required.

Yet there are multiple blogs and other online media that carry on extensive and lengthy discussions to discredit this tangential word.

For example, it is the claim of religious believers that “atheists” are prone to ignore the glorious wonders all around them. They adamantly contend it is more than obvious that everything humans see and experience is the result of some phenomenal guy-in-the-sky. In their view, there simply is no other way to explain who we are and why we exist.

By contrast, those who refute the existence of this “celestial” entity/being are far more inclined to view life as a result of natural forces present in the Universe. And based on this perspective, they tend to live each day without expectation (or testament) of any preternatural events.

Further, the claim by religious believers that there is something beyond this life is viewed by the “atheists” as an inherently unproven event. And any tales of “near death” experiences are instinctively filed under “Fiction.”

This is why scores of non-labeled individuals find joy and happiness in their daily living. They fully recognize and accept that their presence in this world is based on a combination of circumstances that came together at an opportune moment. They feel no need or reason to either credit nor acknowledge any extraneous “source” for their good fortune.

Ironically, however, while these same folk find no substance in the claims of the religious, some have discovered the benefits of following the advice offered by a fellow named Luke:

“Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”

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Image by Thomas Mühl from Pixabay

Man Dies, Comes Back To Life

As Mr. Bill would say, “Ohhh Nooo!!!” Not another one!

I received this from a Christian email friend.

(Unfortunately, the audio isn’t in sync with the video, but I’m sure you’ll get the idea.)

This was my response to his email …

IMO, these ‘near-death’ experiences are pretty much bunk. Nearly every person who ‘experiences’ one has had some type of religious/Christian exposure and what they “see” is totally influenced by this. Awhile back, I heard about a non-believer who apparently had one of these experiences and she described things much differently. Of course, people like her don’t get the same exposure since their stories don’t go along with the ‘heavenly’ visions that Christians want/need to hear.

I do tend to think there may be a ‘spiritual dimension’ that one enters upon death, but I don’t believe it’s something anyone can ‘come back’ from.