"My Atheist Refrain. I Laugh at our Portrayal. With Fear."

[Htom Sirveaux]

I don't believe in a God or gods. I find more truth in the energetic connectedness of all things being uncovered in quantum physics. I can feel when the energy of life is flowing in a way which brings ease and joy into a moment. I call it grace or exquisiteness. I totally get that I breathe out molecules which another breathes in. The atoms of life are in constant exchange. Through that understanding I have a strong sense of justice and compassion. We are all one in a paradoxical way.

(SNIP)

[...]I accept that my beliefs are as true to me as can be and that yours are to you. That either one of us could end up being correct and that both of us could end up being so very wrong. I'll do my best to make the case for why I see things the way I do when it comes to establishing how we work together - whether it's as friends, family, working on a project, building social structures or making laws and taking actions in the name of our common group. I'd expect that you would do the same.

Here's what I request: do it respectfully. Don't impose how you see the meaning of life on others. You'd have to wield power over someone to do that. That's tyranny. Accept that they have their own beliefs and allow them to hold their own truths about the underlying nature of existence. Leave everybody their bodily autonomy. Don't be concerned with what anyone else feels or thinks. Don't be concerned with what they do unless it harms someone else and/or threatens someone else's autonomy. All that matters is how we treat each other and that we don't get in the way of each other thriving as best we can. Come to the aid of those who need support for their own liberation. Don't then make them feel obligated to you or required to adopt your beliefs or practices. That's not liberation. That's just a transfer of oppression.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/05/1326971/-My-Atheist-Refrain-I-Laugh-at-our-Portrayal-With-Fear

I thought that this was a very eloquent and thoughtful diary. The diarist has seen both the positive and the oppressive side of religious communities, and has much that is important and critical to say about the dangers of institutionalization.

[edgineered]

1. She sings quite clearly.

What she says cannot be any more truthful.