In a recent discussion I met someone who is recovering from an emotional trauma. As you would expect this person is very upset but moving on to a point in their life where they are finding some peace.
In a completely separate conversation I was discussing emotions, rational decisions and the human element with regard to making decisions and how emotions influence them. While there are theories ranging from David Hume to Max Scheler regarding emotions and their use, it is my observation that regardless of their usefulness we must acknowledge their persuasion on our lives.
If we understand, then we may begin to examine how to use them to our benefit or hold them in check when their purpose is detrimental to rational judgment or logical outcome.
Emotional terrorism
People lie every day. I believe all lies are contrived as deception in one way or another, most lies provide only minimal harm and most are engaged to spare feelings. Some lies are used to hide and some are intended to be malicious.
What does this have to do with anything?
As I have stated before I believe theology is nothing more than mankind’s first attempt at philosophy. It is obvious to some that it failed, but to others it holds great truths and guides their lives beyond reason. I believe theism is simply a lie that has been perpetuated over time because it serves a purpose. That being to provide comfort (sparing someone’s feelings) and used to control. I believe most humans have no grasp of atheism simply because they would never be able to physically handle the impact of the theory of chaos. The simple emotion of fear is too strong to overcome.
My point…
Your emotions are extremely powerful, especially ones concerning love and the heart. Regardless of your theological beliefs or lack thereof I strongly advocate close protection of said heart. When you find a heart that is willing to share with you and you with them, be even more vigilant in how you handle it because someone else has placed a very precious thing within your care.
Using your god as an excuse to destroy someone else is not only a cowardly act, but one that is most despicable in deed itself. Claiming that you are governed by your god and then blatantly engaging in acts that contradict your god’s laws not only makes you a hypocrite, but a morally bankrupt individual.
From the atheist point of view you and you alone are responsible for your decisions and the emotions that guide you. Guard your heart at all costs, but when you find the one with whom you can share it the benefits are bountiful. If you are hurt it is not the fault of a god, it is yours and the person with whom you trusted.
Beware the cliff; it is a long way down
I observe people in relationships where it is obvious to me that underlying tensions are present. I am often offended when I hear derogatory comments made by a person regarding someone whom they profess to love. I have a friend who would refer to his wife as “the old lady” when I questioned him about it he laughed and said, it’s just something people say, it is a term of endearment. I honestly fail to see how anyone could make such a comment about someone they care so deeply about that they would marry them. And by the way, this same person will go to church every Sunday and claim to be a Christian. That just makes me sad.
Your words as well as your actions impact all those around you. Obviously they impact emotions, both yours and other people. If you are in a relationship where someone is constantly “jabbing you in the ribs” or “kicking you in the shin” emotionally, it will not take much to push that relationship over the cliff. Keep your eyes open, burying your head in the sand or avoiding a discussion will only lead to a detrimental end.
In closing…
I take complete responsibility for all my actions. I take complete responsibility for control of my emotions and whom I share them with. If I am hurt by another individual I may ridicule them for not being civilized or not engaging in ethical behavior, but in the end it falls to me to recover, understand and learn from the experience. There is no god required to be a better person in the end.
4 comments:
Congratulations on a brilliant post! If there is still any missing points, I would believe that they would have something to do with "morality" which does not enter into too many discussions anymore. Arguing "right from wrong", or "good from bad" is pointless unless we could agree on a definition. I offer one on my site, namely, "No one should suffer pain, loss, or deprivation by any action or inaction by another human. There are no exceptions!" Unfortunately, most people employ elaborate smokescreens such as a belief in a God or in Christ to minimize their actual immorality. I invite you to try my "morality test".
Kudos!
I had a person tell me that, because I'm an atheist, that there's no possible way I could know it was wrong to molest a child... That made me lol, a LOT.
sunnyskeptic: As Amy Alkon said, the best way to deal with this type of ignorance is ridicule. I have faced similar situations many times and usually respond with a big smile and say, "Gee, I didn't know people could still be so ignorant!"
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