I am.

• I am an atheist!
  It is with such great relief that I read “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins. Here is a man who is unapologetic of the person he is. Here is a man who is not afraid to speak as it is. It is refreshing to read him. I feel almost giddy with excitement.
  
  As I read his book I realize that I have been hiding my true self as one of those who say “I am an atheist but…” as Dawkins puts it. I have been one of those who claimed that religion is a necessary evil if not only to keep the masses at peace or in control and avoid chaos. Hell! In fact, it has done only the opposite. Most wars are waged in the name of religion; most killings are made in the name of a god or gods. And so… I have been a coward most of my life.
  
  And the extent of my cowardice came as such a surprise to me when I uttered the words “I’m sorry but I don’t believe in god” to my 7-year-old niece who innocently asked me as recently as a few days ago whether I believed in god. When, in fact, I am not sorry at all and should not be made to feel sorry or ashamed of it. I was part of those minorities that like the homosexuals were and still are afraid to come out of the closet. Well… here I come out to you, my family and friends.
  
  I do not know much and do not even pretend to know much. But as certain as the strength of my bones and the touch of my skin and the beauty of the evolution of the universe, the world and its beings I know that a person can be an atheist and be good and caring and loving and fulfilled.
  
  I now declare that I am an atheist and there are no “buts” to it.
  
  P.S.: I also highly recommend his book “The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution”.
  P.P.S.: Isn’t it astonishing that a 7-year old would already be aware of the controversies surrounding religion and religious beliefs?!
  
  Cheers, Shobha.

 

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