I have been really wrestling with my attitudes towards believers and last night I had some clarity on the issue. Perhaps this will help those who feel they have been hurt or those struggling with a friend or family members belief or religious practice.
When I belittle or make fun of people who believe in God I do it because it justifies my non-belief. As an Atheist/Agnostic I am choosing to not believe in God. I, instead, believe in science. The belief in science, although perhaps more tested, is still just a belief. And that belief is fervent - just as fervent as the most devout Christian or Hindu.
So, isn't my ridicule of their belief just a way to justify my own belief? Isn't it because I am not 100% sure that I am right? I can make myself and my belief system seem so much more important or thought out or reasoned if I make fun of theirs.
But, who REALLY knows? Who really knows if there is or isn't a God? No one. Not really - and so we just hold onto our beliefs and put down the other side. It seems no different then someone loving the Yankees but hating the Red Sox.
The bigger issue is that when we are making fun or putting down our friends, family, or community members we are separating ourselves. We are making them the "other" - the odd one - the bad people. Doesn't that make it worse for us? They are comfortable in their belief and we are the ones struggling.
So, what do you do with this when you are confronted with their idea to celebrate Jesus or give everything to God? I think you just let them and find a little curiosity in their belief system - or how it gives them strength, power, or comfort. Be interested. Learn more. Don't shut the door by thinking they are stupid.
When we close off our minds and hearts because people are radically different then us we are only hurting our own experience. Learning to have an open mind and heart will benefit us in the long run. Plus, if we can look deeply into what they believe with an open mind we can more fully feel comfortable with what we believe.
