As many of you may already know, I am an Atheist. This doesn’t mean I dislike people who are religious, the same as I don’t dislike Conservatives (Republicans), just disagree with some of their opinions. I have many friends and family members who believe in religion and although I think it’s harmful to society, I would never disrespect them for coming to a different conclusion than I have come to on my own. But, seeing as I am a passionate person, I like to share what I believe with others, urge them to think differently and open their minds. I encourage myself to do the same, which just so happens to be the reason I have come to this conclusion.

A friend of mine, Anastasia, wrote something the other day that I found to be pretty great. I asked her if I could share it here and would like to know what some of you think, as well as express my support for everything that was said. I have shared it exactly as it was written below:

“I’ll tell you what else is on my mind. I recently watched the episode of “Louie” where, as a child, he attends a Catholic school and the teacher brings in a doctor to explain, from a medical stand point, the process of Jesus’ crucifixion. It’s brutal and horrific, and the best piece of mind-fuckery out there. How in the world does the idea that one man being physically tortured cancels out the “sins” of the world? (more on “sins” later. okay right now- not raping people is not one of the ten commandments. not using the lord’s name in vain is. uhm. what.?) Really think about that. More importantly, think about how many people have been physically/mentally/emotionally tortured (in the “lords” name, mind you) in a million different vicious ways since then. In Africa and the Middle East women’s genitalia are mutilated, their clitoris removed. Think about wars before and after the invention of semi-automatic weapons. Think about the gay men and women essentially mauled to death, beaten, sodomized, dragged by their feet from a car. Does this thought make sense? It just doesn’t add up to me. Absolutely fantastic way to control people through guilt. Powerful as a tool to instill mind-numbing fear. But completely devoid of any logic. Those of you who were brought up without any religious implications are so effing lucky. I guess it’s nice that I’ve had the opportunity to become aware of the brain-washing and think my way out of it, but man. I really REALLY believed this stuff you guys. And was afraid to not, afraid bad things would happen. UGH. If this offends you- COME AT ME BRO. Every time someone says that homosexuality is a sin because Leviticus something something NONSENSE says it is, I get offended.”

I know that many people are getting tired of the political and religious posts that are on Twitter, FaceBook, etc; But personally, I think it’s great that our generation is becoming so involved and choosing to think for ourselves as opposed to just take what was told to us, as truth. Granted, there are definitely many people who still do this, it’s great to know that thanks to the advancement in social media, our generation is able to meet people who share the same views, values, morals, etc. and are open to discussing how they could be right and/or wrong.

Thank you Anastasia for allowing me to share your message and I hope others can see the humanity in your words as opposed to the “religious attack” you made “against” them.

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