Happy Woden’s (Odin’s) Day.    

Discussion:

In the United States, the Christian majority has done a good job of demonizing the word ‘atheist’.  It is not as bad as in some countries where being an atheist can get you killed, but the notion that atheists are somehow immoral and can’t be trusted is a well known Christian mischaracterization. Our lack of belief n any god is what supposedly does this as who would keep you in check without an all-powerful big brother?

Recently I started a Youtube channel The Rabyd Atheist.  I know that this brings with it certain risks, but I am glad to have a pulpit of sorts again.  I have never been good without a cause to advocate for and now I feel this channel is starting to fill that need. It, however, comes with pushback and I understood that going into it.

Embracing the identity ‘atheist’ has been a liberating and scary proposition.  I know the hatred some people have for atheists and it is not always calm and peaceful. But I plan on doing my part to make a stronger case that atheists are compassionate loving people.

Time to Look Through the Eye:

“To see the truth, change one eye for another”

Meditation:

I meditate often on this puzzle and how it has changed me and I have to say it is one of the struggles I have.  Not that choosing to come out as an atheist wasn’t the right and correct thing to do; but that there are consequences that have to be carefully weighed.

Mystery:

The only mystery of self-identity is now – who am I that I am no longer a preacher. It has dogged me since I left my last church, but I think it will involve being an educator of some kind and an advocate. This mystery is now about how that is specifically going to play out.

Spirituality:

Spiritually speaking, I am very conscious now of my lack of relationships and need many more. I also need a greater sense of confidence that comes with my new purpose.  I do now, however, feel that this is less of a problem now that I seem to have taken some first steps down the path.

Conclusion:

My identity is forming, it is not quite perfectly clear what it will be. But it isn’t as cloudy as it used to be. I am happy about that.

I remain,

The Rabyd Skald – Wandering Soul, Bard, and Philosopher. The Grey Wayfarer.

Skaal!!!