Religion, literally considered the service or worship of God or the supernatural, more descriptively is the practices involved in the beliefs, values and following of a sect or group of people that hold the same beliefs and values.

Now, as some who know me personally may be aware, I am an atheist.

I was raised in a relatively normal Christian family with faith predominantly brought on by my grandmother. I denounced said faith in recent years and decided that I personally didn’t really fit into the belief system of organized religion.

While the transition from religious affiliation to lack there of was one of legitimate confusion and anger, I have since adopted a way of thinking that is much more accepting and understanding of other’s faiths. I feel this is an integral part of anyone’s life journey, to discover which realm of religious or non-religious affiliation one fits best within.

This may come off as relatively simple, I would however be remiss if I wouldn’t acknowledge the simple fact that many aren’t accepting of the worldviews of others. It’s a basic truth, and a sad one at that.

My personal view hold that while nobody has to embrace and involve themselves into any religious affiliation, it would seem only fair that so long as no harm is coming to anyone, those affiliations should be respected as that individuals values that best line up with their lifestyle.

This is how I perceive religion as a whole and specifically my own non-religious viewpoints.

My own take is that while I don’t personally accept any one religious virtue or way of thinking, acceptance is a key part of living a content and peaceful life.

I don’t hate or even hold anyone in any less regard due to their religious beliefs, and I would hope that those involved in my own life and those with any religious views won’t be subjected to unneeded discrimination, this may be in vain however as to put it simply, you can’t please everyone.

I merely hope that people may see religion, a heavily leaned upon way of life for so many, as nothing but that person’s most beneficial and enjoyable way of living. Regardless of your opinion on whether religion is “true” or not, nobody deserves to have their peaceful way of life disrupted because put simplistically again, the business of others is not your own.

Returning to my statement regarding my own specific affiliation with religion, atheism, this isn’t to say I am an anti-theist. I simply do not accept absolutes encompassed in religion. I believe the world is far too complex to be attributed to a divine interventionist.

I hope to better detail my own specific thoughts and feelings on the world from my own “religious” standpoint in a later entry here but, for the time being, seek to understand the ways of life of others, don’t accept conforming views of the majority if they don’t line up with your lifestyle and most importantly and probably most obscurely, don’t allow the beliefs and opinions of others negatively impact your happiness.