Repetitive, Ain't It?

Like many internet Atheists, I do enjoy debating online. I spread what I know to be true while others attempt to convince me of what they know to be true. It's truly the fastest way I know of to learn anything, and the easiest way to point out exactly what you don't know about your own truths. However, more often than not, there is a shadowy element to each debate, an element of misinformation. And every time I try to correct this misinformation, I get the following question.

"Don't Atheists also follow a dogma?"

You'd be surprised just how often that comes up. And, of course, I need to replay to it with what dogma is and why Atheists don't have one.

Dogma is a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true. Atheists don't have any kind of authority, or principles, and they see nothing at all as being incontrovertibly true. Another definition for Dogma replaces principles with beliefs and doctrine (set of beliefs) which is held by a religion.

As I have already stated many times in this blog, and I'm sure it's getting a little old for everyone, including myself, Atheism is simply a lack of belief in deities. There are no beliefs, no principles, no doctrines, and no dogmas associated with it. Some Atheists have beliefs, doctrines, and dogmas, and I'm positive most of them have principles, but none of those have anything to do with Atheism.

I am getting rather tired of repeating myself in this fashion, but it seems I have little choice. Every misconception about Atheism seems to stem from the misinformation that Atheism is a belief, generally, the belief that no gods exist, and specifically, the belief that God doesn't exist. Every debate I have on the topic of religion boils down to this, and it does get rather tiresome. However, I will continue to spread the truth as I know it as needed.

I'm sure the rest of you will do the same.

Ritual Posting

Today is the third anniversary of this blog. It is now three years old. Like anything else that's turning three years old today, it has less to do with supporters and more to do with a kind of stubbornness to survive. At the time of this writing, it has a grand total of two followers. But, I suppose it's better than nothing, especially if they are actually reading these entries.

In celebration of this blog's birthday, I've decided to pose a question of my own, to myself, so that I may answer it. I know, what else is new or unusual? However, this time is slightly different. This question is one that I have never heard before, but I think should be asked constantly.

"Why do Atheists celebrate birthdays?"

It amazes me how many people don't question this practice. Birthday celebrations are originally a pagan ritual. It was believed that evil spirits were especially attracted to someone on the day of their birth, so friends and family would gather around that individual and would bring good thoughts and wishes, as opposed to cake and presents. At least, that's one of the more popular origins of Birthdays. No one is entirely sure where they originated.

Still, it is a spiritual ritual, all the same, and a superstition surrounds this ritual on all sides. So why do we celebrate them?

Getting past the fact that some probably don't, there is nothing wrong with celebrating a Birthday. Atheists typically celebrate their Birthdays in the fashion their parents did, passing it on like a tradition. Some eat cake, some break piñatas, almost all of them give and receive presents. Some of them even go through the superstitious portions of the ritual, like making a wish.

The bottom line is, we celebrate out of habit. That's how all holidays go for us. We enjoy the celebrating and see no reason our lack of belief should get in the way of having fun.

So, Happy Birthday, Land of Disillusionment. May there be many more, and hopefully some more guests at the next party.