My Journey to Atheism

I grew up with moderately religious parents and grandparents. We went to church infrequently, but I still sought comfort in the hand of God. When I was about ten, I read the full bible cover to cover which reinforced the “existence” of a God in my mind. I did not put much further thought into the existence or absence of God until later and had access to the internet. The internet allowed me to learn virtually anything I wanted.

As I was doing research, I followed diversions that provided me with the details of life, the earth, and the universe. As my journey towards atheism began, I thought in all fairness, that I should learn the fundamentals of the major religions in order to give them a fair chance and so that I can better understand where religious advocates are coming from. I learned the primary fundaments of the major religions and then continued alternative research and learning. There are countless people who have guided me on my journey to atheism, but there are a few outstanding individuals who have been prime factors.

When I read the book “Atheist Universe,” by David Mills I was ready to declare myself an atheist but still sought further evidence and knowledge. I then came across the documentary “Journey of Man,” featuring Spencer Wells. That only reinforced my atheist foundation and encouraged me to research and learn more about the world of genetics and evolution. Next I discovered Craig Venter. Studying and following what he does and how he and his team understand the world of genetics and DNA demystified life for me. I now know what life is and it is not very romantic but is still amazing.  Further research led me to Richard Dawkins who is one of the best known spokesmen for atheism (I hope someone can take up the torch when he can no longer carry it). When it came to my understanding of the universe, Neil Degrasse Tyson provided me with further encouragement. One day I was reminiscing my university days and remembered hearing about Ayn Rand, but never had the time to delve into her philosophy. I had some time, did some research about her, and subsequently read “Atlas Shrugged.” That sent me on a journey from which I have never returned. The whole idea of rational objectivism was the keystone to becoming an atheist. The idea of “doing the right thing” for the sake of doing so as well as using logical, rational, objective reasoning has changed and simplified my life.

If you put the messages from the aforementioned people, and countless others together, it becomes clear that “believing” in God and having “faith” of his existence without bona fide evidence is irrational. The infinite and timeless cosmos, evolution, and other facets of life have been quite demystified through the proofs of science. It is far more plausible and rational to believe in evolution and the infinite universe than the existence of God.

I do not get much blow back or repercussions for being an atheist; however, I become frustrated when theists say I have to have faith, they feel the presence of God in their lives, and how he has changed their lives. My eyes glaze over when they talk about the officially unprovable unrepeatable miracles he performs and how everything he does is somehow justified.  If I treated people like God does, my children would be taken away, and I would be put in jail. His “workings” are often quite irrational and illogical. I have learned that “believing” and “having faith” is irrational and you can not argue with an irrational person

One big step in becoming an atheist is accepting the laws of life, the universe and nature. Science has the answers. I was born, have sentience, live, will die, and my conscience will cease to exist (kind of like an eternal anesthetic). It would be comforting to think I would be going to some other kind of existence where I might meet my loved ones, be reincarnated, or so on, but it is not so, and evidence of such can not be proven. Our final end is not pleasant to think of, but is part of life. I would love nothing more than to see my departed father and other loved ones when I die, but have accepted that it will not happen. Not much comfort, but the truth has to be accepted. As I tell my eight year old daughter: “it is what it is,” and “some days are better than others.”

Once I released myself from the entrapments, comforts, and romance of religion and God, my life truly became my own. I have to be responsible for my own life and face the consequences of my own actions. The life I will live is the life which I create (for the most part), and the life I am living is the life I have created.

I do the right thing for the sake of doing so and not for reward or fear of punishment. That is true morality.

When my daughter questions me about God or other facets of life, I have her logically, objectively, and rationally think about the topic and come to her own conclusion. I encourage her to learn about God as well as the workings of life and the cosmos. Logical reasoning has naturally directed her toward the path of atheism. It is amazing what they come up with when guided through the correct thought processes and are asked the right questions.

I am a confirmed atheist and can no longer imagine believing in some kind of god or religion. To think of believing in a deity is irrational and unfathomable in my mind and causes mental discomfort.

Unaffordable Housing

I have been following the housing market for a while and have seen pricing go from affordable and within reach to beyond reach for many  people. I understand that many create a situation which prohibits them from owning a house themselves, but for others who have average to slightly less than average incomes, it is difficult to afford a home. After reading "Free Market Revolution" by Yaron Brook and Don Watkins, I began looking at some of the factors that might prevent people from owning a dwelling of their own.
The cities annex land from the surrounding county and only open a small percentage of lots to purchasing by private individuals. The rest go to development and building companies. Architectural restrictions are enforced, permits are required, and finally inspectors enforce codes and regulations pertaining to the building.
This process excludes many individuals from purchasing a piece of land and building a house within their economic means.
If someone blatantly builds a structure that endangers others and is in contradiction of common sense, there should be some kind of intervention. Otherwise, let them build and help stimulate the economy.
I don't know of anyone who would spend the money to buy land and build a house only to have it burn or fall down. I have been to a developing country that is overpopulated and saw that people could never afford a home if the government intervened like they do here. Private individuals build structures from shanties to beautiful mansions, many without permits and inspections. In spite of the lack of government interference and regulation, there are few fires, collapses, electrocutions and other catastrophies. Most of what happens there is not scrutinized and restricted by the government like it is here.

The housing market is only one example of how the government and its organizations take away our freedom and impose restrictions that stifle an economy waiting to happen. If my government was the CEO of some company, or an employee, they would have been fired a long time ago. Would you keep them employed if you were the boss? Almost anyone I talk to would fire them. Let's start getting organized and ready to take our lives back one step at a time by spreading the word.

Happy tax (extortion) season.

I Don't Own My Own Land

I am born in Canada, just the same as any other person born in Canada at the same time. I went to school, paid for my higher education, went to work, earned a wage to pay for my possessions and an 75 year old house on land I am supposed to own. If I conduct any business to make money on "my" land, the government will force me to pay taxes on that money.
That is unless this law applies to you:

...That exemption applies to the income of an Indian that is earned on a reserve or that is considered to be earned on a reserve, as well as to goods bought on, or delivered to, a reserve....Employment income is exempt from income tax under paragraph 81(1)(a) of the Income Tax Act and section 87 of the Indian Act only if the income is situated on a reserve. If your employment income is exempt from tax, you do not have to include that income when you file your personal income tax return.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/brgnls/stts-eng.html

As a Canadian born citizen who supposedly has equal rights, it is hard not to be envious of those who have been born in Canada at the same time. This idea hits harder when I see people protest for lengthy periods of time (for more rights) while I am at work earning a wage to feed my family while being forced to pay taxes for the benefit of others. As an equal citizen, should I or others not have the same privileges.

I get up every morning, motivated by the desire to feed, clothe, and house myself and my family. My life is driven with purpose and that purpose is what gives me and many others a life of meaning. 

As Ayn Rand says: Depraved is the man without purpose.

Free Society?

If you think you live in a free society, try building a garage on your own fully paid for property within meets and bounds and within the general building guidelines or restrictions without a permit. They should be glad just to collect the ensuing taxes for the structures that are built. I understand that reason and common sense need to dictate and that we just can't put up dangerous structures or nasty eyesores. Things still have to look decent. If you wish to try a new building technique that is within your budget and still looks okay, it should be your perogative. Give people a little bit of freedom and you might be surprised at what comes up. People can be quite inventive. With a bit of freedom, people might build more and help stimulate the economy. I have some building ideas that might make housing more affordable and earth friendly, but to jump through all the hoops to have something approved is just too costly and not worth the hassle. Many people find this to be the case. Let's take back our individual freedom  and bring the world into the future.

Earth friendly homes

Properly done, strawbale homes offer an affordable, earth friendly way of building. I saw one close to where I live don with the small bales and the r-value is estimated to be about 60-70. I'd like to do one with the large square ones as the r-value is supposed to be 100 plus. I heard of one in our province. They said it was a bit difficult to get approved, but they have it completed. It can be done if you have enough money as did the people that built it. It is still difficult but getting easier. Earthbag building is good but not in the northern climes as it get rather cold and the r-value of non pumice earth bags is low. Our land in the Philippines has nice clay and rice straw is readily available. The clay might be difficult for earthbag building but adobe bricks are enticing. I can't wait to spend some time there to try. If I can find some local clay where I live, I might try a small structure in my back yard. All a guy needs is the time and the resources.