Before I go any further into the notion that spiritual traditions, a.k.a. religions, might offer a way out of our health insurance mess, I have to address the assertion that there are no atheists in foxholes. In other words, that when faced with death, we all get religion. I do not think that is necessarily true. I do think, though, that when faced with death, we can be moved to be far better humans than we may have thought possible.
Atheism is trendy at the moment. The new books table at Cody’s, an independent bookstore near my home, has several books on atheism prominently displayed. But I do not think that being an atheist exempts anyone from being a good person. In fact, the people who write these books are moved partially by revulsion for the things that have been done in the name of religion. That is basic human goodness talking.
I will give you an example, the best one I have personally encountered, of how human goodness is intrinsic. It is the story of my one encounter with Noam Chomsky. I had the opportunity to meet him once, in a small group of about 20 people at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, discussing the role of religion in public life. Because the group was so small, Chomsky insisted we sit in a circle rather than address him at the podium. The GTU folks were generally of the opinion that religion was necessary in order for people to have any standards by which to be good people. (I’m simplifying here, for the sake of brevity, but that was the gist.) Chomsky, as a good red-diaper baby, was having none of this. I was just a librarian at the GTU, but the forum was open, so I asked him, if religion is not what makes people good, kind, caring, what is? He replied (paraphrasing here) that we are good people like we have arms and legs. It’s inherent. We can rely on that. When I heard this, I had been a Buddhist for 15 years or so, and this is the teaching of basic human goodness, or primordial purity. I rocked back in my chair and just listened for the rest of the discussion.
Later, when I learned a little about his linguistics, I realized that his politics, in the case I just described, were actually of a piece with his science. As I understood it, and I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong, the new thing he brought to the linguistics table was that language is an inherent capacity of humans. Just as the capacity to feel the suffering of others, and to care for them as one would care for oneself, is inherent.
I found him to be somewhat austere in an intellectual way, quite demanding in terms of the care people should give to working things out in their minds, but also genuinely humble and principled. I also found him to be a model of bravery in the Buddhist sense. That kind of atheist would do fine in a foxhole.
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June 19, 2008 at 8:23 am
coffeestainednews
I don’t believe as you say, ‘Atheism is trendy at the moment’.
I feel those are the words which mainstream objectors use & describe whatever subject, cause, belief, lifestyle — that is now in the forefront, not allowing their voices to be silenced.
Black as of a people, was referred to as Trendy when African Americans stated, no more of this bullshit. It became ‘trendy’ too be black…lol (and sad).
LGBT the more acceptance/tolerance that was granted were told, “It’s trendy to be gay now.” No it just happens to be who they are including me.
And, now that the holier than thou Christian Faith Religion/Movement is being questioned and rethought — and
Atheists are no longer hiding in closets, so to speak — there is an acceptance, due to the vast amt. of atheists that we have all over this world.
So those who have broken free from their chains of living silently — well, it’s trendy and it’s a phase. I don’t think so we are here to stay.
Atheism is the reason for that man made fictitious Bible.
I grew up atheist turned christian had a street ministry not the kind where you stood on corners hurling the bible and screaming obscenities like you’re going to hell or god hates ya. I fed clothed sheltered etc.
I have found that Atheists have kinder hearts are more gentle and loving people. In church I found monsters and demons.
I loved this post I like your blog.
June 19, 2008 at 9:18 am
noracameron
Glad you liked it.
I think that kind-heartedness, gentleness, and love are available in everybody. As is the capacity for monstrosity of various sorts. If we saw that clearly we would be more likely to be kind and less likely to blame people for the things that happen to them.
I’m sorry my use of the word, “trendy,” offended. Just because something is enjoying a moment of fashionability does not mean that it is not real or important.