Another friend replied: “It is, of course, if we are not already there”, referring to a common thought among many, that there is no Heaven or Hell in itself, but that both can be experienced here and now.

Life itself can be heaven or hell, some marry.

This retort between friends quickly turned into a sad series of exchanges where one discovered that another did not share the same beliefs, and both became defensive.

In short, Friend A was horrified, shocked and a little contemptuous that Friend B doesn’t share a common faith – read: is not a Christian – and he made no secret of his feelings about it.

I understand the role of evangelism in religion. And I know that often the invitation to “accept Jesus into your heart” comes from a place of love.

I also understand that not everyone believes this way. Not only do Christians themselves disagree on these issues, but non-Christians, followers of another religious tradition, and those who espouse no belief shun the idea that if a loving God exists, that God does not. would never condemn God’s creation to complete annihilation.

So, no surprise, we don’t agree on the stories and mysteries, and that’s OK.

Not only is it OK, but I believe that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.

And I don’t know how anyone could disagree with that.

If you believe in God, then you also believe that it is God who created diversity, who welcomes it, loves it, even demands it, and is certainly not threatened or intimidated by it.

If you don’t believe in God, then you accept diversity as the necessary by-product of the ongoing processes that create and sustain life on our planet.

Both theists and atheists have studied snowflakes, fingerprints, and faces, with their extremely recognizable similarities and distinct and distinctive differences.

A theist is someone who believes in the existence of God, a god or gods.

An atheist is someone who doesn’t.

An agnostic is someone who believes that nothing is known or can be known about the existence or nature of God.

This means, of course, that technically we are all agnostics, because we do not and cannot know anything about God.

Religious practitioners and practitioners of all faiths believe in God, a god, or gods, but they do not know it.

And there is a difference. Belief is not knowledge. Faith and facts are not the same.

Of course, that doesn’t mean they have to disagree. It also doesn’t suggest that they don’t.

True agnostics, however, claim neither faith nor unbelief in God.

They just profess that such things are unknowable, and they often stick to things that can be known.

Theists are often more comfortable with agnostics than atheists, I think, in part because saying “I don’t know” is somehow a less offensive and more open stance than saying “I don’t believe. not “.

But, my friends, atheists do exist.

If this makes you uncomfortable, consider two things:

First, imagine that all the Bibles and all other sacred texts of the religions of the world have been destroyed in one way or another at the same time.

Now imagine that simultaneously all science textbooks around the world are also destroyed.

In a thousand years, new religious texts would appear, and they would all be very, very different both from the religious texts of history and from each other.

Likewise, over time, new science books would appear, and they would all be exactly the same, because all the same tests would give the same results.

Which means, of course, that the scientific method of experimentation and verification would not have changed, but the religious experience would have changed a lot.

It is a fact that leads many to focus on the facts of science rather than the mystery of religion.

Second, atheists ask if people of faith can prove the existence of God, which of course no one can, which leads the atheist to disbelief.

In truth, let’s say that throughout history there have been about 3,000 gods available to worship. Christians believe in one, but reject 2,999 others.

Atheists simply believe in one less God than Christians.

Although there are theists and atheists who appear militant in their belief or disbelief respectively, and who are combative and humiliating towards those who disagree, I believe that many, if not most people nuns and non-believers are good, kind, caring and compassionate human beings whose worldview is simply different from that of others.

For religious people, God, a god or gods across the spectrum of sacred texts and traditions encourage human beings to love others, not only if they believe as you do, but even – and most importantly – if they do not. do not. Welcoming the stranger is a key concept, for example, in Christianity, yet so many Christians reject non-believers.

For atheists, morality is just as important, and while atheists and theists share moral values ​​related to protecting vulnerable people, atheists are more inclined to judge the morality of actions based on their consequences.

It is essential to focus on the facts rather than relying on faith, but many atheists criticize people of faith for what they believe rather than for the character of their life as demonstrated by their actions.

Theists and atheists have their work cut out for them.

And, to begin with, the two must learn to talk to each other.

By treating each other as if they were a loved human being capable of doing great things and leading a virtuous life.

Because, theists and atheists, that is precisely what they are.

Dr. Jonathan Eric Carroll, KLPC, NCPC, NCCE, is a state-licensed mental health professional, ACPE psychotherapist, and the founder of The Clinic @ The Montgomery, a parenting therapy, coordination center, Custody Assessment and Business Consultation in downtown Owensboro. Dr. Carroll is also a bereavement therapist for 10 funeral homes in the area. Visit www.themontgomeryclinic.com.