Since our world and, in particular, our nation seems to be obsessed with religion, I’ve been asked many, many times to explain my position. My responses of N/A and None often generate annoyance and even, occasionally, rage. So I’ve come up with a new one. I’m an Apatheist.
Please, as usual, allow me to explain.
Sometimes I get classified as a Christian because I appear to follow the ten commandments and the general morality structure. First, I hold that this morality structure is far from exclusive to the Christians. They just think it is. Also, if you actually pay attention to the commandments, I only appear to follow a few. I ignore the majority, namely 1,2,3,4,7 and 10. I don’t put any other gods before “him” but I don’t put him ahead of anything either. I have drawn or viewed quite a few other images. I god damn swear all the time. I have not attended Sunday service in I don’t know how long. Depending on your definition of adultery I’m a sinner there many times over. And I covet the hell out of some of my neighbor’s wives/girlfriends. So, yeah, not exactly a Christian.
I’m often called an Atheist. Again, this doesn’t work. An Atheist firmly believes that “god” does not exist. The reason I don’t fit in here is because I do not hold such a belief. I, in fact, don’t care. He might, might not. Doesn’t make a bit of difference to me. I’m still gonna live my life like I do because its who I am.
I’m sometimes called an Agnostic. Most people don’t even know what this word means. The most literal definition is that the truth is unknowable. That’s why you can have agnostic atheists and agnostic theists, of which I’m neither, by the way. I have never put any serious thought into it, because I again, don’t care.
I’m not buddhist, hindu, muslim, shinto, jedi or any other religion this planet has cooked up. My accepted attitude toward religion is one of complete and total apathy. Here’s the reference.com definition:
ap·a·thy
[ap-uh-thee]
noun, plural -thies.
1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.
3. Also, ap·a·thei·a, ap·a·thi·a [ap-uh-thee-uh] Stoicism . freedom from emotion of any kind.
I have no interest or concern in the concept of religion on a personal level. I can discuss it, at length, on a philosophical level. But I am free from “emotion of any kind” when it comes to my personal “religion”. Hence apatheist. Hopefully this can stop any of those awkward conversations before they start. They are never fun.
Now someone may have already coined this phrase and used it in a similar setting. If so, its pure coincidence. I came up with this in the shower this morning. And I like it, so I’m using it.
Just so we’re clear. I have absolutely no interest or concern in the concept of religion on a personal level. I can discuss it, at length, from a philosophical point of view, sure. But I am free from “emotion of any kind” when it comes to a personal relationship with religion. Hence apatheist.
Now this may be a word someone else has coined. If so, its pure coincidence. I came up with it in the shower this morning and I’m rather proud of it. Hopefully it will stave off some of the uncomfortable conversations I’ve experienced in the past.