Confession. Its common definition outside of the law is an admission of sins or unrighteousness–often in order to gain absolution and forgiveness for breaking the laws or ideals of a deity. But since there is no deity, why should it ever apply to Atheists?
What is confession for atheists?
I’d like to re-brand confession for the secular audience. If it isn’t about sin and disappointing a god, then what is it and why should we adopt a seemingly religious word? I’d like to suggest the following definition:
Confession is an acknowledgment of something personal that perhaps needs improvement, is troubling or difficult, or opens one up to the inclusion of another person into the private parts of someone’s life. Confession may be an admission of wrongdoing, a kept secret, a story of emotional trial, or even a cry for help.
Do you know PostSecret? Then you get an idea of what secular confession is all about.
I grew up in a vibrant, passionate intentional community filled mostly with Catholics. The sacrament of confession is one of the most “holy” and beloved practices in that tradition. One of my closest friends attends a weekly confession with her priest. She meets with him in his office and talks to him about the struggles and frustrations in her life as she tries to become a better person full of love, mercy, and righteousness. I admire her for working so hard at improving who she is on the inside. If confiding in her religious authority brings her closer to what she truly feels is right, then good for her. She’s a gentle and loving friend, and I know she wants to be honest and real with me.
But why should a non-theist use a concept like confession if there is no sin or god to punish and shame us? One reason is because it works. When confession is used to better onesself and one’s community, it helps people open up to one another about the realities and struggles in their lives. Love and care is shared, and the community becomes stronger. The Christian system in particular is certainly a flawed system based on unrealistic expectations and needless guilt and fear, but when the “crime and punishment” aspect of confession is removed, it becomes more like therapy, honest intimacy, and consultation rather than an admission of wrongdoing. This portion of confession is what I desire in my own life.
Confession isn’t about feeling shame or fessing up because you have to. As an adult, no one is forcing you to admit anything. We still have free choice to tell one another about our secrets and our darker moments.
Why confess to another person?
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Cartoon © Oliver Widder
Newsflash, heathens: Skeptics/Freethinkers/Atheists are all over twitter! [Can you tell I have a hard time labeling the godless?]
How involved can you get with a website that asks “What are you doing?” Wait, don’t ask. Just smile, nod, and think of a good username.
Here are a few brief reasons you should be using twitter:
1) For the people. You are not alone–I promise! Twitter is a fabulous resource for you if you are: still in the closet, surrounded by religion, living far away from freethought communities or groups, or just those who want to have camaraderie. There is always conversation to be had and friends to make. You might even discover someone close to you. Networking is an obvious plus for anyone who wants to make connections with seculars.
2) For the brain. The links just keep on coming. From blogs to news, forums, research, and silliness–the godless tweeps will always keep you informed and entertained. Get a secular taste of what’s happening in the world, and keep your brain humming throughout the day. I have so many articles and blogs to read now that I can’t keep up with it all! Follow a few scientists and artists and enjoy how your knowledge and appreciation for the natural world expands.
3) For the lawls. My tweeps are wicked fabulous. Tossing around sarcastic banter, shirking propriety for a laugh, and having an all-around swell time will keep you healthier and happier. Just don’t forget to get off your flattening arse and take a walk.
Bonus! It’s better than any holy day service!
Jump on the godless train!
Here is a wiki of atheists on twitter to get you started. If you have an account, add your info to the list.
@zipzink has organized one of the largest lists of Atheists on twitter–complete with profiles!
There’s an atheist group on twibes.com with 200+ members and a huge list on wefollow.com.
Also check out the latest atheist activity on twitter.
And don’t forget to follow me and say hello!
Is there such a thing as a Christian Atheist? Robert Jensen, a non-believing attender of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Austin, Texas, claims to be exactly that. How can this be? Why did this non-theist join a Christian congregation and even later preach sermons and lead prayers?
[Jensen recently] returned from a trip to South Africa. Folks there, he said, put a high premium on ubuntu, the concept that people become fully human by living within a community and recognizing the humanity of others.
In his mind, that’s crucial in trying to address problems such as racism, imperialism, sexual exploitation, environmental destruction and economic injustice.
…”I joined a Christian church to be part of that hope for the future, to struggle to make religion a force that can help usher into existence a world in which we can imagine living in peace with each other and in sustainable relation to the non-human world,” Jensen writes. “Such a task requires a fearlessness and intelligence beyond what we have mustered to date, but it also requires a faith in our ability to achieve it.
“That’s why I am a Christian.”
No, sir, you’re a good-hearted humanist in sheep’s clothing.
Having hope, living in peace, recognizing humanity in those around us, and using community to achieve it does not rely upon religion nor upon Christianity. The church may be one avenue that’s currently open to spreading good to this world, but it certainly doesn’t need to be the only one. And it could do a lot better.
Bettering humanity is a task for each of us. I agree with that concept of ubuntu; humans are community-oriented creatures. As a Christian in my past, and now as a freethinking atheist, I heartily believe that we become the best of all possible beings when we’re in community with one another. Being together crafts us into better people who can change the world.
We can all do these amazing things; we just need to build more avenues that are open to more people (and–may I say–avenues that don’t rely on mystical ghosts and superstitions to light the way). What better way to serve the world than to have secular communities that neither rely on ancient myths or supernatural motivations to do good, nor have to fit into the limited model that is “church”. Sure, it would take creativity, time, and hard work, but perhaps we could create a community of communities that could better serve those around us and the world than what’s been done before.
We don’t need to try to fit into an old, dusty model that’s too stuffed with misdeeds and mystical nonsense. We can make something new!
Meghan on 
LeetheGirl on 
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