You Gotta Believe in Something

I was struck by this reader e-mail on Daily Dish concerning the fact the burden of proof is on theists to show that God exists.

It ends with...

"I simply point out that living your life is a specific, positive claim, and thus everyone has to bear the burden of proof equally."

Okay. I'm an atheist and I'm alive. If you want positive proof that I'm alive then I'll give you my address and we can visit in person. I suppose "human secularism" is a good way to describe what I believe. And I would define it as basing decisions on empirical evidence with an eye towards improving the human condition. As opposed to basing decision on God's will with an eye towards pleasing Him. Feel free to poke holes in my belief system. Most importantly if you do find problems with my secular beliefs, I'm willing to change my mind when presented with credible data.

As for the source of meaning in my life, it's my interactions with the natural world and other human beings. Nevermind the fact that the reader is presupposing that life and the universe have meaning. I don't think there is an objective meaning. It just is what it is. I do think there is subjective meaning. And it baffles me why this isn't good enough for some people. Is it a sunset not as beautiful if it's simply the earth turning away from the sun? Is a marriage only meaningful if it's been okayed by some higher authority?

Our brains are meaning machines. We see meaning and purpose in everything because it helps us survive. So naturally, we might see intent that isn't really there. We anthropomorphize the natural world and decide there must be a god of the harvest (Demeter). Or a god of fire (Agni). Or a god of thunder (Thor). Or if it's hard keeping track of all these gods, let's just have one big God for everything. We look at clouds and stars and our minds turn them into people and animals. We are the source of meaning. The stars didn't align themselves to look like crabs and horses for our benefit. It just is how it is. And I can find beauty in that. I don't want to automatically kill myself. I like the universe. I like living in it. And I don't see a point in inventing supernatural reasons why my existence is important and meaningful. It's meaningful to me. That's good enough.

(one orb disappearing behind the horizon of another)