Faith

If you’ve read any of my previous posts, I would hope you’ve read into the fact I am a genuine human being. I care about people and I’ve had some things happen that have really opened my eyes and humbled me.

As a trainer, I get up every day and help people accomplish health and fitness goals. I learn about exercise so our clients can move safely, efficiently, and effectively. I learn about health and nutrition related issues so I can help our clients on their road to optimal health and performance.

My morals and values were shaped by my life experiences, my choices, my upbringing, my mistakes, and my peer group(s). I believe I am a well-intended person who brings a lot of joy into the lives of the people I love or the people who are around me often (like clients in the gym, many of whom I love).

Yesterday, a client gave me one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. He said that he enjoys working out when I am coaching.  He said he likes how I always smile and make it a point to greet everyone with excitement and enthusiasm. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want people to do something wrong and hurt themselves, so I will yell at you or stop whatever you’re doing to change an error, but I view the gym as my second home.

I wanted to demonstrate my character as a person because I occasionally have people approach me for personal advice and my opinion. From what I’ve heard, it’s because these people respect me and the things I’ve gone through. They know they’re going to get as honest of a response as I can give. I constantly work on being direct, because I have grown into disliking when people beat around the bush.

A recent incident frustrated me enough to finally write this post. If you’re reading this, thank you. I needed to get this off of my chest. I also want you to know I don’t intend on being disrespectful to you, so if it comes across that way let me know. This is also meant for some of my family members who I feel have a similar concern.

After offering my two cents to a particular question, I received this as part of the response (broken up into parts to focus on the thanks, appreciation, and respect):

“Okay sounds good. I appreciate it... Thanks again, for everything. Besides your lack of faith in God you are ok, haha. ;) … You are cool though for sure. I don't go to people for advice so obviously I respect you. That's kind of a big deal…”

Yes, I am atheist. And the statement underlined and bolded above offended me.

Why?

Because atheist has managed to become a “bad” word. Because atheist means that I am somehow a “bad” person. Because I feel like I have to hide my beliefs (or lack thereof) to make other people feel comfortable around me when that kind of discrimination doesn’t apply to any “believer.”

In my opinion, God is what people make up in their minds to find comfort in what they don’t know or don’t understand. God does not exist in reality, God exists in your head.

I don’t need that comfort. And I don’t appreciate it when people who do need that comfort think that I would somehow be “better” if I believed what they believed. I think it might be due to the fact they want to see me for what they are and not for what I am. So, if what I believe doesn’t match what they believe, they think I am missing something or, possibly, that I'm not as good as them.

Don’t over-analyze that last sentence. I am not trying to say you consciously think you’re better than me. It could just be the conditioning of your religious point-of-view. Just don’t assume I would be "better" with your faith. I’ve grown into what I believe to be someone many people look up to, trust, and respect.

Some of you will probably read this and look at me differently. Those of you who are genuine and non-judgmental will read this and still love me for me.

And I want to leave you with some food for thought. If a person told you God talked to them, you would likely think they were crazy or schizophrenic (yet the opposite isn't crazy?). Here’s a quote that stands out to me along those lines:

"When one person suffers from a delusion, it is called insanity. When many people suffer from a delusion, it is called religion."

And don’t worry; I will only laugh at your beliefs when you’re not around.

Jeromie