Welcome To The Incureable Atheist
When I was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy in my 20’s, I was alone. Only 14 in 100,000 people live with this condition. Imagine a stadium crowd. Imagine 14 people stood up and waved. You wouldn’t see them. Even worse, I wouldn’t see them. Nothing in my life isolated me more than chronic illness.
Thanks to the internet, I don’t have to stay alone. I found peers who understand what I’m going through. We connect through social media, email lists and on forums. When I read their posts, I feel connected and supported. Except for one problem. Every day I read signatures like these:
“I thank God for the storms of life. They blow me right into my Father’s lap.”
“God never gives you more than you can handle with His help.”
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13”
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17”
“No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.”
The underlying message is clear, “To be part of our group, you have to view your chronic illness through a religious lens.” This isolates me all over again. I’m an atheist. I view chronic illness through a secular lens. Religiosity is the default mode, and I don’t feel comfortable expressing a different opinion. I don’t want to get into theological arguments with people seeking support for chronic illness. If church, prayer, and Bible study helps them feel better, I’m not about to take away their peace.
At the same time, I need to talk about chronic illness from a secular perspective. I want the freedom to say what I mean instead of censoring myself. Maybe you’re like me—reading blogs about dealing with chronic illness and skimming past the religion. Maybe you wish there was a place where skeptics and rationalists could cope with chronic illness together.
Welcome to The Incurable Atheist.
