Religious Innocence

In some countries the legal presumption is innocent until proven guilty, in others you are guilty until proven innocent. An important difference of course - almost impossible to prove you didn't do something, much harder for a prosecution to prove that you did.

So what about religion, I hear you ask? Why doesn't civilised society demand the same approach to religion? Why isn't the burden of proof on the religious zealots to show that they are actually believing in something real? But no, the argument is turned around, and those of us who are atheists are left with the demand that we prove non-existence. What, you can't prove the non-existence of god? See, told you so, that proves he is real.

So take a deep breath. The rational position is that there is no god. The position that accords with everything that has ever been observed is that there is no god. You want to overturn the real world by demonstrating that your imaginary friend is real then go for it, do your best, take a shot. But don't give me any of that nonsense about how the lack of proof is actually a proof, that religion is about faith not reality. That kind of approach is as disastrous in everyday life as it is in politics.

I'm living in the real world. You want to join me? Come on over, you are welcome, but leave your imaginary friend at the door. Unless of course you have found his identity card. Don't want to join me? That's fine too. I just hope you never get charged with a crime in a country where you have to prove your innocence. But if you do, then good luck with that whole 'prayer' thing. And when you are convicted, good luck with that whole 'life after death' fairy tale.