In order to try and make my everyday life as tolerable as possible, I have tried to mask those traits that others may find odd. It's been like walking round in a diving suit or a suit of armour, or at least a mask. Finally, well on the approach to old age, I'm actively trying to break out of that way of living. Part of my armour has been to respect what others think and believe, even if I didn't agree with it. In fact I would try and find reasons to justify why the person thought as they did.
My late friend Nina, my nephew and his mother all have very strong religious convictions. The subject of religion usually didn't come up in ordinary conversation. They'd never bleat on about it. They'd never preach superiority and inferiority. They didn't need to persuade others about how right they are. They didn't broadcast righteousness. The way they live their lives speaks for itself. They are three of the best people I have ever known.
I do not, and could never share their beliefs. I want the facts that religion is unable to provide. I have very strong atheist views, but of course it is possible that I am wrong and they are right. However I cannot believe in something which is invisible and cannot be demonstrated. And as a human being I cannot believe in something so hateful as religion.
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