Rants and Chants

A friend recently asked how I, as an atheist, could celebrate Thanksgiving without being a hypocrite.

It is true that I do not say a prayer to a theoretical God at Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean that the day is just about eating a gluttonous meal for me. I am very thankful for an uncountable long list of people, places, things, events, and other good fortunes (both given by others, accomplished by myself and my family, and the result of random chance) in my life. Rather than thank God, however, I thank the people in my life directly and, for the things, events, and other good fortunes, state my thanks for them publicly before celebrating.

For example, this year, I am thankful to my family for their traveling for many, many hours to spend the holiday with my wife, my son, and myself. Moreover, I am thankful that they also made the trip here when my son was born.

I am thankful to the doctor and nurses that my son arrived safe and healthy. I am also thankful that he is proving to be an adorable, sweet baby.

I am thankful to my closest co-worker for all the work she did while I was out on six weeks leave after my son was born.

Even the very fact that I can enjoy a large feast at Thanksgiving is something for which I am grateful. I am thankful to myself and my family for all that we have done to make sure we can earn enough to afford such a feast. I am thankful to my employer for hiring me and paying me so well. I am thankful to my family for their contributions in preparing the meal. And I am grateful that I am part of this family, this prosperous place and time, and have not suffered any ill-fortune to deprive me of it. I can be grateful, even without religion, because I know that I have so much and, sadly, know that many others do not. For all that I have, I am also humbled by both the fact that others are not so fortunate and the knowledge that my fortunes could quickly change.

If others feel the need to express their thanks to their God, that is fine for them. However, my lack of faith in no way diminishes my gratitude both to those around me and for all that I have in this world.