Having read a few more threads on here regarding atheism, I am now in the enviable place of not even being sure of my credentials as an atheist!
However just so that I can rest in peace regarding what I was trying to say in this thread, and having noted the opinions of more able atheists than myself, I still feel there is mileage in the concept of behaving like a sikh, embracing all sikh values, but not praying, nor looking like a sikh. Why? you might ask.
Well if I were to prioritise the benefits of being a sikh, and we could all do this with different priorities on different things, I think the number one would be to accept the will of god. I was unfortunate enough to have had a quad bypass, lying waiting to be wheeled into theatre, I knew mum and dad had been praying all night, I did not speak to god, I did not speak to him, because the sort of god that I wanted in my life was not the sort of god that would spare a life because he had been prayed too, so the acceptance of gods will, in my humble view, is defeated by praying and asking for your own , or indeed , others ends. What sort of god is willing to change the way of the world because he is being lauded?
Secondly, do his work, there is much of gods work to be done out there, until the day arrives when you do not see anyone in pain, or in hunger or being attacked, then there is work to be done.
Thirdly, Free yourself from the ego and pride that can waste so much time, I am fortunate enough to be thought of as a complete idiot. My customers and associates know me as a fool with no social skills.This suits me fine as I have no grace to fall from, I dress in shorts, odd socks, boots and a normally stained T shirt (uhmm have I taken the lack of pride too far). The only people I dress up for are my mum and dad
Fourthly, earn your money honestly and without cheating
I think that is it, there are no other facets of sikhism that I have any interest in, for some reason I believe it is vital that I DO NOT believe in god, maybe I feel that without the attraction of pleasing him, that makes me a better sikh, not a better sikh than any here, but a better sikh than I could be if I did believe.
We are all different, we all have our own ideoligy and view the holy scriptures in our own way, if we did not, there would not be so much debate here as there is. I am sure the time will come when god will deem I am ready to go to the next level, and as such when it happens that will be good, but is it wrong of me to attempt to hurry that process up, when the one thing I do believe is that I cannot and should not do anything that would change or question his will
