Have you heard it said that there are no atheists in foxholes? The same argument could be applied to AA meetings. Atheism is a luxury of those who can pretend they are self-sufficient. It doesn’t work for those who know they are at risk, in peril, and need help. But don’t these conditions apply to everyone? Yet not everyone is aware that they cannot make it on their own. I know the proud afar off, but I identify with the humble, and meek, and lowly of heart. Is it a mystery to you how the poor in spirit are blessed, and theirs is the Kingdom of God (now)?

How do you see yourself? In the fullness of the essence of your humanity or as the sum of your attachments? How do you see others? You can see them either way, and they can make the first way more difficult if they see themselves the second way and carefully craft an image to present themselves the second way. But the first way still exists for all people. Strive to see yourself the first way. This puts you in a position to see others that way even if they are alienated from themselves and do not see themselves that way.

How would you expect atheists to behave? Would you expect them to live dissolute lives with no positive character traits? Do you actually find that atheists normally lead lives that are morally equal to or better than the general population, and even believers? What would account for this? Does it seem that they have stolen a chapter from a sacred text that does not belong to them? You can live on the residue of a Christian heritage without acknowledging the source of it. Blessed are those who do and teach all that I commanded. Blessed are those who know their source of life.

Have you ever won an argument? How do you define this? If your opponent ceases to oppose you? What if they turn their back on you and walk away in an icy silence? In that case, what have you really won? Certainly you have not won your brother, and which is more important? Argument implies an element of strife, discord, and confrontation. You may prevail by facts and logic, or at least decibels, but a gentler approach at persuasion is necessary if you want to win your brother’s heart. Have you ever changed your mind based on the argument of an enemy? What about the entreaty of a friend?