I’m writing this post with all the modern aides of the internet turned off. I’m hoping this allows me to represent myself more honestly than with the use of a thesaurus, dictionary and the wealth of finger tip information afforded through cyberspace. I’ve continued reading, however, online and off, and have found many similar views to mine. I sometimes chuckle and think, “well…we’re just waiting on that cease and desist letter”. For the most part, everything I’ve posted is referenced and the rest, is just common knowledge. They say if everyone were to think logically about a subject, theoretically, you would come to the same conclusions.

Which brings me to “atheism” a year and some after beginning Spiralvent.ca (my very publicly-facing-blog). I’ve always known that “atheism” would influence some version of online expression and, as of yet, I’m determining what the specifics are. I’ve felt a need for some unique take or idea. Some have offered mild opinions on what’s been written and posted on Facebook, but nothing that would have me think I’ve made some error in judgement that I have yet to discover. Although, one may say, it’s not about error as much as it’s bending to pressures and allegiances. Spiralvent.ca was born partially of requests to segregate my comments on “atheism” on my personal page to some other, less visible, forum (ironically, it turned out to be a publicly facing website).

I’ll here, make one thing absolutely known. If it wasn’t “atheism”, it would have been something else. I don’t make sacrifices for “atheism” or for anything that requires a sacrifice through its innate programming. Funny enough, it reminds me of the persistent idea that “atheism” is a religion. If it is, then what other intellectual pursuits can be declared religions? Is there a need to say more? Some would continue this route, as I’m sure they would have some imaginary line that cannot be crossed in their own logic. They would continue that, “atheism” is a theological stance. But the saying goes, there are thousands of gods one does not believe in, how can the one you do believe in, be considered the same, or be so intertwined, as to be indistinguishable? (boy, I really mangled that one [*chuckles*]).

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve also been literarily introduced to the “nones”. A growing segment with all manner of opinion on politics and religion. They include atheists. On the other hand, “atheism” is not as popular as circling “no affiliation” on the census. There are those that are simply content with having religion fade from discourse rather than debate the details of why; why this is happening or why this should happen. This is, what I think is, a combination of feelings that bend to sensitivities surrounding multiculturalism, politeness and even fear. As Asra Nomani has said in an interview with Gad Saad, these are conversations that happen in the home and frowned upon when public. I’m sure there’s wiggle room, but it cannot be discussed as a private citizen in a publicly facing forum.

Let’s discuss website hits. After a year, there are no more followers than there were in 2016 the last time I checked Spiralvent.ca analytics. No more comments or engagements. I can hardly boast about seven, plus two unknown followers on the Facebook page. The point? I’m not disappointed, but I’m sure my blog is not some wildly influential or intrusive online debate on “atheism”. There’s been a couple news stories that have talked about religious sensitivities that have made me at least wonder. At the end of the day, this (Spiralvent.ca) cannot equate to the barrage of information that’s out there concerning religion or atheism. What does this all mean? Well, simply put, no one cares. If it wasn’t “atheism”, it would have been something else that no one is following.

While I finish, let’s hope none of you see this as some plea for followers. It’s just a realization that, for as much as the subject is hot, there are far greater men that have far greater things to say on the matter.

I should really learn marketing.

Khalid.