Atheist Confession III

• How do you know?
• Why is that?
• Can you provide evidence for that?

These are common questions atheists, agnostics and skeptics in general ask when one discusses topics that are "extraordinary" such as religion, God, philosophy, UFO's/aliens, other dimensions/multiverses etc.  These questions are not bad if asked sincerely.  It is important for us to ask questions.  God would not have given us the ability to inquire if He did not want us to ask.  Jesus Himself said to ask and seek. (Matthew 7:7)

As an atheist first learning about the saints, I questioned a lot.  I remember aggravating a Franciscan brother with questions surrounding St. Francis' stigmata and vision of a naked lady on the field.  My curiosity was there, but doubts joined it as well.  The look on the brother's face was a "kodak moment" when I suggested that maybe St. Francis acquired leprosy from lepers and the medieval Church mistook it for the stigmata.  Moreover, I even proposed that perhaps St. Francis was having visions on the field due to his lack of proper nutrition.  Starvation can cause hallucination and delirium.

In any event, my questions helped me learn more.  It allowed my mind to objectively absorb whatever I read and was told on the matter I asked about.  Catholics should not be afraid of questions, nor should they be afraid to ask questions.  They should verify what they believe and learn the reasoning behind it.  This can help enrich their faith and help them defend it when it is challenged.  In today's world where truth is being watered down to a mere cultural opinion; it is important for Catholics to be well educated and own Catholicism, not only spiritually, but intellectually.  Atheism and skepticism aided me in learning more about God and Catholicism.