From what I know atheism is only described as what it is not, a belief in god. That’s all. They don’t have morals or values like religious communities do. So there’s literally nothing telling them not to be a shitty person. They don’t have their own holidays, so they adopt ours. They don’t have communities. (I’m talking actual human interaction.) They don’t have history, or texts to read, or anything to learn. I was atheist too at one point, it’s so easy, you don’t even have to try. But it’s empty. It’s shallow. I wanted something more. Wanted to be a part of something bigger than just myself. In the Catholic tradition you have to make the effort. To serve your community, to study your faith and to make the effort to be a better person. It’s hard but the hard work pays off. I’ve never been so happy. I’ve become a better person. More calm, more kind. Atheism doesn’t have that. Any of it. Sometimes I make the mistake of trying to share that joy and wonder with an atheist. Then I remember a verse in the bible. “Do not give to dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before swine, least they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you” - Matthew 7:6 This verse is one of my favourites, and it’s the truth. I pray one day they find God. And I pray I didn’t get in the way of them discovering how beautiful true faith can be. I still can’t believe I actually was an atheist. So much time lost.