I live on my own in an apartment.
One of my work colleagues just bought his own place over the summer. He’s also a single guy. He knows I’m an atheist.
He threw out a random question last week:
“Hemant, if you don’t believe in God, do you ever get lonely?”
It took me by surprise. I had to think about it for a second.
I told him I didn’t. I tend to surround myself with things that I enjoy… friends, non-profit work, babies, this site, etc. I don’t feel like I have much down time, but for me, that’s a good thing.
But not everyone has those same interests or opportunities.
If people do get lonely, though, I can understand why they might turn to God. They want someone to talk to, someone who might “listen” back.
I wonder if there are atheists out there who ever feel lonely. What do you do to fill that void?