Before both sides tee up to take a swing at this article let's, set some ground rules. This article is not opposing individuals being religious, it is not pro atheism, and it is not proposing one is better than the other. This article is critical of our limitations due to language, religions, and our limited ability to be tolerant as a species. To help those out that are winding up for their swings I would consider myself a reluctant atheist if that helps. So if you can, please try to limit your observations and opinions to what this article is actually critical of.

First off let's look at some definitions: Atheism = The disbelief in a deity. The word Prophet is a little more difficult so we will list a few of the most common definitions. Prophet = a) One gifted with more than ordinary spiritual and moral insight, b) an effective or leading spokesman for a cause, doctrine, or group, c) one who foretells future events. So by the definitions given in the Webster Dictionary there is no reason that some may say an atheist can be a prophet. Now it comes down to as to which definitions we each interpret of these two words ("Atheist" and "Prophet") as to if we would answer yes to the question asked in the title of this article. It is our limited ability to communicate and interpret in language for our inability to understand one another. OK, for those that were all wound up for the swing and had to take this pitch as there was nothing to swing at, do not get discouraged, I am sure I can serve one up for you.

Now if we cannot interpret simple words the same, could this be a reason for our intolerance as we assume everyone thinks (or should think) the way we do and we become frustrated when it appears they cannot see our point of view? To this I would answer a big "Yes". I would also say that the most intolerance comes from religions. (Told you I would serve one up.) I must remind you that I did not just say that religious people are intolerant so do not swing and miss.

I firmly believe that religious believers and atheists alike may have great attributes and if they have chosen to live a life that serves the greater good, both deserve our respect. Both camps find it easy to ridicule the other without acknowledging they may both live the same way, just for different reasons. Which is best? Does it really matter? The real problem is when religions begin to protect what they have built and become intolerant of others. In the US the religious right begins to think their belief system is better than any other and then try to impose it's will in order to protect it's system. (Not the deity it should be serving.) This has nothing to do with their diety but protecting their organization. So being religious should be separated from religion.

Remember a definition of religious is: Scrupulously and conscientously faithful. It does not need to be related to a deity. Ah, again we see everyone could interpret faithful differently. I tell my wife each day that I love her, so I do this religiously. Once again, if you are reading this from the standpoint of your religion and not as a individual you are probably winding up again. To help you with this swing I will state clearly that religions are only a problem once they become organized. Organized religions are no different from a state or country except they usually do not have a specific geographic location. They still have everything else they feel they must protect as any state or country, and that is the problem.

The point of this article is to get everyone to think. Even though you may have a faith you can also be an individual. Even though you may not have a belief in a deity, you can be religious in your actions. I do in some way envy people that do have a faith in a higher power that can help set their moral compass. I for one, need a little more proof before I could make this step and must rely on my own morals and scruples to live a life that serves the common good. (As I stated I am a reluctant atheist.)

Now to answer the question, "Can an Atheist be Prophet?", the answer is yes depending on your point of view. This is the problem in our political system as well. Why cannot we discuss the real issues with facts instead of bending everything to fit a point of view? I know this will make some uncomfortable, it will make some mad, some will see that it is true, and some will be confused. Is it prophetic to know these things? You decide.

Everyone can now tee up and take your swings.

A couple of decades ago, in the most prosperous state of Brazil, a young man in his early twenties seemed to be doing well (by most standards), with a very bright and promising future. Then he turned his back on everything to follow the path his faith desired. Foolish or wise? Coward or brave?

During the day he worked in the Finance Department of the Brazilian Government, a position which meant good wages, flexible hours, stability and opportunity to progress. At night, from 7 to 10:30pm, he was wrapping up a four-year-long University course on computer studies. Programming main-frame IBM's during the day, and studying in the same field at night, part of him was thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Pascal, 80-column cards, Dbase, and Fortran seemed like sweet music to his ears.

But part of him was unhappy. Living in one of the five largest cities in the world, surrounded by violence, viciousness and vice, he longed for something more meaningful. Believing in a personal God, and in an eternal future after death, he wanted more time to dedicate to serving this God. Week-ends were all he had at the minute; and it was going to get worse. The hectic pace of life in São Paulo, and the direction in which his career was heading, both were sure signs that the next few years would see him more and more involved in the world of computers.

What had sounded like sweet music, slowly began to be eerily similar to an orphaned sigh; what had seemed like a sweet dream at first, slowly began to exude a bitter perfume. So before death had the opportunity to wake him up to an eternal nightmare, he gave it all up. Moving back to the interior he opened a little shop, married, and threw himself body, soul and spirit into another kind of life. A life where the hours are longer, the stress and demands are greater, the immediate rewards fewer, and yet which has the promise of eternal joy.

Twenty years later, in a contemplative mood late one night, he looked back on the decision of his youth (life-changing, to say the least), and on what he had turned out to be.

He lived in the poorer part of a small town. His earthly possessions were limited to the house where he lived, and a car nearly as old as his memories of São Paulo. As the world (or at least, his neighbours) slept outside, he gazed down on the sleeping form of his darling little girls, sleeping so peacefully (the elder, impetuous and vulnerable like her mother; the middle one, quiet and moody like himself; and the little one, a charming mixture of everything he loved). He looked out the window at the moon, gazing through the leaves of the tree in the garden, reflecting in her smile the peace in his heart. He went back to bed, and cuddled up close to his sleeping wife, who had been with him during all those changes, challenges and tears.

As she murmured in her sleep and returned his embrace, he felt the warmth of her body against his, and thanked God for how rich he had turned out to be.