L.O.V.E.

Digital Cuttlefish links to PZ Meyers's blog...

I asked something similar before. I thought that atheists (even agnostics) may have problems in dealing with the concept of love. Technically, love is a feeling that may possibly be based on faith. Not to mention, the common idea among believers that "God is Love." But...

Love is no different with common emotions. Every human (an atheist, a theist) experiences happiness and sadness. And there are reasons why we feel these emotions. There are reasons why we love. It's not merely about faith (or it may not be even about faith at all).

Why love my parents?

First is about cultural expectations. Second is because we experience their concern and sacrifices for us. It's normal to reciprocate the concern.

Why love my friends?

They are the people whom I've built special relationship with. There's a certain affection because of the kind of connection created (trusting-relationship for that matter).

Why love a special someone?

At first it may all be about attraction. But eventually it's due to the relationship you have developed that makes you want to care for that someone. Along the way, you find more reasons to love that person.

As a good song says: "I know theres something much more, something even non-believers can believe in. I believe in love, alfie."

We love because there are reasons for it. Love is not limited to theists. Love is not parallel to a belief in a certain God. It's emotion. Oh yes, even non-believers can fall in love. No doubt about that.