Your Friendly Neighborhood Atheist

On April 26th, the New York times published an article (see below) showcasing Atheists and the recent influx of people willing to come out of the closet on the subject and that is the inspiration for this blog. It’s wonderful that this has been a hot topic as of late and I think more and more people need to be open about it. It’s not so much of a problem out here in Los Angeles where most people are pretty open about who or what they are and don’t seem to have many problems regarding their statuses but I constantly hear stories, mostly from the bible belt (go figure) about how Atheists are continually discriminated against due to their belief’s or lack there of, so understandably it may be harder for people who live in those area’s to be as out it in the open about it. It’s important for Atheists who live in these certain areas to know that they aren’t alone. Everyone around them speaks of gods and devils and they may feel isolated.

Now remember, Atheist is an adjective. It describes what we are, not what we stand for. You can be an Atheist and not be at all bothered by what theists do. It’s just that the people who are are bothered by religion usually tend to be Atheists and some of us need to be around like minded people and that’s why certain organizations are formed. It’s hard out there for an Atheist. And no, this is not some “Feel sorry for me, we had it just as bad as blacks in the south in the 60’s” plight. That is beyond absurd. But it does get frustrating when you have everyone, including certain Agnostics, not really fully understand you. Theists aren’t too fond of us because we hold the exact opposite view to theirs. Some Agnostics are baffled with us because they think we are just as dogmatic and knowing as theists are. A lot think that we KNOW there is no god and that we hate religion and try disprove it and/or destroy it. This is simply not the case. Most of us Atheists know we can’t disprove the existence of god. No one can. But me not being able to disprove that is like me not being able to disprove that invisible blue foxes sit on our shoulders sipping tea and preventing each and every one of us from contracting the dreadful purple polka dot virus. I defy you to disprove that, but it’s most likely not true.

Anyway, It’s quite hard to explain why we do what we do or why we say what we say. We can try to explain that it’s because “(Insert religion of choice) always say and do silly and potentially dangerous things” and we will always be faced with “Why do you care so much? It’s not affecting you personally” or, and this is one I get a lot, “You’re just like a Christian, the way you get so angry over these things”. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that one. I was just recently told that I am too into being an Atheist and that’s just me. When I’m into something, I really get into something.

Yes, certain Atheists can get a little evangelical about their arguments. One of the definitions of the word “evangelical” is “marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause.” Am I the right one to explain to you why we are so enthusiastic? Most likely not. Even I have to ask myself sometimes why I care so much. Most of these things do not effect me personally. The only answer I can give at present is, it just does. And you may say that it doesn’t take religion to hate someone. True, but the usual apathetic non-religious hate monger won’t rally the troops to try and get legislation passed to impose their ways on the public the way a Jerry Falwell or a Glen Beck would, and for some reason, empathy possibly, that burns a hole in my britches.

I am definitely not the best person to articulate the Atheists/Agnostics/Secular Humanists/Freethinkers position. You will probably still be as confused or still have misconceptions after you read this. But the next time you meet one, don’t assume anything. If you have the time, ask him/her questions. Each may have a different answer for the “Why”s you have for them but perhaps you may get a better understanding of them. We aren’t all eternally pissed, arrogant assholes. Only some of us appear to be that way. Just look up Christopher Hitchens on youtube.

Maybe it would help to tell everyone what I’m NOT trying to accomplish. I’m not trying to convert you to my way of thinking. I’m not trying to destroy religion nor am I not trying disprove your beliefs, although I/we will perhaps point out inconsistencies should someone try to use that religion to hide their bigotry behind and/or are misinformed because of it, albeit sometimes in an abrasive manner. Likewise, if I am misinformed, please let me know. This angry dog personality only rears it’s head when I hear horrendous stories about people doing things based on what their bible or koran or any religious text tells them to. If that’s not you and you have a religion or a personal god then we have zero problems. But if you are that type then we may have to have some words. I may also, from time to time, make jokes or playfully ridicule a religion for no apparent good reason but that’s just the nature of it all.

Sure, I may be a little too into it but it’s just like I’m “a little too into Star Wars” or “a little too into Tim Burton films” or “a little too into Anime”. You can just roll your eyes, shake your head, smile and say to yourself, “That silly little Skeptical Halfbreed”. So, keep all the Why-do-you-care’s and the It-doesn’t-make-a-difference’s and the You-are-just-as-bad-as-they-are’s coming. We’ll talk about it and have a good ol’ righteous time. I’ll do me and you do you and hopefully we can all just happily….be.

It’s NO WHERE NEAR as bad over here but here’s a well known CNN story on the subject:


The New York Times article:
More Atheists Shout It From the Rooftops

INFORMATIONAL LINKS:
Atheism Wiki page
Richard Dawkin’s official site
The Atheist Experience site
Sam Harris site
PZ Meyers Pharyngula blog

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Christopher Hitchens is a busy little anti-theist
Save the religious douche bags!
Steve Harvey is an Ass