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Are you open about being an atheist or are you in the closet?
I am semi in the closet. I do have to admit that I am not comfortable discussing my views with just anyone. I am the type that wants everyone to like me (such a fault I have!) and I am nervous someone will think I am a bad person. Even when I find someone who is passionate about science, I still try not to venture down that avenue. So lucky to have you guys!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by evan lee cooksey on -
im semi too. there are certain people in my life who have known me for a long time. they at some point figured out i was an athiest. either i told them or they did the math. i dont broadcast my lack of faith. though there are people mostly from my work who have known me for a while and dont know. it seems as though a lot of people at my work are very religious and outspoken about it. im not sure i would like for these people to find this about me. i however think that im a ticking bomb sometimes. i think in the right circumstance i would probaly exspose myself.
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Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on -
I hope when religious people discuss their beliefs at work you will be able to calmly and rationally state your beliefs, with the knowledge that you have the ability to reason for yourself, think through the evidence and arrive at your conclusion, without feeling defensive.
I like discussing my thoughts with people of faith who are able to stay rational. If they don't like what I say, or try to bully me into submission, I know I deal with factors deep within their minds that cause them to protect themselves, even as they can't produce evidence that makes sense.
This video offers an example of Richard Dawkins' debating style with John Lennox. He debates on debate points and stays calm as Lennox debates on issues of faith. Oxford Museum of Natural History hosts this fascinating and controversial debate on the existence of God.Has Science Buried God (John Lennox vs Richard Dawkins) FULL DEBATE
From my perspective, to believe in god gives meaning to some people's lives. I don't think existence works that way. Life is, has evolved from simpler forms, and we exist as part of all that is, made of the basic elements of the universe. Our time as "being" is very short and each moment is precious. The purpose of life is not to please god or anyone, it is to be. That is what life is, being. The simple fact of being is my meaning and purpose and opportunity. My senses experience life by seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling with my skin and feeling with my heart.
Think through the different issues that come up with those who believe god exists, who answers prayers and keeps track of our sex lives. Figure out what you think and then stand proudly, firmly, confidently and competently on your values.
I am 76 years old and have an 86 year old relative who is convinced he will bring about my conversion before one of us dies. His wife tells him not to discuss religion around me, but I seem to be like a flame to his miller. He gives the nice hug and greeting and then starts asking me if I have met my lord, or if I have come to reason. I respond as clearly as I possibly can to each of his comment, exhortations, and frustrations. Generally, he turns in exasperation and walks away. The next time I see him he has a beautiful or whimsical birdhouse for me. The next time we are together, we have the loving greetings and usual starting conversations, and then he starts in all over again, with the same questions, the same imperatives, the same frustrations, and next visit I get a birdhouse.
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Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on
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Steph, how do you feel when you do reveal your status? Are you OK?
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Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on
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Permalink Reply by Tim on -
I'm wide open to my atheism.. and remember that there was a time when I'd be put to death for admitting such hearsay. We don't have the right to ever forget what religion has done to people, especially those with the courage to stand up an get out of line. Those that say it's all b/s, it's wishful child like thinking. For thousands of years we had to sit back an listen to there b/s rambling's out of there gutters mouths. Now they can hear me, and the ever growing population of non believers an free thinkers for a change!
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Permalink Reply by Colin O'flanagan Leahy on
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I can't say I understand this "being in the closet" completely, however one must be carefull not to bring your status into the conversation prematurely as you may lose ground and start looking like an attraction seeker. Maybe my view differs slightly because I come from a country with a secular based constitution. The topic has been debated in government concerning religious public holidays (easter and christmas) and its legitimacy/ fairness. The christian faith is by far the majority, however this is a country of multiple significant religious groups. On the topic of GOD I would just like to add my latest thoughts. The GOD personality that has been created by this collection of "byble" books depicts god as black and white. There are no mitigating circumstances, you are guilty, even for the apparent wrongs of your parents, you will burn. It sounds somewhat like the whims and wishes of emperors and the likes of those days. The creators of this god knew no better, yet religionists today still buy into it believing the character of god was revealed through god himself to them. It boggles my mind.
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Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on
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Many of my loved ones and friends dislike the militant attitude I take about religion in the public sphere and I understand they feel strongly about their beliefs. I feel strongly about mine, too. When someone interferes with health decisions, whether use of contraceptives or abortion, I cannot remain quiet. A woman's health is her business and responsibility and not religion or political ideologue has a right to interfere. I have no objection at all of people not using contraception devices or choosing not to have abortions and I have no right to object. Nor do others have the right to interfere.
When it comes to writing laws about women's control over their own bodies, they are just plain in error on this issue. Family planning and choosing not to have children is a right, not to be intruded upon. It is insanity to bring an unwanted child into the world or to interfere with family planning in those cases where the mother doesn't want the pregnancy or can't afford to raise a child. That is a personal, private matter.
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Permalink Reply by B.c. Steele on -
I was in the closet for many years, but about 5 years ago I just gave it up. I figure if someone in my life is somehow hurt or angered by the fact that I choose reason and rationality over supernatural chicanery, then so be it. The atheist movement in the United States has been growing exponentially and now is the time for us to stand together and speak loudly and clearly about who we are and why we are that way. I have heard it said, and I forget who said it, that "organizing atheists is like trying to herd cats", and that may very well be true, but if you look at the numbers and participation of websites like this one, or the atheist themed groups on facebook, this movement is really gaining traction. So I made it very clear to my family and friends how I see myself and my place in the universe, and I let them decide what they want to do with that information. I really don't care (although most have been supportive). My one mistake was moving to Kentucky, where now it seems my lot in life to teach evolution to creationists....
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Permalink Reply by A. R. on -
I am not only open but I am also outspoken. If the religious assert their position all the time, I don't see why we atheists shouldn't do the same. That being said, I do understand that many atheists are not coming out because they face dire consequences for doing so, and I do sympathize with that. But I think those of us who are fortunate enough to be on the open, have to be outspoken so we can do our little part to help those still in the closet to come out.
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Permalink Reply by TNT666 on -
Yes I equally think that is important. We must take advantage of every opportunity to talk about it, as it will ease the way for those who are in challenging circumstances. The initial coming out decades were hard for gays too, but now that "everyone knows a gay person", the stigma is nearing its last years. We still have a long way before this can be said of atheists. In addition gays were never really a direct insult to heteros, whereas being atheist is pretty much a direct insult to a faither, so I think it will take much longer.
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Permalink Reply by Cortney Howard on -
Well I do not usually bring the topic up in my everyday life and sometimes avoid it. However, if the topic is brought up I will be honest. I also have a lot of online atheist friends. Because of this the topic comes up on my Facebook pretty often and in my info I am labeled as an atheist. So while most people know they do not discuss it with me. I have had a lot of friends (many from high school delete me from their Facebook and make it a point to tell me that they did so because of my atheism. I happily remind them that they are certainly welcome to do so and that if they think less of me because I don't believe as they do then they have no business being called "my friend" anyway :) So yes, I don't go out of my way to proclaim it or hide it.
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