Morally Depraved because I came out Atheist

Whenever I come out Atheist .. they assume I must have no ethics or morals whatsoever and that I am willing to do just about anything --- like lie, cheat and steal.

Anyone else have this happen to them?

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Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on June 11, 2012 at 1:25pm

Steph, on that point I strongly agree and should have acknowledged it. Thanks for the clarity. 

Permalink Reply by Idaho Spud on June 11, 2012 at 4:19pm

I agree with you Joan.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on June 11, 2012 at 4:48pm
And like Idaho I do agree with you Joan.
Permalink Reply by Steph S. on June 11, 2012 at 12:08pm

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on June 11, 2012 at 12:18pm

Great quote!

Permalink Reply by Karl on June 11, 2012 at 2:04pm

I get that a lot.  There seems to be some perception that religious people are at least more honest than atheists.  I wonder if there is not some small truth to it.  It's been shown that people act more "honestly" if they are being watched.  Just the presence of a video camera will make people act more honestly even if the camera is clearly disconnect or powered down.  Could religious people in general act more honestly because they think they are being watched by some deity?  I like to think the emotional maturity demonstrated by atheists might counter the "watched" phenomenon but I really don't know.      

Permalink Reply by Nelson Hernandez on June 12, 2012 at 9:47am

I find it funny. I dated a girl that broke up w/ me because I am an atheist. Yet not only did she sleep with me very quickly but she and I were still having sex when 2wks after we broke she was sleeping with her new boyfriend who is Xian like she is. Yes great moral views. I had to tell him. She asked me y. I told her because it was the right thing to do

Permalink Reply by Glen Alan Dark on June 22, 2012 at 12:34pm

Believers in a higher power have produced many child molestors, murderers, theives, the list goes on and on.  I am an Atheist and not afraid to say it to anyone.  I have morals, give to those in need, don't kick Puppies, and am generally a nice person unless you are a dick.  I can live with that.  Yes I have experienced the negativity, especially from my own family.  In fact my morals are so high that I refuse to lie that I believe in something I know is not real.

Permalink Reply by booklover on June 22, 2012 at 1:40pm

Good for you Glen!  That is great that you stand-up for yourself and for what you know is right.  I am trying harder to not be wimpy and just come out and say I am an Atheist whenever it is in a conversation, instead of just kind of nodding my head or staying silent.~ Melinda

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on June 22, 2012 at 2:26pm

You may not be wimpy, but rather prudent in a toxic environment. For me, it came down to do I want to have toxic relationships or do I want to healthy and with healthy people. When I made that decision, it became clear to me that some people just aren't worth the poison they spew. When/if you are ready, you will talk from your heart and be able to protect yourself from assaults that may, or may not, come. Once the family gossip knew, they all knew. Some were supportive from the start, others were cautious and curious, others revealed enough information to know I wanted to not be around them. 

Also, if you are comfortable with what you think, you will transmit that information along with your statement. If you doubt yourself, perhaps you should hold off for a while. 

In any event, I wish you well, and that you end up with much deeper and more meaningful relationships, even with those who do not agree. 

In the meantime, there are a cloud of witnesses on this site that support you. 

Permalink Reply by Joan Denoo on June 22, 2012 at 1:50pm

Glen, being positive about being an atheist, or whatever label you chose, is the best tool for being authentic and in the long run has positive outcomes. For those who question your morals or condemn you to wherever it is they think you will go, they simply give you evidence of why you prefer not to be with them. 

I have a few dearly beloved family members who do not impose their beliefs on me, even as they are curious about my values and we have great conversations. We have no animosity between us. Others are hostile and I consider them toxic. Even a one celled amoeba moves away from and protects itself from toxic environments. 

Permalink Reply by Joseph Edwards VIII on June 23, 2012 at 1:51pm

I started a series of blog posts reflecting on this topic, and Steph S. kindly pointed me over here. I am interested in finding reasoned responses to the "morally depraved" accusation, other than just looking them in the eye and trying to will them to recognize I'm a good person, or trying to convince both them and myself that a sense of right and wrong are inborn character traits.

I think we develop ethical systems which are shaped by and shape individual mores playing out in group dynamics over generations. It's not as easy as assuming morals are either god-given or 'congenital' - both nature and nurture are at work, I think.

It might not fit on a billboard, but I groove on philosophy, like, man. :D This thread has been interesting and informative, and long! Thx for the tip, Steph S.

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