Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Wonderist on August 28, 2010 at 11:08am

Personally, I go with what I call unapologetic atheism. That basically means being as much yourself as you can be without crossing any ethical boundaries. As long as you don't do anything ethically wrong, you need not 'apologize' for your personal views and feelings. If you feel angry, there's nothing wrong with that. Express your anger clearly, without hurting yourself or anyone else, and let it off your chest. There are lots of ways of doing this without causing any harm.

Just remember, it doesn't matter how 'nice' you are, there's always going to be*somebody* who will be offended simply because you're an outspoken atheist and they find that offensive. Too bad for them. There's no such thing as a 'right' to not be offended. As long as you're comfortable with your own position and how you express it, don't worry so much about causing offense. Some people just find the truth offensive.

Permalink Reply by Noh Name on August 28, 2010 at 1:57pm

Well I'm not trying to be nice I'm trying to avoid becoming like the people I hold the greatest disdain for. I will not apologize for my atheism. I am by nature a very passionate person. Which in some ways can be very beneficial, but at the same token it can make me irrational and do things that may not be unethical but can be hurtful none the less. I know there are going to be those that will always be offended. I don't worry about them being offended.

Permalink Reply by Wonderist on August 28, 2010 at 3:36pm

Sounds like you probably just need someone/somewhere to rant then, perhaps. Let out your anger/frustration in a blog or here on A/N or elsewhere, where it's safe to go ballistic. Or perhaps find an understanding friend or a freethought group nearby. Probably if you let out your more angry feelings in a safe environment, you won't feel the need/desire to 'blow up' in face-to-face encounters with stupidity. Works for me.

Permalink Reply by Noh Name on August 28, 2010 at 11:32pm

Yeah that's probably it. I haven't been able to get out very much lately. And when I do lets just say the stupidity abounds.

Permalink Reply by Shane Starr on December 30, 2011 at 6:08am

I have a couple of rules that I follow when dealing with theists, esspecially one in particular at work who feels it is his god ordained mission to save me from hell. I never initiate the conversation, I only use logical reasoning and facts as basis for my views, and I maintain a positive attitude about the situation. Ussually these things keep me from becoming angry and spitful even though inside I completely despise theism in every way. My biggest challenge has been not becoming and evangelistic atheist as I wish I could convince everyone that theism is wrong but I realize how dangerous attampting to convert everyone can become.

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on July 18, 2012 at 10:55am

I like what Wonderist says here. Try to be yourself if possible. Coming here to rant will help you vent that pent up anger you have. That's why this site is so important.