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I can already hear you asking, “What is an atheist?,” so let me make it really clear for you: I don’t believe in god.
I was raised Jewish, emphasis on the -ish. We never went to temple or kept kosher, and I didn’t have a bat mitzvah. We did holiday dinners because it meant a lot to my Grandma. My brother and I were both asked as kids if we wanted to go to Hebrew school; but since we didn’t want extra homework, we said no, and that was that.
Is it ironic that it was at a bat mitzvah, when I was 13, that my disbelief started? We were reading a portion from a prayer book and it occurred to me that I didn’t believe a single word of it, or, for that matter, anything else in the book; it seemed too far-fetched, too much like a fairy tale. I’ll admit I didn’t just give up my belief in god then and there, and clearly recall actually praying out of desperation once in high school, when my Grandma was in the hospital, but it felt like I was faking. There are babies with cancer, millions of starving people, natural disasters, so many terrible murders–and honestly, I don’t understand how someone like god, who’s supposed to be watching over us would let all of that happen. I don’t believe anything happens “for a reason” or that anyone but the people I’ve wronged can offer me forgiveness.
The problem is that not enough people actually ask “What is an atheist?,” and take the time to learn that we’re not bad people—just people who see the world differently than religious people. In fact, atheists are pretty widely hated.
The Lorax doesn't mind that Zac is an agnostic! | Source: s_bukley/Shutterstock
I’m used to the stigma, I’m used to people trying to argue with, or even convert me—which is pretty rude, considering that I’ve never tried to convert a single person to my view. I’m used to people looking at me like I just ate a puppy or something when I tell them I’m an Atheist. But I have to say, it sucks and doesn’t seem quite fair. In a country where we’re lucky enough to have freedom of religion, why is it not okay for me to be free from religion.
Hopefully after reading this, the next time someone asks you, “What is an atheist?,” you’ll tell them we’re people just like everybody else. We’re not missing anything—no screws loose here—and, hey, a whole lot of us are kind of awesome people. People you might even want to hang out and watch The Simpsons with.
Have you ever asked,”What is an atheist?” and gotten an answer you were surprised by? Have you ever questioned the existence of god? Let’s talk about it in the comments.
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I am a very religious Christian/Catholic (I’m kinda both, it’s a long story lol). I can’t imagine being anything but a Christian. It just seems right that God is with us all the time, because when I pray or learn or praise him, I feel so fufilled and loved. Whenever Im in a tough situation, praying or reading the Bible makes me feel comforted by the Lord, like he is still there with me.
In my belief, although there is a lot of bad things happening around the world, the Lord is still with us. He has a plan for each and every one of us, and He has had this plan from the beginning of time. But, these bad things happen for a reason, and maybe because of our sin. But he still loves us, he loves all of his children, even when we sin. He is with in the good times and bad.
This is what I believe anways. You don’t have to like it or believe in it, but you do have to respect it. And I will do the same. I don’t hate any religion, including athiest.
As An Atheist, I think that this article is very helpful. It has certainty brought up my self confidence on my lack of religion. Since I am 14 and I have Only been an Atheist for about a year, people think that my lack of age means that I don’t know what I am talking about, or that I am un-educated in the sense of religion. I live in New Mexico, wich if you din’t know is a HEAVILY catholic state, especially northern. I have had kids at my school even sprinkle water on me and even touch there rosaries to me, expecting me to burn.
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You may be a pretty decent person but all your ‘likeable characteristics’ really count for nothing if you’re gonna take all them with you to hell! Just one prayer and you can live forever…Just my beliefs.
O.K I NEVER LOOKED AT IT THIS WAY I DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD AND MOST OF MY FRIENDS KNOW BUT AS TO TELLING MY MOM I THOUGHT I COULD NOT BUT THIS WANTS ME TO TALK TO HER ABOUT IT
I live in a fairly religious area, so I don’t come across many atheists, but I can’t say I hate them from the get-go. I used to be at a point in my life where I believed there was a deity, maybe more than one, that created us, but wasn’t “all-powerful” or protected us like children, which was about as close as I got to being atheist.
I’ve been a proud atheist since as long as I can remember. ^-^ I’m actually going to atheist summer camp this year. I find it disgusting that when I tell people I’m an atheist, they automatically look at me like I told them I kill puppies. You don’t judge people by their skin color, or their gender. Why judge me because of my beliefs?
just thought of something when reading some of the other comments there, when people call you self centred becasue you’re an atheist they seem to have managed to get atheist mixed up with egoist which is someone who acts on what will benefit them and thinks of no one else, they are not one and the same we are different!
I kinda know what your talking about, i’m an atheist too but i suppose i’m lucky that where i stay its not all that uncommon and most people are not overally religious but it has caused me problems because i’m an Air Cadet whicch is of course run by the Air Force and that means I am expected to go to Rememberance Day Parade, which involves a church service that i am forced to go to, while those who follow other religions are allowed to only attend the graves in the afternoon, out of respect of their different beliefs all i can think is wait what about MY different beliefs just becasue they are not a religion should they not still be respected?
TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!
I dont have a religion, simply because all religions seem the same to me and they are all based on each other, but told a different way. I believe in a creator, and I believe all life came from him and we all have ever lasting souls and what not. But my mother and I don’t have a religion. We dont go to church, but when something good happens in our life, she’ll say,”Thank God.” And she says when you feel alone, pray and talk to him. Religion seems the same, but I learned I can build my own relationship with Him and not be labeled as a religion. Of course I dont “praise God” everyday and talk to him like my mom wants me to, but I believe in him and afterlife and spirits.
So judging by the person I am, I dont even TALK about religion to other people. I have my one best friend who completely understands me. But religion is something I dont talk with people. Simply because I dont have one and people who dont understand will instantly think im going you hell because I dont practice anything for God. That’s not the case. Religion is man made and there are so many people who are born into different ones. How dare you say a Hindu is going to hell just because they aren’t a Christian like yourself? No. Just no….
But my uncle is an athiest. Coolest 40 year old man I know!. ;D
love him and I love to hear his thoughts and points of view of things. Why not?
They aren’t assholes at all. My best friend’s brother is one as well. Another cool guy.
i 100% believe in God, beacause he give his only son to die for me and you and no matter what you say or what you do he still loves you and when you say Gods not real he still loves you. And you have on right to Gods not real when you personally have no knowledg at all. Just image if you were God and you had to give up something really important to you that would hert because these people will still sin and break your heart but the good thing is that he still loves you and he will never leave or for sake you even if you did the most horrible and regratful thing he still loves you and all my christian brothers and sisters will as well. And im very greatful that i was born in a loving christian family im lucky to know God from the start and amazed of the things that he has done for me. and i will pray for and everyone and im 100% sure that you will need God , he knows you and me by heart and please if you don’t believe well you such try for your self reading the bible and then you would understand my strong faith in him and science has proven that God is real science has proven that God has created the world.
You d0n’t believe in God? How were u made – science? Sorry! U try to be a Christian but u can’t. Itz just because ur heart isn’t set to it. The Bible can never ever tell u to do WR0NG – never. Anyhow, peace be to u in ur various beliefs.
I’ve never personally had a problem with atheist. The problem I have is with other Christians. They make all other Christians look bad when they try to convert others over the internet. I sit there and think “why would you do that? Their beliefs aren’t going to change just because a stranger on the internet tells them something different. Your not sharing an opinion, your shoving your beliefs down their throat.”
And I believe its the same with atheist. If someone claiming to be an atheist acts like a jerk, then your going to believe all atheist are jerks. Its a sad, rude, prejudice situation.
I’m Baptist Christian and have lots of friends that are atheist and agnostic and I am very accepting of them and vice versa. As long as you respect my beliefs, I’ll respect yours and if that’s not the case then I guess…oh well.
I consider myself agnostic (leaning toward atheist.) I’ve always been a fan of this quote from Stephen F. Roberts: “I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.”
I never really understood religion. My parents aren’t religious at all, and even though I tried to learn Christianity, I never got it. I think maybe there is some sort of God or thing that made us, but I really don’t care about how we were made. I have too many other things in life to think and worry about, not how we were made or what happens after we die. I try to live in the moment.
Well, in my religion, i guess you could say im a christian, its impossible to be good. Yeah there are good people, christian and non, but everybody is born a sinner and can do no good, only God. But yeah, he is there he is everywhere, but the world suffers due to us and sin. Its our curse ladies, lets take it with armor and faith!
ummmm, i think the point of the article was missed here. I would argue that we are by nature good (unless factors from our genes and environment have effected this) and that we strive towards being our best selves. However, we are constantly told that we are not good enough (by teachers, parents, and clergy) or to not do what feels natural to us and we learn that we will never quite be good enough (as you have described in your religion). What Amy is doing is following what feels natural to her, which brings up anxieties and insecurities in other people, which probably explains your post.
I pretty much agree with you. I am a christian and was baptized when I knew I was ready. When we’re born, we are born with a sinful nature. People aren’t perfect. We also live in a fallen world so that’s why things like murder and disease and other things mentioned in this article can happen. God is very great and powerful and there’s many things in the Bible that talk about that. Let me ask you this: If people were able to figure God out and know why he does the things he does then he wouldn’t be that great of a God because people just can’t wrap their minds around things that great, mighty and powerful! I’m not trying to “cram anything down your throats” or “convert’ you guys or anything. What you believe is what you believe. I was just trying to help clear some things up or give some answers from a christian’s point of view.
I believe that everyone is born good, and is NOT born a sinner. The way that people act is based upon how they were raised, their religion, and the things that they experienced in their lives. Yes people do horrible things to other people, but you have to take into consideration what that person experienced in life to make them who they are now. An infant does not know what good or evil is, or that there is hatred in the world.
Oh my gosh, I love this. It’s great to bring attention to Atheists and what we’re really about. I consider myself an agnostic Atheist, where I’m leaning on the “god doesn’t exist” side, but I’m not sure. But I get sick of people of other beliefs calling us “ignorant”, “stuck up”, and “self-centered assholes”. No, we aren’t at all. Thank you for posting this <3
I am very highly religious. I am methodist Christian. However; I don’t hate atheists. In fact, one of my best friends is an atheist! I am very accepting. I don’t believe that everyone has to believe what I believe. As long as you respect that I believe in god, then its ok. The thing is, most atheists don’t. They argue with me about my religion ALL the time! Its really upsetting because I don’t try to make them believe so why should they make me feel like I shouldn’t? Thats it. I don’t dislike all atheists though.
Darcie, think about it if you were in the minority and had that happen. I’m agnostic (which just confuses people), but don’t believe in any of the major religions, and doubt the existence of a deity in the sense believers think. However, there are a LOT of theists who think it is fine to push their religion – both in subtle and overt ways – on others. They are the majority.
I have nothing against anyone privately having their beliefs. However, so many are so in your face about it, many atheists turn antagonistic, because of all the harm that is done. (I know some people that have seriously been emotionally hurt by so-called friends when they left their religion. Heck, one was still a believer when she got breast cancer and had some church friends tell her, “Well, you must have done something to deserve it.” Loving kindness, no doubt.)
If the religious would accept other beliefs as equal – including non-belief – I suspect the militant atheists wouldn’t have felt the need to be militant.
I disagree, I believe people are militant because most people feel the need to be right. I don’t push my beliefs on anyone, because I’ve had people try to push their beliefs on me. I don’t care if you’re athiest or anything else, my best friend is Wiccan, and I’m Christian, half my family is Muslim, and the other half Christian. One of my friends is athiest. Bad people exist through out any religion, or non religion, so I don’t believe that because you’re “Muslim, Jew, Christian, Agnostic, Athiest” etc that you are good/bad. I believe that comes from within. Those that push it, I believe have some type of fear, and so they feel they need to push their beliefs on someone so that they can be reassured that their right in their views. I’m comfortable where I’m at as a Christian, and I won’t ever try to convert someone, but am open to talking about it if someone WANTS me to talk to them about it. I’ve discovered that by pushing them “closer to God” you’re really only shoving them farther away, that’s what happened with me, while I was an athiest, until I discovered God for myself…if that makes any sense :]
I’m the same way. I don’t force people on something they don’t believe in. If you want to believe in whatever, I’m okay with that.
I have the same exact problem. In 5th grade I told somebody I was an athesit and she told somebody else who told somebody else. Soon everybody knew, they acted like it was some big thing. The thing is that my family does celebrate christmas and easter and we do go to church during special occasions. The thing is that I was raised in an atheist/agnostic family. I tried going church but I realized it was more because it was more b/c i saw friends there. Atheist aren’t bad people. We just don’t believe what everybody else believes in.