Atheists - have you ever helped someone get enlightened about atheism?

Question

Even, help them "become an atheist" (ie get "unborn" again)

Just curious. Errr, "testify!"

Sigh, and "no" it's not a "religion". Here have a dictionary. If you help someone get "enlightened" about germ theory, it doesn't make germ theory a religion either. Thank you. Please drive through.

Answer 1

Yep. My parents. Not that they were all that religious to begin with, but they did take me to church when I was younger. When I told my mother I didn't believe in god, she said she was disapointed. When I told her I was an atheist, she said 'people don't like atheists'. Now she's pretty much agnostic, after seeing my reasoning. About the same with my father, but then, he's not as talkative.

And I definitely helped my last boyfriend let go of god.

Answer 2

Well, I haven't helped anyone become an atheist. I don't go out and try to deconvert people. My personal policy is to let them have their beliefs while I have mine. Been on the receiving end of people not being so kind to me in trying to reconvert me quite mercilessly, so I'm not about to do it back.

But I'd like to think that I've helped enlighten people to atheism and what it's about. I tend to answer questions from people politely asking(I don't deal with rude, nasty people) what atheism's about, or questions where someone has a misconception about atheism to set the record straight. Things like asking about how atheists can be moral, defining atheism in the cases of people asking if atheists are devil-worshippers/satanists or communists.

A lot of the questions I answer are in defense of atheism, explaining what it is and isn't, so that's what I consider enlightning others about atheists. I don't try to deconvert, just state and defend my point of view as politely as I can.

Answer 3

I usually don't admit to my atheism, because what happens next is I have the entire weight of the room's mythology fall upon me in the effort to "save" me. I have never heard anyone try to convert someone to atheism, but have witnessed, countless times, the religious try to convert atheists. When someone asks what religion I am I say "I was raised Catholic," and leave it at that, leaving out the part about becoming atheistic when I learned to think for myself (at, roughly, age 12). Life is too short to get into the argument (AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN).

Answer 4

I'm an Agnostic Missionary and have helped many persons understand their Agnosticism. I have also enlightened many persons about Agnosticism, Atheism, and Theism and various things about them. I do not "attack" people or use various tactics to deconvert them as religious persons do. I simply educate them on the matter as far as they ask, maybe throwing in an extra tidbit of information here and there, and encourage them to do their own research to confirm what I say.

And yes, Atheism and Agnosticism are religions - just not in the canonical sense that we are used to. Look up the definition in a dictionary and you will find it is true.

Answer 5

Nope, I have not. I've presented what I believe and how I came to believe it (or not believe, as the case may be). I share my thoughts on god and heaven and organized religion.

But I'm totally against prosyletizing, no matter if it's for a god religion or a lack of belief. Everyone has the right to believe what they wish to believe as long as they aren't hurting anyone and to preach to someone or try to "enlighten" them about atheism, well, just not my style.

However, discussing it with believers sure does make my non-belief stronger... as I'm sure it makes their belief stronger as well.

Answer 6

nope...i let ppl believe what they choose to believe. i won't get into discussions about religion with my religious friends, and even some distant family members. there's no point to it, i will never be converted to christianity, but i respect others' rights to believe in whatever they so choose. i state again, as i have in many other posts here. i'm native american. i was raised in the traditions of my tribe. i do not believe in christianity. it was not a part of our native culture, it did not exist on this continent until it was brought here and forced upon us. and to state yet again, i don't hate christians or believers of any other faith they choose. i take exception to scientology however, because i feel it's a harmful cult. (yes, i have done my research on it in depth). as i've said before, you can worship a peanut plant for all i care. as long as you're true to yourself, and sound in your beliefs, what does it really matter what anyone else thinks about it?

Answer 7

Yes and no - I didn't tell anyone to believe or not believe, I just explained things like the difference between atheism and agnosticism, why the Bible hasn't convinced me about anything or is, in my opinion, a total lie, and so forth. Many people who are called "atheists" really dont' care about believing and believers, so they/we won't try to convince anyone one way or another (let alone crucify, torture or burn those who disagree like some religions LOL)

Answer 8

I don't seek believers out to "unsave" them.

In fact, I'm a big believer in the freedom of religion. People can believe what they want to believe. It's not my goal to "witness" to anyone.

If someone asks me a genuine question about atheism, I will do my darndest to explain it. However, I will not go out of my way to prove a point to someone who is just poking fun or picking a fight.

I also have argued and gotten mad at some believers out there because of the way they come at Atheists. I am guilty of that. I don't start fights though, I just try to end them.

Anyways, I think it's important that everyone figure out for themselves what THEY believe is the truth. I did, and I'm living my life better than I ever did as a Christian. It's my personal way of living, and I hope that everyone can understand that.

Answer 9

No - in my everyday life, I try to avoid the real nutjob born-again, evangelical christers. You can spot 'em from a mile away. I just yell "Look out Ned, they're comin' right for us!" and run like crazy. They think I'm the crazy one and quickly move in another direction. Besides, why waste the breath, when you can type out your displeasure online to total strangers?

*wink*

Answer 10

I try, I try hard. Sometimes though it seems pretty hopeless. The fear that most people suffer is just to great of a wall for them to get over.