What do atheists put on their graves?

Question

I know Christians often have a cross as their headstone and Jews have the star of david, so what do atheists have? A beaker? A microscope?

Also, I know that Christians say they will pray for me when I am in need, but what will atheists do... perform science tricks for me? Thanks for your help, science bless you.

Answer 1

you are the type of fundie that drives people away from religion and god. Your arrogance and obvious ignorance of any beliefs other than your own only goes to prove that love and tolerance is not at the core of your beliefs, but a hate filled, narrowly focus dogma that boost your weak ego, and does nothing for your soul.

Answer 2

I plan to be cremated and I don't think I need a headstone. If my family wants one they can do that and put whatever they like on it. I won't care. If someone is in need I try to do practical things to help them out; watch their kids so they can take care of stuff, lend a sympathetic ear, give advice if it solicited, etc... After someone I love is gone I honor them by celebrating their life and cherishing their memory.

Oh, and some of the comments here are proof religion doesn't necessarily make one a kind or tolerant person. I think atheists are as or more decent human beings as many of the theists on here. And Matt, I am a regular volunteer at a homeless shelter, probably one like the one that helped you when you needed it. Would you have said mean and snide things to me if you had known it was an atheist bringing in the food donations and helping organize meals?

Answer 3

Obviously, no one person can speak for all atheists. Myself, though I am an atheist at this point of my life, I still possess a deep sense of reverence and wonder for nature. This emotion borders, I guess, on spirituality without crossing the line from rationality to irrationality. I do not need anything on my grave because I intend to have my ashes scattered into the ocean. Thus, they will travel the currents and circulate around the world. Does this mean anything. Probably not to anyone else. It is my own personal desire that I wish to fulfill. Anyone who cares about my wishes after I am dead will do this for me, not because they believe anything of me is left, but because they honour my memory and whatever small difference I made in their life.

Answer 4

My grandparents were Christian, and they simply have their names and birth/death dates on their headstones. In fact, in the cemetery where they are buried, the majority of headstones are simple and classic, not a huge display of the person's life or of their faith. So, I suppose that for there to be no indication of the deceased's faith at the gravesite wouldn't be that strange.

As far as when I have a friend in need, I try to help them decide what they should do ... I don't say that I'll pray for them and expect for a solution to fall out of the sky. I do whatever I can to actually HELP them change their position. I suppose I could light a bunsen burner in their honor, but that would be as empty a gesture as prayer.

Answer 5

Nobody has to have any symbol on their gravestone. Arlington Cemetery offers an "atom" symbol for atheists who wish to include one on their gravestone.

Some atheists believe in the power of positive thinking, although most are unlikely to use it as a weapon against others in the way many Christians threaten to pray for things that a person doesn't actually want.

Answer 6

The answer is amazingly simple and is reminiscent of answers to other questions to atheists about the universe.

We could just have no symbol. Religious symbols such as those are not a necessary component a headstone. We'll do just fine without them.

Answer 7

Most atheists do not care what goes on their gravestones. Or even if they have a gravestone. It does not have any meaning. We live our life here knowing that there is nothing else. No need to say anything. No need for any useless memorials. These are only for the living anyhow. I want to be cremated. Scatter my ashes to the wind!!!!
All the hoopla over dying is trully stupid. Atheists like things simplistic, not complicated.

Answer 8

These are actual tombstone epitaphs - on die hard atheists and the nonreligious.

She did it the hard way.
Bette Davis

Excuse my dust.
Dorothy Parker

1880 - 1946
W.C. Fields

Here lies my wife
Here let her lie
Now she's at rest
And so am I

Once I wasn't
Then I was
Now I ain't again

This life's a dream
And all things show it
I thought it once
Now I know it
*Springfield Mass.*

Here lies Lester Moore
No Less
No More

Answer 9

At first was interested on answering your question. I had thought it a good one. Then your snide remarks bled through. Good one you got me. If you were in need I would offer to assist you. But now I'll just let you suffer until the Christians' prayer heals you. Since you obviously do not want or feel you need my help. I will instead offer my help to another who is gracious and appreciative of any help at all.
While you are praying. Pray to God to immediately stop all the violence in Iraq and see if it helps ;) HE is all powerful isn't he? Or is He just cruel and letting them suffer. Or I can deploy there and help provide security so more schools can be built to give education to children.

Answer 10

Your ignorance and intolerance are reasons why so many are turned off by your messages. When someone is in need, prayers are useless though it is nice to hear someone is thinking about you, My neighbor has a stroke. I saw to it his lawn was mowed and I came by and read the sports page to him. My wife and I sat with his kids when his wife was at the hospital and gave them emotional support. That was a lot more useful than chanting to some invisible man.

Answer 11

Those atheists that get buried in cemeteries I know have name and dates on their headstones (no crosses). Sometimes it says beloved wife of... or beloved son of ..... or died with honor serving his country...