We all know that being an atheist is something to be proud of... that many people don't reach this revelation, don't ever question their religious training for themselves, or at least not seriously... and yet so many atheists are in the closet, hiding from their domineering family and peers. They are hiding in fear of persecution from the religious right.
Moreover what advice can we give atheists when they share their atheism with religious parents, siblings, friends, and co-workers for the first time?
2007-08-04 18:09:14 · 15 answers · asked by Jadochop 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
First of all, it is going to take a lot of religious people to back off and accept athiests as people and to leave us alone about how we are. They need to realize that there is nothing wrong (and it's smarter) to not accept religion in our lives. And it will take powerful athiest, like Richard Dawkins to help fund such an organization for us so we will have more backing us up when we are confronted by those religious nutbags. First of all, we just need to be open about athiesm and stand up for who we are. I myself at times, not anymore, have not told people about being athiest because I didn't want to offend them because they are religious. We have to get past those barriers and open up to society so no one will look down on us for this anymore.
2007-08-05 10:29:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's impossible in America, until of course the Christians here lose power. It's almost like the Catholics in Europe in the Middle Ages. Not literally killing people here though but terrible persecution. If I told people I was an Atheist right now I would most likely have no friends except a few, get my *** kicked at school, and my teachers would fail me on purpose. That is how bad it is. Now all we need is another epidemic like the Black Death here to weaken the power of Christianity by making people question it.
2007-08-05 01:29:09 · answer #2 · answered by RBM11 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would advise not ''coming out'' if one is underage and living with parents. When revealing the truth about your beliefs brace yourself to possibly lose friends, family members may stop associating with you. Co workers can be hateful and rude. Probably will treat you differently. Even if some of them don't really mind or are curious about your beliefs they will not likely want to stand out in the crowd by associating with you. The one thing that hurt me the most is when my mother cried ,shook her head and wondered where she went wrong with me. She was in shock though. I told her that she did not go wrong and that I am a good person. She is pretty cool about it now but I bet her and dad pray for me several times a day. They are old and we don't talk about religion. It is upsetting to them, I love them and it is not worth the hurt it causes them. I told them because I knew that they would hear it somewhere else and they should hear it from me.
Strength and independence comes from within. It is hard for a lot of people. And some people could put their jobs in jeopardy if they told their employers. Lets face it. Xtians can be real A-s-s-h0les
2007-08-05 01:34:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheists need to come together as a group.
Which is tough to do since an atheists beliefs can vary so much. The only thing keeping them related is the lack of a belief in god.
Atheism is much more accepted and popular in europe, we have to figure out why and then apply the same tactics here.
2007-08-05 01:13:35 · answer #4 · answered by Clint 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
An Atheist doesn't need to convince anyone but they should be well spoken on the subject when it is brought up. For those who are in the closet as you say, let them stay there until they feel the need to open up. The best we can do is to know our subject and know it well.
2007-08-05 01:16:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Educate everyone about the REAL sordid history of Christianity, and about how VIOLENT, IMMORAL and sick the Bible and its God really are.
Help atheists to intelligently explain WHY they don't worship a sadistic, immoral, killer who drowned, Plagued, and slaughtered millions (more than Hitler), conspired to have his own son brutally beaten and executed, and repeatedly commanded his followers to torture and kill people. None of that is 'love' or moral. Non-Christians should be PROUD that they don't worship such a heinous monster-God.
2007-08-05 01:22:41 · answer #6 · answered by gelfling 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Simply be an example of a strong Atheist and they will see there is nothing to fear by coming out themselves..
2007-08-05 01:14:26 · answer #7 · answered by Diane (PFLAG) 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I am thankful to my older brother.
He was an Atheist first, he did all the arguing with my parents.
I'm sure I would have become an Atheist anyway, but I he made it easier. (It still took me 3 years, to stop fearing hell long enough to think straight).
2007-08-05 01:22:59 · answer #8 · answered by lilith 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I still can't tell my parents. I for sure would be kicked out of my own house! I am truly positive, I have facts.
2007-08-05 01:14:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Is R&S having an effect on you? Are you turning into a no-bible thumper?
2007-08-05 01:24:29 · answer #10 · answered by firelight 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋