I know to be an atheist all that is required is not believing in god. Well, I've got that covered, but I have no atheist friends, literally no one that I know is an atheist. Already from hanging around here for a bit I feel less alone. What I'm looking for is general tips and guidelines and general things that you think I should know. Please feel free to be as weird or insulting as you want to be. I know I can't stop it! I am just hoping for a few helpful responses.
2007-12-20 14:17:13 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Okay, LOL I do have friends. I have a varied and wonderful group of people that support me. Of all races and religious preferences, just no atheists. So I wanted a different perspective. Most of the answers are really great thanks!
2007-12-20 14:41:13 · update #1
Hey Friday. Not really much I can tell you... like you said, you've got the "no God" thing covered, and that's pretty much all atheism is.
You really don't know any atheists? Well, at least you can come and hang out with us here at R&S whenever you want :)
2007-12-20 14:22:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
First - understand that it CAN be lonely. It's still "accepted" to look down on atheists in this culture (I'm assuming USA) -- it's been called the "last acceptable prejudice". For whatever reason, you've come to the wonderful realization that we are not "made" to worship anything and that worship is an unnatural state of being for humans. So, face the world with your head raised, shoulders back, knowing that you are in charge of your own destiny and future, and that you don't have anyone to blame for your failings or to give "glory" to for your triumphs. Knowing that you don't have a hell to fear, and that the only heaven is what you make on this earth from your life, work, friends, and family. Knowing that your integrity and reason, not some "miracle", is what will come to your aid in a crisis.
It's not necessary to hate religion or those who are "faithful" -- though much evil has been done in the name of God, much good has been done as well.
In terms of networking - can't say that I know much about finding atheist friends. I'm new at this too. It's sad but true that you may have to be selective about how you approach the subject with certain people (friends/family) or whether you ever do. Don't feel like this makes you dishonest or secretive.
2007-12-20 14:30:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am not an atheist and I do not belong to an organized religion. After reading your question my thoughts were, why do you think you require tips and guidelines and "general things". Go by your gut feelings, and make choices according to how YOU feel, not someone else.
Also, I personally, do not believe that groups of people, whether religious groups, cultural groups, age groups, etc. etc. is a good thing. Why not have friends of every kind and listen and learn and grow from connecting with everyone,
I choose to be a Spiritual Person, who has atheist friends, Christian friends, Muslim friends, etc. etc. The acceptance and understanding between us give us all a loving, peaceful atmosphere to live in.
My family is interracial, and we love each other very much.
I look forward to seeing the world interact with each other this way, and that includes religious and non-religious, people. I am sure you have heard the quote ":love thy neighbour as thyself". To me that means everyone, atheists and all, not just the neighbour next door.
2007-12-20 14:34:36 · answer #3 · answered by Maureen S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
O don't know where you are, but there are atheist sites that try to set up meetings in the real world.
You might look at some of them.
http://ca.search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&fr=sfp&p=Atheist+meet-ups&rd=r1
To tell you the truth I am not much into the group thing. It is enough that you know your own mind. The rest of your life is yours. Atheism is not like a church group. You might be surprised at how many people don't believe in Gods. Most of us don't bother talking about it much. Y!A is a special place for that.
2007-12-20 14:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by Buke 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You could try looking online for local atheist events such as lectures. Attending a few would help meet people who have the same view as you. There's a list of atheist sites at the links below. Look for one near you and see if they have any events coming up. Good luck :)
2007-12-20 14:37:57 · answer #5 · answered by russj 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all good-
Why worry about it? Why does religion have to be a factor in a friendship? Most of my friends are religious- blend of mostly Christians, a handful of Wiccans, a few agnostics leaning toward theism- only about 2 strong atheist friends that I know in person. That's it.
Then again, its not like I ask people that when I approach them...
2007-12-20 14:29:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Find a nearby Humanist group via www.meetup.com and you'll discover many new friends.
As an atheist myself, my friends are mostly Christians. It's the old MLK Jr content of their character that makes us friends and belief/non-belief is never an issue beyond friendly jokes.
2007-12-20 14:38:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Besides my boyfriend I don't know any atheists outside of the internet. One thing I did was join an atheist meetup group at meetup.com. You can check and see if they have a group in your area. I haven't been to any meetings yet but I will attend their next one in January. If you want you can add me to your contacts and I'll let you know how it goes.
2007-12-20 14:30:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You could try a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
Many in the UU congregation are atheist or agnostic, and most of those that do believe in God are very open to those who don't.
2007-12-20 15:53:26 · answer #9 · answered by queenthesbian 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Damo_man's right. Just find some intelligent people that don't really put so much weight in religion. BTW: Amongst my christian peers the ones least concerned about religion turn out to be pretty damn smart so there's a lil' clue as to how to find 'em. That's my case of course but nonetheless I wish you success
2007-12-20 14:28:41 · answer #10 · answered by The Walkin' Dude 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋