For the Younger Atheists Out There

Atheists want people of faith to not discriminate against us and not push their religion (whichever religion it may be) into our faces or into our laws or public schools, etc.  We want to keep the nation secular (as it was founded), and not have to worry about being persecuted, fired, denied loans, beat up, etc. because we do not follow a religion.  We want acceptance and tolerance, not hatred and bigotry.  And of course every once in a while an intelligent, civil debate goes a long way toward understanding each other and making each side feel better about themselves.

duhsciple, Thank you! for asking this question. It is so rare and so needed. Much more often, people of faith tell atheists all about what we think, feel and do, instead of the simple, humble, and beautiful act of sincerely asking us. 

I second everything  that Emster has said.  Added to that , you can be there for us as human beings, believing in your own innate goodness, because that allows you to see our goodness.  You can do a wonderful job of imitating Jesus, rather than a wonderful job of looking pious. You can be unafraid to get close, and come to know us individually and personally.  Finally, you can take the awareness and open-heartedness that brought you to ask your question, and convince your brothers and sisters of faith to do the same. There are far too few people of faith who do what you just did.

Now I want to ask you the same question: What do people of faith want from atheists? (besides converting, or shutting up, going away, and dying) How can we be there for you, despite our differences? 

I know that because a large percentage of scientists are atheists, atheists have already given you and all of us longer and less painful, less diseased lives, safer buildings, safer bridges, safer vehicles,  safer food, more efficient energy, better clothes, better access to knowledge, and remarkable insights into the amazing, beautiful and formidable universe around us and under our feet.

But I want to ask your question back to you personally. How can I and other atheists, be there for you, duhsciple, and your friends, despite our differences?

All I ask is that you call out prejudice and bigotry when you see it. 

Now to the original post,
Laura, thank you for creating this resource. I’m 61, so I don’t fit your
target audience, but many young people write to me who feel terribly
alone as atheists. They fear losing their friends, being harassed,
abandoned, or abused by their families, and so they suppress themselves,
and spiral down into the beginnings of depression. I will be referring
them to your site. I know it can be a lot of work, but please keep it
up. What you do is very needed and welcome. 

Everyone deserves to be safe from any form of violence. I grieve the hurt inflicted upon others of different (non)belief.

Meanwhile, maybe I’m a softie, but I prefer civil, intelligent conversation to debate.

Sounds good! I’ll be a partner in that.

I am one of those young atheists, and it does seem very intimidating at first — growing up in a Christian community, and having everyone older than me telling me that I’m wrong. 

I started a philosophy website (www.blazingtruth.com) and I do find it a bit daunting to get a following going, but I will not relent. Expect to hear from me soon!David Masten

My son who is 16 has struggled to find a place to fit in since about the 5th grade. I passed on to him my stunning charm, good looks and the ability to indulge in a little free thought. I welcome a place where he can identify with other non-religious teens. He believes in compassion, free will and helping those in need without having to attribute a god to his acts. Unfortunately, he has suffered some very hurtful years because of others misunderstanding of a life without a deity. He has been called a Satanist (which to me implies god follower-satan being an angel of god). he’s been called a ‘fag’ and lastly, he’s been called a moron. implying he must be stupid if he thinks when he dies jesus will open the gates for him, he’s going straight to hell. Ah, humanity, aint it grand 🙂
I will most certainly direct him to this site and encourage him to offer a writing of some of his encounters. He could do a full run of ‘life on the bus’: conversion aversion.

Thanks for sharing!

And to the prejudice non believers can encounter. I was disqualified for a sandwich delivery job by a christian run family deli when they told me they don’t work Sundays, so everyone can go to church with their families. Without thinking, I said, I don’t go to church, but I do appreciate some quality family time. It’s ok though, i don’t really care to work where the minds are so narrow. If you judge me on my church attendance, I’m afraid you may judge me for other things I can’t control. Doesn’t help feed my kids, but I’m not too desperate … yet 🙂

Your son’s a lucky young man because he has you. I wish you well in finding work that is suitable for a person of your integrity. 

you just made my day 🙂

Thanks .. I needed that little morale booster.

I think you’ll find that when the folks here mention debate, we often mean just what you say: a civil, intelligent conversation (though usually themed, if we’re talking about a specific debate). Debate does not have to be vehement or argumentative, despite the unfortunate fact that (especially online) it often seems to be.

I, too, prefer civil debate. Talking is far more likely to make one heard and understood than yelling ever is.

Thank you Richard for the encouragement! My biggest point that I make, perhaps subtly in all of my posts, is that truth is not by consensus. Wishing won’t make it so, unfortunately. I hold Truth supreme above all else. The pursuit of knowledge will take me to new heights I’ve never imagined, let’s do this!

Thanks again,
D