Richard Wade is a retired licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in southern California. At Hemant’s suggestion, in 2009 he began writing an advice column called “Ask Richard.” He publishes his responses to email letters from people of all viewpoints, not just atheists. These usually deal with challenges or conflicts stemming from believers and nonbelievers living or working together. He tries to reduce unnecessary conflict and suffering on all sides.
He has spoken as a “guest atheist” at several churches to dispel the misconceptions and false stereotypes about atheism and atheists. His goal is to prevent the same unnecessary strife and hardship in families and friendships that he has dealt with in hundreds of “Ask Richard” letters. With accurate information, loving and respectful relationships do not have to be ruined by this difference in beliefs.
He is the President of the Santa Clarita Atheists and Freethinkers, who provide a safe haven and support for non-believers in the area as well as participate in several community outreach activities, charity work, interfaith events, and political activism.
Note: Letter writers’ names are changed to protect their privacy. Hi Richard – I’m an atheist in my late 20’s who grew up in a nondenominational, but spiritual family. No mention of Jesus – or even God, necessarily – but a lot of emphasis was put on leading a thoughtful, serene, aware life. Those meaningful conversations continued at college and as I tried to figure out who I was. Now that I’m older I’m finding myself at a loss as… Read more
Richard, Ever since the election, my Mormon family has been strongly convinced the “end of days” is upon us. My parents have terrified my younger siblings to the point where they can’t sleep at night, and my father is sending out numerous emails to prepare us all. I hate seeing them this upset over an imaginary fear, but nothing I say seems to make an impact. I can’t exactly tell my little siblings that their parents are wrong without making… Read more
Note: Letter writers’ names are changed to protect their privacy. My Dad recently committed suicide. Despite the circumstances of his death I assure you he was a great man. I have been raised in a very religious family. In fact I am the only member of my family that is not actively religious. I tend to take a more passive stance on religion, although I am most definitely a non-believer. My family definitely knows I am not actively involved in… Read more
December 21 is fast approaching, and as you probably know, it’s not just the winter solstice, it’s also the “Mayan calendar thing.” According to some popular books and at least one movie, on that day we are all going to be killed in a global cataclysm. Because I do performances about science for children, and because apparently I’m an approachable person, the children’s parents often ask me what I think of the “Mayan calendar thing,” specifically is it doomsday. I… Read more
