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.
I was inspired to write to you after reading a response you gave to someone a few months ago regarding “crazy aunts.” I have one of those, and I have no idea how to deal with her. My aunt is a lonely, childless woman who went through a nasty divorce before I was born. Her ex-husband was an abusive alcoholic, so she has some emotional baggage. About a decade ago she discovered this man named John de Ruiter. This guy… Read more
Hi Richard, I’m 22 years old and a recent college graduate. Unfortunately, with the state the economy is in, I’m having problems finding a job, so I had to take up residence with my parents. While neither my parents or I have a problem with this arrangement, I’m finding some of the things they believe about me to be pretty ouch-worthy, if you will. This has lead to two problems I’m currently having with them. I like to be open… Read more
Note: When letter writers sign with their first names instead of a pseudonym or nickname, I randomly change their name for added anonymity. Dear Richard, Both myself and my wife are atheist (but I’m a little more extremist). We were both raised in traditional Jewish homes. That is, we were brought up on the culture and tradition, but not brainwashed into believing in an abstract god. When our first son was born, we disagreed on whether or not he should… Read more
Dear Richard, I came out as an atheist to my ultra-Catholic parents about a year ago. Surprisingly, my Dad has been very understanding. I had to move back in with my parents because I am in my last quarter of undergrad. My mother, despite her knowledge of my atheism was under the impression that I would be attending church on Sunday. Needless to say, we’ve had many fights about it. She’s pulled out many neo-con hot words like how I’m… Read more
Note: When letter writers sign with their first names instead of a pseudonym or nickname, I randomly change their name for added anonymity. Hi, I’m 33 and going back to college. Right now I’m working on an associate’s degree, and I intend to transfer to a university to get my bachelor’s. There’s a university here that’s got a good reputation, and I can easily meet the entrance requirements. There are a bunch of good reasons to go there — everything… Read more
