Atheism, Community & Children

As a mother and Atheist ( for over 20 years) I've found the hardest aspect of being an Atheist and a parent - is finding community. Not just for myself - but for my children. Community and socialization are crucial in a child's development. I feel this in one of the most significant reasons there is less women in Atheism -  because there is less family in Atheism. In meet-ups, they are predominately male - and usually at libraries. 

They discuss philosophy and science ... Not child friendly. 
As you read statuses and updates by fellow Atheists- you'll notice us wives and our children omitted. Very rare - is the admission of wives, children, our family life. Women are the backbone of church -  they are what keeps 'faith' alive...But not faith in God, instead faith in family and community. If we want reason to grow - then we have to find a way to include the atheist family - to offer support and community for our growing families. To organize social groups that are centered on family life and provide that crucial social development and bonds through friendship and community that are for now , found mainly in church. We have to supply an alternative...This is what keeps many people I know from outting- fear of losing community and the bonds they've built. 

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Permalink Reply by Morgan Matthew on December 10, 2010 at 12:59am

I am not sure where you live but you can always check out Camp Quest. http://www.camp-quest.org/ It is a start.

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 3:49am

We live in Florida... Mi'a is too young for the camp- I'm waiting for the day she can go ... Thank You !!!

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 3:49pm

I re-opened this due to requests - if nothing more to than to see the stark difference in male/female rationale or emotional understanding of a complex issue with parenting & Atheism. 

Permalink Reply by Dan Jensen on December 10, 2010 at 4:04pm

Confirmation bias.

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 4:16pm

Vague & pointless. 

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 4:20pm

BTW Dan - I request you give evidence contrary to my position, using the above replies- which now yours is also taken into account. I'm not one that accepts drive by spamming. 

Permalink Reply by Reggie on December 10, 2010 at 4:19pm

That's a shiny dime.  Well said.

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 4:23pm

I will post my blog on this issue - maybe that will shed some light on the the issue. 

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 4:25pm

Here is my blog - I started a separate one from my usual writing, to address issues. 

 

Are There Women In Atheism? Obviously So ...

Permalink Reply by Angela Moore Long on December 10, 2010 at 4:36pm

I involve my children in action- charitable events and etc- these are no replacement for consistent  bond building, long term relationships. They will for now will have to suffice, until I find a community I can belong within ... I'm trying to build a group locally - again, to find people who can be consistent and involved. 

 

Thank you for your positive response!

Permalink Reply by Caitlin on December 10, 2010 at 7:00pm

Believe me, I know the feeling. It's sort of an "Us Against the World!" type thing. We're both rather antisocial anyway, and we truly don't have any meetups or 'fellowship' in our area. It's the bible belt, if you're not a Christian you're seen as a second class citizen. The closest meetup is like 45 minutes away, and they never meet. *sigh*

 

I'll do what I have to do in order to make my child happy and I know my husband would do the same. I guess I'm just scared that we'll be rejected by people if they find out about our atheism.

3equ3cp1fsw0nPermalink Reply by 3equ3cp1fsw0n on December 10, 2010 at 7:31pm

I tried to post but something is screwing up. Won't let me type more than a few lines. I'll try again later.

 

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