Evangelical Atheist?

This is a phrase I have started seeing online more and more. People (in general and on both sides of the spectrum) are griping about the "new Atheists" and how they seem to be shoving their non-beliefs down other peoples throats.

I understand the problems that people may have with "In your face Atheism" as I like to call it, however, in this day and age I honestly thing the main goal of people who do this (myself included) is to inform others. It took me 10 years to "come out" of the religious closet and claim my atheism to friends and family. It's taken longer for people to realize I'm serious about it and that this is not a phase.

Some of us (especially those who are "new" to atheism) are still hurting over things said/done by those in the church. I am sure that being raised to follow ridiculous rules and traditions that don't make sense logically can leave one hurting. Add to that any abuse and/or constant harassment by "loved ones" who only seek to "save" others and you have a dangerous mix. In time, people may calm down and see that being so forward is not always a good thing, but I kind of hope that doesn't happen.

I think it is important for there to be links to the religious world from the atheist world, and to treat others as you wish to be treated. However, I think it is just as vital to this nation that people push the "atheist agenda" (another phrase you see too often online). There are millions out there who are doubting what they believe or have been raised to believe. Like abuse, there are many who do not know how to cope with their questions and pain. While they are told they aren't alone, they fear what may happen to them, to their relationships, to their lives, if they speak out.

I see it as part of my job as a human to stand up against injustice when I see it. I am passionate about my atheism, probably because I was so passionate about my religion when I was a Christian, and that failed me too many times to count. Right now, I fully admit to being a bit angry with the religious world and how they have treated me (both when I was religious and especially now that I am no longer a believer). I fully admit to getting hostile and rude more often than not, but I'm okay with that. As they like to say "Sometimes the truth hurts". I do not seek to hold someones hand and walk them through life gently. I know there are many people out there who will do that sort of thing, I am just not one of those people. I much prefer the "in your face" "call bullshit when I see it" kind of approach. It gets people thinking and it leaves its mark exactly where I want it. My behavior may seem like "shoving it down your throat" but I prefer that over being quiet and keeping my passions to myself. If this costs me friendships, then so be it. Chances are we weren't that close to begin with, or that whoever walks off from my friendship was probably not worth my time anyway.

I don't think the world will ever be without religion. It would be nice, but that's just not a realistic hope. In the meantime, I will reach out to others who are fanatic about their beliefs by being just as fanatic about my non-belief. And I will reach out to those who are honestly seeking information as best as I can: gently and (hopefully) without judgement. But I can not sit silently and watch as the religious world condemns the rights of others in the name of their god.

-- Autumn

Tags: Anger, Atheism, Atheist, Hope, New, Politics, Religion

5 members like this

Comment by Autumn_in_jeans on May 27, 2011 at 12:50pm: I like the way you put that :) Tends to sum up what I said in a paragraph. Lol. I warned you all that I'm wordy :P

Comment by Jacob LeMaster on May 27, 2011 at 1:04pm: The difference between Christian Evangelism and "Atheist Evangelism" We willingly attack the strong for being wrong and intolerant.. They quickly try to collect the "weak" with lies and manipulation... We are human rights activists or possibly advocates not evangelists in any way.. Even the word itself is created from Christianity for Christianity.. More so the word Atheist was once used to describe Christians in greek culture when they were the minority faith it is nothing more than a slur that some of us willingly accept myself accepting it out of spite.. Kind of like saying you couldn't take it but i can can I have another?

Comment by Robert Karp on May 27, 2011 at 1:06pm: And I say, aha, that we, aha, as brothers and sisters, aha, shall RISE UP, and treat each other with love, aha, and respect, aha, as equal members of this earth, aha, and together shall move to a place of love and humility and empathy. And we say amen and awomen.

Comment by Jacob LeMaster on May 27, 2011 at 1:08pm: @ Robert [like]

Comment by Autumn_in_jeans on May 27, 2011 at 1:12pm: While love and respect have their own time and place, there are also those who seem to beg for harsh opinions, facts and a good "talking to" (so to speak). For the most part, the Xians I am still friends with are already questioning their beliefs or are okay with me being "loud" because they love me for who I am, not what I believe. But the xians (and other religious nuts) that are often referred to as "fundies"; the ones that try to teach Creation as Science; those that try to control our laws based on what their religion - those are the people who I will not be silent around. Those are the ones that I will happily risk my friendship with when it comes right down to it. And those are the ones I tend to piss off the most :)

Comment by Jacob LeMaster on May 27, 2011 at 1:17pm: Oh Autumn.. Wait till you meet a militant moderate (if you haven't already)... I never thought it possible... but I'm related to one and know quite a few.. It is the second most aggravating spew of bullshit you can ever hear come out of someones mouth..

Comment by Autumn_in_jeans on May 27, 2011 at 1:27pm: Lol, I am sure they will be fun to deal with ;)

Comment by Jacob LeMaster on May 27, 2011 at 1:42pm: The argument is basically everybody has their own way to god.. I can do whatever want as long as I believe in god and de'jesus.. but you, you are an atheist piece of shit and your going to hell..

AAAAAAAAAAAAgggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiivvvvvvvvvvvaaaaaaaatttttttttiiiiiinnnnnnnnngggggg......

Comment by Autumn_in_jeans on May 27, 2011 at 1:46pm: To which the reply should be to put cracks in that belief they hold so dearly to. My goal with that kind of person is to say just enough to piss them off, make them think and go to their own religious leaders for answers to the questions I ask, knowing all the while that the answers will be unsatisfactory at best.

If you make someone like that mad enough, they will sit down and spew about what was said for DAYS and eventually they are compelled to look into what you have said. It usually starts out as a way to "do anything to prove the atheist wrong" but my hope is that it cracks the walls around their resolve to believe.

Comment by Jacob LeMaster on May 27, 2011 at 1:53pm: Hah I got him to delete me from Facebook ... How dare I support atheists in the military... lol

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