June 3, 2004
Quote of the Day
This is my favorite Atheist quote:
"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
That sums it up as good as anything, really. Atheism is merely a position regarding the existence of gods-there is no context outside of that. The beliefs we do generally share, we share with every other sane person on earth. And we are less rare than you think - most Atheists don't make their presence known, because there is no reason to. We don't advertise.
Dwayne Stephenson
Posted by Russell Whitaker at June 3, 2004 2:31 PM | TrackBackMaybe we should advertise. Part of the arrogance of Christians is believing that atheist are amoral, unprincipled goons, not worthy of respect or consideration. I do not want to concede that. I do not advertise my atheism in the sense of arbitrarily and senselessly bringing it up in conversations, but whenever appropiate, whenever in conversation others assume I am a believer, I correct them. I state that I am an atheist and, if necessary, my view on the topic under discussion. Two things usually happen: it undermines their stereotype of atheists (this,of couse, only when there is mutual respect in the relationship), and it leads to questions about how I approach the issues that for them is central to embracing religion. Making ourselves visible to others as atheists is subversive of stereotypes. I believe this to be a good outcome.
Posted by: Antonio on June 10, 2004 1:05 PM