On: Atheism

One of my friends shared this link with me. If you want a good chuckle, check it out here. It's Conservapedias definition of Atheism.

Now I could get all offended and pissed, or I could laugh it off. I chose to do the latter. You see, I know most Christians don't feel this way (at least the ones I choose to have in my life) and if they do, screw em. Those aren't people I want in my life. And, I hope they realize they aren't being Christ like.

In light of that, I thought I might just clear up some common misconceptions. These are things I've actually run into in my life.

1. Atheists largely don't hate Christians. Of course you'll find some "angry" atheists out there, just like you find "angry" Christians. They are just angry PEOPLE - no need to attach a faith (or lack of) to it. You will find atheists disillusioned by Christianity, and perhaps a bit angry - but the anger is directed at the faith, not people. Try not to take it personally, these people need to work through it and let it go.

2. Atheists do have morals. Just because God isn't in my life, doesn't mean that I don't know how to be a good person. I do it for myself, not because the bible says. I've actually had someone ask how I set aside time for my family if we're not going to church. Seriously? The only time you set aside for family is Sunday mornings? Because I do it every day. It scares me sometimes when people use God in that way. When I was a believer, I still didn't do good things because of him, but rather because of me.

3. Atheists are not "hope killers". This one really had me laughing. To lump all atheists together and say we go around killing hope by proclaiming there is no God is a joke. I've never, ever told anyone there is no God. I only say I don't believe in him.

4. Atheists will bring their children up as atheists. I fully intend to teach my kids about ALL religions, and let them decide for themselves what they believe in. It's a very personal choice and I will not push my (lack of) beliefs on my kids.

I ran across a blog once, and the title was "Why I Hate Atheists" - this woman was a hard-core Christian. Yet she had a whole blog dedicated to hating people. Again with the unchristlike. I thought the belief was that God would be the ultimate judge - and it's not up to people here to pass judgment?

I have a deep respect for all faiths. I just don't agree with them. I don't let it change the way I view people. Many of my friends are Christian. I respect them and their beliefs. Why can't everyone do the same?

It seems to me so many use the bible to suit their own needs. I have to say that I don't think that was the intended use. People hate gays because the bible said it's wrong. That makes me sick/sad. I feel like anyone can interpret the bible in any way, but if someone is *really* a Christian, they will take the ultimate message that God loves everyone.

Conservapedia says that Atheists are responsible for the "most killing and bloodshed in the world" and there is a picture of Joseph Stalin. Hilter anyone? Or like my good friend Ei said, how about the Crusades? Killers are killers - regardless of their faith (or lack of).

Some more nuggets from the lovely site:
Atheists don't give as much to charity
Atheists engage in immoral activities (homosexual intercourse, co-habitation before marriage)
Christians are more likely to avoid poor mental and physical health
Atheists are more likely to kill themselves

Etc, etc.

It just makes me sad that it has to be one vs the other. There are problems on BOTH sides - people being judgmental and hurtful. I don't understand.

I'll end with 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. - Stephen Roberts