A heartening response from atheists
By ROBYN E. BLUMNER, Times Perspective Columnist
http://www.sptimes.com/2004/08/15/Columns/A_heartening_response.shtml
Normally, I don't write follow-up columns. But the flood of e-
mail, letters and phone calls provoked by my last piece in which I
"came out of the closet" as an atheist, called out for a response.
In writing of my objection to the open ridicule and discrimination
faced by atheists, I had anticipated letters maligning me and
warning of the eternal damnation to come. And yes, there were a
handful of those. But they were countered by more than 350
positive responses. My e-mail account overflowed with people
expressing their amazement that someone, somewhere was finally
saying what they held to be true - views that were almost
completely absent in the mainstream media.
I was wished bon courage by many readers who expected I'd have
to hold up against an onslaught of negativism; and the newspaper
was roundly congratulated just for being bold enough to allow my
heresies into print.
But it is they who deserve congratulations for courage. I don't use
full names because my guess is they would not want their
identities known.
Bill: "I am a 20-year-old atheist and I know exactly how you feel.
I have actually had some Christian friends find out that I am
atheist and they told me that they couldn't be friends with me
anymore. . . . We truly are the only minority that I can think of
that everyone considers okay to pick on and discriminate against."
Danielle: "I find the comparison of atheists to lesbians and gays
particularly apt. I have often found that I am reluctant to "come
out' with my religious views around co-workers and employers,
because I know that it can affect my professional relationships."
Jon from Florida: "Boy are you right about nonbelievers being in
the last and only unprotected minority group. For the last year or
so I have been active in local politics, as a volunteer for various
Republican candidates. Some of the other Republicans, noting my
enthusiasm and grasp of issues, have asked me whether I would
be interested in running for some office. When I reply that I'm
unelectable, due to my atheism, I am met with unanimous
agreement (and a certain wariness, too).
"I too am continually astounded at the hostility so many believers
have toward me and my nonbelief. So you're right, for that reason
I tend to keep my nonbelief to myself, or "in the closet.' "
Polly from Florida: "I don't remember ever reading about anyone
who shares my beliefs, and I've lived and read papers from all
over America in my 47 years. Thank you for having the courage to
publicly voice your beliefs; it's a joy for me to know that I'm not
alone."
Wayne: "I am an atheist and an army officer serving in Iraq, a real,
live atheist in a foxhole. It is interesting to me that we are so
quick to persuade the Iraqis to keep religion out of their
government, but the same administration is so bent on inserting
religion into our government. I guess theirs is the wrong brand."
Chris from Maryland: "I know people who are forced to
participate in prayer at work just to keep their jobs. I'm often
reminded of a comment made by Bush Sr. during his run for the
presidency when a reporter from the American Atheist news
journal asked him if he recognized the equal citizenship and
patriotism of Americans who are atheists. Bush responded, "No, I
don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor
should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God.'
Imagine if he had made that comment about blacks or any other
minority."
Linda from Colorado: "Many people are very surprised to learn
that I'm an atheist. I'm a nice normal person, I volunteer, I try to
help people, I love animals, and I think that life and the world are
amazing. How could I be an atheist!!?
Sarah and Joe: You have put into words what many of us
nonbelievers have to deal with on an almost daily basis. It is even
harder on those of us atheist families. We choose to raise our
children without superstition, but if we state so openly, we invite
the anger of many of our neighbors.
Then there was the other side:
Jodi: "Reading the article you wrote made my mouth drop open.
There are NO coincidences EVER. We are given freedom of
CHOICE from a loving GOD. Those who choose to NOT follow
his WORD will be cast into hell forever."
J.J. from New Port Richey: "I cannot believe we still have so
many "air-heads' that cannot see beyond their nose, to say there is
no God. If you have anything in your "upstairs,' all one has to do is
look up at the stars at night. They did not get there by some
strange and goofy chance."
The Underwoods: "My gut reaction to your column was sympathy
and then I decided I would write you and also have everyone I
know pray for you. . . . I am a Catholic Christian and will be
offering up the sacrifice of the Mass this month for your
conversion."
No thanks. Really.
In the column I misspelled the last name of Friedrich Nietzsche.
Sorry for the error.
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