By Samantha Harris
The growing talk of Atheism in mainstream media coupled with an inspirational interview with Dr. Michael Shermer, has lead me to think a little harder about how we would like, not just this site, but atheism as a whole to be seen. There are few subjects in America that stir up as much emotion as atheism. Atheists are the most disliked demographic in the nation. We are seen as immoral, untrustworthy members of society and if you are unfortunate enough to have to listen to Bill O'Reilly, fascists.
Naturally I understand that not to be the situation. Morality is very much related to the heritage and surroundings where you inhabit, and so what is considered ethical in one country is totally taboo in another. Trust needs to be earned, it's not a God provided attribute, unique to only people of religious beliefs, and for Mr. O'Reilly to dub atheists fascists, is simply flat out ignorant.
I'm aware that this isn't the opinion of everyone (as some of the comments on this site will prove), there is a lot of compassion and understanding from both sides of the religious divide, and that's where we would like us ALL to focus our attention.
I'm certain a lot of you have taken a look at the books of the 4 horsemen; Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris. Understanding their work offers us more than merely facts, in my opinion it provided me the courage to discuss my atheism and the confidence to doubt the old fashioned methods of organized faith. They energized me to speak out about my atheism knowing that I had the technical proof behind me.
What I didn't get from those writers, however, was a sense of positivity or way of using my atheism to make a positive difference in the world. Everything I had read seemed to just be ammunition to attack the opposition. But this IS NOT a war. It's supposed to be a discussion. But it seems the only time atheism appears in mainstream media is in some news feature like "War on Christmas / Families / America / Freedom", you get the idea. Often the discussion is an unresolveable slinging match with the religious right. I just don't see the point of getting into these arguments.
It's time for atheism to grow. It's time for it to lead by example; battle violations of human civil rights, help support community programs in our cities, battle for equality - not challenge the opposition to a duel. Leading atheist groups such as American Atheists have paid out large numbers of dollars to install hoardings antagonizing the religious. That cash could possibly have done some true good in the world. The homeless falling asleep in Times Square need to have meals and refuge, not a provocative advert to have a look at. It's time for you to quit centering on what we will never believe, and to on the other hand prize just what we really do.
Ultimately, all that this kind of advertising achieves is a greater hatred towards atheism. Bravo!
Alternatively, let's take an interest in each other. Let's spend some time to recognize each other's perspective. Regardless of whether it's the existence of a personal god almighty, all the way down to who will be able to win the Super Bowl, individuals will always argue. Just imagine exactly what our planet could well be like as long as, in place of shouting one another down, both parties wanted to out perform the other by displaying even more love when compared with the other.
So let's evolve. Let's lead by example. Let's stop the pointless, unresolveable arguments and focus on what actually matters - creating a better world. No matter how passionately you feel about something, opinions change and evolve. What is so valuable now will be laughable in the future. What is a constant is that people matter, and creating a peaceful world should always come before any argument.
And so drop your fists, and go and help to make someone else happy!
About the Author:
If you like wearing Atheist T Shirts (http://shirleyterrell.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/is-it-time-for-atheism-to-advance/) or want to learn more about positive Atheism (http://wilsonbrown2012.livejournal.com/541.html) you should look at the information and shop at atheist shirts.
The growing talk of Atheism in mainstream media coupled with an inspirational interview with Dr. Michael Shermer, has lead me to think a little harder about how we would like, not just this site, but atheism as a whole to be seen. There are few subjects in America that stir up as much emotion as atheism. Atheists are the most disliked demographic in the nation. We are seen as immoral, untrustworthy members of society and if you are unfortunate enough to have to listen to Bill O'Reilly, fascists.
Naturally I understand that not to be the situation. Morality is very much related to the heritage and surroundings where you inhabit, and so what is considered ethical in one country is totally taboo in another. Trust needs to be earned, it's not a God provided attribute, unique to only people of religious beliefs, and for Mr. O'Reilly to dub atheists fascists, is simply flat out ignorant.
I'm aware that this isn't the opinion of everyone (as some of the comments on this site will prove), there is a lot of compassion and understanding from both sides of the religious divide, and that's where we would like us ALL to focus our attention.
I'm certain a lot of you have taken a look at the books of the 4 horsemen; Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris. Understanding their work offers us more than merely facts, in my opinion it provided me the courage to discuss my atheism and the confidence to doubt the old fashioned methods of organized faith. They energized me to speak out about my atheism knowing that I had the technical proof behind me.
What I didn't get from those writers, however, was a sense of positivity or way of using my atheism to make a positive difference in the world. Everything I had read seemed to just be ammunition to attack the opposition. But this IS NOT a war. It's supposed to be a discussion. But it seems the only time atheism appears in mainstream media is in some news feature like "War on Christmas / Families / America / Freedom", you get the idea. Often the discussion is an unresolveable slinging match with the religious right. I just don't see the point of getting into these arguments.
It's time for atheism to grow. It's time for it to lead by example; battle violations of human civil rights, help support community programs in our cities, battle for equality - not challenge the opposition to a duel. Leading atheist groups such as American Atheists have paid out large numbers of dollars to install hoardings antagonizing the religious. That cash could possibly have done some true good in the world. The homeless falling asleep in Times Square need to have meals and refuge, not a provocative advert to have a look at. It's time for you to quit centering on what we will never believe, and to on the other hand prize just what we really do.
Ultimately, all that this kind of advertising achieves is a greater hatred towards atheism. Bravo!
Alternatively, let's take an interest in each other. Let's spend some time to recognize each other's perspective. Regardless of whether it's the existence of a personal god almighty, all the way down to who will be able to win the Super Bowl, individuals will always argue. Just imagine exactly what our planet could well be like as long as, in place of shouting one another down, both parties wanted to out perform the other by displaying even more love when compared with the other.
So let's evolve. Let's lead by example. Let's stop the pointless, unresolveable arguments and focus on what actually matters - creating a better world. No matter how passionately you feel about something, opinions change and evolve. What is so valuable now will be laughable in the future. What is a constant is that people matter, and creating a peaceful world should always come before any argument.
And so drop your fists, and go and help to make someone else happy!
About the Author:
If you like wearing Atheist T Shirts (http://shirleyterrell.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/is-it-time-for-atheism-to-advance/) or want to learn more about positive Atheism (http://wilsonbrown2012.livejournal.com/541.html) you should look at the information and shop at atheist shirts.