One sure-fire way to bring any kind of lively conversation to a dead halt is by mentioning the word ‘atheist‘. Generally, atheists are seen as people with questionable characters, and oftentimes, are even seen as satanists or people who dabble in witchcraft or the dark arts. But nothing could be further from the truth. Atheists, also known as or described as free thinkers, are usually highly educated people who have a high regard for morality that is not tainted by religion. Yet despite this, they are often seen as amoral or without a conscience. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
The best promoters of atheism are the atheists themselves. In order to correct these misconceptions and allow people to see atheists in the proper light, here are something’s that you can do to prove to people that atheists are not what they fear them to be.
Don’t assume a superior attitude
Most free thinkers think that they are at a higher level of understanding compared to those who have religions. It’s not about being who’s superior, atheism should be about realizing that people are different and also have different beliefs. Everyone is equal regardless of our beliefs, gender, sexual preference, race or social or economic standing.
Respect is important
Atheists are given a lot of flak for not believing in a God but this shouldn’t mean that they should fight fire with proverbial fire. The best way to fight disrespect is to be respectful. The most rabid critics won’t know what to do if the vitriol they spew is met with actual respect. Try to understand where these people come from and do not fault them for believing an entity that can’t be seen.
Atheism may be hard to grasp
Not many people will fully understand what atheism means. And it surely will be difficult to explain the many reasons for not believing in what the Bible says, for example. Let’s face it, there are a lot of people who still do not fully understand evolution and the concepts behind it. You can try to explain your viewpoints but be aware that it will be difficult to reeducate a person who has been taught something completely different from childhood.
Be kind
Atheists are always thought to be bad people who have no moral center. Prove them wrong by performing acts of kindness everyday. Even one act of kindness a day will do. It is up to you to show to people what atheism is all about and it is definitely not about being amoral or having no conscience. In fact, it is about being moral and doing right because it is the proper thing to do and not because an invisible man is looking at what you’re doing.
Image from friendlyatheist.com
I’m a 14 year old atheist, but you wouldn’t guess from looking at me based on common stereotypes.. I’m a vegetarian, and an animal lover. I volunteer for the humane society, and save animals from eauthenasia very frequently. I’ve never drank, smoked, done drugs, or had sex, unlike several “christian” kids my age. I’m an honor student, and started taking high school and college classes at age 11. I rescue small animals that were to be fed to snakes, sometimes bottle feeding them. I also write articles about animal rights for the local news paper. I love babies, and I babysit in my town. I’m a very happy person, my parents are Christian. I’ve never practiced witchcraft, nor am I a satanist. I have friends of all religions. So, before anyone goes thinking all atheists are drug addicted slackers, please think again.. we aren’t all alike. 🙂
Rachel, you sound very mature and very self-aware — which is a lot more than many people TWICE or even THRICE your age. 🙂 You are right, it so totally unfair to judge anyone based on religion or any belief. What’s important is CHARACTER.
I guess at the heart of this article is this: be a good PERSON, whether you’re an atheist or a christian or any religion. And the way you live and treat others is the best “testimonial” for your choice/value system.