Comments

April 26, 2007 at 1:40 pm

(1) tracieh says:

>Many atheists seem to remain cowed and afraid enough to keep their atheism quiet

I do agree that as more atheists become more secure in publicly proclaiming their lack of belief in god, life will become easier for all atheists; I also recognize that this is “easier said than done” in many areas of the U.S. I am very lucky to live in a town where tolerance is pretty generously granted to most people; but I’ve read about other atheists, in other parts of the nation, who have, literally, been run out on a rail when they were “outed” regarding their lack of belief. I have to just say that for some atheists, I think “cowed and afraid” is totally justified–depending on the situation.

I hope, however, as you seem to as well, that as more atheists come forward to say, “I’m a good neighbor, a responsible citizen, a caring human being, and an atheist,” that even those of us isolated in the all-too-common, intellectually dark corners of the nation will find their fellow citizens “seeing the light” of tolerance, and be able to become more open and honest about their beliefs without being subjected to bitter hatred and distrust, angry backlash and punishment, and open prejudicial bigotry at the hands of their own communities.

May 1, 2007 at 2:29 pm

(2) John Hanks says:

I am a Quaker and not an atheist. Still, I tell people I am an atheist because it shakes them up. Organized religion is organized crime. Anything that opposes their cons is obviously an enemy.