Atheists in America: Godless Living, Political Activism, Fighting Bigotry

In the past, religion and religious beliefs tended to define most things people did in their lives as well as most public institutions. With the growth of secularism and the increase of religious diversity, however, religious beliefs previously assumed to be common and basic began to fall away. Today secularism and godlessness define an increasing number of people’s lives and public institutions. This social development cannot be ignored, though the Christian Right is determined to fight it. Who Are America's Godless...
This common perception about atheists is particularly unfortunate because, I am sad to say, it is so often true. Yes, there are quite a few atheists out there who are angry — but what are they so angry about? There are a number of things which can cause atheists to be angry. Some atheists experience ongoing discrimination because of their disbelief in gods, for example. They have to hide their atheism from family, friends and coworkers. Why Atheists are so Angry...
Godless Americans are like other people in America: they grow up, date, get married, raise children, celebrate holidays, and all the other things which religious theists do. Godless Americans simply do it without the structures provided by religion or theism. For many religious theists, this may seem impossible; for godless Americans, it's normal life. Some can experience difficulty, though, because so much of American society is set up to privilege religious beliefs and religious behavior. Godless Living in America...
Critics, primarily the Christian Right though some progressives have succumbed to the temptation to join, have been using "godless liberals" and the "secular left" as scapegoats for everything they don't like in contemporary American politics. Godless liberals and the secular left, insofar as they exist, have little to no influence and no real power. This is not a situation that has to continue, though. Godless liberals do exist and they could create a secular left, if they wanted. What they need is the desire to do so, ideals to fight for, and issues to pursue. It will take time, however. Godless Politics...
Critics pretend that godless Ameicans are part of a massive conspiracy to deny Christians their religious liberties. The truth is, though, that the godless are a small minority in America with relatively little influence or power. Godless atheists are the most despised and distrusted minority in the nation. Circumstances for them can be difficult enough that they have to stay in the closet and hide their atheism from friends and family. When was the last time a Christian in America had to do that? Bigotry & Discrimination Against Atheists...
Many atheists hide their atheism from friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family because they are afraid of the reactions of others if they find out. So many religious theists — especially Christians — are intolerant of atheism and atheists that atheists are forced to keep their true feelings quiet. It would be better if more atheists could and did come out of the closet, but they need to be prepared. Whether one is coming out of the closet to parents or other family members, coworkers or the boss, friends or neighbors, you need to prepare in advance and think about what you're going to say. Revealing Your Atheism...
Godless atheists are the most despised and discriminated against minority in America. They face bigotry in a wide variety of ways and when it's known that they are godless or secular, their views on various political and social views may be immediately dismissed. Religion generally and Christianity in particular benefit from widespread privileges, but godless atheists can make a difference if they want. There are ways to fight and to promote justice for themselves as well as other secularists. Fighting Anti-Atheist Bigotry, Discrimination...