There isn’t much in the way of explicit political activism on the part of open, godless atheists in America. There are no godless, atheistic political parties, for example. Why is this and is it a good thing? I think that it is inevitable that godless political parties won’t form in America, but I also think that it’s unfortunate that atheists aren’t more openly active in politics as atheists.
Atheism is Not an Identity or a Political Philosophy
The problem for atheists being politically active as atheists is that atheism, by itself, doesn’t constitute the basis for any sort of identity or political philosophy. Atheism is a quality, not an affiliation, and is more like being tall or having red hair than being Catholic or Hispanic. Groups of people can develop common political beliefs and goals on the basis for affiliations like being Hispanic or Catholic; there are few, if any, common beliefs and goals which can be developed around being an atheist or being tall.
Atheists disagree on immigration, war, abortion, gay marriage, taxation, and everything else you can think of. The only political issue which atheists generally agree on is the separation of church and state. Because of this, the few political activities that organized atheists get involved in focus on the separation of church and state. More than this probably isn’t possible — as soon as such groups take positions on other issues, they alienate members and reduce their effectiveness.
Atheists Have Political Interests, Can Have a Political Impact
The fact that political activism cannot be based on atheism alone does not mean that atheists don’t have political interests. On the contrary, atheists can be as politically engaged — or apathetic — as the average American. The only question is how atheists’ political activism can or should be directed. If purely atheistic groups cannot provide more than an outlet for activism in church/state separation, then what can be done by atheists interested in more?
The problems described here do not apply to groups based around more than atheism — for example, Libertarian, Objectivist, Buddhist, and Secular Humanist organizations. All or nearly all members of these groups will have atheism in common, but the purpose and goals of the groups are broader than merely creating a place for atheists to meet. Groups like these can take stands on more than the separation of church and state without much risk of alienating many members.
This means that such groups, as well as groups like the ACLU in which religious affiliation is irrelevant, provide atheists with a way to be politically active without having to try to base their activism on atheism alone. In fact, groups where atheism isn’t an issue can in some ways be a very productive outlet for politically active atheists. Atheistic groups provide a context where an atheist may feel more comfortable, but other groups provide a context in which atheists can demonstrate that being godless doesn’t make one immoral.
Introducing Godlessness into Political Activism
Perhaps the biggest impact which atheists might make in American politics isn’t just to add their weight behind issues like preserving the separation of church and state or defending abortion rights, but to be visible as unapologetic, outspoken atheists within such political movements. I’m not dismissing the practical impact which atheists might have in benefiting such causes, but I do want to highlight the fact that simply being there and demonstrating the reality and relevance of godless moral and political values is beneficial as well.
Joining a freethought group establishes connections and support with other godless people, but it may not impact the rest of the community. Joining and becoming active in local groups which are designed for other purposes — political, social, environmental, charitable, etc. — allows atheists to connect with and influence religious theists in ways not otherwise possible.
This establishes a godless perspective in these groups, helping religious believers get used to the fact that we exist and that we matter. Over time, theists can come to see that being godless doesn’t make one an immoral monster or an amoral sociopath. They will see that godlessness is a credible, reasonable, valid option and that being a religious believer isn’t the only path open to them. This, in turn, will at the very least increase the sympathy you experience and decrease the amount of prejudice and discrimination you must contend with.
Should atheists be politically active? Yes, I think so. I think that atheists should become more involved politically not just with issues relevant to them as atheists, but also issues relevant to them as American citizens — but, when doing so, they should be public and open about the fact that they are godless, that they are atheists, and that they active on the basis of godless, secular values.
