Yep, I have a new reputation at VH (our homeschooling school). I am now known as the friendly atheist. Of course many atheists around the blogosphere know the friendly atheist to be this guy. And I am in no way trying to compete with him, because he’s the actual friendly atheist. 
Why am I known in my community as the friendly atheist? Well… a super smart (and oh so cute) young boy wrote a presentation about atheism in general and about me in particular, for one of his classes at VH. The presentation was excellent, humorous and interesting. And the parents, who came to listen to their children’s presentations, listened carefully and watched more carefully, as they recognized the friendly atheist girl to be sitting right there in the classroom.
Now I have of course experienced all kinds of reactions to my atheism, generally negative, sometimes neutral, and very few times positive. Not so at VH. I have been stopped many times today by parents, commenting on the presentation, and giving me positive feedback.
I have generally been careful to address my atheism around others. Not only because I try to avoid useless discussions, but also because sometimes I’m afraid of attacks or some other kind of hostility. Kind of silly, isn’t it? But my own personal experience has taught me to be cautious. Briefly I considered calling myself something else, like humanist or secularist or whatever, since the word atheist to some people seems to equal the word devil.
Many atheists around the country feel the need to change their “label” to something other than atheist, in order to be more “popular”. Well, the truth is, this reminds me a bit of school. Be popular, and you’ll be accepted by the other popular people. And well, I’m not a fan of schools, or popularity. But more importantly, I want to make people realize that no matter what you call us (humanist, agnostic, secularist or any other word)… we are still atheists. Like me the way I am or well, don’t like me. But don’t expect me to be someone else, because you can’t handle the a-word.
I like to be known around VH as the friendly atheist. It’s a good name. If I can change people’s perception of what atheism is even just in a very small way, then I know I have changed the world just a little bit. Plus, I show my children, that it’s okay to be proud of who you are. “Good night, Mommy, the friendly atheist” said my daughter to me a few minutes ago. It’s all good.
And to the real “Friendly Atheist”, you so totally rock!!!
Haha. Well at least its friendly atheist! I hear you, sometimes religious people can be just vicious to us non-believers
I’m a friendly Christian. Sometimes we get a bad rap too.
I also find you to be a friendly atheist! =) I’ve always been the type of person to judge people on their level of meanness/snottiness/arrogance (whatever you want to call it). In other words, I like people who are friendly and likeable and who “do unto others.” What this now means is that I am leery of Christians because my own mother is one of the worst kind. I’m somewhere in the middle…attended a religious science center most recently, and even there found it difficult to get into that whole religious community thing. Why? I suppose because I still just believe in living with virtue and morality and I have a hard time subscribing my mind to some person’s version of it. So, it’s easier for me to be fascinated by the teachings of prophets and philosophers the world over and to glean from each what I will and go on my merry way. I like to hear all the voices. I strive to avoid hypocrisy between what I believe and how I live. So yeah.
I wish I could have seen the presentation. I haven’t heard many atheist voices. If you’ve written blogs about it, and you get a chance, send me the link(s) and I would love to read them! =)
Fisher and the Friendly Atheist…
As part of one of Fisher’s classes at Village Home–Terry Purcell’s excellent Explorers class–he was required to research a belief system or worldview and give a presentation to his class on what he learned. And though we tried to hook him up with a…
Hee hee! The mother of the “super smart and oh so cute” boy thanks you heartily again… I have seldom been so proud of my little guy. His last two presentations for Terry’s class were, shall we say, a little less successful.
And it’s adorable that your nickname is sticking, especially with your wee one. Too funny.
Nicole (and all), if you want to see the slides/notes of the presentation, I’ve posted them on my blog.
That’s great that you’re changing people’s perceptions. I think that the reason that many people misunderstand atheists is that they don’t know anyone who is an atheist or at least openly an atheist, so they don’t understand we’re not really different than them.
A friendly wave from another friendly atheist!
What a great opportunity for you and the super smart (and oh so cute) boy to put a friendly face on atheism - particularly important in the homeschool community. Congratulations to you both!
I resist all types of labels. People are people. I don’t think you’d get as much stick over here with your Atheist label (friendly or otherwise) but in the US people are a little more “christian” aren’t they?
I don’t believe in gods either, or Father Christmas, or the Tooth Fairy and I find it hard to see how intelligent adults do, but they do, and so long as they don’t try to foist their views on others, that’s fine with me.
But yes, it’s definitely fine to be different. Everyone should just be themselves.
Hey, the world should be full of wonderful people like all of you.
RB, yes, in Germany it was easier too. While the majority of the citizens are Christians, I found it incredibly uncomplicated to just be me and have friends of different faiths, without it ever becoming an issue. But hey, maybe that’s why I’m here. Maybe I had a job to do.
Thank you for being such a Friendly Atheist! My brother is one but not so friendly, more like a ” Reluctant to speak to you Atheist “. Lol. Sounds like Fisher had a great subject for his presentation.
“Real” Friendly Atheist salutes your complete awesomeness. Keep it up
Welcome to my place, Hemant. It’s an honor to have you here.
And thanks for the compliment.
Wow, another atheist homeschooler?!!! I thought I was the only one! Well, not quite I guess. I do know of a few others. So I have a question for you, if you don’t mind? Have you ever been in a situation where a Christian innocently drops God into the conversation, and your young child answers in a big, loud voice “I don’t believe in God, actually!” Then they think they misheard, so your child repeats the exact same thing, leaving them looking as if they’ve been hit in the stomach by a brick! Do you have a method for adressing this?
Penny, yes, I have had such an experience before. But fortunately I have very proud children with a lot of confidence. When asked why they don’t believe in God, and if they don’t want to go to heaven, my children simply reply, that for that there would have to be a heaven first.
My daughter especially is a declared atheist. She does not hesitate to say exactly what she thinks, all in a respectful way, of course. My experience is that once my children answer a couple of questions, they’re usually left alone. I might get a look or two… but I just smile my friendliest smile, which is usually enough to ward off anymore questions or such.
Hey, thanks for stopping by.