How proud and boastful are you about being Atheist?
tbh I don't speak about it ever unless I am involved in a conversation relating to it or am directly asked. I do not wear tshirts or anything that relate to my views. I am a bit more vocal on Facebook though and recently made the comment "One of the greatest things to happen in my life was to stop believing in God." I got quite a few responses from people whose views cross over a spectrum. That's to the extent I go though.
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I take the view that anyone who really ask for my opinion of the matter deserves to get what they ask for. If they know ahead of time they can not handle all possible answers, they would be best advised to keep their questions to themselves.
I'm pretty much split on this. On the one hand, because we are among the least trusted minorities in society (in the US anyway), I feel a need to stand up and say, 'Hey, we're OK, you can trust us. We make decisions based on rational reasoning.'
On the other hand, if I took pride in everything I don't believe in, it would become mind-numbing after a while. Nobody really cares that I'm 'proud' not to believe in Odin. The only reason to take pride in my lack of belief in Yahweh is that a significant segment of our society looks down on me for precisely that attribute.
I think it's great to be proud of reaching a point in which you stop fearing the idea of questioning god and all the things related to this entity. The problem is when you become lose minded about the possibility that there is a god too. As long as you keep an open mind, you should be very proud of your evolution as a human being.
I agree. I'm not ashamed of who I am or how I feel but if one becomes closed minded then their life is basically over. Once you close your mind to different ways of thinking you can no longer grow. People need to understand that just because you don't believe or like something or someone it doesn't make them bad or incorrect it just makes them different. Without difference the world would be stagnant.
Pride is subjective. I have self pride, but not for not believing something per se. More so I am proud that I am not ashamed of myself and that I am rational (as far as I know). I have substantially more outspoken pride in my love and care for people and friends and family, than anything regarding my take on spiritual things.
I think that is very true Unknown - pride being subjective. I can understand that for many people who grew up with religious restrictions would more likely be vocal about their views and experiences not because of self adoring pride but because it is a very serious matter to them - their childhood was basically stolen and they don't want this to happen to others! So as a result it is very important to them to share their experiences and beliefs with others and unfortunately they may be considered rude and boastful by listeners.
However I have come across people in conversations that are a bit too flamboyantly proud when they announce their atheist views and I feel like saying ok ok.
Not at all. I grew up in a religious family and went to a church school for eight years; however, I never believed any of it. I'm a high-functioning autistic and nothing said in church ever made any sense. I never had to reject religion and change my beliefs. I'm inclined to think that people who had to work their way to atheism would be more likely to be proud and/or vocal, but for me it's just something I walked away from at the earliest opportunity.
I don't ram it in people's faces. I don't mention it at all. But if I'm asked I tell them pretty honestly. I've got a Creationist father-in-law too. I've tried adopting a different tactic, I have one friend in particular who is now pretty curious, and I've just told her to watch a few video links I've sent her, plus I've recommended a book or two. But, I say at all times - it's up to you. If she won't look no problem.
I think the genie is out of the bottle for her though, she's too intelligent and now too curious.
Even though I find the subject of belief vs non belief fascinating, I'll only discuss it with a few close people...that way, it's more lighthearted banter than intense debate, especially when we disagree.
Ive noticed that people can be surprisingly touchy about the topic. Do they feel threatened by atheists? Or maybe they think we're out to get them? Who knows?
Anyway, that's the main reason I get to know people before the topic can come up. I'm not a fan of conflict, so I usually keep my opinions on the matter under wraps.
In fact, I don't recall having ever met another atheist face-to-face! Isn't that strange?
"In fact, I don't recall having ever met another atheist face-to-face! Isn't that strange?"
Same here! I have never gone out of my way to ask people about their personal beliefs and I have never come across an Atheist who did either. The only people who have asked about my beliefs are those who wish to share their religion with me so I have always felt a sense of division when the subject comes up.
I have been to an Atheist meet up though and would like to attend more... Can't say if I'm a fan of Atheists deliberately gathering since the group I visited is fairly sloppy (long story) but it is nice to connect with others.
I find it really funny that some religious people feel threatened by atheists, as if we go out of our way to challenge their beliefs or make them lose their faith, especially since it seems that many of us don't really bring that stuff up in daily conversation. I mean, when was the last time you answered the door to atheists trying to deconvert people?
Lol, have you ever considered getting a list of the addresses of the Jehovah witnesses and/or the LDS and going door to door trying to convert them to atheism? I have but I have never done it.
Interesting, I think I am in the same boat. I will have to keep this in mind going forward.
I have self pride and I am an atheist but that does not mean I need others to know though i am not ashamed and am quite open about it. When it comes to opinions mine matters, the opinions of the ones I care about, and those who opinions may effect me and the ones I care about matter most. I see no reason to rub my opinions in the faces of others unprovoked.