I see a question asked often in my on-line correspondences. "Why do atheists gather together?" "How can you discuss the non-existence of something?" "What good would it do for atheists to meet?" and so on. The impression I get from the people who make these statements is that they think atheists waste their time in meeting together, or that I'm wasting my time by writing down my thoughts about the subject. I expect that next year, when I plan to start working on my dream of starting an atheist group in my hometown of Greensboro, I'll hear much more of this sort of thing. Personally, I tend to disagree with the general idea that atheists are wasting time in meeting together, and I certainly don't agree that it's somehow wrong to try to spread my views to other people. First, my Positive Reasons First of all, I have good reason to think that a naturalistic view of the world I live in is correct. That means that when I see people believing such things as the various superstitions that plague humanity, I feel that I have a duty to show them where they have gone wrong. It also bothers me to no end to see young children being fed such obvious tripe practically from their birth, and growing up almost completely oblivious to the problems with what they are being taught by their parents. Every person should (as I see it) be capable of handling life in a world devoid of supernatural fantasies. While they might not be so happy about it, at least they'd know what they're up against. But getting back to my personal reasons for wanting to promote the atheist view, I have some rather selfish motives, I must admit. For instance, being an atheist in a world that's just chock-full of believers of every stripe is a rather lonely feeling. While I don't need the support of other people to substantiate my beliefs, the fact is that many people who do believe tend to use that issue to make a barrier between them and me. Don't get me wrong - I have many friends who don't make a big deal about this difference - but I have lost friends. I've even frightened a couple of people, but that's another story. Still, the main issue is that it's nice to be able to meet and talk with others who share something in common with you. One thing that I hear often about atheists is the perception that we are lonely, depressed, angry people. I would like to point out that while this could be true in some cases, I'd wonder at the reasons this might be so. After all, anyone who feels alone in the world has a perfect right to get a little down about it. Anyone who is constantly accused by people around him of being inherently evil, a criminal by definition or just plain repulsive, due to his lack of belief has (in my opinion) a good reason to be angry. Finding some friends to talk it over with would certainly help many atheists who find themselves feeling alone and bitter. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try. Going a little further along those lines, I've found that when talking with people who agree on this one thing - atheism - that there's a good mix of views in other areas. I've had friendly discussions with other atheists on politics, philosophy, hobbies, travel - a wide range of subjects. Networking, while it may be a tired cliche, is a good practice, allowing people to share their ideas and interests, developing a sense of community. That, after all, is one of the most profound needs for most people. Atheists deserve a chance to form "anti-faith" communities just as much as believers have to form their churches. And I have a few Negative Reasons One thing that really steams me about the whole subject of religion is the negative view presented to the public of atheists. This is something that has been going on since time immemorial, when a Psalmist wrote "The fool hath said in his heart 'there is no God.'" Efforts are made at all turns, it seems, to exclude those who are outside the accepted group - those who believe in gods of whatever type - from being considered as "decent" people. Even George Bush (the elder) followed that tradition, saying: No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God. -American Atheist Press August 27 1987 There is a tragedy in thinking that atheists are somehow inherently evil simply due to their lack of belief. One of my most powerful motivations in creating this web site has been to fight against the stereotyping of people who don't believe. Now, as I've stated in other essays here, I consider religion to be a harmful thing. This is especially true of the Christian religion, though I think that I'm most likely biased in this attitude because of my past experiences. I've been asked what, specifically, are the problems with Christianity? The things I would work against are many. The attitude that people are inherently evil and have to be restrained from doing horrendous things is one problem that has always bothered me. Also, the insistence that faith is a virtue to be encouraged is a thing that I consider not only odious, but downright dangerous to any person interested in personal freedom. These harmful ideas (among others) are among the best reasons I have to fight against religion and for reason. Add to that the fact that the place where I live - Greensboro, NC - is pretty well steeped in the Christian religion, to the point where reminders of its influence are nearly every place I look, and you see that I have my work cut out for me. At present those in the religion business have the field to themselves, more or less. They are able to say everything they want on the subject of religion with no one to challenge them in the public venues here. It seems to me that a little balance would do some good for everyone. Maybe it's a little early to ask for equal time on the billboards, or a Sunday morning national show, but we all do what we can. The big things may come about later. {;-) OK, so it's not the "Evil Atheist Conspiracy" - which I'm told doesn't really exist. What I hope to do - what I think all atheists should do - is to stand up proudly and tell everyone it's not only OK to have no religious faith, but also that it's a better way to live one's life. I believe that atheism is a better way to view the world, and I also think it allows me to live a happier, more fulfilling life. I think I have every reason to let others know this. Some people would consider such activity to smack of Christian tactics - proselytizing and trying to get others to leave their beliefs. Perhaps this is so. However, my attitude is one of "Take it or leave it." Atheism is superior to Christianity in this respect - if you don't follow our belief system, we don't claim you'll go to hell after dying. All atheism says is "if you believe in myths and superstitions, you won't be seeing reality for what it is." At least we can support that claim.