Received 9.23.2000

Dear Closet Atheist:

Postmodernism that pervades today is a reaction against open and often obnoxious modernism/atheism/agnosticism (and I'm sure from religionism too). I believe atheists have reasons for their belief in unbelief. I believe that they have so much good to contribute as they have been.

From reading your pages, I have realized the value of closet atheism. It should have prevented postChristianism and its twin, postmodernism. With the advent of postmodernism, the obvious danger is that, it is a culture where anything goes. Relative morality is obviously dangerous. So, I applaud your form of atheism. You stand on what you think with your rational minds, but you do not exasperate others with your world view.

Atheism, from what I understand is also a reaction. It is a reaction to obnoxious Christianism and other conservative or extremist religionisms the world has to offer in previous centuries and decades. How I wish that obnoxious and extremist so called Christians and religionists did not exist. How I wish, there were more Nicodemus-like people today in my world of Christians.

Nicodemus was a 'closet disciple' of Jesus Christ. The upfront disciples as the Bible narrates, left Jesus at the crucifixion. This closet disciple was, yes silent, but was the one who took care of Jesus' corpse. He actually did more as a closet Christian. He was never in the ranks of Judas the traitor or Peter the denier. He was in the closet but was strong. Those who were upfront showed flaws and weaknesses.

How, I wish the Christian world was populated by closet Christians, who are non obtrusive, non hypocritical, who speak more with their kindness and actions. Christianity would have been perceived as a kinder and gentler faith.

Thank you.

My Reply:

Thanks for the note.  For the most part I agree with you.   The King James version of Mathew 6:5-6 actually has a sort of reference to closet Christians.

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are; for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward."

"But though, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou has shut thy door, pray to they Father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

The cliche, "actions speak louder than words," holds a lot of truth.   If anyone who felt compelled to preach only did so by example the world would be a better place.

While atheists are often vocal critics of conservative Christianity, I don't think atheism is a reaction to Christianity.  More than likely atheism has its roots in rationalism and science.  Certainly, it predates all organized religion.  As soon as the first primitive man pondered aloud about a supernatural explanation for some earthly mystery, there was no doubt someone nearby who didn't believe it.

Thanks again for writing.