Received 4.11.2001

Dear C.A.

I recently came across your site, after purchasing a book on atheism I decided to do some research on the web. I grew up in a very religious area in the south, Arkansas to be exact. My parents were always religious, but not fanatical. In fact early on we didn't really attend church regularly. Then as if out of nowhere my father became deeply religious. He has never forced me to believe the way he does and I respect him for that. He has, however made it clear that he is worried about my spiritual life and that he and my mother want to se me and my brother in heaven. I don't attend church, haven't since I was around ten. I go on occasion to hear my mother sing in the choir, but not as a believer. I guess on some level I have always been an atheist. I just was afraid to admit it to myself.

In high school I would inevitably be picked out at lunch by the kids who wanted to convert me. No doubt it was my long hair and somewhat scruffy appearance, since I never announced my religious beliefs. Apparently no one looking like I did could be a good christian. I always found it insulting and rude of them to think that I couldn't have a fulfilling life unless I believed the way they believed and if I could "see things through their eyes" I would instantly believe. Usually I would play the antagonist and debate with them since I thought it was funny that they couldn't answer most of my questions.

Well it has now been about five years since I graduated and no attempts to assimilate me have succeeded. Living where I live I am definitely in the minority. I most likely would be constantly berated if I were to make it publicly known that I was atheist. I would probably loose my job, if I had one at the moment, and my personal safety could be at risk (I don't have any proof of that but it isn't far fetched I'm sure). A few of my friends know but I would like to be able to be up front with everyone and not feel as though I am deceiving them by not discussing or skirting the issue. Most of all I feel my parents should know, but I have know idea how they will react or how to tell them.

In conclusion, thank you for a well written and informative site. It has helped me immensely and I hope it will continue to and also will help others as well.

My Reply:

Thank you for the kind note.  As you probably know from reading my site, I think there are few things as belittling as an unsolicited attempt to convert someone.  It is an act of pure  arrogance and an insult directed at the foundation of our most personal beliefs (or lack of them).  If you can step back, however, and take in the big picture of our religious landscape, the constant struggle of the religious to convert those who disagree with them becomes almost comic.  Think of all the time spent by people going door-to-door to persuade others to think like them that could be better spent elsewhere.  Think of the vast amounts believers' donated money that is wasted on promoting religious conformity.  It is a circus of the egocentric, especially in the United States where people seem to scarcely recognize that only a third of the world is Christian.

A poll done by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press in April 2001 showed that 75% of U.S. citizens support George W. Bush's plan to fund faith based charities.  Only 38% were supportive, however, if the funding were to go to Muslim mosques or Buddhist temples.  And only 26% supported funding for Scientology based charities.

When people demand prayer in schools they should say what they really mean.  They want Christian prayer in schools, preferably their specific denomination.  When people want creationism taught in place of evolution, they only want the Christian creation myth taught, not the Hindu, Chinese, Mayan or any of the many other creation myths taught.

As usual, I have ranted off on a tangent.  Good luck with being an atheist in Arkansas.

Thanks for reading.