Received 5.7.2001

Although I don't consider myself an atheist (I believe in a Creator, but I refuse to worship a God who is misogynistic, hateful, and petty -- even if it means eternal damnation). I definitely appreciate all the points you make on this site. In fact, I bookmarked it so I could come back.

I grew up in a Methodist household in rural Tennessee, and boy was I a Jesus freak. But then, about three years ago, we got a new preacher that could have been a body double for Benny Hinn (poofy, slicked hair and big, robust suits and loud ties) or that guy on the 700 Club. This guy was more than I could stand. After taking tithes, he turned to the picture of Jesus behind the altar and held the money-filled plates up high, for Jesus to see. And there was SO much more than that. But I finally moved off to college, thinking I'd escaped the fiery clutches of the church. Little did I know that the dorm I'd be living in was a nunnery. My RA was always trying to recruit us to come to her Bible studies ("Tonight I'll be talking about the 'ideal wife' in the name of the Lord"). The girls on my floor scrawled Bible verses all over our bathroom mirrors, and prayer requests were always circulating. Living there just made me realize how sad it is when people -- young people especially -- are brainwashed into believing such nonsense. Needless to say, I was sort of an oddball on the floor since I was pro-choice, pro-drug legalization, and anti-George W. Bush. But in a weird way, it was fun and I am so much more at peace with myself now that I don't attend weekly guilt-trip session.

Again, thanks for your insightful essays. If only my parents could see me now.

Lindsey

My Reply:

I realize that you are not an atheist, but imagine the reaction you would receive in your dorm if you scrawled, "God is dead" or some atheist equivalent of a Bible verse on the bathroom mirror.  Your RA would probably hold a floor meeting to discuss it.

The same double-standard exists in the work place.  It is acceptable for people hang framed versions of that trite "Footsteps" prayer in their office, or listen to Christian radio stations, but how do you think posting an American Atheists Society sticker would go over.  In the world of corporate acronyms that would be called a CLM, or career limiting move.

It sounds like you could be described as a deist.  A popular misconception is that the founding fathers of the United States were all Christian, but George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin were in fact deists.  A deist maintains that God is necessary to explain the origin of the universe, but the lack of evidence for God in our lives means that he never exerts any influence on his creation.  This means no miracles, no supernatural revelations, no oil stains that magically resemble the Virgin Mary, and no Jesus.

People often refer to the "One nation under God" line in the pledge of allegiance as evidence of our country's religious foundation.  The "under God" line wasn't added until 1954, during the height of the cold war.  "In God we trust" was added to our coins by the Coinage Act of April 22, 1864, which designated that the phrase be put on coins "when and where sufficient space in the balance of the design" would permit it.

Congratulations on holding your ground.