Leo makes a good point, we only have a name because we feel the need to seperate ourselves from theistic majorities. Afterall, I do not go out and declare myself an aunicornist or ateapotist.
Well said Mark, I rather enjoyed reading that. The passage about the charity thing sorta hit home as I was considering checking out the local churches charity events to volunteer. Of course I would only support a charity service that did not force faith into any part of the process, and if anyone brought up the subject I'd tell them "Actually I don't beleive in any gods, I am an atheist. I am here because the church is in the position to help people and I like helping people."
I think it would help to show we're not all baby-eating satanists like they think we are. I just have to be VERY careful about which group I support, and be crystal clear I want no part in preaching, and the charity must offer it's aid to ANYONE. Gays, muslims, atheists, AIDS victims, homeless, or even a gay, homeless, muslim with AIDS who later became an atheist and accidentally set fire to his pants. Yup, even him.
Well said Mark, I rather enjoyed reading that. The passage about the charity thing sorta hit home as I was considering checking out the local churches charity events to volunteer. Of course I would only support a charity service that did not force faith into any part of the process, and if anyone brought up the subject I'd tell them "Actually I don't beleive in any gods, I am an atheist. I am here because the church is in the position to help people and I like helping people."
I think it would help to show we're not all baby-eating satanists like they think we are. I just have to be VERY careful about which group I support, and be crystal clear I want no part in preaching, and the charity must offer it's aid to ANYONE. Gays, muslims, atheists, AIDS victims, homeless, or even a gay, homeless, muslim with AIDS who later became an atheist and accidentally set fire to his pants. Yup, even him.
