Screenwriter needs Atheist insight

[Mister Agenda]

Hello all,

Hello yourself, and welcome.

I'm a screenwriter working on a new project that involves an atheist character. Instead of relying on stereotypes like most in my profession do, I'm looking for real insight from an atheist about what they believe/don't believe - etc.

It's always good to see someone who cares about doing their homework.

Most importantly - The project involves Christmas time and people overly obsessed with Christmas. I have a few questions I am curious to have answered;

I'll do my best. Remember that we're a diverse bunch, so you're probably getting a wide variety of answers. Which I'm not looking at until after I type this, so you're getting unfiltered me.

1) What is the general feeling towards the Holiday by you as an atheist?

It's a good time of year to have a holiday. I use it as a reminder to give to charity and ask that people who want to give me gifts do the same. If I'm going to be with children that day, I'll pick up gifts for them. It irritates when some people tell me I shoudn't celebrate a federal holiday if I don't agree with the religious message.

2) What are your feelings towards the display of Christmas lights on houses?

It's their right to put up what they want. If it's festive and tasteful, I might enjoy it. I'm a little concerned about the power consumption.

3) What are your feelings about Christmas displays in stores?

That's just good business.

4) What are your feelings about the mad dash for gifts?

I'm a procrastinator myself, so I've no room to judge.

5) What are your feelings about it being a federally recognized holiday?

I figure it was a practical necessity with so many people wanting that day off. Maybe 'Winter Holiday' would sound more neutral, but since it's on Dec 25, I'm not going to grouse about the name.

6) What are your feelings about people telling their children that Santa is real?

I think it teaches the valuable lesson that parents aren't always truthful.

7) What are your feelings towards Carolers or Christmas music on the radio?

I don't object to it per se, but the saturation gets annoying. Many Christmas songs are lovely.

8) What are your feelings about how non-atheists perceive atheists?

For a lot of theists, it seems like the one person they won't listen to about what atheists are like, is an atheist. The main misperception is that we have a lot in common because we're atheists. That's no more true of atheists than it is of theists, and everyone takes for granted that you have to know more about someone than that they're a theist to know their opinion about anything besides whether they think there's a God or gods.

9) Do you as an atheist celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?

I usually celebrate Christmas the traditional Jewish way: dinner with friends at a Chinese restaurant.

10) What are your feelings towards the Christmas people who start decorating their house before Halloween?

It's their house. I'm not much on judging people. If that's what floats their boat, good for them.

11) If you could ask those that celebrate Christmas to change one thing (or several things) about it - what would it (they) be?

Stop saying there's a war on Christmas.

12) At what point in your life did you realize you were an atheist?

That's a good way to put it. I didn't decide to become an atheist, I just examined the definition and realized I was one. I was in my mid-thirties. I had been raised Pentecostal, reading the Bible cured me of that, and over the years I became more evidence-oriented, until I filed God the same place I had already filed so many other things I once believed were true: insufficient evidence to justify belief.

13) Did you ever have a "coming out" moment as an atheist? How was it received?

I don't think a day passed between me realizing I'm an atheist and telling my close friends, who were very accepting. I generally don't tell other people unless they ask.

14) As an atheist, what is your goal or intention about informing others that disagree with you about your stance?

I suppose I mainly just want them to get used to it. I don't expect agreement, but my position shouldn't be one that has people clutching their pearls if it comes up.

15) If you do not celebrate Christmas - do you do anything in particular on Christmas day to celebrate anything at all? Family? A nice dinner with a loved one?

Unless I'm spending it with family, I usually organize a dinner on that day and invite my friends who don't celebrate Christmas.

I appreciate the responses in advance. Cynics need not apply. I'm looking for level headed atheists who wish to put out a positive view of their "people", so to speak.

Thank you again,

Woj

You're welcome. I hope this is helpful, and that your screenplay is a success.