I can tell you I avoid the subject. I teach far, far, far from the bible belt and have whatever may be left of tenure. I'm also close enough to retirement not to give a rat's ass about any blowback.
The reason I avoid it is not to avoid assisting students struggling with atheism. The reason is to avoid setting up an impediment to learning from me on the part of the religious students I teach. Since that is what I am there to do, I prefer not to work against myself.
Frankly, I get all and more of the god talk I care to hear right here at AF.org. I also get all or more of the contact I care to have with middle schoolers during my time at school. When I've finished for the day, I'd rather walk the dog than counsel those coping with the loss of god. I got through it. They will too.
The reason I avoid it is not to avoid assisting students struggling with atheism. The reason is to avoid setting up an impediment to learning from me on the part of the religious students I teach. Since that is what I am there to do, I prefer not to work against myself.
Frankly, I get all and more of the god talk I care to hear right here at AF.org. I also get all or more of the contact I care to have with middle schoolers during my time at school. When I've finished for the day, I'd rather walk the dog than counsel those coping with the loss of god. I got through it. They will too.
