Converting to Atheism?

[Jenny A]

Hey guys, I just have a few quick questions regarding converting to Atheism. But first, I'll give some background on why I am here. It's the typical Atheist story, I always felt different as a child, grew up in a religious household where my parents were pretty strict. They often insulted my intelligence with stories of some "man in the sky" and I haven't grown quite fond of them as a result. I eventually became fed up with their controlling ways, so I began to explore other beliefs. I would scour the net in search for enlightenment each and ever day, and there I eventually found Atheistic gods like Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins. I am now 18 and free from my parents grasp in a college dorm, and hence I am able to convert. So, here comes the questions (keep in mind that I'm new to this religion so please be patient with me):


1. I already acknowledge Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris as the three main Atheistic gods, but are there any more Atheist deities that I need to quote?

2. Do I have to make Atheism my whole life identity? Should I constantly assert that I am an Atheist?

2.  I am good and ready to start religious debates with people on the internet, but just how much condescension is required in these Atheistic sermons?

3. I know reading up on other religions is expected of that of a practicing Atheist, but I'm wondering how much is sufficient? Is three Google searches okay enough to compete with a scholar on religion?

4. Must I dismissively label every one who explains something about religion to me as an "apologist"?

5. And finally, does regurgitating witty one-liners like "God is just as real as unicorns, fairies, and the flying spaghetti monster" score me any intellectual points?

That's all for the moment, thanks for your time.

Sounds like you've confused atheism with theism. 

The answers are:

1.  If you think anyone, or anything is a god you are not a atheist.  It's definitional, you see.

2.  There aren't many people who make atheism Thier whole identity.  It's certainly not necessary or even advisable.  Most atheists are quiet about it.  None that I know of ring other peoples door bells to spread the atheistic word.

2.  Somehow I think you are more than ready to heap scorn.  Rational debate may be a problem for you though.  Also three comes after 2 not 2 again.

3.  No need to study religion at all unless you want to debate about that particular religion.  However, if you are Christian and unsure whether you are an atheist, try reading the Bible cover to cover.  As Christian deconversion tools go, it's tops.

4. If anyone attempts to explain away obvious holes are contradictions in their religion with special pleading, then the label apologist would fit, wouldn't it?

5. Since it obviously the case that there is as much evidence for god as for unicorns, it's a little too obvious to be an intellectual score.


Did you really want answers?  Thought not.