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Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:08 pm
How do you educate others about Atheism? I know that it has a negative connotation which is why I try to say skepticism, etc.
Also, how should one go about in talking to his parents about his beliefs? I'm in a deeply Christian part of Texas and I'm not quite sure if I should "preach" Atheism or just let everyone live in their delusion... Help! 
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:13 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 5:14 pm by Edwardo Piet.)
Tell them to come and meet the lovely people of AF.org. Perfect introduction. We kick ass here.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:13 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 5:14 pm by Alex K.)
I would tell them that I don't think there is a God and that I suspect that their reasons for believing in one are not really sound. Alas, this conversation never happens because no one really cares all that much about religion around here.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:14 pm
(December 23, 2015 at 5:13 pm)Quantum Wrote: I would tell them that I don't think there is a God and that I suspect that their reasons for believing in one are not really sound. Alas, this conversation never happens because no one really cares all that much about religion around here.
Yes, but would you agree or disagree that we need to educate about the bs of religion?
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:17 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 5:17 pm by Alex K.)
(December 23, 2015 at 5:14 pm)Veritas Wrote: (December 23, 2015 at 5:13 pm)Quantum Wrote: I would tell them that I don't think there is a God and that I suspect that their reasons for believing in one are not really sound. Alas, this conversation never happens because no one really cares all that much about religion around here.
Yes, but would you agree or disagree that we need to educate about the bs of religion?
In general yes, and in some places in particular. But most everyone in my vicinity already sems to know that.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is a God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
Psalm 14, KJV revised edition
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:21 pm
I'm a strong believer in situational violence: hit them with a copy of God is NOT Great, by Hitchens.
Playing Cluedo with my mum while I was at Uni:
"You did WHAT? With WHO? WHERE???"
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 5:57 pm
Oh Lordy, TEXAS?
They lynch atheists in Texas, boy.
Ya better be careful now.
Just don't get confrontational. Keep it light.
"The family that prays together...is brainwashing their children."- Albert Einstein
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 6:02 pm
I guess my way would be to make friends with someone first. Once they find out you're just a regular guy, and maybe pretty cool too, then you can safely bring up religion. they'll either realize that atheist does not equal bad person and be open to conversation, or they'll cut off all contact with you. If they were going to do that, it was likely inevitable anyway, so might as well get it over with.
Just talk about atheism like you would any other topic. Calmly and friendly.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 6:03 pm
If these are conversations you feel you must have IRL, you might start by pointing out to them that they too are atheists when it comes to the thousands of other gods humans have believed in, worshipped, and sacrificed to. The difference between you and them is that you disbelieve in just one more god than they do, and for most of the same reasons they reject those thousands of gods. They indulge in special pleading to give their god a pass they don't give to the others.
And when they start spouting the Bible at you as "proof" of their god, just remind them that the Bible (or Koran or whatever holy book is appropriate to the specific conversation) is the claim, not the evidence for the claim.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 7:07 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 7:08 pm by robvalue.)
You're welcome to check out my website here to see if you might find something useful. Others have found it handy when approaching the subject. I also have links on there to lots of other atheism related material.
Really, it's often about explaining how little there is to atheism. It's got so misunderstood that everyone bolts on their own made-up stuff to the term, causing confusion and stigma.
Scepticism, like you say, is really the more important position and one that has a lot more to actually talk about.
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