I am not sure what it is to be an African American - but I think if you were the only one that people knew you would be asked all kinds of questions "as the representative of the entire group". I know that as the only Atheist that most people know I am asked all kinds of odd questions, as if I represent the entire range of Atheist belief. I have to say I feel like I fall short.
I don't know how all Atheists feel about being prayed for: personally I don't care. I would rather you don't tell me about it, but if you have to I'll just smile and say thank you. Your prayers are like the sweet invocation of good thought into the universe - which can't hurt anything.
Does it bother me that you want to "save me"? Yes, it does, but it might not bother other Atheists. I don't like the idea that you think I am less than - that I need to be saved from something. It makes our relationship a little odd - a little uneven.
Do I subscribe to the Super Atheist thought - such as Richard Dawkins? Well, some of his ideas are right on and others seem a bit off, but I think he has the right to feel the way he feels.
Does it bother me that religion is so predominate in our society? Yes. I wish we could keep our religious beliefs under wraps, although like Forrest Church I think we are the "religious animal". We aren't evolved enough yet to not need to cling to our religious beliefs and put them through every lens in society... so I am stuck with it and I just nod and smile (or maybe that is a grimace).
How can you not be afraid to die? I don't know if all Atheists aren't afraid to die? I have no idea what they all think about death - I just know it is as predictable as birth and we all do it so why be so frightened. Plus, it looks peaceful.
Do you really think that "faith based" charities shouldn't receive federal funds. Yes. If their mission is to proselytize - and most Christians are commanded to spread the "good word" - I feel that they shouldn't be given my tax dollars to spread that message. They may do GREAT work, but they shouldn't do it with state money - the privileged of living in a society that allows expression of religious freedom is that you have a separate church and state.
How did you feel when Obama said we weren't a Christian nation? I jumped for joy - or at least I smiled widely. I love that he recognizes we are a Civic nation filled with religious and non-religious citizens. This is a huge leap from our past president praying for guidance. I appreciate his sensibility and that he has made room in our nation for people like me.
Your Athiest Spokesperson signing off.
