Uncomfortable feelings

Feeling uncomfortable as an atheist, it was a feeling I never really expected and am pretty sure that I don’t like!  And it is happening as part of a job that I love dearly.  I have a tremendous passion for mathematics and all of its inherent qualities.  Among those qualities are critical thinking, evidence, abstract thought, and actually getting answer that is right or wrong even though you don’t have to follow the shortest path to get there.

 

I am an avid teacher, not only of math, but of life.  At the time I started teaching, my journey into atheism was still in its infancy.  I had read god is not great by the amazing Christopher Hitchens, Hitchens was a true firebrand atheist and his style appealed to me.  I also read The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, a much different style than Hitchens, but never holding anything back.  Since that time I am still an atheist and outspoken about it, but I am also a humanist and always have been.  Phil Plait, The Bad Astronomer, made the Don’t be a Dick speech and it is a constant reminder of how we can learn and teach.

 

Now, as a teacher in the United States and a true believer of the constitution, I looked to make a separation of my personal views and not discuss them with students during the school day or a school function. As much as I would like to have a captive audience and be a firebrand atheist, my values and ethics stop me from doing this.  I have read about Hemant Mehta’s approach to this when he is asked by a student about his views, his reply?  “Haven’t done your homework have you?”  I am not Hemant, we have totally different personalities and I don’t believe I could just deflect the question like that, it is not me.  I certainly would never initiate the conversation.  I would say that this has been more or less successful.

 

I have now moved on to another high school, for a multitude of reasons, being the Varsity Lacrosse Coach the primary one.  I had no idea how different the new school would be to my original.  IThe demographics of the schools match up fairly well so I wasn’t expecting anything different.  However, I have seen something different, the population of the school is more religious than I had ever anticipated and as a result, I feel uncomfortable at times.  I truly should have known something was up when my team huddled up to pray before several games, hint, it didn't work.  I would just turn around and get my game face on  cry a little bit on the inside.  It is so strange.  I am doing nothing different, but am aware of looks or side conversations, but nothing substantial. 

 

Let me start by saying, I’m so impressed with the parental involvement at my school, it is incredible to see so much.  I never would have dreamed it possible, but it is awesome.  I am the freshman class sponsor at the school, and as such, I have responsibilities for the class that meet outside of the school environs.  My car is labeled with my personal beliefs, humanism, atheism, etc.  The parents see this, the students say this, they do not say anything, there is nothing malicious, but there are times I see a look or glance.  Could I be paranoid?  Possibly, but I don’t think so.

 

Will I change?  Should I say something? (I’m thinking not).  In the meantime, I’ll continue to be the best teacher I can be, teaching my students, my children to be cool to each other, if they can’t learn the math, perhaps they can learn to be decent to each other.

 

-SB

No True Scotsman

I love posting on Facebook, particularly, the hypocrisy of religion.  Recently, there was a terrible incident where a priest was caught with his pants down with a 15 year old boy.  Yes, this is a big deal and happens all time.  Being a mathematical/logical sort of person, a friend gave me the opportunity to point out the No True Scotsman Fallacy.  Usually, not many people comment, but this time one of my hard core Christian friends commented on this

“…these guys give us genuine believers a bad name”

As I told my friend, I’m sure they believe just as much as you do.  What it comes down to is that the belief is flawed.  Just because they do not believe in the same way you do, does not mean they do not believe.  I am also sure that some believers who are the same as my friend, may not find this incident as egregious (I hope I’m wrong).

What it comes down to, is we have to be cool to each other.  Treat each other with dignity and respect.  I will continue to respect you the person, but I will attack your beliefs, not you.

-SB

My First Atheist/Humanist Conference

I had wanted to attend an atheist conference for a while, but most were outside of my price range, distance range, and approval from my family.  This time all three conditions aligned and with the approval of my incredible my wife I was off to the Pennsylvania Atheist/Humanist Conference in Philadelphia, PA.  The event was coordinated by the PAnonbeleivers, Brian Fields, Margaret Downey, and a host of volunteers.  Thank you to all.

Upon arrival at the hotel, I checked in, then went up to the bar, I then met the first of many atheists that I have come to know and love, Dan Fincke, of the blog Camels with Hammers.  Dan is an awesome man and one of the friendliest people I have ever met.  By chance, he was drinking with a long time blog “idol” J.T. Eberhard of the What Would J.T. Do blog.  There he was sitting in his teemo hat, I was laughing to myself.  How could this get any better?  The first 30 minutes of the conference and I have met two guys whose writing and opinions I respect greatly. 

The first night of the conference had a Friggatriskadaekaphobia party, where superstitions would be cast out forever (wishful thinking).  Walking under a ladder to join the party in the room, you were greeted with tables referencing different superstitions.  Around the room, histories of different superstitions, why is a horseshoe lucky?  Why is it good luck to kiss the Blarney Stone?  And there was a chance to tempt fate, a raffle to smash a fairy (piñata) into dust, smash a mirror for seven years bad luck, throwing your horoscopes in the trash where they belong.  Doctors and nurses were on hand with black cats to cure you of your superstitions.  I recognized so many people and could hardly wait to hear them speak the next day.

Saturday, totally unaware of what to expect, then came the first speaker, James Croft.  Wow!  Just wow!  Who was this Brit?  A humanist who spoke so passionately, if this was the start, it could only get better.  Next, J.T.  speaking about being a firebrand atheist, having a hard time finding the medium between being a firebrand and Phil Plait’s “Don’t be a Dick”.  J.T.s talk was why I became a fan of his blog, despite this, I am still struggling with being a firebrand and not a dick. 

The second part of the morning was even more impressive, David Tamayo, a Hispanic American, and president of Hispanic American Freethinkers, touched me with such a great story of his change to atheism. He talked of HAFREE and the talks they give to the Hispanic youth in the high schools in Virginia; I said to myself, I must get them to speak at my school.  I have not yet contacted David, but I will be doing so shortly.

Little that I knew that a speaker would have my eyeballs sweating (those are not tears), as Tracy Lockwood shared her story of growing up in a Christian cult in upstate New York.  Oh the things people will do in the name of religion.  So sad, but it is these type of stories that must be told for change to happen.

Dave Silverman, president of American Atheists, spoke about the importance of being an atheist, not agnostic, not humanist, not any combination of those.  I am an atheist and will say it proudly and loudly.

After Silverman, something interesting happened, I was getting tired and told myself, I’ll just listen to the next speaker for five minutes, if no good, I’ll go take a nap.  For the love of the FSM, none of the speakers sucked!  I was exhausted.  But oh it was so worth it.

The night ended with the comedy of Jamy Ian Swiss, Steven Hill, Dave DeLuca, and a wonderful musical performance by Shelley Segal.

Sunday, came the authors I had been dying to see and meet.  Jerrry DeWitt, author of Hope after Faith, spoke like no one I have ever heard.  I had seen evangelical preachers on television praising the lord, but Jerry, was speaking to atheism.  He had the audience laughing one minute, the next thing you know, you were sitting almost crying.  It is not hard to see how this man could have been such a power influence in the church.

Amanda Kneif, author of The Citizen Lobbyist, spoke to Faith Based Initiatives by the federal and state governments.  You have no idea how much of our tax payer monies are going to churches without any oversight.  Really, it is a disgusting display of how the religious are helping head towards a theocracy.

Overall, my experience was fantastic, met so many wonderful people.  Confirmed my feelings about bloggers, I am glad I’m such a good judge of character.  I can hardly wait to see some of these people again.  It also reignited the fire to join the Beltway Atheists again, and become more of an activist.

Thanks to all at the conference, organizers, speakers, and volunteers.

-SB

How is this inspirational?

I love Facebook. It gives me a chance to see what friends are up to from all over the planet.  I really like hearing about their work, family, social life, and some of their jokes. However, Facebook has an annoying meme that people do not stop, that is re-posting “motivational sayings” for the world to see.  It is the new version of the chain letter.  Interestingly, most of the re-posting of chain letters comes from my Christian friends.

Now the point of this blog, a friend posted an appeal to the world that Jesus is everywhere, here is a copy of the posting.

ONE DAY A DAD COMES HOME DRUNK AND MAD HE PULLS OUT A GUN AND SHOOTS HIS WIFE AND TURNS THE GUN TO HIMSELF. HIS LITTLE GIRL SITS BEHIND A COUCH CRYING. THE POLICE CAME AND TOOK THE LITTLE GIRL TO A NEW FAMILY. HER FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL, SHE WALKS PAST THE BUILDING AN SEES A PICTURE OF JESUS ON THE CROSS. .. THE LITTLE GIRL ASKS THE TEACHER' HOW DID THAT MAN GET OFF THE CROSS'? THE TEACHER REPLIED: 'HE NEVER DID'. THE LITTLE GIRL ARGUED: 'YES HE DID. THE NIGHT MOMMY AND DADDY DIED, HE SAT NEXT TO ME BEHIND THE COUCH, TELLING ME EVERYTHING WAS GONNA BE ALRIGHT. 66% OF YOU WON'T POST THIS. BUT REMEMBER WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS: 'DENY ME IN FRONT OF YOUR FRIENDS AND I'LL DENY YOU IN FRONT OF MY FATHER

Where to start?  Most of these types of messages always come from Christians, they have an obvious obsession with caps.  Maybe they have forgotten where the caps lock key is and couldn’t turn it off.  As annoying as this is, it is truly a sick story.  Who comes up with this stuff? If this story is real, if it is accurate, how about some citations to make it more legitimate?  The part that is really most disturbing is the part that “HE SAT NEXT TO ME BEHIND THE COUCH”.   This is supposed to be god, the most freaking awesome, most loving, caring, powerful thing in the universe?  What a bastard!?  Instead of preventing the murder suicide which any truly loving, caring compassionate person would do, he allows it to happen.  Also, assuming this is real, there is some little girl out there scarred for life, schizophrenic, and having an imaginary friend.  What is inspirational about this message?

At the end, there is a bible quote that is a non-sequitur.  Who is denying him? (except for me and most rational people who can make critical thinking decisions).  If you want to quote the bible, I could throw hundreds of quotes at you that are equally not meaningful.  Mark Twain said it best,

“t ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”

Do you know what these re-postings do? They get me more fired up and I will fight for people more rational and to think critically even harder.  I do not want to alienate my friends, but I will not put up with bullshit.  If you are going to say something, back it up with facts.

-SB

Atheists are Fools -- Part 3

Wow, how shocking is it that I received in the mail today a response to the letter I sent to one of the churches in my neighborhood.  Here is the original letter I sent to the Churches.

July 7, 2011

Mr. Church Leader,

Sir, my name is Stephen Burrows, there are a couple of incidents that have occurred lately that have prompted me to reach out to you and your church. Let me preface this letter by stating that I am an atheist who was once a Christian, but saw the “reason”.

As an atheist, I am always asking questions, seeking answers that make sense, being good to other people without thrusting my views on other people regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, ethnicity, etc. I am also attempting to raise my daughter in the same method, asking question, treating everyone with respect. As a result, one of her friends recently invited her to church, I said “sure, keep an open mind, and ask questions”. She just recently confided in me that the Sunday school teacher stated that “atheists are fools” and that at that time she felt “sorry for me”, which wasn’t necessary, but she also asked why the people at church would say such things about atheists. Has this Sunday school teacher ever talked to an atheist? I can assure you, I am no fool and my daughter knows this. Will she be joining her friend at your church again…probably not?

Second issue, I also live in close proximity to your church, so many of your members also live in this area. I don’t like to do this without facts, but there is a probability that some of your members, or that of Covenant Life, or Journey’s Crossing, or the Int’l Church of God is one of the culprits. Over the past month, my car my car has been the subject of propaganda requesting that I find the "lord", suggestions that reading Romans XX:XX and John X:XX will make me convert. I can only assume the reason my car is a target is due to the small Darwin fish and another stating “Friendly Neighbor Atheist” on the back fender.

I started reading the bible critically and it created more questions and doubt about god's existence. More research led me totally away from the church. So, a couple of notes will not sway me, however, I see there is a need to provide your church community with information about atheists. I would be more than happy to a conduct a question and answer session with your church members to show that atheists are not evil baby eaters, but that we are valuable members of the community with families, morals, and are capable of doing good things without a god.

I feel that a constructive dialogue does much more good and builds strong relationships in the community. The approach used by Christians in this area is the opposite of this. A book I have read I Sold My Soul on eBay, by Hemant Mehta, describes the view of Christians and all faiths through an atheist’s eye. Since, I have been on your side; I feel that I may be able to describe the atheist views on life, politics, morality, religion, giving, and separation of church/state in a non-threatening/non-confrontational matter.

I thank you for your time and look forward to hearing from you.

Here is the response I received from the Church of the Redeemer in Gaithersburg, MD. This was the church where the Sunday school teacher labeled atheists as fools.

Thank you for your thoughtful letter and desire to help us know you better as a member of the local community. We appreciate the time you took to carefully and respectfully explain your concern and to offer your services.

At this time we will need to decline your offer to hold a question and answer session here, but I trust you will continue to have meaningful conversations with Christians and people from all kinds of backgrounds as we all try to understand and appreciate each other more.

Sincerely,

Pastor Stephen Homey
Director of Adult Ministries

Nice of them to respond, albeit a month later! 

Now to analyze the response a little. 

• Apology for promoting HATE? 

None, no mention of the Sunday School incident.  Am I surprised?  Not really, I'm guessing the trash they are spewing comes from Psalms 14:1

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, t

here is none who does good. 

 Probably a hundred other places they could of found other offerings of hate, but it is as good as any.   

• Christians reaching out?

The last paragraph (run-on sentence) declines my offer for a Q & A, not surprised, it is their prerogative.  However, putting the onus on me "to have meaningful conversations with Christians...", well, sure, I will do that because I am a friendly atheist.  However, he also says "...we all try to understand and appreciate each other more."  I call bullshit on this!  Absolute bullshit.  You want to reach out, start doing some real work in the community, stop proselytizing to everyone, stop spewing hate.  This sort of nonsense may work in his church community, but it sure won't pass the evaluation of people who care and are willing to call bullshit when they see it.

I must say this though, I'm surprised the Church of the Redeemer responded, they seemed the most fundie of the local Churches.  What about Covenant Life? Journey's Crossing?  Int'l Church of God?  Not hearing from you.  This is why I continue to be vocal and outspoken against religion.

SB

Anything but an Atheist

Wow!  What a powerful, sad, encouraging video of what is happening in the United States right now. Anything but an Atheist... states the facts about the plight of atheists.  What I find particularly encouraging is the bravery of the young people coming out as atheists in this environment.  So much for Christian love.  And if  you are Christian, you know this is happening, but what are you doing to prevent it?  Are you practicing the word of your Jesus?  Are you showing love to what you proclaim are sinners?  Are you telling/showing/demonstrating to your fellow Christians that you should not be haters?  I highly doubt it.


What is said in the video is absolutely true.  I have (what I consider) a friend with whom I work with.  We had a discussion about politics/religion.  He said outright that he "would never vote for an atheist!" Despite the fact that I am a good person, a friend, he knows that I want what is best for society, he would not vote for me if I were to run for office.  Asking him why?  He replies, "all people need a source for their morals".  I was sort of hurt, but also felt sorry for him somewhat, that his source for morality comes from the Bible.  Ugh!  Probably the most violent piece of fiction ever written. 

What can we do?  Speak out!  Demonstrate our morals!  Show we are all good people!  Get involved in politics!  Become activists! 

Again, a great video.

SB