Why is atheist a dirty word?

[airbefore]

I get more side eyes and shocked gasps when I say I'm an atheist than I do when I say I'm a lesbian. Look, I get that there are some real asshole atheists out there who will bellow at the top of their lungs about how religion is the opiate of the masses and how god is dead and we should all just stop pretending otherwise. I am not one of those

Comments

[thecowboycliche]

Welcome to the South? But you're from Texas so you should be aware of this lol.

I'm kind of a spiritual, not religious person and I knew this guy who was an atheist (and I normally have absolutely no problem with atheists as I often find I have more in common with them than with Christians etc) and he managed to offend ME lol. He was definitely one of those people who is like super loud about the fact that he's atheist. But he for whatever reason did not understand that he was doing exactly like you said, being as obnoxious as Christians who are super loud about the fact that they love Jesus. But I mean, he did some downright rude shit, like calling Easter "Zombie Jesus Day" to my friend who is very religious. I mean, you can laugh and it can be funny but do you say that to your super Christian friend? No. He was also very insulting of the priest's sermon at the funeral of his friend. HIS FRIEND. Total douche stuff. If he wants people to be respectful of his atheism, he should start by at least being respectful of other people and their beliefs.

Anyway, sadly progress takes time and some people will never get it. Although I do think the radical surge of conservatism of late is a last gasp. More and more people are realizing that hate is unacceptable and those that would continue the hate in our society are running a last ditch effort to keep control. I think and hope it's a losing battle.

[airbefore]

Yeah, you'd think spending 30 years in Texas would have desensitized me to this stuff but not so much.

For me, the foundation of any religious belief is respect for the beliefs of others. We can all disagree but we can be respectful and polite about it. When I am at a function where religious practices are being observed (prayer and the like), I respectfully bow my head and usually spend the time counting the floor tiles or contemplating how ugly my toes are. I may not share the beliefs that are being celebrated but I can respect them. Like you said, if your friend wanted other to respect his atheism, he needs to show them the same consideration. It's simple human kindness, really.

I wish I could share your belief that this latest round of radical conservatism is the last gasp of a dying movement. Sadly, I feel like it's just more of the same and that these folks that are now serving as the face of this movement might actual have the ability to give it legs.