AACON 2011!
I just came back from the American Atheists Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. And what an amazing time it was! So many topics--and the speakers: Tom Flynn, Jamila Bey, PZ Myers, Lawrence Krauss, Eddie Tabash, Greta Christina, JT Eberhart, Matt Dillahunty to name a few... They were all awesome, and for me, I really learned something about myself ( Read more... )
I have mostly no problem identifying as an Atheist, now. I did for years and years, because of where I lived, and because of past reactions I've received. It was a lot of years studying MANY religions before I realized that none of them "fit" for me. Now, I have no problem with other people believing whatever they way - a god in the sky is just as mythical as a pink unicorn in a forest in England (actually I'd be more apt to believe in a unicorn, than a god beyond the clouds, but you get my point.) I am vehemently not an Anti-Theist, which is the group (in my experience) that most atheists get lumped into. Which is sad, to me.
To me, I really have no problem if dog tags need to say "no religious preference" because it's true. I have no religious preference. I don't like any of them. And I'm ok with that, but I get that some people aren't. Then again, if someone were to take that as me being some form of agnostic, and started praying over me while I lay injured or dying, I might be uncomfortable, but you know what, whatever positive energy you want to give me in that situation is OK by me. I know my dad and mom both pray for me in their ways (dad is a former Baptist minister, I think he is more agnostic than anything anymore, and mom is... spiritual. Very earth-mother-y but raised roman catholic.) I was uncomfortable with that for a long time, but now I just accept that that's one of the many ways they show they care about me. I don't believe in what they do, but that's ok with me.
I'm a little appalled (but NOT surprised) at that GAT stuff you were talking about - J (who attempts to identify as catholic, but from what I saw it was mostly for show and acceptance) and I once attended a couples retreat put on by the military. He neglected to inform me it was being put on by the Chaplain, who was QUITE religious and physically recoiled when he asked me what religion I was and I simply responded with "none". I was really irritated by that, and wanted to question WHY having a happy marriage depended on our spiritual well-being, but J asked me not to, so I respected it. We still had a great marriage at that point, har har.
Anyway... write more about it!!! =) I'm so glad you had such a great weekend there!!
Also I like knowing another atheist, because then I can talk about stuff, and not have to be apprehensive in doing so. Nick and I have talked about it in the past, he is a specific sect of Buddhist, and he is very tolerant of my non-beliefs and appreciates my interest in his, but there are obviously some fundamental things we disagree in. I anticipate this being a bit more of a problem if we have a kid (which we'd like to), but we'll cross that bridge some other time, hehh...
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But I'll post some more pictures! We had a few protesters there, and on Saturday, there were groups from two different churches outside the hotel that were arguing with EACH OTHER over us! It was announced to us inside and we all got a real kick out of that! lol
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LOL @ arguing with each other bahahaha
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