Most of the believers of the most widespread religions see atheism as an evil to be cured, or a signal that makes them believe that they must teach you religion to help you go to heaven. These discussions can often be avoided, but having an honest conversation with someone who really wants to present their point (rather than arguing) can actually be helpful. Try not to think in terms of religious and non-religious. There are different kinds of religions, and many ways of being atheist. Here are some tips to be able to live as an atheist in a deeply religious society. If you are religious, these tips can help you move better in an atheist-majority environment.
Steps
Step 1. Don't mention your lack of faith unnecessarily
Try to avoid the question. What they don't know cannot harm them. If you start talking about religion, don't lie. Simply express your point of view. Don't try to make the issue become a debate, because very often it doesn't turn out well.
A discussion can be initiated if, for example, those in front of you try to import their religious view that homosexuals should not have the same rights as heterosexuals, or that creationist theory should be taught along with evolution during science hour. In that case, yes! What they don't understand could hurt those we love and respect. Be proactive in the causes you bring forward. For example, join groups that fight for equal rights, or participate in some demonstration
Step 2. Make sure others really understand what it means to be an "atheist"
The word atheist could contain a false connotation of "immorality" or "Satanism", and this is simply not true. If you suspect that the person you are talking to does not understand the meaning of the word, explain to him what atheism really is, in order to combat prejudice. Allow others to understand that being an atheist does not mean not having a morality or ethics. And, of course, put your words into practice. Above all, be a good person. Volunteer, collect your trash. Treat others with respect.
When discussing religious matters, do not refer to yourself as an atheist, but simply say that you are an atheist. If you say you are an atheist, you could make someone believe that atheism is a religion
Step 3. Find support from others
If you feel ostracized in a religious society, join another group. Getting to know other atheists / believers can help. There don't seem to be many in this type of society, but there are, you may even know some already. However, avoid irritating others with your requests, and do not allow atheism to become a criterion for friendship. If you respect what people believe, you can make friends with anyone - believer or not - who respects you.
The idea of the community is very important. A good place to find some atheists might just be a science class, or the right section of the local library. You can also search on the internet
Step 4. Don't try to force others to accept your point of view, they might get annoyed
If religion bothers you, consider that this kind of annoyance likely stems from religious people trying to force you to accept their beliefs. If you think your friends are trying to "enlighten you", explain to them that you have made a choice of conscience and that you don't care about their religion. Always support your arguments reasonably.
Atheists do not impose their beliefs door to door, or through TV, billboards, music, politics, etc. We shouldn't worry so much about imposing our point of view on the community. If you think others are imposing their beliefs on you, fight for what you believe! Look for other like-minded people and stand up for yourself
Step 5. Learn and understand the religious mythology of your society
When a religious-themed discussion starts, you need to be well informed. If you understand the beliefs of your acquaintances as much as they do, they will understand that there is no point in trying to educate you. Even better: you will be able to have intellectual discussions to promote the sharing of ideas in relation to religion and atheism.
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The internet can be a great starting point for understanding the basics, and you can find many books about it at your nearest bookstore. Richard Dawkins, biologist and strong advocate of atheism, has written many books on the subject, the most recent being God's Illusion. The Italian Pier Giorgio Odifreddi has also written numerous books on the subject. From a philosophical point of view, you can consult the works of Marx (religion is the opium of the people), Nietzsche (God is dead), Michael Martin or Bertrand Russell (Because I'm not a Christian). Search Wikipedia for more information.
Deal with Religious People if You Are an Atheist Step 5Bullet1
Step 6. Don't argue with fundamentalists
Arguing with people trying to convert you can be an excellent way to clarify your thoughts and deepen your knowledge about the beliefs of others, but arguing with a closed-minded person won't work. If you choose to argue with a friend, your intention must be to share a belief, not to argue. Before starting the discussion, try to find out if your friend can support it. If you find that your friend's attitude is offensive, or if things are getting a little out of hand, tell him, and stop the discussion, or simply conclude that you don't need him.
This depends on the situation. You will never convince a deeply religious person, but it may be different if you have the conversation with an agnostic or open-minded people. If you know what you believe in, show respect and stick to your positions: you can work miracles
Advice
- If you are dealing with someone who persistently wants to talk about religion, say something like "I understand that you think your beliefs are true, but the same applies to me about mine": you can also end the discussion by saying "I know your religion, but I have decided not to follow it”, to make it clear that what you believe in is your business. Be friendly, or you could make enemies. It is always better to have acquaintances than enemies.
- Not all of your friends need to be atheists. In friendship it is important that we respect each other. If you want to discuss your beliefs with someone, friends are not the right people, visit online forums or chat rooms.
- Having religious friends doesn't have to be a problem, neither for you nor for them, if your friendship goes beyond religion and you speak respectfully while addressing religious issues.
- If you believe that atheism is a taboo in your society, there is the possibility that other atheists think the same way and keep their beliefs to themselves. Don't think you are alone.
- If you find yourself in a tight spot and want to end an argument, remember that a deity (any deity, even that of Scientology) is a philosophical entity that can neither be proved nor disproved. Even if it seems illogical to you that they believe in something that cannot be proven, it is always a good way to end the matter.
- It may be helpful to ask them if they believe in Zeus, Thor, or other historical deities. If they say no, you can point out that they too are atheists towards those gods, and that you see their divinity the same way. To emphasize the matter even more, you can suggest that the word "atheism" be replaced by the word "athorism", this should help clarify the context of the discussion.
- There are many reasons why a person has chosen to believe in God: because something happened in his life and he felt the need to change direction to avoid suffering and feeling guilty. These people want to share their story with others because this experience has affected their lives, and they want those in the same situation to understand that there is another way to live - but it's always up to them to decide whether or not to listen to it..
- Keep in mind that religion plays a socially and culturally important role for a person, as well as being a belief system. It is helpful to understand that while you are trying to engage in a philosophical conversation, the other person may simply seek some security in those around them and share cultural similarities with them, and therefore may become hostile just because they feel uncomfortable. hear your point of view.
- Research the arguments for and against the existence of a creative divinity (which may or may not be intelligent or conscious), and a personal God (a divinity who deals with the daily affairs of human beings). They are separate concepts: accepting or rejecting one does not mean accepting or rejecting the other as well. Familiarizing yourself with these points will allow you to express your point of view when fallacious arguments are presented (such as Pascal's Bet, or the argument of the tornado in a garbage dump, and so on).
- You can consider the idea of avoiding the word "atheist" when talking about religious people, because for them it could have an offensive meaning. You can use a more neutral term, such as "secular".
- Research various religions. When confronted with a believer, regardless of their religion, you can show that you know their conception of reality, which can make them realize that you are not simply ignorant. You can emphasize how his religion is connected to other belief systems, especially if you are able to outline the historical context, and show that there is not a single universal truth, but that there are ideas that evolve over time in different places, with different people and in different situations. For example, you can highlight how the biblical account of the great flood was already present in the accounts of Gilgamesh, or that Jesus Christ has strong parallels with other figures who lived before him.
Warnings
- Many atheists find believing in a supernatural deity to be irrational. However, making such a statement too honestly could hurt someone and cause discord. It doesn't make anyone change their minds.
- Before having a heated conversation or openly discussing your beliefs, remember that atheists and agnostics are not identical. Atheists are people who have concluded that the probability of the existence of a deity is so low that its non-existence can be affirmed. Agnostics are people who are unsure whether or not a deity exists, or do not believe that there is a way to determine if it is true or not. Atheists and agnostics share a lack of faith in a divinity, and in the existence of other religious concepts, such as life after death.
