Title: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: berwynpjs on April 13, 2009, 06:52:27 PM
Post by: berwynpjs on April 13, 2009, 06:52:27 PM
Greetings happy atheists,
I just overheard a couple of my coworkers having a conversation about morality and religion, and it reminded me of some of the misconceptions that exist regarding atheism. The two main stereotypes that I've come up against are
1. Atheists don't have a religion to tell them the difference between right and wrong. Therefore, atheists are essentially lawless and can't be trusted.
2. Atheists are all gloomy sourpusses who hate the world and want to see everyone's happiness destroyed.
Obviously, the first stereotype is far from true. If atheism equalled anarchy, the world would be an even bigger mess than it already is. From my experience, atheism tends to lead to a higher level of morality, because atheists are fully aware of their free will and the knowledge that the world is what we make it.
As far as the second stereotype, except for some time in England and my various travels, I've spent most of my life in the American Midwest, and there's a whole lotta God around here. So, it's not very often that I come across atheists (that I know of anyway) in my daily activities. People tend to be either religious or wary about discussing religion in these parts, which has lead to a dearth of real-life encounters with atheists.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I googled "happy atheist" and came across this forum! I consider myself a very happy person and also a "devout" atheist. It's nice to know I'm not the only one out there.
I just overheard a couple of my coworkers having a conversation about morality and religion, and it reminded me of some of the misconceptions that exist regarding atheism. The two main stereotypes that I've come up against are
1. Atheists don't have a religion to tell them the difference between right and wrong. Therefore, atheists are essentially lawless and can't be trusted.
2. Atheists are all gloomy sourpusses who hate the world and want to see everyone's happiness destroyed.
Obviously, the first stereotype is far from true. If atheism equalled anarchy, the world would be an even bigger mess than it already is. From my experience, atheism tends to lead to a higher level of morality, because atheists are fully aware of their free will and the knowledge that the world is what we make it.
As far as the second stereotype, except for some time in England and my various travels, I've spent most of my life in the American Midwest, and there's a whole lotta God around here. So, it's not very often that I come across atheists (that I know of anyway) in my daily activities. People tend to be either religious or wary about discussing religion in these parts, which has lead to a dearth of real-life encounters with atheists.
Imagine my pleasant surprise when I googled "happy atheist" and came across this forum! I consider myself a very happy person and also a "devout" atheist. It's nice to know I'm not the only one out there.
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: rlrose328 on April 13, 2009, 07:02:31 PM
Post by: rlrose328 on April 13, 2009, 07:02:31 PM
welcome to our happy-fest! For the most part, the folks here are accepting of diversity in thought and belief... and the few exceptions that I've seen have been resolved in a considerate manner. I hope you find your stay here long and happy. 
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: Ihateyoumike on April 13, 2009, 07:08:08 PM
Post by: Ihateyoumike on April 13, 2009, 07:08:08 PM
Quote from: "berwynpjs"1. Atheists don't have a religion to tell them the difference between right and wrong. Therefore, atheists are essentially lawless and can't be trusted.
2. Atheists are all gloomy sourpusses who hate the world and want to see everyone's happiness destroyed.
Yep, we hear those alot. :)
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: Twiddler on April 13, 2009, 07:15:48 PM
Post by: Twiddler on April 13, 2009, 07:15:48 PM
Being from Wisconsin, I feel your pain. Well, hopefully you enjoy the boards. Welcome!
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: McQ on April 13, 2009, 08:20:26 PM
Post by: McQ on April 13, 2009, 08:20:26 PM
Welcome to the Forum! Thanks for the intro, and I'm so glad Google has us high on the hit list when Happy and Atheist are typed in!
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: curiosityandthecat on April 14, 2009, 01:50:32 AM
Post by: curiosityandthecat on April 14, 2009, 01:50:32 AM
Wow, people are idiots.
Welcome.
Welcome.
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: PipeBox on April 14, 2009, 04:46:51 AM
Post by: PipeBox on April 14, 2009, 04:46:51 AM
Welcome! Hope you like it here!
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: Hitsumei on April 14, 2009, 09:04:21 AM
Post by: Hitsumei on April 14, 2009, 09:04:21 AM
Welcome, and actually I am the one who wants to see everyone's happiness destroyed. It makes me feel better about my own misery.
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: berwynpjs on April 14, 2009, 05:22:14 PM
Post by: berwynpjs on April 14, 2009, 05:22:14 PM
Hitsumei, so you're the one ruining it for the rest of us? I hoped I would finally find the source! : )
Title: Re: Nice to know you're all here!
Post by: Whitney on April 14, 2009, 06:11:53 PM
Post by: Whitney on April 14, 2009, 06:11:53 PM
Welcome to the forum!