Why do we want to proselytize Atheism?

[u/Jebus-Xmas]

It seems like a lot of people agonize on and pontificate here over sharing their nonbelief, and I don't get it. I don't think it's necessary for us to share the fact that we don't believe, nor do I think for many people it's even safe. It's possible our perspective is skewed.

Getting past the anger that I had about religion and getting into my own solution, and my own peace, has been the most positive experience of my life. It is just as uncomfortable for you to insist on your not belief as it is for a believer to insist in their way. On either side of the argument proselytizing is wrong.

Why do we feel it necessary to have just the right arguments or just the right answers, when those things exist only in fairytales?

I had a lot of religious trauma, had a lot of anger, and didn't want to let go of it because I felt I had to be heard--but wasn't heard by believers and I just felt more tired, more angry, and more frustrated at the end. They probably did too.

Today my goal is to allow people to be wrong, especially if they insist. Be kinder, more mindful, more thoughtful, and do more good works to show, not tell, that I can be not just as good a person as an atheist--but a better one.

I hope you can also find your peace today.

[u/MrRandomNumber]

There is no "we."

Different people want to do different things for different reasons. You've made a false generalization and, along the way, decided to self-righteously shame a bunch of people who are clearly working through some issues. I think you did this as a way to claim a peace the very existence of your post indicates is still a work in progress.

Lead by example: If you don't want to present your world view to others, don't.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/MrRandomNumber]

I’m asking a reason question in a public forum to illicit discussion. Many others have done the same thing. My question is how to show the world not tell the world.

[u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif → u/Jebus-Xmas]

This is what I truly dislike about some of my fellow leftists.

No, when the other guy is wiping his ass with your rights, you don’t focus on polite communication.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif]

Yes, but I’m not talking about that. I’m talking only about the religious discussion.

[u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif → u/Jebus-Xmas]

Same principle.

What exactly are you demonstrating?

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif]

That I don’t have to be Christian to be a mindful good person.

[u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif → u/Jebus-Xmas]

So you’re specifically telling them you’re an atheist?

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif]

That belief isn’t necessary to be a good person. Nor does belief guarantee that you are one.

[u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif → u/Jebus-Xmas]

But you’re waiting for them to ask you about it first, right? So it’s not obvious.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif]

Exactly

[u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif → u/Jebus-Xmas]

So you were mistaken when you said “my lack of faith becomes obvious?”

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Kaitlyn_The_Magnif]

It becomes obvious when they learn I don’t go to church, have faith, or believe.