This is a response to a commentary printed on Dec. 26 by Angie Vogt (“My holiday prayer for atheists”). Although your writing seemed to have good intentions, it seemed to lack rational thought and research. It was nice that you thought of atheists in general during the winter holiday season. I shall try to be brief in dispelling the myths you mention.
First, atheism is not rooted to the 18th century. The term atheism originated from the Greek word “atheos.” This word is translated as “with out gods.” The French use a similar word (“atheé”) to mean “one who denies or disbelieves the existence of God.” They used the word in the mid-1500s. The first to “identify” themselves as atheists were in the 18th century.
Second, how can you defend the statement that atheism depends on faith for its existence? To begin with, one would have to consider atheism a religion. Atheism is considered irreligious; referring to an absence, indifference or hostility toward religion. Atheism is neither a religion nor a faith. We don’t pray, use a church, have holy wars, have lifestyle restrictions, have murderous extremists. In reality, atheists merely fail to accept the theists’ claim “God exists,” hence the burden of proof lies with the believer.
Third, you mention the national headline stories of two separate groups. There was mention of a sign placed next to a nativity scene as well as an advertising campaign on the sides of local transit. Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) did, in fact, make headlines last year about the sign in our state’s capitol and had the “Yes Virginia…” signs on Metro buses in November of this year. This Wisconsin-based freethinking group is a somewhat more litigious organization with the capital to back up their stand on the separation of church and state.
Seattle Atheists is a non-profit group formed in 2003. This group, to which my family belongs, dedicates time to more philanthropical endeavors such as donating blood, raising money for Children’s Hospital, holding public talks with various freethinkers, and has started new giving programs, including Operation Paperback and the SeasonLESS food drive.
What I find humorous is the notion that you believe that atheism is merely rejecting your Christian god. Christianity wasn’t spread as something wonderful. Do you not recall from your history class that during the Crusades, hundreds of thousands of people were killed because they didn’t believe in Christianity? That is how it survived massive persecution. Just kill those who denounce the “Lord.” Being an implicit atheist, I positively believe that god doesn’t exist.
Please keep in mind, if atheism were indeed a religion, then theists would have no reason to criticise atheism being taught in schools as part of religious education, or even the setting up of atheist-run schools alongside Baptist, Catholic and Muslim schools.
Kevin Brighton, Auburn
