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Frequently Asked #2




Welcome to the second edition of Frequently Asked!

Today’s questions will focus on both prejudice in regards to atheism and living life to the fullest.  As with the last Frequently Asked post, I have had both of these questions asked to my face after admitting to being an Atheist.  I aim to give the best explanations I can to aid you, the reader, in your understanding of Atheism but please remember, these are only my opinions.  This is how I choose to view the world.  Feel free to leave any comments or questions you may have.  I may even answer them in the future Frequently Asked posts.  Now onto the questions!


What do you have to live for without God?

   As Actor and Atheist, Ricky Gervais, once said, “It’s a strange myth that atheists have nothing to live for.  It's the opposite.  We have nothing to die for.  We have everything to live for.” 

           This is a complicated question with a simple answer.  As Ricky is quoted saying above, I have everything to live for.  Everything.  I believe there’s nothing waiting for me at the end of my life.  No heaven, no afterlife, no reincarnation, no Hell.  I only have my remaining years here on Earth to accomplish every dream and goal I’ve ever set forth for myself.  There is no one for me to rely on to make myself happy.  No higher power planning the ins and outs of my life for me. 

            At the end of the day, I’m the one holding the keys to my own destiny.  That leaves me with a mear one lifetime to accomplish my goals.  It's a time crunch but with some careful planning, I fully believe I can do it.  I urge you to do the same.  Take agency in your own life.  Make your own decisions.  Climb high mountains, sail rough seas, or travel the world on a whim.  Do whatever you desire.  Make your story a great one. 


Oh, there’s no way (insert thing here) could really happen to you just because you’re an atheist.

    I will admit while I am rather open about my lack of belief that does not make me a completely out and proud nonbeliever  The majority of my coworkers don’t know I’m an atheist.  Large portions of my own family don’t know either.  To tell the truth, I make the decision to inform people on a case by case basis.  Discussing my lack of belief can lead to a mixed bag of reactions.  Thankfully, I have a good, accepting support group and the reception has been largely positive but outright denial and ‘Come to Jesus’ talks aren’t uncommon either.  I plan to do a full post on opening up about my lack of belief to others and their reactions to it at a future date. 

The reason I keep it hushed up at work is simple.  I work at a Christian daycare in right to work state.  Discrimination laws wouldn't allow them to admit they fired me because of my atheism.  That said, I do live in a right to work state.  They have no obligation to inform me of the reasons behind my dismissal.  I’d like to think that admitting my atheism probably wouldn't be a problem as I have worked at the same location for nearly three years without issue but for the most part, I still keep my mouth shut.  

As for family well, my immediate family is aware and generally accepting.  Mother and Father took it well. Honorable and Esteemed Grandmother is the exception.  She prefers to ignore the issue entirely.  Bless her heart.  I’m fairly open with my close in age cousins and they’re for the most part accepting of different outlooks on the world.  The rest of the extended family I tend to leave in the dark because I only see them on holidays and for weddings and funerals, of course.   

As I’ve touched on in previous posts, non-theists are not perceived to be a particularly trustworthy demographic.  As of 2018, Atheist cannot hold public office in seven states and some of those also ban them from testifying in court.  I’ve had friends completely disregard my opinions on biblical issues because, as an Atheist, I clearly have none.  It's not like I ever went to Sunday school or took Biblical Studies classes or you know, read bible stories.  I was a Christian for twenty years.  Undoubtedly, all of that knowledge just vanished from my brain the second I deconverted. 

Thanks for Reading,
A Southern Atheist
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