So I've listed some basic ideas that I keep in the back of my mind as I go through life, intermingling with all of life's peoples. So what to do when scenario A.) listed above happens? What if your friend asks “Just out of curiosity, why are you an atheist?” Well, it's up to each person how best to approach the discussion, but the most important thing is to maintain a friendly and honest demeanor. Answer their question, and only their question, unless they prod you for further details. I cannot tell you what specifically to say, as I do not know your reasons for being non-religious. Only you know, and if your friend wants to truly know, then just open your heart and tell them. If they are intrigued, they will continue asking you questions. Don't jump right at them with “Do you know how many contradictions are in the bible?” unless they ask you your opinion of the bible.
But why should I be civil?
Yeah, so what is the point to all this? You might be asking yourself “Why should we be silent and respectful when they so often are not?” The answer is simple: because it's the right thing to do. In my experience, the people living with real moral values, people who actually go through life trying to be the best humans they can be, are typically the atheists. We don't need an angry and contradictory god telling us what's right and wrong; we have our minds, and our hearts. And yet, what is the widespread perception of atheists? Sometimes we are depicted as angry, anarchist, bitter, depraved and perverted people. A reputation earned? I have yet to meet a true atheist who fit any of those descriptions. So why not try and do our part to dispel these ideas about us? And living life with our fellow man, no matter whom, what, or why they are, is always better than living alone, pissed and disgusted at the world, trying to stay isolated from religion.
Defend yourself, absolutely, if you find yourself assaulted, but don't run away, or seek out the conflict. At least not from your friends and family.
Am I saying don't question and challenge the religious organizations? The government officials who should know better than to try and mix religion with the running of our country? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Those people need to be taken to task for the wrongs they have foisted upon society, and the means to do that have been documented by men better than myself. This is merely a guide to living peacefully among the people that have been, unbeknownst to them, brainwashed by one religious sect or another. These people are not the enemy, they are victims, and the only way to demonstrate to them that our way of life is not some “sin”-filled orgy of debauchery and violence and hate is to show them through our actions, or lack of actions, as the case may be. We will win respect by being respectful, and we will outlast religion by living good, wholesome lives.
