Blog - Written by askegg on Saturday, December 20, 2008 12:03 - 1 Comment
Hardcore Atheist
I came across this internet chain letter meme for determining how hardcore you are as an atheist. You in the spirit of sharing during this festive season, here are my answers:
- Participated in the Blasphemy Challenge.
Never did it, never saw the need since I published my “My Conversion to Atheism” video. - Meet at least one of the “Four Horsemen” (Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris) in person.
Would like to, but given where I live I think this is unlikely. - Created an atheist blog.
Yep – your looking at it :) - Used the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a religious debate with someone.
All the time, along with celestial teapots, dragons in my garage, and diamonds the sizes of fridges buried in my backyard. - Gotten offended when someone called you an agnostic.
No, since I am technically both. I am agnostic about God as much as I am agnostic about fairies in my garden. This is an entirely reasonable stance. - Been unable to watch Growing Pains reruns because of Kirk Cameron.
Always hated the program, no even more. - Own more Bibles than most Christians you know.
I think I can place my hand on about 10 Bibles in the house – probably more than most people I know. - Have at least one Bible with your personal annotations regarding contradictions, disturbing parts, etc.
No – I usually reference online sources. - Have come out as an atheist to your family.
Certainly. - Attended a campus or off-campus atheist gathering.
No. - Are a member of an organized atheist/Humanist/etc. organization.
Not really. - Had a Humanist wedding ceremony.
No. - Donated money to an atheist organization.
Yes. - Have a bookshelf dedicated solely to Richard Dawkins.
No, but I have a number of his books. I also own books by many other authors. - Lost the friendship of someone you know because of your non-theism.
No, but it does put a strain on some relationships. - Tried to argue or have a discussion with someone who stopped you on the street to proselytize.
Oh yes. Most notably I was approached by a Mormon. - Had to hide your atheist beliefs on a first date because you didn’t want to scare him/her away.
Never. - Own a stockpile of atheist paraphernalia (bumper stickers, buttons, shirts, etc).
Nope. - Attended a protest that involved religion.
No. - Attended an atheist conference.
No. - Subscribe to Pat Condell’s YouTube channel.
Yes – love his work. - Started an atheist group in your area or school.
No, but might. - Successfully “de-converted” someone to atheism.
Not that I am aware of, but that’s not really my aim. - Have already made plans to donate your body to science after you die.
No, but that reminds me. - Told someone you’re an atheist only because you wanted to see the person’s reaction.
Guilty. - Had to think twice before screaming “Oh God!” during sex. Or you said something else in its place.
Religion is far from my mind at those times. - Lost a job because of your atheism.
No, and I would be very surprised if this happened in Australia. - Formed a bond with someone specifically because of your mutual atheism (meeting this person at a local gathering or conference doesn’t count).
Yes – quite a number. - Have crossed “In God We Trust” off of — or put a pro-church-state-separation stamp on — dollar bills.
This question does not count in Australia. - Refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
This question does not count in Australia. - Said “Gesundheit!” (or nothing at all) after someone sneezed because you didn’t want to say “Bless you!”
I don’t say anything anymore. - Have ever chosen not to clasp your hands together out of fear someone might think you’re praying.
Why would I do that? Guess I have. Subconsciously I want them to ask so I can tell them how stupid their religion is. - Have turned on Christian TV because you need something entertaining to watch.
Yes, but it usually just makes me angry at how stupid people can be. - Are a 2nd or 3rd (or more) generation atheist.
My dad seems more a deist, but I recently discovered my grandmother is an atheist. - Have “atheism” listed on your Facebook or dating profile — and not a euphemistic variant.
My Facebook profile says “it’s all bullshit and it’s bad for you.” - Attended an atheist’s funeral (i.e. a non-religious service).
Have not had the need to yet. Mine will not have any of that mumbo jumbo if I can help it. - Subscribe to an freethought magazine (e.g. Free Inquiry, Skeptic)
This is the 21st century people – I subscribe to podcasts and RSS feeds. - Have been interviewed by a reporter because of your atheism.
No, but that would be cool. - Written a letter-to-the-editor about an issue related to your non-belief in God.
I will if the need arises. - Gave a friend or acquaintance a New Atheist book as a gift.
No, but I was thinking about it after I received an apologist book for Christmas once. - Wear pro-atheist clothing in public.
Not yet. - Have invited Mormons/Jehovah’s Witnesses into your house specifically because you wanted to argue with them.
Depends on my mood at the time. - Have been physically threatened (or beaten up) because you didn’t believe in God.
No, but I look a reasonably fit looking guy – maybe I intimidate people? - Receive Google Alerts on “atheism” (or variants).
Not Google alerts, but I do subscribe to many religious RSS feeds. - Received fewer Christmas presents than expected because people assumed you didn’t celebrate it.
Since when was Christmas about Jesus anymore? It’s all Santa Claus, elves, and holiday specials nowadays. - Visited The Creation Museum or saw Ben Stein’s Expelled just so you could keep tabs on the “enemy.”
I am not going to give those IDiots my money. - Refuse to tell anyone what your “sign” is… because it doesn’t matter at all.
I am a “Do Not Disturb” sign. - Are on a mailing list for a Christian organization just so you can see what they’re up to…
I still get Godtube emails because I have not closed the account. They are funny. - Have kept your eyes open while you watched others around you pray.
I don’t even bow my head. Most of the time I play with the kids instead. - Avoid even Unitarian churches because they’re too close to religion for you.
I do occasionally go to church with my wife. I really need to tackle the pastor.
So how did I do? 22 out of 50 ain’t bad, but I don’t think I can qualify as a truly hardcore atheist using this criteria. At least I have a checklist of things to do now.
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TrenchantAtheist
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