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:

  1. Participated in the Blasphemy Challenge.
    Never did it, never saw the need since I published my “My Conversion to Atheism” video.
  2. 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.
  3. Created an atheist blog.
    Yep – your looking at it :)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Been unable to watch Growing Pains reruns because of Kirk Cameron.
    Always hated the program, no even more.
  7. 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.
  8. Have at least one Bible with your personal annotations regarding contradictions, disturbing parts, etc.
    No – I usually reference online sources.
  9. Have come out as an atheist to your family.
    Certainly.
  10. Attended a campus or off-campus atheist gathering.
    No.
  11. Are a member of an organized atheist/Humanist/etc. organization.
    Not really.
  12. Had a Humanist wedding ceremony.
    No.
  13. Donated money to an atheist organization.
    Yes.
  14. 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.
  15. Lost the friendship of someone you know because of your non-theism.
    No, but it does put a strain on some relationships.
  16. 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.
  17. Had to hide your atheist beliefs on a first date because you didn’t want to scare him/her away.
    Never.
  18. Own a stockpile of atheist paraphernalia (bumper stickers, buttons, shirts, etc).
    Nope.
  19. Attended a protest that involved religion.
    No.
  20. Attended an atheist conference.
    No.
  21. Subscribe to Pat Condell’s YouTube channel.
    Yes – love his work.
  22. Started an atheist group in your area or school.
    No, but might.
  23. Successfully “de-converted” someone to atheism.
    Not that I am aware of, but that’s not really my aim.
  24. Have already made plans to donate your body to science after you die.
    No, but that reminds me.
  25. Told someone you’re an atheist only because you wanted to see the person’s reaction.
    Guilty.
  26. 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.
  27. Lost a job because of your atheism.
    No, and I would be very surprised if this happened in Australia.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. Refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
    This question does not count in Australia.
  31. Said “Gesundheit!” (or nothing at all) after someone sneezed because you didn’t want to say “Bless you!”
    I don’t say anything anymore.
  32. 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.
  33. 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.
  34. Are a 2nd or 3rd (or more) generation atheist.
    My dad seems more a deist, but I recently discovered my grandmother is an atheist.
  35. 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.”
  36. 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.
  37. Subscribe to an freethought magazine (e.g. Free Inquiry, Skeptic)
    This is the 21st century people – I subscribe to podcasts and RSS feeds.
  38. Have been interviewed by a reporter because of your atheism.
    No, but that would be cool.
  39. Written a letter-to-the-editor about an issue related to your non-belief in God.
    I will if the need arises.
  40. 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.
  41. Wear pro-atheist clothing in public.
    Not yet.
  42. Have invited Mormons/Jehovah’s Witnesses into your house specifically because you wanted to argue with them.
    Depends on my mood at the time.
  43. 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?
  44. Receive Google Alerts on “atheism” (or variants).
    Not Google alerts, but I do subscribe to many religious RSS feeds.
  45. 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.
  46. 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.
  47. Refuse to tell anyone what your “sign” is… because it doesn’t matter at all.
    I am a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
  48. 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.
  49. 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.
  50. 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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