Interactions with people and communities, while not having an important common bond.
It’s no secret how much I respect my all of my peers in Omaha. Some of the most talented, most creative, friendliest, amazing people ever.
But as I learn more about organizations and people here I do see a thread that is often a strong bond between many of them. And that is the Christian belief community here.
There are some really great organizations, from Core Community to inCommon. Smart people in like minded organizations who in a very modern and effective way get together as groups to learn and assist others.
As great as all of this is, I find myself second guessing myself. I’m an atheist. Often times a slightly outspoken one. As the word itself means that I have no belief, I fear that people look at me different when they find me identifying as such. Does my lack of belief in a higher power make people look down on me?
As I meet new people and I find they have strong beliefs I always hope that they don’t think badly of me. The thought of losing new friends, relationships, business connections, or simply acquaintances due to this one item does worry me.
The word “atheist” is often a very strong one to people. I’ve had people think I’m a bad person, or I have no values, or heck… even think I worship the devil. All it means is I do nothing.
It’s like not liking tomatoes. Some people really love tomatoes and blog about it, grow them, and share them with others. Those who don’t like tomatoes don’t think about it and it’s not a part of their lives in any way. Once in a while they’re offered a tomato and they just kindly decline. I see it absolutely no different, but I fear that others may.
What do you think? Am I over reacting thinking about it at all, or am I justified?
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gabek
on August 7th, 2009
New blog post: Interactions with people and communities, while not having an important common bond. http://bit.ly/mX3P8
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
Rahul Gupta
on August 7th, 2009
I think it’s natural to be sensitive to it, but I’ve found that members of the progressive Christian communities in Omaha I’ve encountered (like the ones you mentioned above) are pretty open and accepting people.
I’m happy to say that they take many of the fundamental Christian teachings to heart and live them more than, um, fundamentalists. Love thy neighbor is a sentiment strong in Omaha.
I think we’ve discussed this before, but there are definitely times when I’m the only brown dude in a restaurant or bar (sometimes with a bushy beard) in Omaha where I feel uncertain… watched? judged?
But eventually it all comes back to the interactions I have with real people, and the people out here are a great people.
S
on August 7th, 2009
Come to think of it, I experienced similar things. Many of the younger people I met in Omaha were fairly religious. For me at least that has been different in other cities. I guess the people I’ve met in other places who are interested in art and culture were not religious at all.
As far as feeling awkward, I’d honestly try to avoid the topic. If it does come up, do speak up if you don’t agree. Don’t let people think you have the same belief system. That silence may lead people to think you agree, which would be a shame since they aren’t getting to know the real you.
Skid Vis
on August 7th, 2009
I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Good Christian folk will get along with anyone and everyone.. heck, you agnostics present a challenge.. and who doesn’t like a challenge?
As long as you’re not forcing your opinion or looking down on them for theirs, you’re golden.. like that one rule.
Carl Zulauf
on August 7th, 2009
As a fellow Atheist I obviously don’t look down on you. In fact I have a lot of respect for you and none of that has anything to do with you being theist or atheist.
You are right that being Atheist should be no different than not liking tomatoes or not collecting stamps. You have accepted your disbelief and it should be a non-issue. For me my Atheism is a huge part of who I am, not because it defines me, but because I am passionate about fighting the intolerance and misconceptions prevalent in our society towards Atheists. If our society was completely tolerant of Atheists I would not feel the need to carry the label. It would be an afterthought. It defines something I am not, which is as trivial as the millions of other things I am not.
The good news is that we live in a fairly tolerant society. There is still a lot of work to be done, but my views have only been a roadblock with a small subset of “believers.” I get curious questions from many, but I also generally get respect. There are occasional problems but they are not the rule, they are the exception.
The bad news is that I still must be careful about when I bring up my views and who I bring them up to. It is far harder for me to express my lack of faith than it is for a Christian to express their faith. Its still difficult, if not improbable, for Atheists to hold any type of public office. There are still a huge number of people who don’t believe we can be good people and live moral lives. Some people are even offended by the mere public acknowledgment that Atheists exist and assemble. I actually just finished working on a blog post of my own on that very subject. My shameless plug will be pasted below.
In conclusion you might find a few hardships here and there but you can overcome them. I honestly feel we (Atheists) will be more successful in gaining public trust as time goes on, so in the future you and I will have it even easier. It only gets better from here on out!
http://examancer.com/2009/08/iowa-governor-chet-culver-promoting-intolerance/
Frank Payne
on August 7th, 2009
Excellent comments Carl. I couldn’t agree more, particularly about the part that it’s unfortunate we have to define ourselves as something we’re not, simply because of widespread intolerance.
Gabe: love ya man.
Kate
on August 10th, 2009
This is Kate. ;) We’ll have to chitchat later about this…it’s exactly how I felt when I moved to Omaha.