I’ve noticed that a great many “how I became an atheist” stories are largely self-driven. People have taken it upon themselves to examine and ultimately reject the claims of religion. Has anyone you know done the opposite and been spurred to this deconversion process externally, by atheists they know or by celebrities such as Richard Dawkins? How specifically do you think the atheist(s) achieved this?
Posted: November 11th 2008
Dave Hitt www
I don’t try to spread atheism. I try to spread skepticism by encouraging people to continuously fine tune their BS meters. Skepticism can lead to atheism, but not always. It is possible for a skeptic to believe in a god, usually as pantheist or a deist, but skepticism shatters fundamentalism, the most dangerous form of religion.
Posted: November 27th 2008
logicel
Perhaps the road to atheism is paved with both stones: self reflection and the influence of others.
In the converts corner at the Dawkins site, you will find comments describing how Dawkins’ writings played a significant role in embracing atheism.
His writings play a role because they present excellent arguments of which one would be receptive especially if one is already questioning religious validity (and it seems that many religious believers entertain doubts). Such existing doubts are the keyholes, and Dawkins’ writings are the keys, and after a little struggling, the doors to atheism are sprung wide open.
Posted: November 13th 2008
brian thomson www
Personally, I think atheist “celebrity” is a bit problematic, in that others tend to associate atheism with that personality, warts and all. Dawkins, for example, has made mistakes in his “public relations”, such as the fuss about that flight attendant’s crucifix.
I think that atheism is only one part of a bigger picture, in that I’m not that interested in spreading atheism on its own, but in spreading logic, rational thinking, and common sense. I don’t think that atheism alone would be enough to make a difference in this world, without those necessary foundations. So: education, education, and… money.
Posted: November 13th 2008