At times, it is just weird, to know that so many people believe in fairy tales. All in all, I take it in stride because that is the reality. I try to keep a sense of humor and civility when dealing with the religious. In addition, I live in a highly secularized culture in France where most people do not discuss theism or atheism. Religious symbols are kept out of the government and state-sponsored activities.

France, however, is culturally Christian. As I am. I have no problem with those traditions as long as the supernatural is kept out of the picture.

I doubt that I would spend much time in any deeply religious community as it would be way too stressful for me emotionally and mentally. It feels very odd to be around people who fervently believe in the supernatural. I prefer to choose the company of rationalists (this excludes also the wonky woo worshipers) for my own personal, intimate life.

However, the egregious aspects of religion are impossible to take in stride—the anti-choice, anti-woman perspective, the homophobic stance, the milking of poor people via tithing, the sabotaging of science, the interference with proper medical treatment, the stonings to death, genital mutilation, etc. They make me weep and keep me focused on neutralizing religious effects.

Posted: December 9th 2009

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Much like being in any other minority, I should imagine. Sadly, being a young white male without a strong political affiliation, I’m not in any other minority to which I can compare it.

As someone in this particular minority, I do my best not to judge those in the majority on the basis of that one feature. It’s like a black person trying not to form generalised opinions of white people. I know that most religious folks are good people and will treat me right, regardless of or even because of their faith.

The main issue is when some people in the majority devote their time and effort to suppressing or eradicating the minority. For black people, it’s white supremacists. For atheists, it’s evangelists and other zealots, especially those in politics.

The big difference is that the evangelists have a chance (however small) of bringing us to their side, and by doing so they think they’re “saving” us. They usually don’t mean any harm at all. Nevertheless, I work against that because I think in this case that the minority is right.

Posted: December 8th 2009

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