To the multitude of voices on the air in "The Atheist Hour":
I listened to your show very intently last night. I am a lifelong atheist, and like keep myself versed with the free-thinking movement and skepticism, especially as it pertains to religion. I present myself as a representative of atheists everywhere whenever I speak to anyone on the subject, as I'm sure you all do.
The format of your show is confusing and often irritating. It seems like a competition of one-liners, often out of the context of the subject at hand ("I only believe in one god less than you.") You seem to drift off-topic quite easily, and it often turns into a cochophony of people trying to get the best sarcastic comments in.
Why do you have this radio show? What compells you to tell others about this?
My own personal motivation to tell others about my lack of belief is because of the lack of such a voice in most peoples lives. I believe there are more atheists than like to let on, because of social and familial pressure. When asked, I proudly proclaim my atheism. My hope is that people will see that I'm not a mouth-breathing excentric who wants to lure them down some path of evil, just a normal guy with no time to waste on superstition.
More specifically to the caller in question, who stated that he, while not calling himself an atheist but a whatever-ist, has felt that way for most of his life and didn't understand the point of pushing such views.
First point, no matter what he calls himself, if he doens't believe in a god(s), he is an atheist. Even though someone who plays the cello doesn't want the title/label Cellist, doesn't change the fact that it is what they are. Atheism and the word atheist is villified, which is why he was avoiding it. You shouldn't let him get away with it.
Second point, as atheists, we must make our presence known. We don't go door-to-door pushing people into joining us. Our ranks are filled passively, by people who come to their own conclusions regarding whatever they have been taught. Putting our voices on the air is important so people know there are others, and that they aren't an solitary outcast. Even though the caller was comfortable with his lack of belief (but owning the title was intimidating to him), many people who live under the shadow of many of the world religions feel quite alone in their lack of belief. Shame, fear and doubt fill many people who take a step away from their faith. We represent a community that offers that person a refuge.
Organized atheists also collectively fight against the abuses of our freedom from religion. There is nothing more American, than standing up under the banner of our Bill of Rights, and asking that religion be removed from government in every way, shape, or form. Due to the recent spate of "Ten Commandments" violations that have been in the news lately, I've been called to answer why these things should be removed from court houses and schools. I ask those who are challenging the removal, if they would feel comfortable in a Islamic Judge's court room with the 39 Islamic Prohibitions carved in stone on the wall? Which law, as a christian would you expect him to respect? The law of the land, or the laws of God? Without our ability to get the word out through your radio program and the atheist websites would we be able to wrestle with this issue and others like it. Resources are required, and letting people know how they can help is vital.
Do atheists hold to "Young Earth" Theories or alternate origins of life on this planet?
You addressed this young lady's question with a very condescending and alienating comment:
"Well, the atheists I know are rational and logical."
The implication is that non-atheists aren't rational or logical, and while that might be your belief, I don't believe it furthers the cause we, as atheists, should be putting forth: To help others understand what an atheist is. I realize it's hard not to come off as condescending on the subject of what we believe are superstitions, like talking to a child about the monster under the bed, but we MUST take special care not to.
The conversation then broke down into a mish-mash about the faking of fossil records. The answer should have been that Atheism has nothing to do with the origins of the earth, or life on this planet. Atheism is simply the lack of a believe in a god or gods. Now, while many religions have faith-based explanations of these events, not having a religion doesn't necessarily come with any pre-set acceptance of any theory of the origins of life. One atheist can believe that the earth is 4 billion years old, and another can believe that it's only 10 years old and is being manipulated by an alien race that created our "history" for their own entertainment. As long as neither believes in a god or gods, he is an atheist.
Keeping fighting the good fight!
Your brother-in-arms,
Lee Poirier
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