A few years ago I, very deliberately and considerately, made the jump from agnosticism to atheism. It wasn't the easiest jump to make -- not in the United States (probably not in other places, either). I was raised in a Protestant family. I attended Catholic schools. I went to Sunday School at a local Congregational Church -- I was confirmed at this same church. Like the Reverends at my college, I often still call ML one of my spiritual advisors. I often seek out him, KB, and SW when I'm in need of love. I've always felt comfortable, hopefully always will -- hopefully they'll always let me -- ask most any question I can think of regarding whatever questions arise about my world views.



What's interesting to me -- and a bit irritating/infuriating -- is that so many people in this country, in the world -- believe/portray atheists as heathens and evil. Here's the thing: I don't think I'm evil. I'm not a danger to anyone, but myself. I like to think I live my life full of love and tolerance. I don't have much intolerance for anyone, except for those who perpetuate violence and hate. Yet there are so many, particularly those who claim to be strong/staunch/believers in their God's power, who end up abusing kids, abusing members of other faiths, abusing other races, abusing others period. There are some who will do worse than that all in the name of their God. I'm not saying those who have a Judeo-Christian or monotheistic faith-based system are automatically going to do these things, but you also shouldn't say that atheists are going to do these things because they're (we're) heathens and don't believe.