Would you walk in the shoes of an atheist, if you could? When asked this question, people become hostile and defensive. They say, “I’m secure with my faith.” or “Why don’t you stop forcing your beliefs on others?” to name a few. It becomes a mundane exchange of words for atheists. Most of the time, it ends with no sense of accomplishment or acceptance. We forget that atheists are human just like the rest of us.

Many atheist’s find themselves in a bind with their families. They feel like the black sheep. Remember, they just denied the existence of all gods. That’s a very difficult thing to do. It takes many years and a lot of critical thinking. It’s very frustrating when an atheist is asked, “why do you deny religion?”, as if that is the only logical avenue to go down. That is a false dilemma. We are given two choices, “believe” or “Get shunned by loved ones.” Just because someone doesn’t have your opinions and beliefs doesn’t make it wrong. You can sit with your child and talk about anything but religion. Why is that? Is it because you want to force your beliefs on them and not let them realize there are other religions or even worse no religion, out in the world? Give them a chance. You might find out that your atheist family member shares the same family values, morality, etc.

Atheism is not satanic. Atheism is the lack of belief in one or all gods. Do you see an absence of morality in that definition? Do you see love go out the window? No. These are just conformation biases towards your lack of understanding why atheists don’t believe. Most atheists are actually more accepting of the world around them then most religious people. They accept gay people. They do not discriminate. They give women equal rights. They don’t deny evidence.

Not all people judge atheists. Some family members are accepting. That’s all everyone wants in the end, acceptance. Why deny them that? You live on this earth for a set amount of time, why not understand? They have walked in religious shoes. Stop and take the time to share your concerns, and listen to them. Just don’t let it be a one sided conversation. They have just as much as you to say.