Why I like atheists

01 May 2009 | By admin in religion

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much I like atheists. As a devout Mormon, that might sound a bit strange, but I find most of the atheists I know to be wonderful, inspiring individuals. I’m sure there are some atheists out there who are also terrible, terrible people, but that has never been my experience. Here’s why I think that is:

1. Atheists are reliable

You always know what you’re going to get with an atheist: they don’t believe in God or organized religion. OK, fair enough. With that understanding, you can have many wonderful logic-based discussions on any number of topics. You may disagree, but there’s always an underlying deference to common sense.

With religious people, I’m often completely shocked with how they arrive at some conclusions. “You think the Bible says what now?” When I disagree with a religious person, it usually comes down to how I interpret a part of scripture compared to how he or she interprets it. Disagreements like this lead nowhere and I find myself wishing I was talking with an atheist.

2. Atheists are brave

The majority of people in the world believes in God and practices some form of religion. So, the odds are that your atheist friend had to make a pretty serious break with his or her family, culture, and way of life. I call that bravery. Most atheists I know have arrived at their conclusions because of an honest assessment of the facts and of themselves. Despite an enormous pressure to conform, they stand up for what they believe to be true. I find that inspiring.

I have one friend whose father was a Mormon bishop. To fill some time in a meeting, this father called his son up from the audience to share his belief in God and Mormonism. Despite hundreds of friends and neighbors looking at him expectantly, he remained seated and silent. He did not believe and he was not going to lie, even if it would save him from a terribly awkward and painful experience. I don’t care who you are, you’ve got to respect that kind of sacrifice.

3. Atheists are moral

Truly moral decisions are not the result of the memorization of codes and laws. True morals require a person to explore issues deeply, examine the difference between right and wrong, and make reasoned decisions about which paths to pursue. Without a belief in God or religion, most atheists I know have taken the responsibility to think through important issues and situations on their own. The end result is that most atheists are highly moral people. The danger with religion is when its laws and creeds are accepted prematurely or applied inappropriately.

Considering all that, I think atheists deserve some credit. They’re logical, moral and they stand up for what they believe in. Now if we could just get religious people to do the same.

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54 Comments on “Why I like atheists”

  1. 01 May 2009 | L Said:

    I am stunned, I wish I could meet religious people like you who for once don’t call me a devil. If I don’t mention that I am an atheist and present my morals and thoughts, people like me instantly, the second I say I am an atheist the throw every sense of kindness out of the window.

    Make sure good things happen to good people, but reading this I assume that you are already well versed in moral thinking.

     

  2. 01 May 2009 | Eoin Said:

    Thank you. It was so very refreshing to find a person of faith that could actually see that atheists are, in fact, not godless demons that are out to destroy the world.

    I don’t believe in your God, but I will both respect and defend your right to believe, as long as it doesn’t adversly interfere in the lives of others.

    May your God see fit to bless you.

     

  3. 01 May 2009 | Crispy Sea Said:

    Thanks for the kind words and well said Marshall.

    You are right, it is hard to stand alone against a sea of belief.

    ‘Now if we could just get religious people to do the same.’ - Agreed.
    cheers
    Crispy

     

  4. 01 May 2009 | Pete Said:

    Are you sure you’re not an atheist?

     

  5. 01 May 2009 | Bornagain A. Theist Said:

    Well said!

    BAT

     

  6. 01 May 2009 | Cyde Weys Said:

    So, considering all that … when are you going to join us?

     

  7. 01 May 2009 | Andy Said:

    Saw a link to this post, and as an Atheist I wish more Mormons were like you!

     

  8. 01 May 2009 | Nathan Said:

    THANK YOU for still seeing us as human beings.

    Just because I may have some disagreements about how and why we are here, doesn’t mean I’m any less of a good person or lack the morals to function in society. I’m noticing an influx of atheism with today’s youth (perhaps its merely a “coming out”), and hope we can all be met with the same open-mindedness that the author has.

     

  9. 01 May 2009 | PStryder Said:

    You’ve taken the first step.

     

  10. 01 May 2009 | David Said:

    I’m an atheist and this is one of the reasons that I like Mormon’s.

     

  11. 01 May 2009 | Alex Said:

    Living life knowing there is no “afterlife”. That is bravery.

    Great post, by the way. Keep thinking about this topic and be honest with yourself. I promise you that your life will not become cold and empty once you break the spell.

     

  12. 01 May 2009 | James Said:

    As an Atheist, I’d like to thank you for the nice portrayal. I’m afraid if it were the norm to be Atheist you might not feel the same way, because as you say, it takes a level of introspection and rational thought to declare yourself Atheist (in present-day US at least), so it’s not a default position and it self-selects some more rational and thoughtful people.

    I’d like to spread the love. I have to say that while I find the Mormon faith, well, far from compelling, I think the secular side of Mormon life has a lot going for it.

    In the main I’ve found many Mormon individuals to be particularly pleasant, well grounded people. I respect their particular kind of focus on community. I also know that as a group they do a lot of sound work for people in need, e.g. for Hurricane Katrina victims they were one of the most effective disaster response organizations.

     

  13. 01 May 2009 | Eric Said:

    I would have no problem with religion if more of its followers were like you.

     

  14. 01 May 2009 | impiri Said:

    Thank you for the kind words.

     

  15. 01 May 2009 | Kevin Said:

    When you are talking with an atheist or a person of a different religion, he/she is “completely shocked with how [you] arrive at some conclusions.” How does being that person make you feel?

     

  16. 01 May 2009 | M@ Said:

    You know, a few years ago I was invited by a Mormon co-worker to his stake’s (I hope I’ve got the terminology right) basketball tournament. I went, and had a great time.

    What I liked most was that people really tried to live their faith. There was none of the posturing or machismo that’s so common in pickup or amateur sports. Everyone treated everyone else with cheerful respect. It was a really nice community to be around.

    Your post is more evidence of this attitude. While it’s unlikely that I’ll ever gain your faith (any more than you’ll ever concur with my beliefs), everyone benefits from tolerance and your post goes a long way in promoting it. Thank you.

     

  17. 01 May 2009 | Adam Said:

    Ex-Mormon Atheist here. Thanks for being one of the faithful that I’m happy to get along with. :)

     

  18. 01 May 2009 | Jata Said:

    Wow. Thank you, sir, for seeing us as human beings. You Mormons always were the dangerously charming ones ;-)

     

  19. 01 May 2009 | Michael Esparza Said:

    Well put! If there is a higher power and one church has to be true I’m hoping its the LDS. Every other religion has some really f’d up after life for non believers but the LDS afterlife for people that were wrong is just like earth right now. I solute you sir!

     

  20. 01 May 2009 | Scar Said:

    Thanks for your kind words.
    They prove that not all devout theists are a bunch of irrational scumbags.

     

  21. 01 May 2009 | dagbrown Said:

    I am very pleased to see a theist who recognizes that atheists are, indeed, moral people. We arrive at our morals by a deep introspective process, but in the end, we are still moral. The threat of divine retribution holds no weight for the average atheist, but despite all that, we still strive to be good people.

    I like to think that that is why, even though atheists don’t believe in God, they can still be moral people. Because they go to the trouble to think their actions through.

    And that’s why I like this post. As an atheist commenting on a theist’s blog, I think you’re absolutely spot-on.

     

  22. 01 May 2009 | nickmcclendon Said:

    Thanks from reddit!

     

  23. 01 May 2009 | benuntu Said:

    Thanks for the kind words. It’s refreshing to see a person of faith can also see the light of reason. My hat is off to you sir!

     

  24. 01 May 2009 | Alex Said:

    Thank you for writing this, and I have to say as an atheist I have found that Mormons(specifically missionaries) are extremely respectful and willing to honestly discuss the issues and ideas they teach. I met two young missionaries in Japan and they were receptive and honest in their belief, without condemning me for my views. I ran into the same young men a few days later and one of them admitted that I had challenged him and had seriously considered everything I had said, so much so that he had to write a list of all the things that he knew were true versus what he believed was true. He didn’t give up his faith or anything dramatic, but the mere fact that he was so open spoke volumes of his character. That moment was a highlight of my 3 month adventure in a foreign land.

     

  25. 01 May 2009 | Daniel Said:

    It would be great, if everyone treated eachother with the kind of respect that i’m seeing between the mormon and the atheists commenting.

    it just goes to show that now matter what someone believes, we’re all still people.. human beings moving in a single direction. To dislike or belittle someone of an ideology or specific faith is absurd and extremely derogatory.

    Being a Christian, I do respect and value atheists as wonderful, moral people and important contributing members of society. I have learned many lessons on logic through conversations with my atheist peers that i would be extremely hesitent to give up. There is something seriously wrong with the way many Christians and theists today view atheists. We AS Christians need recognize that God loves all creatures and does not have ‘favorites’. We need to show genuine respect and compassion toward one another and behave in a way that we feel would be pleasing to God. Not shun and look down on those who do not share the same religion with delusions of grandeur!

    Atheists, on behalf of confused Chrisitans everywhere I sincerely apologize.

     

  26. 01 May 2009 | phil Said:

    Interestingly, as an atheist, I’ve often found myself getting along well with Mormons. Not members of other religions, just Mormons. I’ve always felt that the connection was possible because Mormons (like many atheists) take ideas seriously. They believe in principles and try to really live by them. They believe that philosophy matters, and they recognize and respect this belief in others, even when they disagree. Your essay, and your attitude, are yet more examples of this phenomenon.

     

  27. 01 May 2009 | Karen Said:

    Thank you for acknowledging that most atheists become non believers because they have explored, researched and came to their own conclusions about religion and /or a creator.
    It seems so many think atheists are just angry people who had a bad experience with religion.

     

  28. 01 May 2009 | Mithryn Said:

    Also a Mormon. I feel very similarly to what was expressed here.

    Just so you know he isn’t alone.

     

  29. 01 May 2009 | Adam Said:

    Yes, it’s very refreshing to see a committed believer who understands the atheist POV as a considered, sincere position. Most believers that I have encountered adhere to a caricature of atheism and some even demonize it.

    I in turn, have respect for people of faith. Although I think they are making a mistake, I don’t consider them dupes or fools or weaklings. These are sincere people trying to make sense of the human experience.

    Let me return the compliment to say that I know a number of Mormons, one or two are friends and it is my experience that they are decent, hardworking, honest, build strong families and are mostly pleasant company. A statement I cannot make about the Christian population at large.

     

  30. 01 May 2009 | Mike Said:

    As an atheist myself, I found your post really thoughtful and reassuring. I think we atheists are typically a respectful, thoughtful lot but some of us definitely can get a little paranoid about what people of faith think of us. It’s the persecution complex. That can lead to a bit of arrogance. However, conversations with my religious friends and posts like yours make me a bit more hopeful for a time when the religious and a-religious can get along a little more smoothly.

     

  31. 01 May 2009 | Nate Said:

    I agree with your first two points, but as for your third point, I couldn’t disagree more.

    I would guess that there are just as many immoral atheists as there are immoral theists (percentage wise). Sure, most atheists are probably by-and-large very moral, just as most religious believers are, but let’s not lump all atheists into the same morality category. I recall the names of three atheists who were decidedly immoral: Stalin, Mao, Hitler. Becoming an atheist doesn’t automatically confer moral authority on anyone.

     

  32. 01 May 2009 | Adam Said:

    “I recall the names of three atheists who were decidedly immoral: Stalin, Mao, Hitler. Becoming an atheist doesn’t automatically confer moral authority on anyone.”

    Hitler wasn’t an atheist, people need to let go of that myth already.

    Anyways, while it’s true that being an atheist doesn’t automatically make you moral, statistically atheists commit much, much less crime than believers.

     

  33. 01 May 2009 | Jinxi Said:

    Wow! This was refreshing, interesting, and honest. I appreciate your perspective on atheism and thank you for giving a nod to characteristics that most Christians will never acknowledge. Bravo!

    Winx, Jinxi
    http://www.JinxiBoo.com

     

  34. 01 May 2009 | Alvin Ooi Said:

    Hi, You’ve taken the first step to becoming a better and highly modern religious person. i am astonished how far u and i are in the globe but they are people with religious views refering to the scriptures and make conclusions not based on their own but based on theories.

    good post!

    @mike i agree with you on religious and a-religious

     

  35. 01 May 2009 | Lisa Said:

    Thank you for this. It made me happy to see at least one religious person not speaking ill of Atheists.

     

  36. 01 May 2009 | Guen Said:

    As a fellow Mormon atheist-lover, I agree, I agree. I love the ability to tolerate differences of opinions that most atheists I know display, probably because as a minority, they recognize that tolerance is all good for them.
    Also, I love the fact that many atheists are brave–that they are willing to have own beliefs that make them targets.

    Furthermore, I love, love, love the logic and lack of crazy emotions that atheists often have when discussing beliefs.

    However, I don’t think that atheists are either more or less moral than religious people. Some are good. Some are bad. Some have careful moral frameworks, and some don’t. Just like religious people.

     

  37. 01 May 2009 | Guen Said:

    the arrogant, straw-man creating atheists in pop culture are unusual [Hitchens, for example]–I’m not really sure why they write such logicless screeds, unless, as radical disbelievers, they are simply another form of fanatical believers.

     

  38. 01 May 2009 | nerdie Said:

    :D

     

  39. 01 May 2009 | Alex Said:

    Thank you… well said.

     

  40. 01 May 2009 | nathan huckabee Said:

    thanks for the kind words. i wish everyone were as tolerant as you.

     

  41. 01 May 2009 | Jeremy Said:

    Marshall,

    As a long-time reader I have to say that this is my favorite of the many excellent posts you have put up on this site.

    Great points and really great writing.

     

  42. 02 May 2009 | Ozymandi Said:

    As a Modern Pantheist (I believe in all Gods within context of all believers, but I do not believe that any God exists outside the minds of it’s believers, nor do I believe that God has any power to influence reality outside of the behavior of believers), I just wanted to say that this message really did warm my heart. Thank you.

     

  43. 02 May 2009 | leslie Said:

    Thanks you,

    I live on the coast of Maine and had the pleasure of talking with two young Mormons on their mission last summer. They sat with me while, I continued to weed my garden on a spectacular summer day. I spoke of living in the moment not the past or too much into the future. Smell, touch, listen, have compassion, tolerance of all things alive, everything on this planet is equal. I was very forthright about my A theism. They where respectful and didn’t expect to make me change. Of course I’d like to think they actually listened and are as open and understanding as you.
    Best to you

     

  44. 02 May 2009 | James Said:

    Beautiful post. Now why are you not an atheist? ;)

     

  45. 02 May 2009 | Gustavo Said:

    I really enjoyed that. I am an atheist who was a Mormon, so it’s nice to hear someone with the same perspective who *remains* LDS. Good luck, bro.

    –Gus

     

  46. 02 May 2009 | Tim Said:

    Interesting points, but:

    “The majority of people in the world believes in God and practices some form of religion. So, the odds are that your atheist friend had to make a pretty serious break with his or her family, culture, and way of life.”

    Only if you assume atheists are evenly distributed, which I believe is not at all the case. I know many places loaded with atheists where it takes more courage to be religious.

     

  47. 02 May 2009 | DT Said:

    You must have a wonderful mother who instilled a tolerance and understanding that most do not have.

     

  48. 02 May 2009 | Kurt Said:

    I’m a former agnostic (I guess I never had enough “faith” to call myself an atheist) and now a Mormon. One of the things that appealed to me about Mormonism is that they don’t believe hardly anyone is going to hell. This is probably why Mormons and atheists tend to get along as well as they do. Mormons, unlike evangelicals, don’t believe you will be eternally damned if you don’t believe exactly the same thing they do.

     

  49. 04 May 2009 | James Said:

    Kurt - If there is no good reason to believe that there is even an afterlife, let alone a hell, then there is no good reason to believe in the Mormon religion regardless of how good that makes you feel.

     

  50. 07 May 2009 | Vladimir Said:

    The way you describe atheists almost sound like describing a Vulcan from Star Trek. :)

    Thanks for the recognition. It’s a rare privilage not to be called a devil’s helper. I understand that you might get some flak for you oppinions of us once in a while from your peers, and in that too I see bravery. Takes a bold man to say such a thing in such an enviroment… (from my experience at least)

     

  51. 17 June 2009 | Nate Said:

    Adam objects to my assertion that Hitler was an atheist. OK, I’ll admit that he may be a believer, but he certainly wasn’t a believer in anything resembling mainstream religion, certainly not Christianity. He believed in himself as a god figure, certainly. He may have also harbored beliefs in ancient pagan religions or witchcraft. As far as Christianity goes, he just used, then abused Christianity and the Church to further his political agenda.
    See these links for info on Hitler’s “beliefs”. http://liberalfascism.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MTIzNjNiYzUyYzFmYTYxMGEzY2Y0YjI0MjdiZWM3ZTM=
    http://liberalfascism.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MjZhZDMwM2Y1OGUwYTljODg5NDI4NWY3MTgwOWYyMjQ=
    http://liberalfascism.nationalreview.com/post/?q=N2QzMjg3MjQ3ODg1M2Y4OThjYzI1ZWQ3ZDJmYTgyMmE=

    Also, I’d be interested seeing those statistics you mentioned about atheists committing less crime…never heard that one before.

    Sorry, this is an old topic, but I hadn’t checked in for a while.

     

  52. 25 June 2009 | Amanda Said:

    Awwww, we love you too!

     

  53. 25 June 2009 | Azathoth Said:

    @ Nate

    Hitler was a raised a Catholic, the most mainstream of all the Christian cults.
    Also, you seem to be conflating Hitler’s beliefs with those of the paganistic Himmler in an attempt to distance Christianity from the evils.
    What would it matter if his faith was unconventional, it still wouldn’t make him an atheist.
    Even if had been a closet atheist none of his crimes can could possibly be rationally argued to have been caused by a lack of a belief.
    His actions came from what he did believe in. Such as the anti-Jewish lies promoted by Catholics and Lutherans for generations.
    Where would his power base have been without the average Christian German to carry out his orders?
    This shows that Christian ideas of morality were at best no barrier to his crimes — against modern secular prohibitions of genocide and persecution of homosexuals and liberal freethinkers, crimes mandated by the bible — at worse a boon to it.

    Crime stats.
    http://www.skepticfiles.org/american/prison.htm
    Also the more atheistic a nation the lower the national levels of crime.

    What this shows isn’t that atheism makes a person more moral. But, it does show religion does nothing to improve morality.

    Where ever the religious claim moral authority the facts show the claim bogus.

     

  54. 25 June 2009 | Emil Sørensen Said:

    Now how can you not love this guy?

    As what you might call an atheistic universalist, I consider tolerance between religions, and between the religious and non-religious, much more important than any doctrines or dogma. I think that religion is a very emotional, aesthetic choice that some people wish to make. Some of us don’t want to make such a choice, but many religious people think that religion is so universal, atheists are deluding themselves or purposefully denying religion. And some atheists fail to recognize that religious people have a different aesthetic opinion, that they’re not necessarily crazy or stupid but simply have other preferences. These facts don’t make for great debates, and they don’t further tolerance between people. That’s why I’m thrilled by this blog post. Thank you, Marshall.

    Oh, and great interview on The Young Turks. :)

     

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