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Learn about the different misconceptions people have of Atheists and then live in a way that disproves them. Here is a list of some of the stereotypes about Atheists: No atheist can be considered a patriot. The unfounded claim that the U.S. is a Christian nation is not only untrue but leads to discriminatory attitudes like this one. Mark Twain said "Loyalty to the country always, loyalty to the government when it deserves it." Atheists certainly can be patriotic but we are rational people who don't follow blindly. Show your pride in your country by flying the American flag or in other ways. There are no atheists in foxholes. Originally referring to the fact that war is so traumatic as to prompt anyone to pray to God, it is as untrue as the previous statement. But many an Atheist has served his country in the military and come home unchanged in their lack of faith. There is even an organization of Military Atheists. There is now a monument in Alabama to the many Atheists in foxholes. Counter this comment with the facts especially when uttered in the media. Atheists are communists. Atheism refers to a person's lack of religious faith whereas communism is a political system. The two have nothing to do with each other. Ayn Rand was a non-theist and is credited with writing what amounts to a Capitalist Manifesto in Atlas Shrugged. Don't associate with communists. Atheists worship and serve Satan. Ridiculous! Atheists don't worship anything. We even assert that Satan does not exist. The Christian mind is fixed in a false dichotomy that everything falls into either the God category or the Satan category. All we can do is try to educate the public about the true definition of Atheism. Atheists are angry at God. It's impossible to be angry at a non-existent being. That's like saying Christians are angry at Santa Claus. Everyone gets angry at some time. Atheists sometimes get angry at Christians for constantly attempting to force their beliefs, judgments and customs on them. Try to be patient and tolerant when discussing religion and gods with others. Atheists are immoral and evil. Stemming from the idea that all morality is founded on God's commandments, the remark shows a lack of knowledge about ethics and the fact that they pre-date Christianity and even Judaism. Ethics are based upon common sense and human compassion. Humanists have been very successful in combining an Atheist worldview with an ethical code summed up in the Humanist Manifesto. Other Atheists live ethical lives simply because it makes life more pleasant. Investigate Humanism if you are yet unfamiliar with it. If it is not for you, adopt a code of ethics from another source or develop your own. The Freethought community includes an affiliation with the American Ethical Union. See if there is an Ethical Society in your area or study from the website and publications. | |||||
