Coming Out Atheist: Why Does it Matter?
Chauncey, Paul, and Jesse discuss their past experiences coming out as atheist, how they did it and why. It's a personal choice for each individual as to when they come out and in what manner. If we're able, most of us come out to different people at different times, in a way that seems best or safest. At a certain point we move from a point of fear to one of pride in our authentic identity and volunteer time to spread it to others.
- It allows us to interact with believers in a respectful way
- It dispels common misconceptions about atheism and what it means to be secular
- Helps those who have never experienced it understand secular life
- Atheism isn't a belief system!
- Promotes the benefits of secular thinking and morality
- Allows us to find other secular folks who don't know there are others like them out there
- Accomplishes outreach to people who believe differently and establishes who we are
- Changes the narrative so folks hear the truth about who we are rather than someone else's talking points
- We take pride in who we are and want others to know it
- It's fun to go out and meet people and discuss/share ideas
- Be an example to others that it's ok to be an out atheist
