I've had a visitor here recently who sought to point out that this country is "a-theistic" in nature. Meaning that "atheism (not even pluralism, much less Christianity) is the default belief of our institutions and media". I disagree (a couple of times I have pointed out the very fact that God is on our currency no less).
How is it that this country is so openly atheistic that certain segments of this country see fit to hide their atheism even from their own family, friends and co-workers? Fearful of being ostracized? As if it's a social stigma? Because it is a social stigma!
How can an atheist not freely, without even perceived consequence, openly say "I'm an atheist" in an atheistic society? When I myself have told acquaintances and family members and gotten "...but you're such a nice person" or "I feel sorry for you".
I'll say it: My visitor is misguided in his (or her) notion that the United States of America is atheistic in nature.
The evidence is out there to prove me right. The University of Minnesota poll is all I need. If the United States of America is indeed atheistic I just can't fathom the VAST margin of error in this poll.
Were the pollsters smoking some killer ganja when they made those phone calls? Did they accidentally hit the wrong key when they were passing a spliff to their compatriot in the next cubicle?
So how do I tackle my visitors notion that atheism is the de facto norm in American society?
George H W Bush is reported to have said that he doesn't consider atheists as rightful citizens of this country (before a roomful of reporters). Is this indicative of an atheistic society? In an atheist society wouldn't this statement have drawn complete outrage from the press!? Wouldn't this statement, in an atheistic society, have been all over the front pages of the newspapers and headlining the evening news!? Damn straight; it would have! You and I know it never saw the light of day.
This is GOD'S COUNTRY my friend. Have faith in that.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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