Since starting these newsletters, we have received so many great responses from people all over the world. Atheist Republic is not a single individual or even a group, it is a community of atheists, it is you!
We have compiled many of the responses we’ve received here to provide all of you an opportunity to engage in conversation surrounding important atheist themes and ideas.
Like this comment from Laurance in response to religious people who accuse atheists of having no lasting purpose in life:
If an anxious Christian were to ask me, "But...but how do you find meaning and purpose without God..." or the similar "But...but how can you have hope without god...?" I'd say, "I don't find meaning or purpose! I don't have hope! I don't need those commodities! Don't want 'em." [more]
We also get some great stories like this one from Danielle Baker in response to our inquiry of strange things theists have said.
I once had a friend of 12 years, she was a good friend and confidant. One day we took our lunch break, and she says to me, would you ever think of being born again? I say, what? are you serious? She says, yes, very serious. And goes on to tell me three weeks prior she and her husband who saved. I laugh and say from what. She didn't crack a smile. And than actually said the words. And she said with pride and kinda of a creepy smile, will you turn life over to our lord and savior. I look at her and say no that will never happen. And then she tells me, that she can only have friends that she will see in heaven and since I'm going to burn in hell she can no longer be my friend. That was ten years ago.She never spoke to me again. I missed her. But I guess she caught a sickness, called religion.
One thing that is so fun to see is the global scope of Atheist Republic. This story is from Nigeria and shares the experience of an atheist married to a Christian.
This an interesting question a lot of folks ask me; how did i marry my wife who is a christian. The answer i usually give them is that i marry her because i love her not because she is a christian.
I come from the southern part of Nigeria where Muslims and Christians live side-by-side without any rancor.
I have been married for over 17 years and we have 3 kids; i have been a full atheist for over 15 years.
I must say that when my wife and i were dating, then as a university student,my atheism was just evolving.I used to attend church services occasionally when the need arises. Though, she was religious it didn't form the nucleus of our relationship. We based it on love, respect for each other's views and trust. [more]
In addition to thinking about our own atheism, many in our community have children and are working to figure out how their atheism effects and translates to their children. Our section on parenting has a couple responses and we’d like to see more of your thoughts and stories about parenting as an atheist.
To share your thoughts, ideas, and stories, you can reply to any newsletter. You can also comment on the stories and opinions of those who have responded to AR newsletters on the website here. It’s a great way to share your opinion or story and also foster growing connections around the world.
You are always welcome to comment with a pseudonym or anonymously.
