Ladies and Skepticmen,
Long time no see! Glad to know that the forums are as lively as ever.
Without breaking any rules, I will say that I'm developing a series of comics and I'd like your perspective on representation. representation matters to me. My Protagonist is an Atheist/Male whose personality and character arc is currently under development.
I'm curious as to any concerns or desires my fellow Atheists have regarding the way Atheists are portrayed in fiction.
I'll accept any input and criticism if I'm jumping the gun or haven't left you with enough details to consider.
**The character will not be a militant Athiest**
Also are there any Cliches/Tropes that you're tired of seeing?
I'd really appreciate your input.
Thanks
- SSoaB
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I vote for a Jesus like protagonist. Get him as close to Jesus as possible. Name him Chris Jestus. Get all the magic expression you can from the bible. "Treat others as you would have them treat you." and then place the protagonist in situations where he says such things as common secular sense. While saying most of the same things Jesus has said... in the Christian mind.... that means only the good stuff because we all know Jesus was an ass.
Stick him in a real Christian world where all the Christians not only believe all the bullshit scriptures that they never bother reading but act on them. *Witches and homosexuals being killed in the street. A young man being stoned to death at the edge of town. Beatings with rods..... Wait a minute, that sounds like the little Muslim town I grew up in. Hmmmm? Anyway make it all completely normal and the atheist the only rational person in town. Then have all the towns people get together and crucify the atheist.
LET GOD AND THE BIBLE BE YOUR GUIDE.
1If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, 2and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” 3you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 4You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold Him fast.
5Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you.
6If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace,a or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (which neither you nor your fathers have known, 7the gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the earth to the other), 8you must not yield to him or listen to him. Show him no pity, and do not spare him or shield him.
9Instead, you must surely kill him. Your hand must be the first against him to put him to death, and then the hands of all the people. 10Stone him to death for trying to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you.
lol thanks a mill Cog. I was going for a more realistic approach, but this can be gold on it's own. A world where Christ isn't for Christians. Or perhaps a good filler arc.
Maybe make a joke about eating babies?
Being an unnecessary trope or a must have? lol
either!
Make him an Alien Atheist trying to understand the planet, a late Mr. Spock with the ability to display useful emotion. Instead of "Lost in Space" simply call it "Lost Space." (That can be interpreted in so many ways.)
When theist insults fly, he simply looks at them logically and rationally. Why would you say that? Where is this place you speak of? I have been there and did not see what you speak of, can you give me directions? Oh, he is invisible, like the people on planet Z-24? An alien that is extremely polite, from the edge of the universe, knows it all, and is just trying to understand.
Realistic: When the Mormons knock on the front door, invite them in. Have them sit on the couch. Make up an excuse to leave, check the mail, laundry , whatever. Leave the house, but keep the video cameras rolling.
I hate it when for some reason the Atheist left their faith because some tragic event happened and now they "hate" God. If they are really an atheist then how the heck can they hate someone they don't believe exists! Every time I see this in movies or books I just want to burn the thing.
It doesn't sound like you have any intention of doing this but I have to say it as a formality. For some reason Atheists always have to find their way back to God by the end of the book, show, movie, etc. It'd be nice to see somebody go the opposite direction and have a religious person leave their faith.
I do hope you keep us updated on the comics because it's so rare to have an Atheist-anything portrayed in media. I don't even dare hope they'll be accurately represented as that always seems far fetched. So I'd like to see what you come up with.