Going through the Atheism reddit today, I found many great things. However, none as great as the top up-voted self.reddit of the day.
This was something that had been bothering me for quite some time, and it was the fact that the advertisements on the buses in regards to atheism, seemed quite out of place. Not that atheism didn't belong, but rather that it was quite redundant in such a country where religion is quite free, and never invades the political or governmental process.
I think that another big problem with the advertisements is the message being sent within the wording. I believe that what atheism needs is really acceptance, rather than to preach deconversion. This is why, within the top-voted thread of the day, many people mentioned that they were nontheists, but could not really back the Atheist 'movement' as their message seemed to be "drop your religion: be an atheist", rather than more of a "love thy neighbor".
One poster within the comments, said several things that were very well written, and I would like to bring up here. First, I and several others brought up the point that I mentioned, that humanists, secularists, nontheists, agnostics, and others may have a hard time getting behind these advertisements due to the message being conveyed. The unfortunate thing is that these people are seen by theists as the same exact thing. It will not matter what the differences are or what you may try and explain, the reality is that the majority sees no difference, and maybe they never will. This means that atheism needs to really look at the bigger picture of nontheism, rather than atheism.
Also, I think that nontheist-supported community centers would be a great idea. This could be a place where we could bring our children for a Scientific Sunday School sort of thing (though not on sunday). I like the idea of giving all nontheists of a science-oriented, religion-free, structured activity and learning environment for their children. It would not be anti-religion, just free of religion, as sheltering children from religion would be no better. Also, community projects for teenagers and preteens would be wonderful, because that would keep kids off the streets, and away from bad stuff at night, but at the same time, not give them the only other option of a church Youth-group.
Basically, I envision a Non-theist Church that isn't a church at all. A community center for science-specific after school activities, as well as maybe dances and basketball games and things for kids and teenagers, that isn't the religion-riddled situation that Youth Groups seem to be. I've had atheist, and agnostic friends of mine going to Youth Groups in spite of the religiosity of it, because it was a small town and nothing else to do, and they didn't wanna go to any parties or get into trouble.
It would also be great if these Nontheist Churches could have a bar/nightclub type setting as well, either attached to, or under the same naming/heading, for adults to go to. Basically, it'd have the membership/exclusivity requirements of a gay bar, which are none. Straight guys are not denied from gay bars, but they may be hit on once inside, and may see shirtless men gyrating, but if they can handle that, thats just fine. I think the same situation should be applied here. No need to sign up, or prove an affiliation, and no sermons. Simply community projects and community centers, with a bar/nightclub type setting for adults as well.
I'm curious as to other people's ideas and impressions of this.
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