Does there need to be an Atheist/Theist dialogue?

[TygrBright]

78. Well, to take them in order:

I think the number of people willing to elect an atheist hasn't changed much in the past 12 years because the issue has been low profile except among those who personally "feel" it passionately. (Mostly atheists, alas... not nearly enough theists/"nones" (agnostics?) regard this issue as important enough to feel personally passionate about.)

In the sense that theists are the majority, control virtually all of the power structures, and pretty much have a lock on the most widely-distributed media voices, it's going to be pretty tough for atheists alone to sufficiently advance the case for ending discrimination. Not impossible, but difficult. The problem is the same as every other discriminated-against group has faced: The need to retain control of their own struggle, while at the same time actuating alliances to advance that struggle. Frankly, I have abundant confidence in atheists to do this, but I'd venture to guess that the most pragmatic among them will be seeking strategic alliances. (Hints on places to look: United Church of Christ. Friends World Congress. Unitarian Universalists.)

The reality remains: Theists must come to terms with the truth that WE are not truly free while atheists suffer discrimination. Banging that through skulls that can enclose some of our more challengingly literalist theologies will be quite the trick.

I have no answers about the "nones" and their capacity as bridge-builders except to speculate that a large number in that category are simply people who are unengaged in metaphysics at all. I'm not sanguine about their inclination to take on a passionate agenda related to metaphysical beliefs/lack of beliefs. But to the extent that "nones" may be engaged in, and passionate about, the issue of discrimination against minorities, they may play a role - even an important one.

How can others help heal the pain, resentment, etc.? Well, let's start by acknowledging that it exists, that it is justified, and that we are complicit in causing it. Let's express remorse, and commit ourselves to change, personal and societal, to rectify the discrimination that caused the pain. It's not a magic wand but I know from my First American friends, my gay relatives and loved ones, my African-American colleagues, etc., that it's usually a good place to start.

And I recommend that anyone who feels the tiniest, slightest, impulse to "explain" why or how any form or manifestation of discrimination against atheists might conceivably have been justified in any anomalous circumstance (especially including the words "tradition/traditional" "culture/cultural" "history/historic" and "context,&quot should probably yes, step back and give it time to heal.

helpfully,
Bright