Original audio source
Why do Christians usually identify themselves as Christians first and any other identity second? Do atheists do the same thing? Are atheists less likely to talk about their non-belief due to social pressures? The Herd weighs in on whether they define themselves as atheists first and rate other aspects as secondary. (00:00)
Five chaplains in Virginia resign their positions after a policy requiring non-sectarian prayers is enacted by Governor Tim Kaine. Christians immediately cry, "Persecution!" But is this really so? Chappy explains the issue in more detail and as SI dives into legalese. Are Christians entitled to the privilege of having their religion supported because they're in the majority? (16:30)
We continue the discussion about the chaplains and how this new policy may keep them from subtle proselytizing. Philly reaches the heart of the matter by asking why we have state-supported chaplains in the first place. We have the poll results from last week and news about "God's team." And SI smells something unpleasant. (33:18)
Opening Music [00:00]: excerpt from "Another Goddamned Draft"
Bridge Music [15:16]: excerpt from "Crouching Christian, Hidden Atheist"
Bridge Music [31:57]: excerpt from "One of Many"
Bridge and Closing Music [46:20]: excerpt from "As Jazzy as I Get"
(All music: copyright 2008 by Rachel Murie)
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Stand Down for Jesus
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5 comments:
Another great episode, quite useful when having to wait for 5 hours in the ER.
For myself on being vocal or out about atheism it depends on context. I currently work in mental health in a program that contains a religious element. It is not approprite for me to talk about my atheism with clients unless they broach the subject. That being said I stated I was an atheist at the interview and out of the work context I display my godlessness on hat and sweatshirt form.
Its about raisning th issue to the point of where the label becomes meaningless as a derogatory term.
Now if I were writing a paper about myself It wouldn't be the fisrt thing I'd say about my self necessarily. It depends again on context.
It's not who we are, but rather a result of who we are, so when asked to define ourselves we'll mention our interests, our passions, but atheism? No. It doesn't define us like Christianity defines Christians.
I agree that atheism doesn't define atheists in the same as Christianity defines Christians, Islam defines Muslims, etc. Nevertheless, since most of my professional, family and social interactions are still with Christians, I'm always acutely aware that I don't fit in quite the same way as I did before. Still, in other contexts (like a class essay or examination), I probably wouldn't mention it at all. And, unlike the people in the podcast example, I probably wouldn't have mentioned my Christianity right off the bat in those contexts.
If any of you have had the misfortune of watching Wheel of Fortune, at the start each contestant says a quick bit about themselves. That sort of thing is what I'd expect. You know, the "I'm a plumber and I like watching sports and camping and I have a beautiful wife, Sally, and three beautiful kids..." not, "well I'm a Christian and I'm just filled with Christ's love, praise the lord!" Wtf?!
In truth though, I guess for those people it really does define them... as obsessed nutjobs. I would think many of the functional Christians wouldn't list their faith, like what you said, Chappie.
Fundy: I'd like to buy a vowel, Pat.
Pat: OK.
Christian: X!
Pat: Well, see, that's not a vowel.
Christian: Yes it is. It says so in the bible.
Pat: Sorry, but we don't accept X as a vowel here on Wheel of Fortune.
Christian: You must be an atheist, trying to take god out of our pledge, off our money, and away from our game shows! Don't you know this country was founded as a Christian-spelling nation?
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