# Ask the Atheist **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 16, 2015, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704 "2015-11-16T16:11:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/21 "2015-11-16T18:16:45Z")
We don’t cotton much to them durn homersapiens 'round here. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/22 "2015-11-16T18:17:58Z")
There are few cultural divides between Canada and the US, but religion is a huge one. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/23 "2015-11-16T18:23:36Z")
> [@Bill\_Door](#): > > I know it’s MPSIMS, but it’s kind of the superlative of pointless, isn’t it? > > I don’t collect stamps, do you think I should start a thread about that? You know, I could talk about what kind of stamps I don’t collect. Do I not collect foreign stamps, or do I not collect domestic stamps. Do I not collect commemorative stamps, or stamps with birds on them. Is the guy who doesn’t collect cancelled stamps a different sort of hobbyist than the guy who doesn’t collect un-cancelled stamps? I would agree with you, but here’s the thing… in the USA, atheists are the most mistrusted and most discriminated group/demographic. In the USA, if you don’t believe in some type of deity, you get a lot of hate piled up on you, so in this case, it is a thing to discuss. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/24 "2015-11-16T18:28:58Z")
> [@Dragwyr](#): > > That was when I came to be an atheist. I remember standing in my office thinking about all of this and saying to myself, “I don’t believe in God”. Did you believe in God before this, or were you always just going through the motions? ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/25 "2015-11-16T18:29:35Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > There are few cultural divides between Canada and the US, but religion is a huge one. I agree. The USA is one of the most religious countries in the world, which I find ironic as there is nothing in the Constitution that says it is a Christian nation. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/26 "2015-11-16T18:30:46Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Did you believe in God before this, or were you always just going through the motions? Before that moment I would say that I believed, but I was doing a lot of questioning. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/27 "2015-11-16T18:32:15Z")
> [@G0sp3l](#): > > My bad, I thought you were asking me, I missed the address to the OP. No worries, **G0sp3l**. I would enjoy other atheists’ stories and perspectives. ---
**Author:** ![Kevbo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e47774/32.png) [@Kevbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kevbo)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/28 "2015-11-16T18:33:16Z")
> [@Bill\_Door](#): > > I don’t collect stamps, do you think I should start a thread about that? You know, I could talk about what kind of stamps I don’t collect. Do I not collect foreign stamps, or do I not collect domestic stamps. Do I not collect commemorative stamps, or stamps with birds on them. Is the guy who doesn’t collect cancelled stamps a different sort of hobbyist than the guy who doesn’t collect un-cancelled stamps? Non stamp collectors have never been barred from holding public office. The 1961 supreme court ruling in Torcaso v. Watkins makes it moot, but the constitutions of these eight states still forbid atheists from holding office: Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Even though they are unenforceable, it would be nice to have these amended…can’t happen in today’s theistic political climate. Until recently atheism has polled as the highest rated deal breaker for electability. Since they didn’t ask, the non-collection of stamps might be similarly unpopular, but I’d give the pollsters the benefit of the doubt on not thinking it worth asking. I have a standing bet with a queer catholic friend that we will have a gay or lesbian president before we elect an out atheist. We both consider that if either of us has to pay up, it will be a win.[Article with links to poll data](http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2015/06/22/new-gallup-poll-shows-that-atheists-are-no-longer-the-least-electable-group-in-america/). Stamp collecting is never considered when awarding child custody, nor the suitability of potential adoptive parents. I’ve never had a girlfriend or her parents throw a conniption fit because I don’t collect stamps, nor has a potential online dating partner made stamp collection a condition of meeting me. Furthermore, stamp collectors are not conducting organized campaigns to have their beliefs taught in science classes, nor to control the ability of non stamp collectors to marry or adopt children. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/29 "2015-11-16T18:36:20Z")
When stamp collecting is discussed around the water cooler at work, I don’t feel pressured to nod my head and smile as if I’m a collector too. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Shine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr_shine/32/464_2.png) [@Mr\_Shine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Shine)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/30 "2015-11-16T18:46:10Z")
> [@Bill\_Door](#): > > I know it’s MPSIMS, but it’s kind of the superlative of pointless, isn’t it? > > I don’t collect stamps, do you think I should start a thread about that? You know, I could talk about what kind of stamps I don’t collect. Do I not collect foreign stamps, or do I not collect domestic stamps. Do I not collect commemorative stamps, or stamps with birds on them. Is the guy who doesn’t collect cancelled stamps a different sort of hobbyist than the guy who doesn’t collect un-cancelled stamps? I don’t have a penny black. I also don’t have an inverted jenny. Which of these feats of non-stamp collecting impress you more? (I’m also working on not owining a penny red) ---
**Author:** ![Pantastic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/31 "2015-11-16T19:14:51Z")
I have a question for you. If a vegan, a crossfitter, and an atheist walk into a bar at the same time, which one announces what they are first? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/32 "2015-11-16T19:20:15Z")
> [@Pantastic](#): > > I have a question for you. If a vegan, a crossfitter, and an atheist walk into a bar at the same time, which one announces what they are first? None of them? Unless others are striking up a conversation about those topics, of course. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/33 "2015-11-16T19:25:01Z")
> [@G0sp3l](#): > > My bad, I thought you were asking me, I missed the address to the OP. Your post is interesting; adds further context to the thread, thanks. Again - I can’t imagine. But I see how it is an anchor part of one’s identity. I know many Jews who appreciate the ritual of their faith but don’t consider themselves active believers. ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/34 "2015-11-16T19:25:48Z")
> [@Pantastic](#): > > I have a question for you. If a vegan, a crossfitter, and an atheist walk into a bar at the same time, which one announces what they are first? Which one would be most likely? I would say the vegan, just because food is the most likely subject to come up. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/35 "2015-11-16T19:26:22Z")
> [@Pantastic](#): > > I have a question for you. If a vegan, a crossfitter, and an atheist walk into a bar at the same time, which one announces what they are first? The atheist would be last by a long shot, in my experiences. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/36 "2015-11-16T19:28:59Z")
> [@Pantastic](#): > > I have a question for you. If a vegan, a crossfitter, and an atheist walk into a bar at the same time, which one announces what they are first? A crossfitter won’t be in a bar unless wheat grass is offered. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/37 "2015-11-16T19:34:17Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > [Cognitive Dissonance](http://dissonancepod.com/)? > [@Dragwyr](#): > > Thanks for the link. I haven’t listened to this one, but I will try it out. Listen to a couple of episodes. I think you’ll enjoy it. Cecil and Tom are intelligent atheists with extremely good senses of humor (humour crost the pond). Tom is the author of The Skeptic’s Creed: (spoiler for space) [spoiler]Skeptic’s Creed Credulity is not a virtue its fortune cookie cutter mommy issue hypno babylon bullshit couched in scientician double bubble toil and trouble pseudo quasi alternative accu punctuating pressurized stereogram pyramidal free energy healing watered downward spiral brain deadpan sales pitch late night infodocutainment Leo Pisces cancer-cures detox reflex foot massage death and towers tarot cards psychic healing crystals balls bigfoot yeti aliens churches mosques and synagogues temples dragons giant worms atlantis dolphins truthers birthers witches wizards vaccine-nuts shaman healers evangelists conspiracy doublespeak stigmata nonsense expose your sides thrust your hands bloody evidential conclusive doubt even this.[/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/38 "2015-11-16T19:36:26Z")
> [@Dragwyr](#): > > Which one would be most likely? I would say the vegan, just because food is the most likely subject to come up. **Dragwyr** , a majority percentage of Dopers, I’d wager, are atheist or agnostic. Flaming on organized religions is a well-worked muscle here on the SDMB. With your OP, what are you looking to discuss? How you came to your decision? How you have presented yourself IRL? Compare notes with other nonbelievers? ---
**Author:** ![Dragwyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dragwyr/32/2855_2.png) [@Dragwyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragwyr)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/39 "2015-11-16T19:41:57Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > **Dragwyr** , a majority percentage of Dopers, I’d wager, are atheist or agnostic. Flaming on organized religions is a well-worked muscle here on the SDMB. With your OP, what are you looking to discuss? How you came to your decision? How you have presented yourself IRL? Compare notes with other nonbelievers? I’ve noticed the same thing, but extensive searching did not reveal a specific thread that talked about atheism specifically. I guess I’m looking to discuss all of it. How we came to our non-belief, how we live our lives, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 16, 2015, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704/40 "2015-11-16T19:46:52Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > **Dragwyr** , a majority percentage of Dopers, I’d wager, are atheist or agnostic. [This poll is from 2009.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=533099&highlight=religious+poll) Is there a more recent poll available? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-atheist/737704.md?page=3)