Over the years I’ve joined a number of atheist Facebook groups to connect with other atheists on the web. Instead of seeing posts of inspiration and kindness, I was often dismayed to see meme after meme making fun of religion, specifically Christianity. Sure, I chuckled at a few, but I quickly became bored with them and felt a feeling of distaste. I’ve even left a few atheist groups because of meme overload.
I know many atheists are living in more religious parts of the US and want to let off steam, but I have even found atheist groups in progressive California are full of joking memes. Believe it or not, not all atheists are into making fun of religion. Some actually want to come to terms with the religious community and move forward.
I come from a moderate, practically secular, Christian upbringing. I’ve always had appreciation and respect for my parents and grand parents who encouraged me to do well in school and were lenient towards my eccentric interests while I was young (listening to punk rock and jumping in mosh pits will always be considerably “eccentric” right?). I really never felt hostility towards my Christian upbringing, but instead felt a level of respect.
So when I was bombarded by memes making fun of Jesus upon joining atheist Facebook groups, I immediately felt a sense of insult to my family. If I feel this way as an atheist, I wonder how Christians or people of other faiths feel when joining atheist groups simply to see what atheists talk about. I cannot imagine a Christian feeling enlightened by seeing atheists post obnoxious memes, or even wanting to attempt to communicate with atheists. The Christian will most likely dash out of there and go back to the religious community talking about how immature atheists are.
Even if an atheist did not have a subtle upbringing like I did with religion, why would many atheists constantly want to partake in childish closed-minded behavior similar to some religious groups? Why not have a more mature and sophisticated approach that puts atheism in a respectable light?
On a final note, atheists will continue to play the victim of not being accepted by society, and being hated by Christians. After observing atheists online for a few years, it really seems like atheists have set themselves up for being disliked. It is no surprise the atheist community is one of the least liked communities in the United States.
Lauren Ell is an American blogger born and raised in Southern California and is currently based in Sweden. She discusses Epilepsy, Politics and Fun. Professionally Ell is an Online Marketing Consultant and Virtual Assistant. She is also founder and president of Republican Atheists. Connect with Lauren on Facebook and Twitter.