Hiding in Plain Sight

profileI’ve had a few friends find this place, expressing surprise that I’m an atheist and that I’m “secretly” blogging about it. It got me thinking there may be others who’ve been lurking here and wondering about the same things.

For the answer to the first question, I’d ask you to read the “about” stuff in the top menu of this blog. With respect to the second question, the blog is really not secret at all. From the beginning, I’ve linked to it from all my other internet haunts. Hell, I even link to it from my Facebook profile.

On the other hand, I’ve never promoted or discussed this place with any non-atheist/agnostic friends either. I’m no missionary and am not one to drag people in here to read my ramblings – especially if I know they are the believing type. I guess I’ve seen enough evangelism to know it’s something I’d rather not take part in.

Then why write about atheism? Well, first, because even though Canadians are pretty low-key about religion, it’s still pretty pervasive in our society. Ask any atheist and they’ll probably tell you there’s a lot of god talk out there – god talk that often spills into our public institutions and law (e.g. google ‘Bill 44 Alberta’). That sort of thing creates a need for a place where I can analyze the atheistic/religious world around me and maybe blow off a little steam. It also helps me to meet like-minded people and talk about things. In other words, I blog to help me keep my sanity and deal with the isolation I often feel from being part of a minority.

Oh, there’s one more reason I blog here – to help people. Specifically, to help people who are struggling with their faith – those looking for a safe place to ask the questions they may be afraid to ask elsewhere. Doubting Christians who arrive on this doorstep are treated gently because I know how hard it is for them to even begin questioning their faith.

If you choose to hang around this place, be warned that I speak my mind here. There will be days when you might like what I have to say, days when you will not like what I have to say, and days when you would rather not have stopped by.

So, while I understand you may be surprised or even shocked to read what I have to say here, I will make no apologies. You can accept that …or not – it’s your choice.

Oh, before I forget, WELCOME.

Peace, out!

—

(Edit: I’ve decided to just get it all over with and posted a link to this post on Facebook)

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November 18, 2009 · Filed Under Atheism, about me

Comments

6 Responses to “Hiding in Plain Sight”

  1. Ben on November 18th, 2009 at 5:15 pm

    Atta boy, Mark!

  2. Perry on November 18th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

    I wonder if your family is as judgmental and intolerant of atheists as mine.  This is the reason I don’t talk much about my own atheism (although I don’t completely hide it either).

  3. 40 Year Old Atheist on November 18th, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    Hi Perry,

    My mom is ok with it even though I think she’d be happier if I believed in something “spiritual”. She likes Oprah type stuff like The Secret but doesn’t push it.

    It’s never really come up with my dad and my brothers don’t care.

    I’d say my aunts, uncles and cousins run the gamut of belief. Some will think I’m missing something in my life and others will pray for me. I doubt any of them will get in my face about it.

    Oh, and I have one cousin who is also an atheist and is gay. He’d definitely be the trail-blazer in our family. He’s got two minority things going on and he’s “out” about both.

    I’d be more concerned about my friends  but, as they say, if they can’t accept it, they aren’t my friends.

  4. MJ on November 18th, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    I think it’s a fantastic approach!  And if Christians read the Bible, they’ll see that this is the same approach Jesus took … I personally applaud you.

  5. Alexis Mullino on November 19th, 2009 at 2:08 pm

    Hello Mark! I love your website, and I think this post was very brave. I don’t know if you’re into it, but I gave you an award on my site- http://www.cosa18.com/2009/11/my-third-award-blog-lovin-award.html :)

  6. MJ on November 29th, 2009 at 10:03 pm

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjO4duhMRZk&feature=topvideos
     
    Found this link interesting … thought it might make for some good discussion.

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