Get to know an Atheist Blogger - The Amiable Atheist

This week we meet The Amiable Atheist, a rare female atheist blogger! Similar to some of the recent interviews, she lives outside the States, but was raised here in the US as a Baptist. Read on for her story and advice to new atheists.

Q.Tell us a bit about yourself, where you came from, what you do now, where you're going. [Feel free to skip this question]

I am a 23 year female from Arizona. I am currently living in Germany with my German fiancé, learning the language, and wondering what I will do with my degree when I return to the U.S. I was raised Baptist and began doubting God’s existence when I was 18.


Q. What made you decide to blog about atheism?

When I was about 22 I became more interested in reading books and finding information about atheism. I began to engage in conversations online, out of curiosity and also out of a desire to hone my argument. I knew why I didn’t believe, but I couldn’t articulate it that well. Now it has become such a topic of interest for me that I felt I should compile my thoughts in one place.

The main reason that the topics of atheism and religion interest me is because I am genuinely worried about the way things are going in the U.S. and also in many other parts of the world. I am worried about our education system and I am worried about our freedoms, and I feel that both of these things are threatened by religion.

Now that I’ve had my blog for a while, I’ve begun to realize that I am mainly driven by a desire to confront the negative stereotypes that exist for atheists.


Q. How long have you known that you are an atheist? Tell us about that time in your life, and what led to that point.

I was baptized at 16 and I remember being disappointed because I didn’t feel any different. I remember sneaking onto the internet and googling “atheism”. I felt so guilty for even looking.

But I think the main change occurred when I went to college and began learning about the world. The first big thing was learning about other religions: they believed just as strongly as me, and had just as little evidence as me. What made my religion more valid than theirs? Wouldn’t I believe what they believed had I been born there?

The next big eye-opener was finally learning about evolution and the age of the Earth, which was, unfortunately, not taught at any other time during my school years. At first I tried to reconcile a looser interpretation of the Bible, or that science and religion could coexist, but eventually I realized that I just didn’t believe anymore.

Q.What excites you most about the current state of atheism, what are you optimistic about?

What excites me is the fact that I am even able to write this and put it on the internet. We still have a long way to go as far as negative stereotypes, but I feel like things are getting better in that aspect. Maybe it is because of the internet, or frustration with the current situation. But I am glad that atheists are able to have a voice.

Q. What are your favorite books on atheism?

My favorite is “Letter to a Christian Nation” by Sam Harris. It is so concise, and I wish I could give a copy to everyone I know.

I also really like Carl Sagan. I unfortunately don’t know a lot about science, not for lack of interest, but lack of education on the topic. But I think Pale Blue Dot is inspirational and it makes me want to go out and learn more about our world.

Q. Who do you most respect in the atheist community? Why?

There isn’t just one person to name here. I have respect for people who are out there voicing their opinions in an amiable manner. It’s what I aspire to. It’s so easy to become frustrated or let our arguments become personal, so I respect people that can stay rational and calm in a debate with religious people. I think this ability makes their message many times more effective.

Q. How has your blog affected your life?

I have learned a lot from my blog. I often make mistakes, but it is a huge learning experience. You learn a lot about how the words you say can be interpreted by others.

I think it’s a great outlet for my thoughts and frustrations on the topic of religion, and I like to think that in some tiny way I am helping. I don’t even hope to change anyone’s mind, I just hope to make them stop and think. If just one person sees my blog and is surprised that I don’t match their negative stereotype for an atheist, then I would be happy with that.

Q. What advice would you give those that are new to the idea of atheism, that aren't quite sure what they believe, and could use some direction?

I would say to go out and just devour information on the topic. Learn everything you can and talk to people. And, believe something based on the evidence, not because somebody else thinks it’s true, and never stop challenging that belief when new information comes along.

Q. Tell us why people should read your blog, and anything else you want to want to share with our readers.

I try my best to be honest and considerate on my blog. In the end, it is just one person’s opinion and not everyone is going to like what I think.

But if you appreciate attempts at courteous discussion on topics such as religion and atheism, then you might like what you see at The Amiable Atheist.

Thank you Ms. Amiable Atheist!

As always, head on over to The Amiable Atheist to learn more, or leave you comments for her here.