Yes, it’s relatively mild vandalism. Yes, the sign can be replaced. But it’s telling how the mere mention of the word “atheists” inspires this sort of act, even when the group is volunteering to clean up the highway. AU SLO President Steven Arkowitz maintained that the group “stands for reason, compassion, and tolerance for all people. The highway sign is a symbol of the positive work we are dedicated to performing in our local community.”…. And they’re not going to stop helping the community just because some idiot doesn’t want them there.
I find it fascinating that so many Christians are so intensely terrified by the idea that there are atheists among us. The thought that some might consider themselves good without God is, to some, apparently quite threatening and disturbing to their spiritual equilibrium.
One of my brothers is an evangelical, extremely Conservative (and distressingly judgmental) Christian who’s managed to convince himself beyond all reason that I despise Christians. Frankly, I see no reason to expend the energy necessary to despise Christians. If he chooses to justify his disapproval of and distaste for my beliefs in such a self-serving manner, so be it. What I despise is hypocrisy…and the judgment that follows closely behind it. I respect people’s right to believe as they will, but I’m under no obligation to respect their beliefs…especially when those beliefs are used to judge others.
When those like my brother feel so threatened by those of us who are good without God, I can’t help but think that says more about them and their own insecurities than it ever could about those who don’t believe in God. People like him seem to operate under the assumption that while Americans guaranteed freedom OF religion, there’s no such thing as freedom FROM religion…and therein lies the problem.
My religion is kindness, and trust me, sometimes that’s a high bar to meet. If someone doesn’t agree with my spiritual path (or what may well seem like a lack of one), that’s their choice, but if they expect me to respect their right to their beliefs, they’d best be prepared to do the same. I don’t need to be saved, I don’t need to accept an unseen force into my heart, and I certainly don’t need anyone telling me that I’m destined for an eternity in Hell if I don’t believe as they do. I’m good as I am, thanks…and I’m a threat only to myself.
