GodlessGirl.com

Facebook Faith: Indoctrination

Godless Girl — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:28:27 +0000

What’s more adorable than a child imitating a ritual you’ve taught them? A child bossing around his or her friends so that they feel a social pressure to copy along.

Dear Godless Girl: “Speaking with A Wicked Tongue”

Godless Girl — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:31:56 +0000

I am fortunate that I don’t have much hatemail to sort through despite having an atheist blog filled with snark and sassmouthin’. So when I get choice emails like this, it’s fun to share them with the entire class:

Wtf godless girl really?… Ur takin these stories and makin them sound crazy with ur ghetto gibberish I really wanna blow up on ur stupid retarted ass ppl like u hold other ppl back in growin in the lord you make it look like it a bad book are you readin it to twist the words around and make it look like u want it to say I’m sorry but u need to stfu and Gtfu really this kinda crap pisses me off to the fullest may god have mercy on u for sharin this kinda nonsense. And may god forgive me for speaking with a wicked tounge

-Erica

Thanks, Erica; that was a lot of fun. I’m not sure to which post you are referring, but perhaps it was “WTF Bible Stories: Rape, Marriage, and Circumcision“ or maybe “Sexism in the Bible.” If Yahweh wants to clarify the “ghetto gibberish” my “retarded ass” is writing, he’s more than welcome. He didn’t communicate very well the first time around, wouldn’t you say?

Cheers!

Can You Follow Jesus without Religion?

Godless Girl — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:44:47 +0000

“I’m not religious; I’m a Jesus-follower.”
“I love Jesus but hate religion.”
“Christianity isn’t a religion; it’s a relationship.”

Have you ever heard these statements from Christians before? I sure have. In fact, I’ve even said them before. I felt much like this young poet:

I think he communicates some admirable views on the role of people in society:

love others
be accepting
don’t be a hypocrite
forgive
feed the poor
support and help those in pain
be genuine and live out your convictions
don’t be a sheep

And some opinions about religion I also support:

religion is a man-made societal infection
religion enslaves
religion causes wars
religion makes followers blind and intolerant

Despite all of this, I disagree with his claim that Jesus is not connected to religion at all. In fact, he even says Christianity and religion are totally separate from one another. Oh really, now? Christianity isn’t a man-made invention? The only writings about Jesus weren’t written by a bunch of anonymous men who wanted to convert followers to their belief system? Jesus wasn’t a Jewish Rabbi who was Torah-observant all his life? The belief that we’re sinners who need supernatural salvation isn’t religious?

I think it’s popular to claim Jesus wasn’t a religious man or that a “true follower of Jesus” is better than a “religious person” because it makes Christianity seem more hip, liberal, and casual than the actual theology and doctrines of the religion truly are. How do you gain followers among doubtful and skeptical youth? You make your product cool; you make it edgy; you rebel just enough against “the system” to show you don’t like authority while still staying within the lines of the “sinner needing salvation” requirement.

Dear cool ~~Christian~~ Christ-follower: You can’t follow Jesus without religion. The only reason you even know about Jesus is because his followers created his legend within the framework of religion. Go ahead, leave the shitty parts of your religion in the dust; for that I applaud you. Love others, be genuine, and hate hypocrisy all you want. Just don’t think you can redefine something just to make it less disgusting and objectionable. Your love of this hippie Jesus guy and dislike for empty ritual doesn’t mean his teachings are any more true or reasonable from your mouth than they are when it’s preached within the four walls of a cathedral. You can’t whitewash Christianity and ignore the reality.

Here’s a tip: try being a humanist. You’ll fit right in!

Quickie: Oh How Things Have Changed

Godless Girl — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:54:31 +0000

So I might possibly-sort-of-maybe be thinking about redoing my resume. If you know me, you realize I’ve said this for, like, years. So today I put on my figurative hard hat and went digging through my old documents. It turns out my most recent resume was from May 2008—which is right around the time I was a budding atheist but not yet courageous enough to call a spade a spade.

The objective I chose to describe my goal is especially fun:

OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position within ~~Company Name~~ that will further God’s Kingdom and ~~Company’s~~ ministry…

Yeah, I still work at this job. Must. Edit.

What Would You Read at a Secular Wedding?

Godless Girl — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:53:20 +0000

Photo by Andrew Morrell Photography

A good friend of mine has offered me the opportunity to present a reading at her wedding. She’s also given me the option of choosing the reading myself. I’d love to be able to come to her with some ideas, but I need some help!

What would you recommend I read at a secular wedding ceremony?

A Quickie Coming Out

Godless Girl — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 09:14:40 +0000

Today’s reactions to me saying “I’m an atheist” to some members of my chorus:

“I’ve never met one before!”

“I’m Unitarian.”

“How can you… what??? *sharp, frustrated sigh of puzzlement* You know what, I won’t ask.”

You should try this. It’s a crap shoot!

Atheist Elitism

Godless Girl — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:16:23 +0000

Laci Green, a young woman whom I’ve admired as a clear voice for skepticism and sex positivity, posted this video a few months ago. It touches on a subject that’s come up quite a bit recently in conversations: Why do some atheists come off as “elitists?” Why do non-believers “look down” on the religious as if they’re better? I rather like her answer:

Do you have your own insights to add? Do you disagree?

Godless Girl’s 14 Tips for a Less Douchey Life

Godless Girl — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 06:54:40 +0000

photo by Ken Fager

I’m sick of assholes. I’d be less colorful in my language, but I also don’t think being censored necessarily leads to a better life. Maybe I should add that to my list.

I’ve penned a few quick tips for how to stop being an idiot who makes life unpleasant for yourself and those around you. Most of this is specifically directed at the atheist/theist community. If it applies to you, you probably won’t think it does, but someone out there might be picturing your face or username right about now, so it pays to give a few of these a whirl just to say you tried. Heck, it might just help us become a better society, and wouldn’t that be just peachy?

Don’t be an asshole. Just in case specifics are too much for you, try this one as a catch-all.

Want someone to listen to your opinions? Start by listening to theirs.

Biting one-liners & zingers won’t change anyone’s views on gods or the supernatural. You need to get deeper.

When you’re being a dick on the net, the only people who are hearing you are those who already agree with you. Do better.

Don’t ever censor your ‘enemy.’ When we all have equal rights, the best argument should win.

If you can make arguments about religion without resorting to cliches, quotes, or insults, you’re one step in the right direction.

Yes, some beliefs are silly, but the people who believe them do so for serious reasons. Find out what those are, and you might discover the keys to reaching that person. You might also gain a friend.

He/she may be rude, ignorant, or just an enormous bag of dicks, but you don’t need to be one in return no matter how tempting it may be.

When you make a mistake, are caught in a fallacy, or otherwise fuck up, apologize and start over. It will go a long way to help communication and gain you some respect.

Assume the persons with whom you debate have something to teach you. Be open to it, and they may become open to learning something from you in return.

No small group or single person is representative of the whole. Making sweeping statements about others only degrades your position.

You never know who is watching or listening. A seemingly insignificant point, fact, or insight you offer might help someone else in a great way.

Stick to the facts. Scientific truths and reason are some of the most convincing tools for planting seeds of doubt in outsiders.

Be kind and gentle. You won’t regret it, and you’ll gain much.

I’d like to thank many of you who are my friends, confidants, and allies in this world. Without you, I’d be living a much douchier life. I might come off as a bit of a wanker sometimes, but just like many of you, I’m trying to be better. Thanks for helping!

40 Examples of Christian Privilege

Godless Girl — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:46:49 +0000

It is likely that state and federal holidays coincide with my religious practices, thereby having little to no impact on my job and/or education.

I can talk openly about my religious practices without concern for how it will be received by others.

I can be sure to hear music on the radio and watch specials on television that celebrate the holidays of my religion.

When told about the history of civilization, I am can be sure that I am shown people of my religion made it what it is.

I can worry about religious privilege without being perceived as “self-interested” or “selfseeking.”

I can have a “Jesus is Lord” bumper sticker or Icthus (Christian Fish) on my car and not worry about someone vandalizing my car because of it.

I can share my holiday greetings without being fully conscious of how it may impact those who do not celebrate the same holidays. Also, I can be sure that people are knowledgeable about the holidays of my religion and will greet me with the appropriate holiday greeting (e.g., Merry Christmas, Happy Easter, etc.).

I can probably assume that there is a universality of religious experience.

I can deny Christian Privilege by asserting that all religions are essentially the same.

I probably do not need to learn the religious or spiritual customs of others, and I am likely not penalized for not knowing them.

I am probably unencumbered by having to explain why I am or am not doing things related to my religious norms on a daily basis.

I am likely not judged by the improper actions of others in my religious group.

If I wish, I can usually or exclusively be among those from my religious group most of the time (in work, school, or at home).

I can assume that my safety, or the safety of my family, will not be put in jeopardy by disclosing my religion to others at work or at school.

It is likely that mass media represents my religion widely AND positively.

It is likely that I can find items to buy that represent my religious norms and holidays with relative ease (e.g., food, decorations, greeting cards, etc.).

I can speak or write about my religion, and even critique other religions, and have these perspectives listened to and published with relative ease and without much fear of reprisal.

I could write an article on Christian Privilege without putting my own religion on trial.

I can travel without others assuming that I put them at risk because of my religion; nor will my religion put me at risk from others when I travel.

I can be financially successful without the assumption from others that this success is connected to my religion.

I can protect myself (and my children) from people who may not like me (or them) based on my religion.

Law enforcement officials will likely assume I am a non-threatening person if my religion is disclosed to them. In fact, disclosure may actually help law enforcement officials perceive me as being “in the right” or “unbiased.”

I can safely assume that any authority figure will generally be someone of my religion.

I can talk about my religion, even proselytize, and be characterized as “sharing the word,” instead of imposing my ideas on others.

I can be gentle and affirming to people without being characterized as an exception to my religion.

I am never asked to speak on behalf of all Christians.

My citizenship and immigration status will likely not be questioned, and my background will likely not be investigated, because of my religion.

My place of worship is probably not targeted for violence because of sentiment against my religion.

I can be sure that my religion will not work against me when seeking medical or legal help.

My religion will not cause teachers to pigeonhole me into certain professions based of the assumed “prowess” of my religious group.

I will not have my children taken from me from governmental authorities who are aware of my religious affiliation.

Disclosure of my religion to an adoption agency will likely not prevent me from being able to adopt children.

If I wish to give my children a parochial religious education, I probably have a variety of options nearby.

I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence and importance of my religion.

I can be sure that when someone in the media is referring to God, they are referring to my (Christian) God.

I can easily find academic courses and institutions that give attention only to people of my religion.

My religious holidays are so completely “normal” that, in many ways, they may appear to no longer have any religious significance at all.

The elected and unelected officials of my government probably are members of my religious group.

When swearing an oath, I am probably making this oath by placing my hand on the scripture of my religion.

I can openly display my religious symbol(s) on my person or property without fear of disapproval, violence, and/or vandalism.

Schlosser, L. Z. (2003). Christian privilege: Breaking a sacred taboo. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 31(1), 44-51

You can download a PDF of this list here.

New Symphony of Science Video: Onward to the Edge!

Godless Girl — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:48:59 +0000

A new Symphony of Science was released today! I love this lovely ballad featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson, Brian Cox, and Carolyn Porco. When I listen to this series, I feel a swell of inspiration and excitement about the future of our species. Thank you, science.

P.S. Happy birthday, Carl Sagan! We miss you and your vision and your passion. Thank you for taking our minds and hopes beyond this pale blue dot.

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.
- Carl Sagan