Navigating Atheism Controversies: How to Respond When Called an Atheist

Have you ever been called an atheist by someone who believes in God? Maybe your response was to mock them or insult them. Perhaps you were more polite and simply said, "Thank you, that is correct." But what is a good way to respond when someone calls you an atheist for not believing in their God or gods?

Common Responses

Here are some common responses people often give:

"At least I'm an equal opportunity atheist—I don't believe in any gods. Go pray or something..." "Thank you that is correct." "Correct first time!" "Bless your heart."

While these responses can be funny or polite, they may not get you closer to a productive conversation or clarify the atheist's position. Let's explore how to have a more respectful and engaged discussion.

Challenging the Accusation

If someone faithfully calls you an atheist for not believing in their God, you might want to challenge the accusation:

"If that were true, then YOU must also be an atheist since you too don't believe in other people's gods. I recommend that you look up the word atheist in a dictionary so that you have some clue what it means before you start calling other people an atheist."

This response serves multiple purposes: it points out the absurdity of the accusation, encourages education, and redirects the conversation to a more productive discussion about the nature and scope of atheism.

Engaging with Religious Beliefs

If the person is a theist, you can also address their beliefs:

"Well, if you are a theist, I'd suggest, 'There isn't only your religion in the world, you dunce. Just because I'm not Christian/Muslim/Hindu/Shinto/whatever they are, it doesn't mean I don't believe in my own gods. Ever heard of - insert whatever you are.' If you actually are an atheist, nod. If they follow it with something like 'so you're evil/got no morals,' well, that's a whole separate can of worms."

This approach acknowledges the diversity of beliefs while simultaneously highlighting the fallacy in the accusation. It's important to keep the conversation respectful and avoid derailing into unrelated topics, such as morals.

Social Grace and Humor

When the situation allows for it, a gracious and humorous response can be quite effective:

"If they're not carrying a weapon or leading an angry mob looking to burn you at the stake, then good manners require a cheerful: 'Cheers mate. You and the wife keeping well I hear Bob and Helen have done well in their exams...'"

By showing grace and humor, you can de-escalate the situation, keep the conversation light, and avoid tension. This approach can help shift the focus away from the accusatory nature of the statement towards a more positive interaction.

What Else Can Be Said

Some people might respond with a simple confirmation:

"Either Yes, I am, or No, I'm not. What else is there to say?"

This straightforward approach can be effective in simple exchanges, but it might not encourage further discussion or clarify the atheist's position.

Conclusion

When faced with accusations of being an atheist, it's important to respond in a way that is respectful, informative, and centered on fostering a constructive conversation. Whether you challenge the accusation, engage with their beliefs, or maintain social grace, these strategies can help navigate these situations with more positivity and effectiveness.