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Barney Frank: If You’re an Atheist Politician ...

9 years 5 months 3 weeks ago

Don’t Call Yourself an Atheist!

YouTube: As religiosity plays a major role in American society, Barney Frank advises other atheist politicians not to draw too much attention to the word "atheist" because it is too often perceived as a repudiation of religion (and, therefore, of American values). Frank's reasoning for this course of action stems from a simple guiding principle. Why pick a fight you don't need to wage? Nothing's stopping a non-believing politician from legislating in a way that protects the rights and interests of non-believers. But in this current state of society, there are few benefits for coming out and being overt about one's atheism.

1 Comment

MilkmanDan says...

De-facto truth. If you are an atheist, and you want to run for office ... don't say you are an atheist.

On the other hand if you are an atheist, and you don't want to run for office, but you DO want to it to be possible to be represented in government by people who either are atheists or at least people who understand and accept atheism:
Never back down from an opportunity to show two things, especially in combination. A) You are an atheist, as well as a normal human being, and you are comfortable / proud about it. And B) you are a good, contributing member of society, who doesn't need the threats of religion to "keep you in line".

Showing that you can be both A and B (again, especially in combination at the same time) is the only way to challenge and break down some of the stigmas associated with being an atheist. Like the one viewing atheism as a "repudiation" of religion, as pointed out by Mr. Frank here.