polydaidaloi.com

Earlier today jason_a_w on Twitter made an interesting comment:

Can this event be explained except as an expression of a craving for ritual? http://is.gd/9m5lf

We had the following exchange (in this order I think. Apologies to Jason if I have it wrong):

@jason_a_w Just a chance to hear two interesting fellows speak. I don’t think anyone is being asked to join in singing hymns about them.

@shaunc But why gather en masse to confirm one’s lack of belief. Surely as soon as it’s asserted, that’s the end of the matter?

@jason_a_w Because people like community, even atheists, which I suggest is different from ritual.

@shaunc Anyway it does look interesting enough, but I do get puzzled by the phenomenon of large atheist gatherings.

@shaunc I’m not sure communities are formed any other way, and I think it’s possible to have secular rituals (e.g. going to the footy!)…

@jason_a_w atheist gatherings are the result of atheist being more comfortable in “out.” Not such an issue in Oz but very important in US.

@shaunc Anyway, maybe I’m just puzzled because it’s new. It does seem to be operating on an industrial level, now!

@jason_a_w Yes, there is money to be made from atheism. But also discourse that often doesn’t get heard when religion is privileged.

There are some atheists of course that go, “Well, there is no god. Better get on with something useful” and don’t worry much more than that. But as atheists feel the freedom to come out, you can be sure that atheists are going to gather together.

There are a number of reasons. While Australia is generally secular and, despite the rise of the overt obviously religious pollie, not in danger of moving towards greater religiosity, atheist shouldn’t be quiet. Religion is still greatly privileged in issues such as morality or ethical issues. The sureness of the foundation of religious based ethics is rarely questioned, just accepted as it is. Atheists have every right to participate in such debates and point out the fallaciousness in religious based reasoning.

Another good reason is that people struggle with accepting atheism in societies where being religious is held as a virtue. This is not as a big problem in Australia as it would be in the United States but atheist communities, whether online or fostered by events such as the Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne next month are important. For some, being an “out” atheist means they are subjected to discrimination and prejudice. Atheists need safe places to be able to discuss the problems and find ways of coping.

Jason’s point of industrial-level atheism is valid but I am not surprised that people are finding ways to make money off atheism (though I wager no where near the amount people make off peddling religion to the masses). I have no real problem with it and it helps to foster atheist communities.

Admittedly within atheist communities you’ll find division and robust discussion over many issues. But that is to be expected as, apart from believing that god does not exist, there is no party line as dictated by Dawkins, Hitchens etc But you will find plenty of concern and assistance for fellow travellers as you do in many other communities secular or otherwise.