Atheist Organizations...Why Bother...

There are numerous atheist and secular organizations that exist throughout the country.  From national organizations such as American Atheists and the United Coalition of Reason down to state and local groups in most states in the country. 

That being said, a question was posed during a twitter discussion on the necessity and purpose of these organizations.  There were some who held the opinion that being a member of such organizations simply took the place of church.  Others held the opinion that being an atheist should be irrelevant these secular groups mission statements.

I respect the opinions of these individuals and the individuals themselves but I respectfully disagree.  I find that atheist and secular organizations are highly important in today's society for a variety of reasons.

The first, and most glaring reason in my opinion, is the fact in the continued fight for separation of church and state one must be organized.  Those who attempt to pass legislation to further a religious agenda, to restrict the rights of portions of our society, etc. are highly organized.  That's why you see bills almost pass that allow discrimination. Its because these religious groups are highly organized.  Therefore organizations that fight for the separation of church and state, fight to stop laws that allow discrimination, fight to stop state education boards from including myth in science classrooms, are a necessity.  There are states where individuals can't hold a public office if said person is atheist/secular.  These organizations stand up to things like this as well.

As for including the term "Atheist" or "Secular" in the title of these organizations my opinion on this comes from a more personal level.  There are many times and many instances where the term "atheist" is met with such negativity that people lose relationships, lose jobs, are shunned or disowned by family, and threatened with violence.  There is such a misunderstanding by the religious as to what atheism is that negativity is typically the first reaction.  That's where including the term "atheist" in the titles of these organizations becomes important.  Not only is it an indication to those who feel outcast because of their atheism that they are not alone, but it allows the term atheist to start to be associated with positive reactions as opposed to negative ones. 

For example, a tornado comes through a town and destroys homes and businesses.  Included in those buildings that were destroyed is a church.  Now lets say a group called "Local Atheists" volunteer to helps with the cleanup and maybe even the rebuilding of that church.  What does that do?  Not only does it help members of the community in need, but it can immediately create a positive association between the term atheist and individuals that may have thought only negatively towards atheists before.  Ultimately that positive association can lead to productive discussions and understanding between secular and religious members of the same community. 

Its for these reasons, as well as numerous others, that I'm proud to me a member of several organizations.  There will be individuals who agree and disagree with me on this topic.  But that's the beauty of this.  Just because we're atheist doesn't mean we will agree on every point.  But as always, the conversations are welcome.

-Zombie