How to Relate to an Atheist

This article seeks to help theists understand the viewpoint of atheists and relate to them in a respectful way.

  Steps

1. Understand that Atheists are human beings with the same rights as theists.
2. Recognize that they are community members who are entitled to the same rights as you are in developed societies. This is due to the fact that one of the criteria for being a developed society is the absence of discrimination on the basis of religion.
3. Understand that Atheists recognize standards of ethics and morality, even if they do not match yours.  They may also have many or all of the same morals as you, but for different reasons.
4. Be aware of the commonality of negative propaganda about atheists, such as "Atheists hate our country". This propaganda is never true.
5. Respect their right to hold a differing opinion.

  Tips

• Learn specifics about Atheism, agnosticism, and naturalistic philosophy, this will make it easier to relate to those you meet.
• Communicate with friendliness.
• Treat others as you'd like to be treated.
• Don't assume, ASK, atheists are far less likely to be offended by questions regarding their lack of faith.
• If you attempt to convert or argue with an atheist, be prepared, as he/she probably knows several well reasoned arguments.

  Warnings

• Avoid condescension and self-righteousness when debating.
• Debate respectfully and be well informed on your views, your opposition's views, and the standards of respectful debate.
• Atheists are not stupid. Most loud and proud atheists are very rational thinkers who've been exposed to both sides of the fence. If you have not seen how atheists talk, debate or reason, do your homework before approaching one with a discussion. Failure to understand another person's view prior to discourse can result in being ridiculed for ignorance.
• Atheism is not a religion or an organized set of beliefs. Therefore, do not categorize or generalize atheists as a group. The definition of an atheist is someone who has not accepted the claim that there is/are (a) god(s). That is the only unifying belief, beyond that, you would be foolish to assume anything. An Atheist may be pro-choice or pro-life, support or oppose same-sex marriage, be liberal or conservative, or belong to any political party.  They may enjoy traditionally religious holidays, or even religious art and music.  An Atheist may have come to the same moral or political conclusions as you, only by different reasoning.
• There is no way to tell without asking, but religion may be a painful subject for an Atheist - either due to previous religious disagreements with family and friends, or for philosophical or moral reasons.  If they show discomfort beyond what you would expect in an academic debate, it may be best to change the subject.  Otherwise, you may inadvertently drive them farther away from your side.
• An Atheist may avoid discussing religion because they don't want to change your mind.  They may be able to admire your faith without sharing it, and accept it as part of who you are.

  Things You'll Need

• An open and understanding mind
• Willingness to hold yourself to the same standards as the questions you ask them.

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