Expert: Bob - 1/16/2005

Question
I wanted to know what Athiests believe happens after death?
Also, why are non-believers so offended by people practicing their beliefs in public places. For example, why would a nativity scene be offensive during Christmas?
Thank You

Answer
Hello Michael,

1) An Atheist, by definition, believes that when you die nothing happens except that you die.

2) I have never met an Atheist that is offended by a nativity scene during Christmas, I certainly am not any more offended then I would be by a plastic Santa in a front yard. I am however deeply offended by a governmental agency that plays favorites on the topic of religion. Let's turn the table a bit. You are a Christian in the U.S., a country that has been founded on religious freedom but instead you find that you are in the minority here, actually Muslims make up the majority. Your child comes home and mentions that they are being required to neal on their prayer mats several times a day, face Mecca,  and say a prayer to Allah. How would that make you feel? Too extreme an example for you, How about the fact that your school does not force your child to do it but they stop classes so that the other children can do it. Your child does not because it goes against his beliefs. The other children pick up on this and ridicule your child, even beat up your child. Is that fair? How would that make you feel?  Last example....You go to court to defend against a false charge... before the trial everyone does some sort of crazy dancing ritual to the moon god or something like that...You however do not because you are a Christain...you can not help but notice that several of the jurors have been looking at you with suspicion...Do you think you are going to get a fair trial? How would that make you feel?
I pay taxes as well as everyone else does, Do I not have the same right to believe as I see fit that you do. Do I not have the same right to be treated fairly by my government that you do?

Bob