Expert: Vincent M. Wales - 12/3/2008

Question
Hi Vincent,

It is such a delight to come hear and read the thoughtful responses to people who have asked questions. I am referring to the recent question from a young woman concerned about the costs of "coming out" as an atheist. And there was the young lady, not yet 18, who is troubled by the strict religious views of her family.

I don't really have a question. I just wanted to express my feeling of kinship with balanced approach of the experts here. Am I atheist? I don't know what God is, or how to define it, or if it exists what form that might be. Once I let go of all that, I also let go of intolerance. Maybe that's my question...have you observed a connection between being atheist and being more tolerant of others and alternative lifestyles? I imagine there are intolerant atheist just as there are intolerant fundamental Christians, although that hasn't been my observation.
Robert

Answer
Robert:

Thank you for your kind words... they're definitely appreciated.

Yes, there are certainly intolerant atheists.  I had an atheist friend back in Utah who was quite intolerant of homosexuals.  It was astounding to me, because I've always believed that a true "freethinker" (as we often like to call ourselves) is someone who approaches ALL topics non-dogmatically, not just religion.  And as such, we pretty much would have to be more tolerant than most.

That being said, I've known many wonderfully open-minded and tolerant Christians.  Of course, I've known far more who were the exact opposite.  

And then there are other faiths.  Those of pagan orientation, I've found, are generally more open and tolerant than those who follow a monotheistic, patriarchal religion.

So to answer your question... yes, non-belief and tolerance go hand-in-hand more often than not... but is there causality?  I don't know.  And even if there is, in which direction does it flow?  Does non-belief lead to tolerance, or does tolerance lead to non-belief?  I'm not convinced of either.  I just think the two things often are found together, like silver and gold often come from the same mine.

Tolerance and acceptance of other views and behaviors (whether or not one agrees with them) is, I think, vital to human happiness.  Really, that was the root issue behind my novel, ONE NATION UNDER GOD.  I've been called idealistic, naive, and other things, but I really do hold the attitude of, "Why can't we all just get along?"

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to drop a line, and to bring up such a thoughtful point.