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wingedbeastWhile we're on the topic of narratives, there's a certain set of narratives regarding nonbelievers. The polite way to describe these narratives is "inaccurate". The most generous way to describe those who propagate these narratives is "mistaken on a fundamental level".
It's important to note that these narratives don't need to originate from or be propagated by dishonesty. When taking this tip into consideration, with regards to anything said by a religious figure, a trusted authority, or even a friend, one need not decide solely between "liar" and "accurately describing the reality". Dishonesty is a possibility, but far from the only one.
The honest origins of these errors can include a range.
People saying how they believe they would feel, were they not to have their own faith, and expect that to be the absolute reality for people who are not themselves. I have been told that I lack all hope and all sense of morality... or that I'm not really an atheist because I don't. Neither is accurate.
Extrapolation based on their own belief. I've been told, repeatedly, that I innately know that God exists and am only pretending to be an atheist so I can sin without consequence.
Both of those rely upon a lack of acknowledged fallibility on the part of the person expressing the view. Your beliefs with regards to atheists and agnostics and others who don't share your faith can all be in error without your beliefs regarding God or God's nature being in error.
Sometimes, however, we deal with just plain bigotry. Bigots don't think of themselves as bigots. How many times have you heard "I'm not racist but..." only to hear something racist follow? It's easy to be nice when it's easy. It's also incredibly easy to be bigoted when not faced with opposition to that bigotry.
Don't drop narratives entirely. In this case, "narrative" refers to our story of how we understand the reality to operate. We can't exactly act as though we never understand anything ever. But, when it comes to those who don't share your faith, ask them what their beliefs/thoughts/opinions/attitudes are.
Note: I mean real questions. Not accusations in the shape of questions.
Telling us that our existence cannot be but what you assume of us doesn't tell us that you're insightful and knowledgeable, but that you're ignorant and egotistical enough not to acknowledge that you can make a mistake.
It's important to note that these narratives don't need to originate from or be propagated by dishonesty. When taking this tip into consideration, with regards to anything said by a religious figure, a trusted authority, or even a friend, one need not decide solely between "liar" and "accurately describing the reality". Dishonesty is a possibility, but far from the only one.
The honest origins of these errors can include a range.
People saying how they believe they would feel, were they not to have their own faith, and expect that to be the absolute reality for people who are not themselves. I have been told that I lack all hope and all sense of morality... or that I'm not really an atheist because I don't. Neither is accurate.
Extrapolation based on their own belief. I've been told, repeatedly, that I innately know that God exists and am only pretending to be an atheist so I can sin without consequence.
Both of those rely upon a lack of acknowledged fallibility on the part of the person expressing the view. Your beliefs with regards to atheists and agnostics and others who don't share your faith can all be in error without your beliefs regarding God or God's nature being in error.
Sometimes, however, we deal with just plain bigotry. Bigots don't think of themselves as bigots. How many times have you heard "I'm not racist but..." only to hear something racist follow? It's easy to be nice when it's easy. It's also incredibly easy to be bigoted when not faced with opposition to that bigotry.
Don't drop narratives entirely. In this case, "narrative" refers to our story of how we understand the reality to operate. We can't exactly act as though we never understand anything ever. But, when it comes to those who don't share your faith, ask them what their beliefs/thoughts/opinions/attitudes are.
Note: I mean real questions. Not accusations in the shape of questions.
Telling us that our existence cannot be but what you assume of us doesn't tell us that you're insightful and knowledgeable, but that you're ignorant and egotistical enough not to acknowledge that you can make a mistake.
