Freethinking Upstart

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?

Not believing in what you know isn't so.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?

Yes. What a long, strange trip it's been.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

Deceit.

Q4. What scientific endeavour really excites you?

Cognitive and Neuroscience, Evolutionary Psychology and any thing else to do with the mind.

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

I'd make it integrated into the rest of society. Atheists shouldn't think of themselves as a separate group but as a part of a larger whole of humanity.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

I'm still a kid myself so I can't honestly answer that question. I'd imagine I would reach for the nearest bottle and after sobering up, try to reason with him or her.

Q7. What’s your favorite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

"I don't have enough faith to be an atheist." I usually just laugh.

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

You know Dawkins scale of belief in God from 1-7? Well if you put Objective Morality on that scale I'd probably be at a 2 or 3. Most people I've talked to about this think I'm delusional. I think they are immoral degenerates. ;-)

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

Dawkins, though I don't know why. Dennet's a bore, Hitchens is a pompous ass, though I stand in awe and envy of his command of the English Language. I really like Harris, his vote for against labels and his vote for meditation.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

Who is the most influential theist? Now or in all of history? I guess I'd pick God if he existed. Tough question... Mohammed? Jesus? Moses? The Pope? Bush? Osama? I can't answer this one.