I never cease to be amazed at how the religious world reacts to atheists. You hear stories about how celebrities insult the atheist community all the time. Take for example the recent comments by Star Jones. We take some comfort in that we can form campaigns and fight against this bigotry — such as the “Star Jones, Walk a Mile in My Shoes” campaign.
It shocks me even more when bigotry oozes from my own family — it makes me wish I could form a campaign to enlighten them! I have recently found out that most of my mothers side of the family is boycotting our wedding simply because it is “excluding god”. Below is an example of the type of responses I have gotten from my family.
We received your wedding announcement and I wish to offer my congratulation. I will however be unable to attend. I carry God in my heart at all times and everywhere I go. To participate in any functions purposefully excluding him is an impossibility for me. In lieu of a wedding gift that would be purchased with currency that all states “In God We Trust” that may be deemed offensive to you, we have opted to donate $50.00 in both your names to the Casa De Angeles Orphanage in Antigue, Guatemala (http://www.casadeangeles.org).
Aunt Janice
My aunt seems to forget that I attended both her children’s baptisms and first communion. Her faith must be pretty weak if she is afraid to attend an event that is without god. I must also assume she finds it impossible to attend other events that “exclude god” — such as government meetings, Justice of the Peace ceremonies, and so on.
To take care of the “donation” nonsense we are informing my family that for each dollar they donate to a cause we don’t support, we will match with an equal donation in their name to a national atheist or humanist organization. Had this been an honest gift, my aunt would have contacted us to find out what charities WE support, not give money to religious charities SHE supports.
But not all religious folks follow the poor example my family sets. We have a full spectrum of people who are very excited about attending — from Wiccan to Jewish to Christian. These folks care enough to put aside any differences they have and be there to support us on our special day — and we love them for it!
Hello. My name is Angela Christine Byers (yes, my mother actually named me “Angel of Christ”), and I am an atheist.
Dear Angie and Reed,
Email comments to
Angela C. Byers
Copyright © 1996 - 2002 Angela C. Byers