Why I as an atheist Republican criticize general atheist and humanist organizations
Occasionally I criticize general atheist and humanist organizations to showcase their biased approach to representing the general US atheist community in the United States. Some people have downplayed my criticism by stating that I am upset that they “do not include me,” as though it is simply a personal issue, but that is far from the point of my criticism. The point of my criticism goes deeper into showcasing that atheist Republicans and atheist conservatives have systematically been excluded by general atheist and humanist organizations, and that these organizations are not following their missions of representing the atheist community as a whole.
What do I mean when I say “general” atheist and humanist organizations? I mean organizations that claim they are representing the atheist community in its entirety. In regards to atheism, these organizations include American Atheists, Secular Coalition for America, Freedom From Religion Foundation, Secular Student Alliance and others. Humanist organizations are in the grey zone when it comes to atheism, considering they emphasize both “humanism” and “atheism.” American Humanist Association, one of the most noted humanist organizations in the world, has a page listing several broad “definitions” of what humanism is, however at the top of the website it says, “Advocating progressive values and equality for humanists, atheists and freethinkers.” [Note: Some may respond Republicans are not “progressive” and that is why they are excluded from humanist organizations, but take note that there are Republicans who are pro-choice, and pro-gay rights, so they can be included in the progressive arena. Heck, simply being an atheist Republican is “progressive” in itself in today’s age].
It is no secret that the general American public acknowledges that the Republican party is predominantly religious. It seems uncanny that there are no atheist Republicans, or atheist conservatives for that matter, that have built a name for themselves within atheist organizations over the last decade as atheism has become more outspoken. Atheist Republicans are so elusive that it is common for American atheists to say, “Atheist Republican is an oxymoron.”
Since launching Republican Atheists in February 2017, I personally have learned that there are, in fact, atheist Republicans out there. There are even more atheist conservatives. But why did I not know about this group sooner despite being involved with the US atheist community for nearly a decade? Why does the general public not know about this group?
As president of Republican Atheists, I decided to reach out to general atheist groups to see if they would take interest in Republican Atheists at all, considering they are representing the US atheist community “as a whole.” A couple organizations responded that they would like to see Republican Atheists progress, but that was all. They did not offer to at least mention Republican Atheists to their board, or their base on social media. Many organizations and media outlets did not respond at all, even after I sent emails multiple times during the last year. One well known organization said it would publish a guest article by Republican Atheists but did not follow through, and has since become unresponsive.
This subtle response, as well as lack of response, has solidified my observations of general atheist organizations putting forth a strict political agenda above representing atheists. They will highlight atheist politicians and spokespeople who prioritize topics like abortion and gay rights, but they will ignore atheists who discuss topics like economics, military, business, law enforcement and other issues. So, are these organizations really representing the US atheist community as they claim to be in their mission statements, or is it all a farce? If it is a farce, as it seems to be, this is a huge blow to the foundation of many atheist organizations.
Why do so few atheists know the name Jillian Becker, a noted atheist conservative who manages the blog The Atheist Conservative? Her resume is impressive and worthy to look into. Why do atheists tend to not hear about Heather Mac Donald, a noted atheist conservative published author and speaker? Why was outspoken atheist Brandon Phinney, former Republican representative in New Hampshire, given practically no spotlight by atheist organizations when he took office?
This lack of spotlight on atheist Republicans and atheist conservatives perpetuates the ignorant concept that “atheist Republican is an oxymoron,” and that, “atheist Republicans do not exist.” It is impacting politics and public policy. It is permitting the Republican party to continue running with religion. It appears as though the lack of mention of atheist Republicans and conservatives is being done intentionally.
That is some insight on why I criticize atheist and humanist organizations. My criticism goes far beyond personal sake. I hope more people will give them feedback as time goes on so they can give atheist Republicans and atheist conservatives recognition, since they are a part of the atheist community too.
Lauren Ell is President of Republican Atheists. She is a business owner, consultant, marketer and communications strategist. Contact Lauren Ell here. Follow Republican Atheists on Facebook and Twitter.
It is a complicated problem rooted in errors in semantics and political organization, which is what atheist organizations are; but the members do not want to accept that probability, because of misunderstandings, and poorly constructed compromises in past eras that have been incarnated into an unwritten doctrine that is reflective of the general liberal modus operandi – although they claim diversity they do not have a corporate system that can handle an organization that might draw their membership away from them.
Suppose, American Atheist accepted some affiliation with Atheist Republican? That would seem to imply the generation of an Atheist Democrat faction. And that would lead to more unresolved arguments in the atheist-secular-humanist disorganized culture competing for memberships and funding.