What do you think about common superstitions? How many can you think of that people around you still practice or believe in?
Have you ever:
- avoided stepping on sidewalk cracks
- held your breath in a tunnel
- wished someone “Good luck!”
- walked around a ladder instead of underneath it
- been afraid of breaking mirrors
- crossed yourself, kissed a saint medal, or lit a candle before performing a task
- crossed your fingers when telling a lie or wishing for a certain outcome
- believed in Murphy’s Law
- owned a rabbit’s foot or four-leafed clover
- broken a wishbone with a family member or friend
- kept the groom from seeing the bride before the wedding
All of the above are what we see now as silly superstitious actions and beliefs, but still hold a memorable place in western culture. What others did you grow up with that are still practiced even though they have no basis in science or rational thought? Are you at all superstitious? Do you play along with any superstitions for fun? Does it bother you when someone else does?
photo by Curtis Gregory Perry
This twitter conversation is currently in process:
Me: I think it will take at least 2 generations more to get some of the “old time fundamentalism” on the way out the door.
J: How would you contribute to get that “old time fundamentalism on the way out the door”, being a first generation ex-Christian?
Me: what can we do but engage each other and help people reason and hopefully stop indoctrination in its tracks. WDYT?
J: What if all your family (wife & young children included), friends & co-workers are Christians? How would you make a difference?
Me: that’s my life, so I’m working on it. What do you think would influence you if you believed and a fammembr/friend didn’t? I honestly think that we can make a difference by just being honest and asking questions. encouraging skepticism and freethought
Honestly, I feel a little sad when my mind draws a blank when it comes to the practical ways I can influence things around me. But should I instead feel at peace with a “live and let live” default? I don’t want to press my lack of beliefs on anyone like I did my spiritual beliefs. But I want things to change in this society for the better.
What do you think? How can atheists–especially those surrounded by believers–make an impact on those around them? Do we need to “evangelize” (sorry for poor word choice; it even makes me shudder) in some way? In what ways do you (or do you not) strive to end the cycle of hereditary indoctrination, social/political religious bias, and the other poisons caused by religion? How can we make a difference?
Chris on 
Bill the Heathen on 
jabran on 
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