Connections Quarterly Winter 2018 - World Religions | Page 14

C HAP EL AND THE NO N-RE LI G I O US
Continued from page 11
people to share their views on God and re-
ligion with those who hold different under-
standings. Compared to religious peoples’
willingness to share their views with those
who differ, atheists are three times less likely
on a weekly basis to share their views and
over 20% more likely to never or seldom
share their views, period. Yet, many still hold
to the negative perception of assertiveness,
feeling that there is too much from the non-
religious, while missing the reality that this
population often faces substantial discrimi-
nation within our societies.
For example, what does it mean for a non-
religious person when 45% of Americans say
that a belief in God is necessary for one to have
good values and live a moral life? Or when
51% of Americans say that they are less likely
to support an atheist presidential candidate?
It means that roughly half the people in the
country view that a person’s lack of belief
in God as something that makes them less
able to be a moral member of society and
less suited to leadership within it.
“...what does it mean for a
non-religious person when
45% of Americans say that a
belief in God is necessary for
one to have good values and
live a moral life?”
Page 12 Winter 2018

This general sense of judgement can pale
in comparison to what our students directly
experience in their lives.
While some of my students talk about be-
ing third generation atheists, reflecting the
convictions of their families, a significant
number find themselves in situations where
they’re closeted (yes, ‘closeted atheist’ is
a common term). They feel that they sim-
ply cannot come out to their families be-
cause the faith stance of their parents will
lead to anger, hurt, and possible rejection.
It’s not something that they’re exaggerat-
ing in their minds. Rather, it’s something
that they’ve witnessed with other relatives.
Whether Christian or Muslim, this sense can
be particularly acute for boarding students
who continue an outward appearance of
adhering to their families’ traditions lest they
be outed and forced home. It entails being
careful about what information is shared
with which friends…and staff.
Although in some circles the non-religious
are depicted as possessing an almost flip-
pant disregard for religion, I’ve found the
opposite to be true with my students. For
those from religious families, the high cost
of adopting a different viewpoint compels
them to undertake a serious reflection pro-
cess. They are walking away from a part of
their identity that has been theirs from birth,
a formerly vibrant avenue of connection to
those they love. These students tend to be
well versed in their traditions and have often
explored other faiths as well. Even among
those whose parents are also non-religious,
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