Hug an atheist for Christmas

[Kindle]

I learned this morning (from watching CNN) that atheists feel left out and lonely around Christmas.

It was suggested that Christian people 'hug an atheist for Christmas'.

I wanted to read more about this and looked this up on the internet. I found that there are many sites on this and that they even sell tee shirts with that message on them.

Then I wondered just how many atheists we are talking about. Here is what I found:

Atheist Population
From Conservapedia

In respect to the atheist population of the world, there have been many studies in regards to the atheist demographics and in regards to the percentage of atheists in various geographic areas. In regards to the atheist population as a percentage of various countries' populations, specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 suggests that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France. A survey published in the 2005 Encyclopedia Britannica stated that 2.3% of the world's population consists of individuals who profess "atheism, skepticism, disbelief, or irreligion, including the militantly antireligious."[1] In regards to the 2.3% figure just mentioned, the 2005 survey cited by Encyclopedia Britannica survey did not include Buddhist in regards to the 2.3% figure and Buddhism can be theistic or atheistic.[2][3]

I did not realize the population of atheists was so small and, though I believe hugging a person who feels left out and lonely may make them feel better, I think the decree of "hug an atheist for Christmas" seems to be a bit condescending.

What do you think?

[mikeinie]

And of course to hug an atheist, you will first need to know how to spot them:

1. Look for the sign on their backs that say: Atheist.

2. Look for the familiar 666 symbol just under their hairlines.

3. Watch for other Christians chasing relentlessly after someone with bibles in their hands screaming something about salvation.

4. Watch for people whose heads start spinning and start vomiting green vile when they get in the proximity of a church.

5. Watch for people who leave shopping centers and major retailers without actually buying anything.

6. Try to see the little red devil on their shoulder.

If none of this works, then just assume all are atheists and hug everyone.

Originally Posted by mikeinie

And of course to hug an atheist, you will first need to know how to spot them:

1. Look for the sign on their backs that say: Atheist.

2. Look for the familiar 666 symbol just under their hairlines.

3. Watch for other Christians chasing relentlessly after someone with bibles in their hands screaming something about salvation.

4. Watch for people whose heads start spinning and start vomiting green vile when they get in the proximity of a church.

5. Watch for people who leave shopping centers and major retailers without actually buying anything.

6. Try to see the little red devil on their shoulder.

If none of this works, then just assume all are atheists and hug everyone.