"We atheists and atheist allies hereby declare that from now on, March 23rd is Atheist Day. We recognize the struggle of atheists to live authentic lives in many parts of the world. The struggle to openly affirm one’s atheism. The fear of intolerant governments, mobs, and religious zealots.
This struggle often includes the risk of professional, social and familial ostracization. Sometimes, this authenticity results in paying the ultimate price — one’s life. Many of our brethren have been brutally murdered for professing the very principles that this day represents: the freedom of and from religion, the right to be free of discrimination and persecution, and the freedom to profess one’s beliefs.
Many of us happily interact with people whom we admire and trust who unbeknownst to us, are closeted atheists. The world is full of atheists who are silent about their true convictions. Why? Simply this: a fear of reprisal and discrimination based on misinformation, ranging from the subtle to the life-threatening.
People should not be persecuted for their lack of belief in a god or a religion. That’s all we’re asking.
Some people however, believe that disagreeing with deeply held beliefs is hate. But it’s not.
We wish to remind our fellow human beings that many of the most powerful ideas — ideas that changed our world — were once heretical.
Many of the most radical thinkers and reformists in past eras were blasphemers against the established order of their day. "
(Taken from the Declaration on the Atheist Republic Website)
Today, March 23, is International Atheist Day. After perusing the internet, I found that there is a symbol for Atheist Day - a green circle. I have been collecting puzzle pieces for a while from puzzles I didn't finish. Instead of throwing them out... I just started collecting them. I can fill a mop bucket with the amount of discarded puzzle pieces I have. I went through my collection last night and pulled out all the green pieces, so I could make my own green circle in honour of Atheists day.
I don't know how I will spend today... but I am glad I have at least this place to share my creative efforts. Other than my online communities, I don't have many people I can share this day with. But I want to honour it for all the people around the world that are at great risk for being atheists. I'm not one of them. I have caused sadness in my circles by leaving Christianity... but no one is arresting me, throwing me in prison, or executing me... just because I don't believe in the "Christian God" or "Allah".
Jigsaw puzzling for me is like being an atheist. I have connections on line and across the world, but in my own community at home... there are not that many that I can share my passion with. So I mostly puzzle alone. I wish I could puzzle more with others, just like I wish I could go to Bahacon and connect with other secular minds and hearts. But for now... I will share what I can and be grateful that so many others are out there giving a voice to make Atheism acceptable and normal in our society.
I found some videos marking March 23 as Atheist Day going back to 2019. So with these voices, I want to add my own.
"Happy Atheist Day... and let's hope and work toward a day when all humans will find a common ground of love for each other... just because we are human!
#ATHEISTDAY MARCH 23RD. (2019)
HAPPY ATHEIST DAY "LET'S NORMALIZE ATHEISM 2022
MARCH 23 IS ATHEIST DAY (2022)!
INTERNATIONAL ATHEIST DAY (2022) Seth Andrews
HAPPY ATHEIST DAY 2024 from the Atheist Community of Austin
Youtube "#AtheistDay" Collection
