1.
What group demonstrates the highest level of
religious engagement compared to any other age group? (211).
2.
A strong commitment to religious beliefs may
provide some older adults with what? (212).
3.
Instead of the term “atheist,” how does Ursula
like to think of herself? (217).
4.
Why does Ursula say it is easier to be a
nonbeliever? (219).
5.
According to Elizabeth Clemens, Nothing destroys
Christianity like? (228).
6.
Margaret says if there is an afterlife, she
would like to get answers to what two questions? (237).
7.
Margaret would like to see a time when it will
be what? (237),
8.
What does Dr. Melanie Brewster hope that this
book represents? (240).
Alternative
discussion questions.
1.
As you read the narratives of individuals who
became or identified as an atheist, could you imagine another writer compiling
narratives to fill a book entitled, “Theist
in America.” Would you be interested in reading their narratives?
2.
Do you foresee a time when nonbelievers will be
in the majority? When and why?
3.
Are young people today less interested in the
spiritual benefits from attending church and more interested in the social
benefits?
Discussion Questions:
ReplyDelete1. Atheist in America is unique in that it is one of the few collections of Atheist stories. Theists narratives have filled bookstores for generations. While each individual holds a unique story, it is not a unique concept. Furthermore, I would not be interested reading about the narratives of theists. While this is likely me indulging my own echo chamber, I have no interest in reading about people's stories of faith just as theists likely have little interest in reading about atheism.
2. I do believe that the future is moving toward a more atheistic populace. This can be seen in places like Japan or Canada or are overwhelmingly atheist. As the world becomes more globalized cultures begin to assimilate. This means that individuals are exposed to more ideas, and thus their beliefs begin to dissolve into less strict ideals. While religion will never be a thing of the past, I believe it will become the minority within the next fifty years.
3. While I think it is impossible to make a blanket statement about an entire age generation that spans multiple religions, in my personal experience with religion it appeared to be the case. Many of my contemporaries only went to church because it was expected of them. They hung out together, went to worship groups together, but would sin together during the other six days of the week. This could be different in other religions and with other groups of theist, though, so a blanket statement cannot be made.
Skye,
ReplyDeleteI hope you live to see the world in fifty years and I hope that it changes as you envision. When I reflect back over the last fifty years, I have seen it become more liberal with the Civil Rights movement and now more conservative. I have lived through the Silent Majority and the Moral Majority and I am hopeful that women and the next generation of young people will become the Involved Majority and that they will move the nation forward.