Berkley Center

I’m an atheist who does interfaith work. Although this may sound like an oxymoron, for over two years now I have worked for Project Interfaith, an Omaha, Nebraska-based non-profit that grows understanding, respect and relationships among people of all faiths, beliefs and cultures. In my work, I have confronted multiple stereotypes about my identity as an atheist. I feel the biggest misconception about “non-believers” like me is that we have no morals or values to live our lives by. This notion was reinforced in my mind during a project I coordinated called RavelUnravel.

RavelUnravel was an interview project which involved Project Interfaith volunteers criss-crossing the city of Omaha to interview people of different faiths and beliefs about how they identify religiously or spiritually, how welcoming they find Omaha to be, and one stereotype or misconception they’ve encountered about themselves. More than forty atheists, agnostics, and other “non-believers” were interviewed for this project. When asked about a stereotype or misconception regarding their religious or spiritual identity, a prevailing theme emerged: that the public tends to view non-theists as morally bankrupt and inherently evil—living their lives without purpose or direction and lacking any morals, values or true beliefs. Even more troubling was the number of people that turned down being interviewed due to the fear of losing their job or facing public discrimination simply because they do not believe in God.

I can personally identify with these findings. Growing up, I aspired to work in politics but knew my beliefs (or perceived lack of beliefs) would likely prevent me from holding any public office. I believe that the statement, “Faith is the only sure foundation for values in personal and public life,” is not only untrue but unfair. It alienates an entire group of people and automatically labels them as immoral and inferior. I hold many solid values that guide the way I live my life. They are not based on religious teachings but come from my own lived experience. My morals and values should not be invalidated simply because they do not come from a faith or religious tradition, and neither should the morals and values of anyone else. I desire to create and live in a nation where all people are equally valued, included and protected regardless of their religion or belief system. Faith or no faith, no one should be excluded or belittled simply because of their beliefs.