In Voldemort We Trust

The term, “militant atheist” is not uncommon these days. Nearly any atheist who claims to be offended by a religious reference gets the title “militant atheist.” The question is often asked, “Why would atheists be offended by something they don’t believe in?” That is a question I would like to address. To do so I ask the reader to imagine a hypothetical world.

In this world the people in power are not Christians. Instead they are hardcore Harry Potter fans. Fans so hardcore they believe the books are in fact true. You may think there is no reason to believe the Harry Potter books are true. You do however agree with the Harry Potter fans’ economic and social policies. so you let their differences in personal beliefs slide.

After being in power for decades the Harry Potter fans decide the nation needs a new motto. The motto they pick is, “In Voldemort We Trust.” They also decided to print, “In Voldemort We Trust” on all the nations’ money and to change the pledge of allegiance so that it mentions Voldemort. They aren’t really legislating their beliefs on you, you are still free and likely to think that Voldemort is not real, but at the same time you may question these actions.

Perhaps you look through the books in search of a better understanding of this Voldermort. From your reading Voldemort appears to be the bad guy, hardly worthy of praise. What’s more, the Voldemort character actively oppresses non-magic folks and you’re most definitely a non-magic folk. While it’s unlikely the Harry Potter fans will start implementing Voldemort policies, they have embraced it. You may not believe in Voldemort, but you have every reason to be offended.

We atheist have also read the books. We know John 3:18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” It does not matter if we don’t believe the Bible is true. When our government supports a belief that says we will be condemned to be tortured forever, we have every reason to be offended. Being offended by that is the natural reaction. The reason most of us non-believers put up with community, churches, and government embracing a belief that openly threatens us with punishments of unparalleled scale is because we have grown accustomed to the threat. The mere fact that we have become used to people directly or indirectly telling us we are going to suffer forever is something I find very appalling.

I am not asking for the pledge, money, or national motto to be changed. Instead I’m just asking the reader to realize, Christianity is a religion that by most interpretations is openly hostile towards atheists. Atheists in turn have every reason and right to be offended. It doesn’t matter if we don’t believe in your God. If you are worshipping a God that you believe allows atheists to be tortured forever simply for the crime of not being able to believe in him, then we have no choice, but to find your beliefs offensive. Is that really so militant?