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EP8: We are not alone – and we are changing the world
🕑 Added 2018-01-27 08:10:37 +0000 UTC In this episode of the Atheist Republic Voicemails, we share nine stories from around the world. Some encouraging, others despairing, all inspiring. The important message for all of us is this: we are not alone – and we are growing in number.The first caller is a bullied fifth grader seeking other atheists to talk to, who feels stuck in a religious environment that demonizes them for their beliefs. Next is Sagnik from India, who asks a simple, but pointed question: if God exists, why is there so much pain and misery in the world?
Speaker three is Judy, a passionate advocate of atheism who shares that progress is being made, with 25% more of the US public being atheist than just five years ago. Judy reminds us to keep up the struggle – we are making an impact.
Chris from Pennsylvania is the fourth speaker. He describes his religious upbringing, and how it was not until his infant son’s questions cast his faith into doubt – and made him decide he didn’t want him to grow up in a superstitious world of fear.
We welcome speaker five from Ukraine, a land ravaged by war and revolutions. Entrenched in chaos, he reminds us all of the power of believing in change no matter what, and to keep up the fight.
Speaker six is from Iran. Growing up in a religious household and nation, he diligently studied not just the Koran, but the religious books of other religions. Eventually, he concluded it was all nonsense. Now, he follows a simple doctrine: to live a simple and happy life to the fullest.
Abdullah is an ex-Muslim from Somalia who now lives in Malaysia and speaker seven. Struggling far from home, he calls for help, fearful that he will be deported back home – to almost certain death for apostasy.
Speaker eight is Zack Ali, another Somalian who also reveals the hardships of living as an atheist in this war-torn, religious nation – Ali compares it to Saudi Arabia, where he used to live.
Finally, Jesse from North Carolina is speaker nine. Growing up in a religious family and community, her atheism has lost her both friends and family. Despite her loneliness, she continues to ask important questions and answer them when she can.
Share your story with us today, and we will broadcast it. If you don’t want to speak but contribute in another way, please support us with a donation so we can continue on our mission to inform and educate people on this safe, global platform. Go to http://www.atheistrepublic.com/podcast.
