Tis the season to celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, and Team Regator wishes you a happy holiday season, no matter what your religion may (or may not) be. According to the last U.S. Census info, more than 16 percent of Americans identify themselves as “unaffiliated” religiously, a figure that includes those who answered “atheist, agnostic, and nothing in particular.” That percentage is even higher in many other countries. So while the blogosphere is abuzz with traditional religious celebrations, we’re giving the floor to the other side for a moment by talking to Hemant Mehta, author of I Sold My Soul on eBay, high school math teacher, and blogger behind Friendly Atheist. The blog aims to bring together atheists and Christians in open and “friendly” discussion, so both can understand each other a little better, even if they don’t always agree… much… ever.
Why did you start blogging?
In 2006, I placed an eBay auction in which I (an atheist) offered to go to church services. It got some media attention and a former Christian pastor won my services. I ended writing about my church-going experiences on his website and I loved the idea that my writing could start these interesting conversations. After I finished my church obligations, I began my own website at friendlyatheist.com.
How would you describe Friendly Atheist, and what makes it different from the other atheism and religious blogs?
It’s a place for atheists and Christians to discuss issues in/about the atheist community. It offers a less militant tone than other atheist websites (so religious people won’t mind checking it out and participating in the discussions). Also, I think the comments people make on any particular posting are worth reading as much as the posts themselves–you don’t see that type of civil conversation and humorous/insightful comments on many other sites about atheism. I’m proud of the level of dialogue that takes place on my site.
What’s your favorite post you have ever written?
My favorite personal post is one in which I talked about why I’m not an angry atheist. I’m also very proud of an interview I did with Mike Jones (Pastor Ted Haggard’s gay male escort)–it went on my site right as Jones’ book came out. I interviewed him one-on-one with a recorder and a list of questions; I felt “professional,” like my interview was better than anything you would have found in mainstream or alternative media. I was also very proud of the end product. Mike was open about discussing his life and he answered just about everything I could have expected. It didn’t get the page views I hoped it would, but I know I’d like to do more interviews like that in the future. It gives me something to shoot for every time.
With Christmas upon us, do you think the masses see Christmas as a religious holiday or just a good time with presents?
Good time with presents. For most people, I think it’s really a secular holiday that happens to coincide with a lot of religious holy days. Only the Christian Right gets mad that not everyone celebrates it as Jesus’ birthday. I’m planning to have a wonderful week with family and friends.
How do you balance blogging with your other job as a high school math teacher?
From 5:30 a.m. till 6:00 p.m., I’m thinking of work and my students and Speech Team (I help coach it). When I get home, I do website work, write posts for the next day, and check my emails. It’s intense, but I’m at a time in my life where I can make it happen. Might as well make the most of it.
What is the best new blog you have found recently?
This sounds like a cop-out, but my favorite blogs are the ones that are virtually unknown. I love reading personal stories and reading about what’s going on in their lives. Most of the sites I read are news-related and they’re nice (especially when they include commentary) but I make a special effort to read blogs that are personal, funny, real, and updated. My favorite example of that from the past year is Lindsey’s Rantings. It’s hilarious.
What advice would you give to someone who was just starting to blog?
It’s tempting to just link to cool things you find on other websites, but you have a better chance of being successful if you’re forming and writing about your own opinions. Don’t be afraid of getting challenged. You don’t have to write every day. As long as we know you’re alive, and you have an interesting take on news stories–or your life is full of crazy/relevent stories–you’ll find an audience. Also, don’t get upset if you don’t find an audience immediately. It takes some time to get used to a regular blogging schedule. When you’ve got that worked out, then alert websites you like of your own site. Introduce yourself!
