Answer 128

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Question128

Was your becoming an atheist influenced by any kind of literary genre? (This was asked about science fiction, but not about all literature.)

during the time I was questioning my faith I was in my first philosophy class, and we were going over Plato and a few other Greek philosophers, and the questions that they brought up in their writings gave me a push against being a theist, just by bringing up questions I had refused to think about before. (Ernest Dumenigo #1613)

I was always atheist, as far as memory serves me. In particular, my memories assure me that I was atheist before I left England at age 6. However, when I discovered poetry at age 15, Shelley immediately became my favorite poet. He was a particularly strident atheist, expelled from Oxford for writing "The Necessity of Atheism" at age 19, for example. I suppose I was drawn to Shelley because of the commonality of world-view, but finding such a powerful voice that spoke as I did certainly helped give my views stronger outlines. (Rumplestiltskin)

Yes. Badly written fiction/fantasy. (As in the Wholly Babble). (Keith Brannen #713)

Actually, probably yeah. I grew up on science fiction, and became very interested in it, the culture. It made me realize a lot of things very early, which would probably have taken years more to fathom on my own, such as the vastness of the universe, and what possibilities there are for life out there. (Rune Boersjoe #1295)

I suppose some literature has aided my atheism. The main reason I am an atheist is that I was never indoctrinated with religion by my parents. I was exposed to it on occasion, but it was left to me to interpret what I was exposed to. Exposure to anthropology and the concept of studing cultures from the view of a 'non-participant observer' allowed for the understanding of the roles of various religious beliefs in their cultural context. This verified that gods are an artifact of human culture, created by man. (Joe Zawadowski #249)

Does the bible count? (Nat #1750)

Yes. Science fiction in particular. It seemed to open up new worlds of thought and new ways of thinking about this one. As a result, it was easier to imagine that there was no god; a precursor to actual atheism. (chibiabos)

Starting in high school, I read a variety of "heretical" works required of us (a private school with Christian origins.) Mark Twain's "Letters from The Earth" is one that sticks in my mind. In college I majored in English.

No one genre, no. A BROAD spectrum of reading led to my disbelief. I compared and contrasted, and religion was found wanting.

Oh...and I have to say...I read "The Late Great Planet Earth" and "Evidence That Demands a Verdict" while in college. They moved me more away from the faith than any other two books. (Steve Scott)

Not really by a genre, unless you count "writings by freethinkers" a genre. Although, the more actual history I read (non-fiction), the more I began to lean towards atheism, simply due to the new information I picked up about religions prior to (and concurrent with) Christianity. Also, the non-fiction of Carl Sagan was a big influence. (Michelle Martin, #1474)

Although as a teen, I was an avid reader of science fiction, I also enjoyed books about history and historical novels. I recall one particular novel set in 13th century France during the Albigensian Crusade. Being a Catholic at the time, I was very disturbed by the author's depiction of the ferocity and cruelty by the crusading army towards the heretics. This started me wondering, and as a result, I began reading everything I could get my hands on related to the crusades, inquisition, persecutions, holy wars, and other unsavory aspects of xian history. I didn't like what I read, and this among other things started me along the road to atheism. (John Hachmann #1782)

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