Dear Mr. Hitchens,
THANK YOU sincerely for The Portable Atheist. It has armed me with knowledge and has become my favorite book to read in church every week. I had to re-cover it, for obvious reasons; but it is as thoroughly read and marked up as any bible in the room.
I’m a mormon-atheist. I like the term ‘nonbeliever’ from Carl Van Doren’s beautifully articulated piece. I still attend services — for family reasons and the many social benefits. I have “come out” to my local leaders, and have caused them to admit to pondering things they had never considered before. When asked by my bishop why I’m so silent on doctrinal issues, I replied: “I could try to say it politely, but i’d rather be direct. I’ll give it to you in simple terms — I don’t believe in evil spirits. I don’t believe in demons, or djinns, or in any of the types of bad spirits often mentioned in the bible. I don’t believe in the devil. I think everyone is responsible for his own behavior. And I don’t believe in good spirits either, or in angels, or in any of the thousands of gods that have been invented, and mostly forgotten.” (a pregnant pause, then) “I don’t believe in the supernatural.”
My bishop was speechless. My convulsive truth-telling started a panic among the leadership as my case was shared around and I was called in for more interviews. I’m still in the church, but i’m relegated to serving as a coach for the young men sports programs. — that suits me fine. I will likely leave some day, but or now I’m biding my time, keeping my friends and family close, and refining my knowledge and voice with the hope of helping others to see the myths and the disfunction they bring.
One last comment — I have a tiny suggestion for your loud YELLOW AND BLACK clad Portable Atheist book. How about publishing a hardback edition with a cover that resembles a bible so that more people can take it to church?! …perhaps with a softer title for those over-the-shoulder readers who would blanch at the sight of the “A” word. Call it “On Faith” or something that would allow it to be easily slipped into church pews along with the hymnals. — a way to preach to the choir! <grin>
BTW, I noticed that President Obama used the term ‘nonbeliever’ in his inaugural address. i cheered and thought of you. Keep up the good fight. And again — profound thanks for your work