I’m well and truly into this meme thing now – I think it comes from an early love of filling in forms. Even as a child I was up for taking every survey, census and personality test going – it’s amazing the Scientologists didn’t get me. The memes did, though ,so here’s the Atheist 13 Meme, courtesy of (((Billy))) and originated by Nullifidian.

Q1. How would you define “atheism”?

The absence of belief in a god or gods. It’s not a faith position, it’s humanity’s default setting.

Q2. Was your upbringing religious? If so, what tradition?

I was born and bred a happy-clappy Baptist – you can read my deconversion story here, if you’re interested.

Q3. How would you describe “Intelligent Design”, using only one word?

Creationism

Q4. What scientific endeavour really excites you?

Particle physics has always rather fascinated me, so I’m looking forward to the Large Hadron Collider going online next month. God may not be real, but it will be interesting to see if God particles are!

Q5. If you could change one thing about the “atheist community”, what would it be and why?

More potluck lunches. I’d like to meet some of these people in the real world, if only to shake their hand and offer them a slice of cake.

Q6. If your child came up to you and said “I’m joining the clergy”, what would be your first response?

“That’s nice dear. Be back by eleven.”

Q7. What’s your favourite theistic argument, and how do you usually refute it?

The argument from intelligent design. I usually give them some basic facts about evolution and the scientific method, hand them a reading list and then tell them to sod off and come back when they know what they’re talking about. They don’t often return. What’s especially enjoyable is the fact that you usually have to explain their position to them, because they don’t really understand the arguments for ID themselves…

Q8. What’s your most “controversial” (as far as general attitudes amongst other atheists goes) viewpoint?

I’m a liberal at heart, but sometimes I think people should be forced to take an exam before being allowed to reproduce. There are just so many shitty parents on display out there. Questions needn’t be too difficult – for example, based on a display I saw at Plymouth Station once:

Your baby is crying. Do you:
a) Check to see if something is the matter – perhaps your baby is hungry, or needs changing.
b) Scream at your baby, then fill a baby bottle with Coca-Cola and thrust it into the child’s mouth.

Q9. Of the “Four Horsemen” (Dawkins, Dennett, Hitchens and Harris) who is your favourite, and why?

Dawkins, I find his writing pithy and elegant. Dennett is too long winded, Hitchens is too angry and Sam Harris is all about the USA, which is fascinating but not so relevant for us Brits.

Q10. If you could convince just one theistic person to abandon their beliefs, who would it be?

The Pope. It would be funny.

Now name three other atheist blogs that you’d like to see take up the Atheist Thirteen gauntlet:

Much like (((Billy))), I’m not fond of tagging. If you like this meme, feel free to pick it up and run with it. Enjoy!