Atheism/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am well versed on the arguments for both sides about the existence of God and have a comprehensive familiarity with the philosophical ramifications and psychological reactions to atheism. Also, if you have a question about atheism as that pertains to Science or Skepticism, I am an especially good pick. I am not an expert on the sociology and history of atheism, and I have little knowledge of non-Judeo-Christian religions.

Experience in the area

I've been an atheist for 8 years now, open about it for 3 years. In that time I have held many different philosophical perspective on the subject and had different emotional and psychological reactions to atheism. I have absorbed many internet articles, video debates, atheist publications, and secular podcasts in my process of understanding and supporting the atheist movement. I routinely hold conversations on the subject.

Organizations

William & Mary Freethought Alliance, an affiliate of Secular Student Coalition and Center for Inquiry. Essentially this is a small campus group for nontheists and skeptics, in which I meet others like myself, pick their brains on the subject, and work to achieve secular values.

Publications

If Journal, an online interfaith publication.

Education/Credentials

I am an undergraduate physics and math student at the College of William & Mary, but I have very little formal training in philosophy or sociology.

Awards and Honors

I am a vice-president of the William & Mary Freethought Alliance

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Right now, the public perception of atheists has been defined by people who are not atheists. That is only currently beginning to change and I hope everyone realizes that atheism can be an uplifting way of looking at the universe.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

The song "God Bless America" was written by Irving Berlin who was actually a nonbeliever.