
Many of us who were raised in one religious tradition or another de-convert gradually. Exposure to other atheists and even to the concept of atheism can be very helpful during this process.
I remember spending roughly a year of my life struggling with doubt. During this time, I did not know another atheist, and I do not recall even knowing what atheism meant. I thought I was the only one and wondered if there was something wrong with me. It was not until I began to read everything I could find on religion and philosophy at the local used bookstore that I realized that I was not alone and that there was even a name for what I was: atheist.
Imagine how much easier this process would have been if I had known other atheists. I would have seen for myself that it is possible to live a normal, even happy life without any of the religious beliefs that were beginning to seem increasingly silly. As this reader put it,
Therefore, I believe that non-arrogant t-shirts that express the lack of belief can help show that there is an alternative to organized religion and possibly influence the transformation of a religious person.I agree completely. I wish something like this had been there for me. The least I can do is help to provide it for others.