May 2024 Meeting Review: An Atheist Speaker At A Christian High School
By Cathy Prody
Southwest Christian High School has for the past ten years invited August Berkshire to provide an atheist perspective to its junior and senior level philosophy and worldview classes. In return, August invited a group from the school to come to our public meeting to give their perspectives and engage in a discussion with atheists. The participants from Southwest Christian High School were faculty members Brian Goldie, Dr. Don Carlson, and two graduating seniors, Savannah Larson and Addie Anderson.
August started the discussion by asking the panel about their experiences meeting with atheists. Addie thought August was more passionate than other atheists she met or knew. Savannah has friends who aren’t Christian, and struggled with how to love atheists although they don’t believe as she does. Don Carlson remarked that he knew many atheists — some kind, some mean — but had developed the most meaningful relationship with August. Brian Goldie remarked that he has met atheists who act like Christians and Christians who act like atheists, and Christians who act like Christians; but that people and groups come together and find what’s good and true.
August’s next question was whether Christians believe that others who don’t believe as they do will be damned. Don’s response was that when some Christians say that, it indicates an extinction of the human heart. Brian mentioned that he has read Atheist Voices of Minnesota. It struck him that the writers found that religion was more of a threat. It saddened him to hear that in their experience Christians were so judgmental. Savannah said that she finds salvation in Christianity from being lost and alone. She believes in life after death, but others who are not Christian could get stuck. Addie said that if the foundation of a Christian’s belief is fear, those are not true beliefs. They concluded that Christianity has nothing to threaten people with; the fate of others is not for them to determine.
After that the questions came from the audience.
Question: What did you take away from your sessions with an atheist?
Don said that he felt that the god that August says he doesn’t believe in, he doesn’t believe in either. God is not explained by using the scientific method. He said that when you keep scaling up existence, whatever is at the top is a god. People believe in whatever is at the top of their value structure. Brian concurred, saying that everyone has something at the top of their value structure. Savannah said that the things she has learned cannot be put into words, and that many words have different definitions to different people, leading to misunderstandings between people of different faiths. Addie added that she used to think that atheists have no morality, but that she no longer believes that.
Another question from the audience asked what the conversations among the students and teachers were like after August spoke at the school. The students said that they had discussions about the things they heard, and found arguments they could rebut. They liked that her school allows them to have those conversations. Goldie said that students spoke about specific ideas that rattled them. The teachers don’t try to provide responses that are all “neat and tidy.” He said that where Christians have been remiss is to try to find a proof for their faith, which is impossible. They are aware of limitations in Christian faith. Christian tradition says that there is no proof for God. The school approves of the faculty bringing in speakers with alternate views.
The next questioner asked about the statement of faith that the students are required to sign to enroll at the school. Addie said that she signed because her parents wanted her to sign it. She added that the high school allows students some doubts. Brian commented that the statement has evolved over time and that it helps students who want to follow Jesus. However, they did not have a policy of expelling nonbelieving students from school.
The next questioner asked if Christians need Christianity’s promise of an afterlife to confront their mortality. In other words, if death is the end, would you still believe in Christianity? Don restated the question, as “If this is all there is, is it enough to believe in Jesus? Don’t you believe that you have to posit something on the other side?” Don stated that he believes that “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” Addie said that the way she has lived her life makes her happiest when serving others. Savannah said that how Christianity deals with death is pivotal for her faith and an afterlife gives her hope. In contrast, for Brian, an afterlife is not a pressing concern. More important for him is the function of God and Christ in his life.
The next question was asked by a public school teacher, concerning LGBTQ students (or students exploring their sexuality). He asked, “If someone comes out at your school, but is still Christian, are they still accepted?” The panel agreed that younger people are more accepting. Older people didn’t grow up in a culture where that was acceptable. They didn’t know LGBTQ people, or thought they didn’t. The questioner followed up by asking if transgender kids are accepted. Savannah said that not all teachers would be accepting, but some would. Most gay or transgender students would probably be reluctant to come forward. Brian said that the school wants teachers with compassion and empathy. Gender dysphoria is a problem or a struggle. With this, there is a fear of students losing their faith.
The last questioner asked what would be the reaction if a group of students wanted to start an atheist group. One of the teachers said that those students are still with their families and the school does not want to split families.
After the meeting Brian Goldie and his family joined a number of atheists for dinner at Q.Cumbers Restaurant.
