10 celebs you didn’t know were atheists

[cbayer]

http://www.salon.com/2013/02/23/10_celebs_you_didnt_know_were_atheists_partner/


SATURDAY, FEB 23, 2013 08:00 AM PST
BY LAURA GOTTESDIENER

Keira Knightley (Credit: AP/Joel Ryan)

This article originally appeared on AlterNet.

It’s almost Oscar season, and we all know what that means: a parade of well-dressed, trophy-clutching men and women thanking their friends, family, spouses, and above all, God. As I watch the Academy Awards each year, I’m always left wondering: Aren’t there any atheist celebrities?

Sure, there are a few famous ones who are essentially defined by their lack of adherence to organized religion. Woody Allen, for example, is the quintessential Jewish-atheist. In his autobiographical film “Stardust Memories,” Allen’s character explains that his atheism is not simply an aspect of his identity; it’s a cosmic act of resistance: “To you, I’m an atheist,” he says. “To God, I’m the loyal opposition.”

In fact, the iconic Allen is actually only one member of a growing club: high-profile celebrities who are finally coming out about their atheism. Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s awards (I’m still pulling for Quvenzhané Wallis) the presence of many of these performers on the red carpet is certainly something to celebrate.

1. Angelina Jolie

From her stint as Lara Croft to her 180-degree shift to being a UN ambassador, Jolie has never been one to follow conventions or expectations. So it’s no surprise that she’d be up front about her atheism. In an interview with the A.V. Club, she answered the question, “Is there a God?” with the conciliatory yet firm answer:

“Hmm … For some people. I hope so, for them. For the people who believe in it, I hope so. There doesn’t need to be a God for me. There’s something in people that’s spiritual, that’s godlike. I don’t feel like doing things just because people say things, but I also don’t really know if it’s better to just not believe in anything, either.”

more at link

[FredisDead]

1. The Celebrity Atheist List

http://www.celebatheists.com/?title=Main_Page

[aristocles]

2. And why should anyone care? n/t

[cbayer]

4. Well, because there is some prejudice towards atheists in this country,

and prejudice can often be diluted when prominent people "come out".

[LeftishBrit]

3. I definitely knew about Daniel Radcliffe...

but in the UK, it is far from surprising or rare for someone, especially a young person, to be an atheist.

[EvilAL]

5. I usually just watch the oscars

and see who thanks god.

[cbayer]

6. Well, that will tell you something about that individual, but nothing about who is an atheist.

[EvilAL]

7. Does it really matter

if a celeb is atheist or not?
It's not something I've thought of, so I just threw that out there as kind of a joke about celebs thanking god like they are special and god gave them the gift to be able to act like somebody else.

[cbayer]

8. The only reason I think it matters is that as more publicly known people "come out",

the less prejudice there will be towards non-believers.

Some believers have always made a spectacle of their beliefs at award ceremonies, but I think most say nothing at all.

[EvilAL]

9. Maybe,

but I don't think celebs have any more weight among atheists as anyone else. Perhaps a kid doubting his/her beliefs could find it nice to know that their fave celeb thinks the same way as them in regards to religion/spirituality and it could help them to figure it out. Celebs have a lot of influence so there could be something to it.

[cbayer]

10. But they do have weight among the general public.

It's hard to hold prejudices when you find out someone you admire is part of a group you have felt prejudiced towards.

It helped a lot when GLBT celebrities started coming out. In fact, it was a watershed.

[EvilAL]

11. Yeah, I wasn't looking at it

in that way. Like they are helping to curb the prejudice against atheists. That's a good point. I just took it as who gives a shit if Kiera Knightly believes in god or not.
Thanks for pointing that out.. my hungover head isn't picking everything up today.. heheh

[cbayer]

12. Lol. I am celebrity-phobic and totally agree with you in terms of my personally giving

a shit as to the religious persuasion of celebs. But if it helps with understanding/acceptance, then it could be a good thing.

Hope your hangover clears soon.

[EvilAL]

13. If it helps

people accept that even the people they revere think differently than them it can't be a bad thing.

Thanks, the Dixie Lee greasy chicken and fries helped, not sure why it helps, but it does.. heheh

[cbayer]

14. Why do you think there are so many Popeye's Fried Chicken places in New Orleans!

[EvilAL]

15. hahah, we don't have Popeye's where I live,

but I'd sure like to give it a try. I checked the website and from what I can gather the closest one to me in in Massachusetts, I live in Quebec.. Maybe a road trip is in order..

[cbayer]

16. Beware, the Popeye's in MA is horrible.

But, if you ever make it to the south, do not miss the opportunity.

[EvilAL]

17. I definitely will..

[Evoman]

18. I'm not sure, but I'm getting a sort of negative vibe from this article.

It states atheist celebrities, but it doesn't exactly feel pro-atheist.

[cbayer]

19. I see what you mean, but this writer has been consistently pro-atheist in the past.

She's an OWS organizer, so the snarkiness we are picking up on may have to do more with her disdain for celebrity than anything else.