Geoff Speakman, Atheist Republic Brisbane Consulate
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2017/08/10
The Atheist Republic (Twitter, Facebook, and website) is the largest public atheist Facebook page. The page has more than 1.7 million likes, which makes the Atheist Republic the most popular atheist community on any social network. The Atheist Republic has consulates throughout the globe in the major cities of the world. Its founder, Armin Navabi, is a friend and colleague. Here is the series of interviews with the consulates of the Atheist Republic: Atheist Republic Brisbane Consulate.
*Audio interview edited for clarity and readability.*
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Was there a background in atheism, familially?
Geoff Speakman: My parents never spoke either for or against religion. I formed my own opinions about religion and the existence of gods.
Jacobsen: Within that family background, was there a surrounding culture that brought forth a critical mindset towards religion? If so, how? If not, why not?
Speakman: Not really. Mine was a normal childhood minus religion. We were migrants who came from England to Australia, which may have insulated me from cultural and family ties to religion.
Jacobsen: Through these threads of family and surrounding culture, what made for the pivotal moments in development as an atheist?
Speakman: There was no pivotal moment. I have always been free of religious indoctrination.
Jacobsen: Also, “a-” as a prefix in atheism means many things because it is both denial and affirmation. What is affirmed there to you? What is denied to you?
Speakman: I have chosen the description “atheist” to best describe my nonbelief in religious teaching. I am considering changing my description to “anti-theist” due to the bloodshed that religious division causes worldwide.
Jacobsen: How did you find the Atheist Republic? What do you do for them? What are your tasks and responsibilities?
Speakman: I came across the Atheist Republic on Facebook. I was asked by them to be an administrator of the Brisbane Consulate where I approve applications to join and keep a watch for hateful or bigoted posts.
Jacobsen: How does an Atheist Republic consulate work? What are its daily operations? How do you make sure the operations function smoothly?
Speakman: The Atheist Republic is simply a Facebook group of like-minded people worldwide.
Jacobsen: Why volunteer for them? What meaning comes from it?
Speakman: I volunteered because I believe that communication and the sharing of ideas are the way to overcome division, mistrust, and conflict. The internet provides such communication. The internet is a revolution that will unite the people of the world.
Jacobsen: How does the Atheist Republic, in your own experience and in conversing with others, give back to the atheist community and provide a platform for them – even to simply vent from social and political conventions that hold them either in contempt or in begrudging silence for fear of loss of life quality?
Speakman: The Atheist Republic provides a place where atheists can find each other, have a feeling of belonging and organize themselves.
Jacobsen: What do you hope for the future of atheism? What are the movements next steps?
Speakman: Ideally the internet will expose theists to ideas that will convert them into rational, peace loving citizens. I hope that United Atheist Republic Consulates can assist in bringing about peace in the world.
Jacobsen: Any feelings or thoughts in conclusion?
Speakman: These are critical times for the future of our planet and for mankind. Tough decisions need to be made regarding stabilizing human population and preserving our environment. Theists must realize that the future of our planet is not in the hands of gods and that they must take responsibility for the making of their own future.
Jacobsen: Thank you for your time, Geoff.
Speakman: You’re welcome.
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