Request - Being an Atheist ALT in Japan

One of my subscribers, Theburlyman, asked me if there was any conflict with being an Atheist and being an ALT.

I ramble on a bit, but I hope I also answer his question in this vlog I shot outside my apartment on a nice autumn day.

I'm open to all comments, but I would prefer that this video not become the site of a debate about the merits of Atheism vs Christianity or any other religion. There are plenty of places on YouTube where you can have that argument.

Peace!
-Jason

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Jason
• vlog
• Shimane
• Japan
• Atheism
• atheist
• ALT
• JET
• Program

[TheMiddleNewton]

I am an atheist but I celebrate Christmas with my family. Not for the religious aspect of it but it's nice to have a day where you can give gifts to those you care about and have an excuse to get the whole family together.

If Christianity faded from society completely, I would think that Christmas or a day similar to it would continue to exist.

[TaishaJason]

@TheMiddleNewton Yeah, I agree. I try to send my family "Happy New Year" presents now, but we all know they're really Xmas gifts just a few days later. I avoid the celebrations by being in Japan, but if I was there, I would still participate in some of it. Anything that brings families together is a good thing.

[lslewis]

I didn't even know about this channel of yours. Good insight...

[TaishaJason]

@lslewis thanks.



[Gimmeaflakeman]

Good video, man. Never saw this one....

[TaishaJason]

@Gimmeaflakeman thanks. I have a few good ones tucked away on this 2nd channel

[ActiveAero]

I believe the key difference is that the two major religions of Japan are not based around the worship of a centralized "all powerful" being. Their religions deal with understanding with one's inner self and finding harmony/showing respect with nature. This is vastly different from religions that are based around a strict dogma that is not to be questioned.

You could almost say that the Japanese are deeply religious atheists, as little sense as that seems to make haha.

[hgnis]

The Japanese people as a whole are not as hung up on religion as the US is.

[nerdlass]

Hi, Jason. I didn't know about this other blog of yours. I was curious if there were other freethinker ALTs here, and you popped up! Glad to see you address this question. I try to teach about the various holidays, but focus on the fun stuff and make sure the kids know I don't believe the precepts, though my family does. And that's okay.

[tetrahydroscope]

@Xilosphere xD

[Xilosphere]

@tetrahydroscope Yeah... I'd show them a magnet with metal... Then call the metal 'earth' LMAO

[tetrahydroscope]

@Xilosphere LULZ xD. Yeah, sure, cavemen could conceptualize gravity. Whatever you say Mr. post-modern.