An open letter on criticizing religious beliefs

The background of this bit is that I’ve been emailing with a relative about philosophical ideas. Religious/spiritual beliefs came up in an indirect way, and I was thanked for not delving into religious criticism. The part of the return email where I address this issue is below; it ended up being a general statement which really applies to everyone [“you” applies to you, the reader]:

“First, let me establish that I don’t care either way what you believe about “God”. What you have described as a point of view is something very similar to my own ideas up until relatively recently, in fact [No Abrahamic God exists, but there must be a “higher power” which is the origin of the universe]. I only want to dissect one specific idea I’ve heard others express time and time again—that I should not be critical of another’s belief system. This is something I do struggle with, not just with you but almost everyone outside the ‘atheist’ circle. It is the notion that religious/spiritual beliefs are somehow ‘above’ criticism or critical evaluation. That we shouldn’t touch it or talk about it as a society or as individuals. Yes, we split paths on the existence of god, but it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as this attempt to suppress the expression of ideas. This argument tends to go hand-in-hand with the misguided idea that criticism of a belief system is synonymous with criticism of the believer. You should know that I cannot promise that I will never talk about this issue or speak critically of religious ideas; but when I do so, it is not personal. I can logically describe why a religious dogma is sending a negative message to a follower or make a joke about religious belief, but that does not imply that I think the follower is doing something wrong or bad in practicing the religion. Like I have already said, I have dealt with these issues multiple times before, even though I could only describe myself as an atheist reaching back maybe 2 years or so. I have experienced a good deal of strife within my own family on this issue. Extended family members have personally attacked me and disowned me for this perspective. I’ve often thought about going back into the proverbial closet about my beliefs (and obviously I keep this a secret from many people), but I do not think I can stomach the subsequent feeling of being put into a cage like a damn animal. I make a point not to express my ideas around family, but some have come into contact with them regardless via my facebook page and/or blog(s). I’ve had a negative experience with ‘coming out’, but I hope telling you won’t result the same way. To be frank, I have no interest anymore in those who would condemn my life and character for my ideas about religion.”

In a time where atheists face more discrimination in the U.S. than Muslims, Jews, and multiple ethnic minorities (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=1786422&page=1), I think people are taking the wrong approach. I would dare to challenge the widespread perceptions about this group of people. In truth, our ideas are very transparent, and in my experience, we are very open, aside from some fears of being misjudged and miscategorized. But we still have work to do when it comes to society’s willingness to have a free exchange of ideas, and an atheist’s right to freedom of expression without fear of persecution.