Atheist Discussion Thread

[CoderDrag0n8 He/They]

On 5/6/2026 at 6:51 AM, Rynturning_Light said:

Hey all! I've got a really random question, but as people who don't hold religious beliefs, do y'all have any symbols that like give you hope or reassurance or anything?

It's no secret that each religion has, in some form, have symbols or icons that like represent or inspire that religion. For example, Christianity's cross is commonly worn by Christians. Usually to represent their faith, but also to inspire/remind of confidence in that faith.

I've been struggling with my mental health recently and, as an Atheist, I don't really have one of those symbols, but it has gotten me thinking about non-religious symbols that could inspire those feelings of contentment or hope in non-religious people.

For me, I've been wearing around my phoenix necklace more. I like the story of the phoenix and what it represents, and while it might not have a religious connotation or connection (at least to me), it kinda helps to remind me that these hardships only serve to lead me to the next point in my life.

Probably really corny, but I'm curious if anyone else has stuff like that. Important symbols or icons to them that have no religious influence or meaning but still kinda hold the same place as religious symbols

I use other humans

I dunno I emotionally rely on people a lot

[Verdance he/him]

On 5/6/2026 at 9:51 AM, Rynturning_Light said:

Hey all! I've got a really random question, but as people who don't hold religious beliefs, do y'all have any symbols that like give you hope or reassurance or anything?

It's no secret that each religion has, in some form, have symbols or icons that like represent or inspire that religion. For example, Christianity's cross is commonly worn by Christians. Usually to represent their faith, but also to inspire/remind of confidence in that faith.

I've been struggling with my mental health recently and, as an Atheist, I don't really have one of those symbols, but it has gotten me thinking about non-religious symbols that could inspire those feelings of contentment or hope in non-religious people.

For me, I've been wearing around my phoenix necklace more. I like the story of the phoenix and what it represents, and while it might not have a religious connotation or connection (at least to me), it kinda helps to remind me that these hardships only serve to lead me to the next point in my life.

Probably really corny, but I'm curious if anyone else has stuff like that. Important symbols or icons to them that have no religious influence or meaning but still kinda hold the same place as religious symbols

Okay, so like, besides religious stuff

idk if this counts but i treat a band (which themes itself as a cult so idk) basically as reverently as a religious symbol

so idk, music? 

[Through the Living Shadow he/him]

18 hours ago, Verdance said:

Okay, so like, besides religious stuff

idk if this counts but i treat a band (which themes itself as a cult so idk) basically as reverently as a religious symbol

so idk, music? 

(Is this a Sleep Token reference?)

*vanishes*

[Verdance he/him]

6 hours ago, Through the Living Sherma said:

(Is this a Sleep Token reference?)

*vanishes*

Yes

but basically giving an example of how non religious stuff can be a symbol of hope, music, not necessarily sleep token (which is murky cause its presented as a religion)

[CoderDrag0n8 He/They]

8 hours ago, Verdance said:

Yes

but basically giving an example of how non religious stuff can be a symbol of hope, music, not necessarily sleep token (which is murky cause its presented as a religion)

I treat ORV like a cult

Which got a little crazy early on when I was doggedly converting people.

[Aeoryi she/her]

On 5/6/2026 at 6:51 AM, Rynturning_Light said:

Hey all! I've got a really random question, but as people who don't hold religious beliefs, do y'all have any symbols that like give you hope or reassurance or anything?

It's no secret that each religion has, in some form, have symbols or icons that like represent or inspire that religion. For example, Christianity's cross is commonly worn by Christians. Usually to represent their faith, but also to inspire/remind of confidence in that faith.

I've been struggling with my mental health recently and, as an Atheist, I don't really have one of those symbols, but it has gotten me thinking about non-religious symbols that could inspire those feelings of contentment or hope in non-religious people.

For me, I've been wearing around my phoenix necklace more. I like the story of the phoenix and what it represents, and while it might not have a religious connotation or connection (at least to me), it kinda helps to remind me that these hardships only serve to lead me to the next point in my life.

Probably really corny, but I'm curious if anyone else has stuff like that. Important symbols or icons to them that have no religious influence or meaning but still kinda hold the same place as religious symbols

Now that I've thought about it:

There are quite a few symbols that I hold dear to me, but I'd say that the closest thing to a religion thingy is... a pronoun pin. 

I used to wear it all the time and it was really important because it reminded myself that "This is Me" even when I couldn't be who I wanted to be. I kept it in my pocket throughout the day even when I had to hide my trans-ness, because it helped me remind myself that I was still me, regardless of if I had to hide that me from others

 

[SpartanBrigade He/Him]

On 5/6/2026 at 8:51 AM, Rynturning_Light said:

Hey all! I've got a really random question, but as people who don't hold religious beliefs, do y'all have any symbols that like give you hope or reassurance or anything?

It's no secret that each religion has, in some form, have symbols or icons that like represent or inspire that religion. For example, Christianity's cross is commonly worn by Christians. Usually to represent their faith, but also to inspire/remind of confidence in that faith.

I've been struggling with my mental health recently and, as an Atheist, I don't really have one of those symbols, but it has gotten me thinking about non-religious symbols that could inspire those feelings of contentment or hope in non-religious people.

For me, I've been wearing around my phoenix necklace more. I like the story of the phoenix and what it represents, and while it might not have a religious connotation or connection (at least to me), it kinda helps to remind me that these hardships only serve to lead me to the next point in my life.

Probably really corny, but I'm curious if anyone else has stuff like that. Important symbols or icons to them that have no religious influence or meaning but still kinda hold the same place as religious symbols

I know this isn't really my place, but a non religious symbol that does mean a lot to me is the Superman crest
Kinda a similar thing to your phoenix
It represents hope and persistence for me 
Helps me stand back up when I don't feel like I have the strength to anymore

[Keke They/he]

On 5/6/2026 at 7:51 AM, Rynturning_Light said:

Hey all! I've got a really random question, but as people who don't hold religious beliefs, do y'all have any symbols that like give you hope or reassurance or anything?

It's no secret that each religion has, in some form, have symbols or icons that like represent or inspire that religion. For example, Christianity's cross is commonly worn by Christians. Usually to represent their faith, but also to inspire/remind of confidence in that faith.

I've been struggling with my mental health recently and, as an Atheist, I don't really have one of those symbols, but it has gotten me thinking about non-religious symbols that could inspire those feelings of contentment or hope in non-religious people.

For me, I've been wearing around my phoenix necklace more. I like the story of the phoenix and what it represents, and while it might not have a religious connotation or connection (at least to me), it kinda helps to remind me that these hardships only serve to lead me to the next point in my life.

Probably really corny, but I'm curious if anyone else has stuff like that. Important symbols or icons to them that have no religious influence or meaning but still kinda hold the same place as religious symbols

Honestly?i have a few. Ironically one was provided by Brandon Sanderson. I carry around a mental health challenge coin. I also had a promise bracelet for the longest time. I never took it off as it was not only a promise to my loved ones that i would survive, but it was proof I was strong enough to. (Though i lost the bracelet as it broke.) that and semi colons

[Verdance he/him]

23 minutes ago, Keke said:

Honestly?i have a few. Ironically one was provided by Brandon Sanderson. I carry around a mental health challenge coin. I also had a promise bracelet for the longest time. I never took it off as it was not only a promise to my loved ones that i would survive, but it was proof I was strong enough to. (Though i lost the bracelet as it broke.) that and semi colons

‘;’?

what

[Keke They/he]

Just now, Verdance said:

‘;’?

what

Semi colons are suicide awareness symbols. 

Like a metaphor, authors use a semicolon when they could have ended a sentence but chose not to. The author represents the individual, and the sentence represents their life.

It’s a way to say my story, your story isnt over. 

[Verdance he/him]

1 minute ago, Keke said:

Semi colons are suicide awareness symbols. 

Like a metaphor, authors use a semicolon when they could have ended a sentence but chose not to. The author represents the individual, and the sentence represents their life.

It’s a way to say my story, your story isnt over. 

I can’t tell if you’re serious or not

Either way its really cool 

[Keke They/he]

Just now, Verdance said:

I can’t tell if you’re serious or not

Either way its really cool 

Im serious, im going to get a tattoo of it when im older. My mom, dad, and two brothers have one. 

See here

[Verdance he/him]

Just now, Keke said:

Im serious, im going to get a tattoo of it when im older. My mom, dad, and two brothers have one. 

See here

Okay, pretty cool, then

[Pathfinder]

On 5/6/2026 at 9:51 AM, Rynturning_Light said:

Hey all! I've got a really random question, but as people who don't hold religious beliefs, do y'all have any symbols that like give you hope or reassurance or anything?

It's no secret that each religion has, in some form, have symbols or icons that like represent or inspire that religion. For example, Christianity's cross is commonly worn by Christians. Usually to represent their faith, but also to inspire/remind of confidence in that faith.

I've been struggling with my mental health recently and, as an Atheist, I don't really have one of those symbols, but it has gotten me thinking about non-religious symbols that could inspire those feelings of contentment or hope in non-religious people.

For me, I've been wearing around my phoenix necklace more. I like the story of the phoenix and what it represents, and while it might not have a religious connotation or connection (at least to me), it kinda helps to remind me that these hardships only serve to lead me to the next point in my life.

Probably really corny, but I'm curious if anyone else has stuff like that. Important symbols or icons to them that have no religious influence or meaning but still kinda hold the same place as religious symbols

Love the question and love all the answers!!!!

For myself I do not have a symbol I look to for hope. I really like @CoderDrag0n8 ‘s answer regarding relying on other people. I think that is the closest I could say to that for myself. 

[Usseewa ✾ She♡Her ✾]

is anyone else interested/intrigued by religion (at least sometimes) despite being an atheist?

i am

[Deception He/Him]

3 hours ago, Usseewa said:

is anyone else interested/intrigued by religion (at least sometimes) despite being an atheist?

i am

Yes same. I am atheist and don't intend to convert but I still think religion is interesting sometimes. I am from a household where some uncles and stuff practice various religions and we celebrate christian holidays, but nobody at least in my immediate family really cares about religion. Probably has something to do with the fact that I am autistic so "faith" goes against my core being, and that my dad is a quantum physicist.

[Usseewa ✾ She♡Her ✾]

3 hours ago, Deception said:

Yes same. I am atheist and don't intend to convert but I still think religion is interesting sometimes. I am from a household where some uncles and stuff practice various religions and we celebrate christian holidays, but nobody at least in my immediate family really cares about religion. Probably has something to do with the fact that I am autistic so "faith" goes against my core being, and that my dad is a quantum physicist.

I grew up religious for a bit then not and family not really religious kinda and yeah stuff

it's not that i don't believe in anything

i just believe in nothing

 

...

 

lol

 

[Deception He/Him]

20 minutes ago, Usseewa said:

it's not that i don't believe in anything

i just believe in nothing

 

...

 

lol

?

[Usseewa ✾ She♡Her ✾]

7 hours ago, Deception said:

?

it was a dumb thing that didn't have much meaning to be honest 

[Hmmm lies she/her]

18 hours ago, Usseewa said:

is anyone else interested/intrigued by religion (at least sometimes) despite being an atheist?

i am

For sure, I always love looking at it from a psychological, political, and historical perspective. Especially longer ago, stuff thousands of years ago tends to interest me more than the modern day. Stuff like formation of religions and stuff.

 

I wanna write a big thing about criticism of the concept of sin later but not rn.

[Aeoryi she/her]

interestingly the philosophy behind truth and religion are fun little puzzles to analyze

[Ink and Embers Any pronouns]

20 hours ago, Usseewa said:

is anyone else interested/intrigued by religion (at least sometimes) despite being an atheist?

i am

Very much so! I find the concept of faith fascinating, especially given how incredibly influential it's been in history. And the evolution of religions and the ways in which some converge is always really fun to look at!