Bey looks towards a future without faith

Journalist and activist Jamila Bey says she does not believe in God, but instead believes in a future without faith — a future reliant upon a combined human effort to improve life for one and all, regardless of gender, cultural background or sexual orientation.

"As we learn more and as people have access to more information, more of us are inclined to say ‘Huh, I never thought I could think that way,'" Bey said during a Wednesday presentation at the University of Northern Iowa. "And when we make it safer for people who want to join the skeptical movement, who want to learn more and do good science, we all prosper and benefit."

Bey, a National Public Radio journalist and a secular activist in the diverse atheist movement, presented "The Future Belongs to Us: Facts Diminish Faith" on Feb. 15 as part of Darwin Week, an event hosted by the UNI Freethinkers and Inquirers.

As an atheist, Bey said she believes skepticism of religion and an appreciation for science are beneficial to future generations of children, but also recognizes the sense of belonging and community that religious organizations bring. Bey said modern families can retain that same level of social interaction while remaining secular.

"Coming together and having common ideals is a good thing," Bey said. "Don't reinvent the wheel. Borrow ideas — get together on certain holidays."

Bey also stressed the importance of embracing the diversity of the human species and understanding that people will not always see eye to eye.

"When we don't have much diversity of thought, experience or ideas, a lot of times messages don't really translate well," Bey said. "There can be a lot of hurt feelings. But sometimes we need that because we know when people get their feelings hurt they like to get up and do something, which can be a road towards progress."

Stephen O'Kane, a professor of biology at UNI, said he largely agreed with the speaker's sentiments.

"We should always be skeptical in life," O'Kane said. "One can be both religious and skeptical. I don't think you necessarily have to be an atheist."

Mandy Paris, a senior English major, said she believes "it's important for younger and older generations … to realize that their ideas are going to be challenged."

"I think a lot of people will see that as an attack on themselves, even if it's not intended that way," Paris said.

Corey Cooling, a sophomore physics and philosophy double major, said he was impressed by the overall breadth and sentiment of Bey's speech.

"I thought it was really interesting how she talked about diversity from a historical perspective… the skeptic movement has really been around much longer than we think it has," Cooling said. "I feel like it's never a bad thing if you're exposed to a variety of different ideas, even those which you might disagree with."