Editor’s note: This story is part of our print coverage of the different religions at FC. To see what ran in print check out the PDFs of pages 36 and 37 of our April 20, 2012, issue.

By Meghan Poff

Bagpiper: How did you come to the decision to become an atheist?

Sarah Henry: I was raised in an atheist home, so I grew up with secular ideas all throughout my childhood.
BP: Even though your parents were not religious, did they allow you to form your own ideas?

SH: Even though my parents don’t have any religious beliefs, they really encourage me to explore and learn about different religions.

BP: How did you first begin to come out to people at school as being an atheist?

SH: I first declared myself as an atheist after I went to Camp Quest, which is a camp for free thinkers. I love having that because when people try to convert me, I have an entire group of people to call upon to support me.

BP: What are some of the stereotypes you have seen that people have toward atheists?

SH: A lot of people have told me that the only reason atheists don’t believe is because they don’t know anything about god. The fact of the matter is that I’ve read the bible and learned about other religions and I simply don’t agree with them.

BP: What do you think peoples general perception of atheists is?

SH: Many people believe that because atheists are not religious, that they have no morals and don’t do anything good. This is not at all the case.

BP: What are some of the principles that you live by as an atheist?

SH: Now, I just try to live honestly, and basically as a good person.  For the most part, I try to be a good person, and do what I know is right. I think that’s more important than having a specific belief.

BP: Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

SH: If they were to wipe all of the atheists off the face of the earth, it would eliminate 95% of the National Science Board, but only 5% of the world’s prisons.