Although she was raised Catholic and attended a Catholic school prior to college, Ball State University student Lauren Rumpler is starting an on-campus organization that aims to talk about atheism.
Rumpler, a junior journalism and political science major, said she got the idea to create an atheism society while looking through a list of student organizations. "I noticed that there wasn't a group for non-believers," she said. "I feel like everyone should have a place to discuss their beliefs."
The group's goals will be to talk about what other religions believe, why atheists' beliefs differ and how to dispel any bad connotations people have about atheism, Rumpler said. She said a lot of people have negative notions about Atheists, such as they are radicals or are out to harm other people. "I want people to realize that atheists are the same kind of people that everyone else is; they just believe differently," she said.
Rumpler said she graduated from an all-girls Catholic high school, but always questioned her religious beliefs. When she came to Ball State, Rumpler said she started dating her boyfriend, an atheist. She and her boyfriend talked about religion, and Rumpler said she researched a lot of scientific theory. "I just feel like [atheism] has got an explanation that I understand better," Rumpler said. "I love the beliefs of Atheism because it gives you a sense of power. It makes you feel like you're in control of your entire life." Rumpler said her parents are still devoted Catholics. At first, the idea of their daughter having no religion bothered her parents, but they have become more accepting over time, she said.
"They see the way I live," Rumpler said. "They know that it hasn't turned me into someone that isn't a good person."
She said she wants the Atheist Society to do a lot of community service work because of atheists' belief in helping society as a whole.
"We believe that doing good is supposed to benefit the human race and it doesn't really help you," Rumpler said. "It's the social benefit. That's how society runs, is people doing something for others. It shouldn't be about going to Heaven or going to Hell, it should be about being a good person."
The Atheist Society's first meeting will be at 5 p.m. Sunday in front of the Naked Lady in Bracken Library.
Rumpler said people of all beliefs are welcome, as long as they have an open mind. "I want this group to be as accepting as possible of those with different beliefs," she said. "I want to make sure everyone can come and explore their beliefs." Rumpler said she is writing a constitution for the Atheist Society and searching for a faculty advisor.
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