Despite the recent surge of best-selling books promoting atheism, atheists are often portrayed negatively in the popular press; and stories about grouchy atheists trying to win various lawsuits largely dominate popular perception of the non-religious demographic.

However, this was not the image of atheists presented on Friday, April 10, 2009, when about 100 people gathered at the McConomy Auditorium of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to hear Hemant Mehta, more commonly known as the “Friendly Atheist,” speak about his journey towards non-belief, the infamous eBay auction, his book, and his promotion of ‘friendly atheism.’

Hemant Mehta is the author of I Sold My Soul on eBay and the Friendly Atheist blog. He rose to national media attention after 'selling his soul' on eBay, in which he offered to attend place of worship of the highest bidder’s choice. His experiences at various churches made up a huge part of his book, and his blog was started to continue the discussion between atheists and Christians that started with the eBay auction.

Funding for Mehta’s travel, as well as advertising for the event, came from the Secular Student Alliance.  Mehta was the first speaker brought to campus by CMU’s Atheists, Humanists, and Agnostics (AHA) group in cooperation with the SSA. The lecture was open to both students and members of the public, and members of freethought organizations from the Pittsburgh area were also in attendance.

The lecture began with Mehta’s transformation from a religious Jain to atheism as a teenager, and his curiosity about other religions (having never been in a church before the eBay auction). He also spoke about how his friendly and respectful engagement of theists led to civil discourse on both sides and a conversation that benefited - and continues to benefit - both atheists and theists. In a time where atheists stand divided on the best ways to engage religious believers, Mehta’s promotion of ‘friendly atheism’ is a timely calling to both dispel the negative stereotypes often held about atheists and to promote mutual understanding and discussion.

A reception followed where free food was served, a book-signing was held, and the conversation continued.  The impact of the ‘friendly atheism’ message was seen even at the reception as students from Christian groups happily mingled and engaged Mehta and AHA members in conversation.

The lecture helped make AHA’s name more widely known across the campus as a growing alternative to the religious groups. We also formed more alliances with other freethought groups in the area. A few students from the University of Pittsburgh also said that this event inspired them to try and start a group on their own campus – and that was indeed a sign that the event was a success!

This article was written by Shalini Sehkar, one of the three Leadership Officers of the Carnegie Mellon University Atheists, Humanists & Agnostics, as part of the requirements for a Secular Student Alliance Project Grant.