An Atheist who is also Socially Conservative/Traditionalist

Many people seem to associate atheism with social liberalism, as if the former automatically implies the latter, but this is a flawed view. I am an atheist, and also a left-leaning one at that, yet I am "conservative" on many social issues. I believe that people who are transgender are mentally ill, and should be treated as such. I believe that only male-female couples should be allowed to adopt children, not gay couples. I believe that women should dress modestly, and not have their ass and cleavage showing in public. I believe that coarse humor and vulgar language should be kept off television. I believe that teenagers should be discouraged from having sexual intercourse outside of marriage. I believe that abortion should be allowed within the first trimester, but heavily discouraged. I believe that no-fault divorce should be made illegal. Overall, my views are similar to those that existed in the former Communist countries of the Eastern Bloc, which tended to be quite socially conservative/traditionalist while at the same time promoting left-wing socioeconomic policies, such as guaranteed employment, social security, and state-funded education.

I see absolutely no contradiction between my atheism and my stances on these social issues, yet many people (especially in the United States) seem to have a difficult time imagining an atheist who isn't also a liberal. Looking at modern American politics, there is not a single party that comes close to representing my views. You have capitalism-worshiping pro-Israel religious nuts on one hand, and (*)(*)(*)(*)(*)footed pseudo-socialists who think it's okay to let a man use a woman's bathroom on the other.

 

The US has become so polarized that people no longer see themselves and others as individuals. Everyone is supposed to fit into a little preconceived box. Sad state of affairs and lightyears from reality.