I heard an intriguing question on the radio yesterday. The host asked if we thought it was possible that atheists could honestly voice their concerns to theists and be heard. Now, I was at work and don't own a cell phone, so I couldn't (and wouldn't) call in, but it got me thinking. I know atheists in real life and on the Internet, and my best answer to the question was "maybe."
I think that it depends on what the dialogue is, who introduces it, and who shows up to talk...and listen. There are groups in all communities, Left, Right, and in-between (come on, admit it) that have no interest in dialogue.
Let's take the theists first, because let's face it, we're easier to categorize. There aren't many theists I know in real life who are interested in talking to atheists, and it shows in their stereotypes of atheists. "Why do they reject God, anyway?"
(Yes, I know you don't reject God. That's silly, and not in a good way. You'll get your chance, trust me.)
The main body of theists I know of who are interested in talking with atheists are Christian conservatives, and...well, they aren't very interested in listening, are they? Their main style of interaction with atheists (and non-Christians, and liberal Christians, etc.) is to hard-core proselytize, and then when their proselytizing is rejected, to cut off all further discussion with the dismissive, demeaning, "I'll pray for you" closer. ("I'll pray for you" in conservative Christian-speak means, "I can't change your mind, so I'll tell my God to do it instead.")
Now, there are atheists who aren't interested in talking to theists, either. I've met some Internet atheists who have said straight out that unless we theists give up that imaginary nonsense we believe, they don't want to see or hear from us. Doesn't matter if I'm a liberal polytheistic Pagan who doesn't believe in proselytizing or Fred Phelps' fervent disciple, this group of atheists would like to see all theists just ... well, let's say "disappear," because it's more polite.
But I understand this attitude. Look, if you're such an under-represented minority, if you have to pretend you believe in Gods you don't believe in just to survive at work and/or at home, if you legitimately fear violence if you are who you are, I can see not wanting theist jabber in your free time. I've had to pass as Christian before, too, when I was employed by a very conservative doctor. It sucks.
There are areas, however, where atheists and theists can and do agree. I think probably most of us on here agree that the separation of church and state should be maintained across the board by our government, federal, state, and local. And I think we mostly agree that one's religious point of view or lack thereof should never make someone ineligible to be a whole, honest working person in our society. Firing someone because she is an atheist is as unacceptable to me as firing someone because she's gay.
So I do think there are places where we agree, things we can chat about to start a dialogue. (Maybe, oh, I don't know...in the comments section?) And who knows where we'll go from there if we just give it a try?
Maybe it'll end the way some of my on-line discussions with atheists have, where I agree to buy the virtual beer if they buy the virtual pizza. OR maybe we'll hate each other. Who knows? But I'm willing to give it a try.