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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/23/atheist-comfort-grief-opening-up

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How does an atheist help grieving friends? Share your experiences How does an atheist help grieving friends? Share your experiences
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A Pew study in 2012 determined that today one-fifth of the US public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated, the highest percentage ever in Pew polling.A Pew study in 2012 determined that today one-fifth of the US public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated, the highest percentage ever in Pew polling.
This change has affected some socially established cues. Condolences around a death, for instance. When you're not religious, you lose the crutch the words "You're in my prayers" offers. So what do atheists do in those moments?This change has affected some socially established cues. Condolences around a death, for instance. When you're not religious, you lose the crutch the words "You're in my prayers" offers. So what do atheists do in those moments?
Tiffany White wrote a compelling piece on the Guardian about what it's like being an atheist when someone you love is grieving.Tiffany White wrote a compelling piece on the Guardian about what it's like being an atheist when someone you love is grieving.
Even though I wasn't armed with an arsenal of hopeful and optimistic phrases to make her feel better with, I realized that simply being a caring and understanding friend was more important. And isn't that what really matters?Even though I wasn't armed with an arsenal of hopeful and optimistic phrases to make her feel better with, I realized that simply being a caring and understanding friend was more important. And isn't that what really matters?
As a part of the Guardian's Opening Up series, we want to hear from other atheists who have had to offer comfort at times of grief.As a part of the Guardian's Opening Up series, we want to hear from other atheists who have had to offer comfort at times of grief.
How do you offer solace to friends and family? What are their expectations of you? How do you talk to believers about God, religion and death?How do you offer solace to friends and family? What are their expectations of you? How do you talk to believers about God, religion and death?
Answer our questions below, and we'll feature some responses on the Guardian.Answer our questions below, and we'll feature some responses on the Guardian.
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