Olen Roberts wants folks to know he's not a bad guy. He's not dangerous. He's not evil. He just happens to be an atheist.
And after years of keeping his beliefs to himself, Roberts feels compelled today to share his message. His SUV can be regularly seen pulling a trailer with a homemade sign proclaiming “American Atheist.” Roberts spent last Wednesday afternoon driving through downtown Russellville. Predictably, the reception he got from local residents wasn't favorable.
“I'm an old man who just thought it was time to stop being a coward," Roberts said. "I don't carry weapons. I'm not insane. I'm just an atheist."
A Franklin County native, Roberts grew up in Spruce Pine, where he still lives today. He's retired from a career operating equipment on surface mining jobs. His father owned and operated Spruce Pine Sand and Gravel for many years. The church was a centerpiece of Roberts' childhood. His brother is a deacon at an area Baptist church.
Roberts' transformation began as he studied evolution in a college biology class. He developed a special interest in the subject and went on several digs in northwest Alabama. He describes himself as an amateur anthropologist even today. Roberts found the scientific evidence overwhelming as compared to what he read in the Bible. And as a result, his religious views changed.
“The Book of Genesis is historically and scientifically incorrect, and I can prove that,” Roberts said. “I decided to go out and do some research myself, and I have proof of what I say.
“I've heard a coward dies a thousand deaths. I couldn't be a coward my entire life. There comes a time you have to stand up and teach what you believe."
Roberts has been an atheist for more than three decades, but he didn't go public with his views until six years ago. He realized it would be an unpopular position with most people, but his heart told him it was time to own up to what he believes.
“For a long time, I just wanted to fit in. There's definitely a social stigma for atheists,” Roberts said. “But there are non-believers in our schools, colleges and among the faculty. There's even one local minister who is a non-believer. But he'd never leave his job, so he continues to teach doctrine he doesn't believe."
Roberts believes the driving force of religion boils down to financial motivation.
“Religion is economic-based. What religion is about is money,” Roberts said. “Money is one of the most powerful things in our world. People are superstitious, and if you tell them they'll possibly live forever, they follow, and economic forces drive that.”
Roberts, whose shirt had a pocket embroidery reading “Born Again Atheist,” said he's not out to force his views onto others. He pulls the trailer in an attempt to teach, he explains.
“I've been cussed, and some people shout at me, but I just smile and wave and tell them I teach what I can prove,” he said. “There are some non-believers in Franklin County, but most are just afraid. They won't use the word atheist because they're afraid of the repercussions."
Roberts was guarded with some personal information, explaining that he didn't want to cause problems for his family. Roberts said his friends have remained friends, even though most differ with his beliefs. He plans to continue spreading what he describes as “the truth” and doesn't have any plans to disconnect the trailer from his vehicle.
“There are many very good people who are Christians. I've had some intelligent discussions with Christians," Roberts said. "They just happen to be superstitious, which is what all great religions are about."
Roberts believes that science definitely shows man evolved from apes. As examples, he cited how man and apes have five cusps, or points, on their molars, while other monkeys have only four. Roberts said apes and humans both have raised points on their ears unique to those two species.
Whether Roberts is right or wrong in his views, he's not afraid to share them. And he always welcomes intelligent discussion.
As he sat parked on the side of Jackson Avenue Wednesday afternoon, Roberts saw a vehicle pull over in front of him and the driver approached his window.
Russellville resident Joan Watts said she stopped because she wanted to ask Roberts a few questions.
“The human body is like a perfectly designed machine," Watts said to Roberts. "Who else could make us other than God our creator?”
The two shared their views on creationism versus evolution for a few minutes. Before she left, Watts said she had something on her heart to share with Roberts.
“There is a God, and I hope and pray for you. I would not want to face this world without my God,” Watts said. “My family has been through so much, and our faith brought us through. I'm going to add you to our prayer list and pray that before you come to your end of time, you become a believer.
“Everyone has a right to their own opinion. I just pray you change yours."
