I've been noticing a pattern lately in peoples attitude towards religion.

People are either tolerant, interested in, or fascinated by, many religions. Hinduism, Islam, the Greek Pantheon, even Judaism.

But if someone mentions they are a Christian, things get sour quickly.

I was on the bus about 2 months ago and these two pagan girls were talking, one was into Norse Mythology and was trying to find her 'Paternal Goddess', while the other was going on about the Greek Persephone.

I was curious, so I asked about it, and they told me all these cool stories about Greek Myth. They asked me how long I had been studying for, and I told them I wasn't, I was a Christian.

They suddenly got VERY quiet, and I could tell they were uncomfortable. I tried to keep the conversation going asking more about Demeter, and they quickly got off the bus like I just told them I had a contagious disease or something.

Just the other day I was at the bus stop and someone sneezed, and my automatic reaction is to say 'god bless you', as this is the polite norm.

Because I didn't just say 'Bless you', he turns to me and says, 'as an Atheist I find that offensive' and he goes on this rant about Christians trying to force their religion down peoples throats all the time.

like, wtf? Are you THAT desperate to show your beliefs down peoples throats that someone can't even say the word 'god' within 10 feet of you?

Tell me Menewsha, why is the Christian faith such a hot button when nothing else is?

Dunno. Probably all those evangelistic types out there who try to guilt trip folk, and the fact that most Americans have been brought up that way and find church so boring?

I'm Christian myself, but I've always tried to be mellow with it. I've studied almost every other religion and a lot of esoteric and magickal type stuff also, so there are even folk in my church who judge me.

I don't know, but I see what you mean. I get a lot of that too. Some people are just touchy about that kind of thing. Personally I think they are either trying to pick a fight or play the victim or they are insecure. To be honest I don't care which of the three it is, someone has a problem with my religion then that's kinda just tough for them, I'm not going to apologize for having faith. I don't try to force other people to believe the same things I do but I'm not going to pretend I don't believe in God just because someone else gets offended by the mere mention of him.

Historically in Western society, the Christian religion has been dominant. Due to its main conception of an omniscient supreme deity, it was accompanied by a complete lack of tolerance not only for alternate faiths but for select denominations.

Christianity is the institutionalized religion of many Western nations. For people to practice the religion of their choice, it's often necessary for them to fight tooth and nail for acceptance. To rebel against conventional morals and social codes is a natural reaction (be it against male society, whites, Christians, heterosexuals, the middle class, or college education) simply makes sense. Especially if you are constantly told that your way of life is not the norm. It hurts and everyone is allowed to strike out against that feeling of being forced into a box.

The other thing here is that other issues are hot button, very much so! But since it is part of the general culture to demean and devalue them, just like how most minority groups have been treated as inferior throughout history, then it is 10x easier for the majority to overlook any discrimination that occurs towards them. But for a person to be biased against Christianity? It strikes out in our minds and seems incredibly odd and weird. Unconsciously, you're more likely to question that person's motives and wonder why they are not conforming to acceptable behavior.

I confess, I am one of those people who inwardly cringes when someone mentions they are christian, or talks about the bible- not because I have an actual problem with that faith, but because growing up I was part of a very strict 'fire and brimstone' christian family, and usually it was a bad idea to have a different opinion than what they had- and I think most people are in that boat, being wary of Christians because of bad experiences.

But it is kind of dumb for those girls to take off like that. And REALLY rude of that guy who demean what you beleive just because he believes differently. People are assholes, end of story. You should light them on fire- I mean.... bake them fresh cookies.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think that part of it may be that Christians have done, and continue to do, a lot of stupid stuff in the name of God. Now dont take this the wrong way, because I'm a Christian too, but really you must admit, bible-thumpers and such people have not exactly given the world a very great impression of us. I know not everyone is like that (I certainly try not to be) but some of these people just give us a bad reputation.

But yeah, its sort of immature for them to judge us because of others they met that happen to share our religion. But hey, people are like that. What are you gonna do? *shrugs*

The number of Christians who are hardcore bible thumpers is actually a small percentage of the faith. But because they are the loudest ones they seem like their everywhere and of course the rest of us end up catching crap for it.

But that still doesn't excuse people for acting like douchebags.

I'm sorry, but, you're noticing a pattern because three people treated you like that? You can't possibly imagine that maybe those pagan girls ever had a bad experience with christians themselves, or that maybe that atheist guy had been told that he's "going to hell" for more than half the christian people he encountered?

I don't get it. Sure, those girls had a strange attitude towards you, and the guy was rude. But please don't think christianity is being attacked or whatever. More than half the world is religious, and the majority of religious people are christian or catholic. Getting your panties in a bunch because you encountered three rude people is not ok, specially considering I still get a lot of "you're going to hell" or "SPAWN OF SATAN! BEGONE!" if by chance I happen to politely state that I'm an atheist.

You must be catching the wrong bus, I swear. Either that or you haven't met the great people who go around saying non-religious people have "no right to quote the bible" and those who state I can't use "omg" because it means "oh my god" and "you have no god, unworthy beast"!

Also Knerd says it best.

Because they are idiots and don't know the truth...just ignore them. If one is worth talking too they will respect your beliefs.

People are quick to judge others anyway and lump em in a box. If the majority's opinion was right, then ALL Christians would be abortion clinic burnin' God-hates-fags prostelytisers, ALL Moslems would be terrorists, ALL Jews would be pennypinching greedy power freaks, ALL pagans would secretly be hex-throwing closet Satanists, and so on and so on.

But it's also true that if people are being bullheaded you waste your time trying to tell them otherwise. Like there's a drunk outside my window at the mo howling that we should come downstairs and fight him because he believes the tripe this gossip lady made up about my CG.

Not the moment to try to wow him with logic, I figure. If he doesn't shut up soon I'm just gonna call the cops and he can spend the night being illogical, boisterous and drunk in jail instead.

I, personally, would rather everyone keep their religions to theirselves unless they can respect EVERYONE else's beliefs. Your beliefs are no better than mine and vise versa. I'm an Athiest, I have no care for religion personally... I'm one of those people that have to see it to be believe it (most of the time) and most of the things I've heard sound too mythical for my taste, but as long as Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, whoever, they respect my beliefs, I will respect yours... but if you bash on me and tell me I'm going to a "hell", I'm not going to say very nice things about your religious beliefs either. They go hand-in-hand with me.

People treat Christians like we have a disease because they are ignorant. They have no clue what we believe, or why, and they don't care to try to understand. They enjoy hating someone who is different from them, without anyone calling them on it, because hey, no one will. According to society in general Christians are bad, and have done bad things, etc. Not true, but whatever.

1. If someone tells you that you're going to hell, they're probably not actually Christian. They are most likely just using the label to facilitate their own hatred. They're a jerk, and you should ignore them.

2. No Christian will ever judge, condemn, hate, or purposefully hurt you. It's against our beliefs on a fundamental level. People like that really bother those of us who actually believe in the teachings of Christ, because they make us look like evil little hate mongers, and we are not.

People who call themselves Christians just to be able to tell people they're going to hell, are to actual Christians, what straight girls who make out in bars to attract guys are to lesbians, and what annoying little highschool girls with a "spellbook" and a ouija board are to Wiccans. They are false, they are pretenders, and they do not represent us.

Do not indite us with their actions.

Originally Posted by NeuzaKC

I'm sorry, but, you're noticing a pattern because three people treated you like that? You can't possibly imagine that maybe those pagan girls ever had a bad experience with christians themselves, or that maybe that atheist guy had been told that he's "going to hell" for more than half the christian people he encountered?

I don't get it. Sure, those girls had a strange attitude towards you, and the guy was rude. But please don't think christianity is being attacked or whatever. More than half the world is religious, and the majority of religious people are christian or catholic. Getting your panties in a bunch because you encountered three rude people is not ok, specially considering I still get a lot of "you're going to hell" or "SPAWN OF SATAN! BEGONE!" if by chance I happen to politely state that I'm an atheist.

You must be catching the wrong bus, I swear. Either that or you haven't met the great people who go around saying non-religious people have "no right to quote the bible" and those who state I can't use "omg" because it means "oh my god" and "you have no god, unworthy beast"!

Also Knerd says it best.

I agree with this, also what Knerd said.
Both were wonderfully stated, and based on an instance that happened to me earlier this evening (I was told that there is no such thing as Atheists and that I'm "not really an atheist" I'm just "angry at god"), I don't want to risk coming off rudely or angrily.

I'm sorry, but I receive crap for my beliefs all day. Atheists in general don't. The popular culture is on your side in every way, every day. Whereas in some schools wearing a cross gets you suspended, because it's "offensive." Things like this go completely against the separation of church and state, as well as freedom of religion. It's sick.

If an atheist states their beliefs they are much more likely to be received as valid, than they are to be insulted, especially in collegiate and university settings. Christians on the other hand, are called naive or ignorant, or just plain stupid.

Thing is, that we as humans generally only notice when things like this happen to us. That's why you don't see how much crap Christians get, and we probably don't notice when it happens to you as much. However I usually put a stop to it when I see it, and I've never seen an atheist defend the rights of a Christian who is being attacked that way. Just saying.

sarofset:

I do have to disagree with you on a point. Every religion receives insults and anger led by ignorance and a refusal to be accepted. Being once Christian, and then going out to find a religious niche I felt like I belonged in, I've seen incredible amounts of hatred for anyone with a different belief. No one religion really gets ostracized.
You might find where you live that Christians tend to get the short end of the stick, but if we're looking at a world-wide scale, you'll find that hatred and ignorance really does balance out.

Originally Posted by sarofset

I'm sorry, but I receive crap for my beliefs all day. Atheists in general don't

I call bullshit. Just because you receive crap for your beliefs doesn't mean other people don't. And just because atheists don't receive crap around you, doesn't mean they don't receive crap at all.

Originally Posted by sarofset

If an atheist states their beliefs they are much more likely to be received as valid, than they are to be insulted, especially in collegiate and university settings. Christians on the other hand, are called naive or ignorant, or just plain stupid.

Proof. Please, deliver proof. And don't give me personal experiences either.

Originally Posted by sarofset

However I usually put a stop to it when I see it, and I've never seen an atheist defend the rights of a Christian who is being attacked that way. Just saying.

"I haven't seen any atheists defend christians so far. Therefore, an atheist does not defend christians." Prediction argument. Also false.

Prediction: a quantificational non deductive argument whose premises rely on the past and whose conclusion is a particular case.

So I look at this thread... and WTF is wrong with this thing?

Now, I'm agnostic, but I can safely say that Christians didn't do everything under the sun. Neither did Atheists. But they've both gotten into some horrible mobs. Reading this, we probably all know what Christianity has done. But what about in Chicago with people complaining about moments of silence in schools due to it was too much alike to prayer? Or the ever churning debate of removing "under god" from the american pledge of allegiance?

We could go on all day like this matching up shit, but really you can't just pin one religious group to the amount of mobs, being the dumbest, or being the best. Noticing a simple pattern doesn't warrant anyone to just say "only these people are bad EVERYONE IS AGAINST ME." There's jerks in every religion, and there's good people. Because why? We're all human. And especially in America, that means a variety of beliefs that sometimes clash between one another. Sure, you may feel put down sometimes, but that doesn't mean everyone in the world is against your beliefs alone.

Neu: I wasn't saying it doesn't happen, just that I've never seen it. Feel free to prove me wrong. I would love that. Honestly I would love to see one of these hypocrites who taut tolerance put their money where their mouth is. Next time you see someone getting attacked, like I am every day, DO SOMETHING! I dare you.

And as for atheists being generally more accepted, just look at any youtube video on the subject. See how many atheists are just plain mean to people who are not doing anything to them. I realize youtube comments aren't a real gauge of the whole world, but still give them a read sometime. Look up theamazingatheist, or thunderfoot, or any of their little compatriots. Then go ahead and tell me Christians aren't blatantly attacked.

My real problem with this is that the ones doing the attacking are usually completely reasonable people most of the time, but they refuse reasonable debate on religion. The only answer I get, is "nope, you're wrong." When I try to ask why, or explain my point I'm called ignorant, or stupid, or they just mock me, which really shows who the ignorant one is.

Fact is that we don't know jack about how the universe really works. We just don't. Physicists will tell you that. I'd know. My best friend is one. I've had the theories explained to me, and they're full of holes. That's what physicists do for a living, try to fill in the giant gaping holes in modern physics theory. Knowing all of that, and saying that I'm just wrong, and not being able to actually give a reason why is unreasonable. Believing there is no God requires just as much faith as saying there is one.

Agnostics. I have no problem with you. Wanting proof either way is fine. I used to be an agnostic. Now I'm Christian. It was proven to me. Maybe it will be to you, or maybe not. It's really your own prerogative.

Actually you said that "atheists in general don't [get attacked]". I accept that maybe that was bad wording on your part, but that's what I understood you meant in a very literal way. All that aside. No need to dear me to do something! I may be an atheist, but if a christian is being bluntly attacked by someone who has nothing better to say than "magical wizard in the sky", then I will defend them! I don't put my personal position above human tolerance. Well, unless I'm being attacked, obviously.

Is that bad wording again? I can see what you mean about YouTube fellows, but those people getting comments praising them does not mean atheists are in general more accepted. Those YouTube people just have sheep following them and fapping to their words, much like a lot of other people in various fields. Famous blogs and all that... BUT. I am glad you mentioned TheAmazingAtheist. I never checked his channel, never heard any of the words he ever said, and I will pretend you're curious as to why and tell you: the guy's a dick. He's probably an ugly old man filled with USI who needs to shut the hell up. However: imagine just one Christian looks to the guy and has the same opinion on him that I do. Possibly, that will mean in a religious debate, if he encounters an atheist, he will think "Oh no, an atheist! Just like that guy!" and will proceed to treat that person like it's TAA attacking him. You can probably imagine how that will go down. I'm not saying all, or even the majority of christians will assume we're all like TAA, but some might. And then a stereotype will be set that atheists are pricks with no respect for anyone's beliefs. And we're not like that! Well, not ALL of us. I detest being associated with that guy, I am not him. We just share a label.

You are right, christians are probably being attacked there. But atheists are too. This was an argument on a Stamp that reads "Atheist is not a bad word". Check how the christian acted. Click here. Again on a Stamp called "Don't Pray For Me", because, well, we get that a lot. A person says they'll be praying for us because praying is love and it shows how much they care for those who don't get a lot of love from others.

>Implying atheists don't get loved. Why? They're ATHEISTS. *Hiss*

And again, same stamp, if they KNOW people are in the wrong, they want to save them. "Know people are in the wrong." That's like me telling you I KNOW you are wrong and there IS no god. It doesn't sit right with you, and it shouldn't. Therefore, it shouldn't sit right with me that someone will pray for me because I am wrong.

As for the last part, I don't feel that's a part of the debate here, so, you know, to each his own on that one.

I've seen everybody get attacked by some group or another, but in our society it's frowned upon, unless they're Christian. In the popular culture, making fun of Christians and our beliefs is seen as just fine. It's really honestly funny to people. Making fun of any other group is considered wrong. So why?

Where have you been getting that information from? I have seen nothing in your society or mine that proves that statement right.

NeuzaKC: I never did understand why some people disliked it when I said I'd pray for them... But thank you for explaining it. I see what you mean, even if that's not always people's intentions, to make you feel that way.

Um, watch Tv. Which religion gets made fun of in every cartoon and sitcom? It's not atheism, it's not Hinduism, it's not Islam. Christians are constantly portrayed as ignorant, or stupid, or naive. We get made fun of all the time, and no one ever calls anybody on it. Ever.

YouTube - Family Guy Passion of the Christ

Crap like this comes up constantly. Does it happen to any other religion consistently?

Dude. Family Guy? It makes a parody out of everything. South Park made a parody of Atheists by making two separate alliances and a gigantinc war against otters. Otters, man. And it was lulzy for me.

Also Mormons. Ever went to artoftrolling.com? It's hilarious. They go to Mormon chats and ask them how do magnets work. And the missionary position. I think a missionary named David started playing along.

And Koneko, you're welcome! (: It's a touchy subject for some. While some don't mind praying, saying "I'll pray for you" often feels like they're praying for the wrong reasons, as the links show. But it depends on the person you're saying to, basically.

I wasn't just talking about family guy. Every comedy show in recent history has done it. And what southpark was making fun of with that episode, was this right here. People will argue and find reasons to hate each other regardless of the social situation. I'm just tired of the morons who run around saying that religion is the cause of all our problems. Or that more people have died in the name of religion than for any other reason. It's bs. and I'm tired of hearing it.

And about the "Ill pray for you" thing. The trick there is to ask "would you mind if I prayed for you." People are less offended by that usually.