I am an Atheist. This is something I don't talk about alot because atheist are hated all over this country. According to a recent study, atheist were ranked as the least trusted minority in america. Ranking lower than gays, arabs, and immigrants. But the truth is that we atheist are the 2nd largest minority in the country, making up 16% of the population. That is bigger than blacks at 12%, jews at 5%, and NRA members at 1.5%. Latino's are ranked highest at 20%. Why am I an atheist? Because I don't know. I don't know if there is an afterlife, I don't know if there is some sort of omnipresent super being that controls the universe. I just don't know. I choose to find the answers for myself, not by obeying someone who go's around claiming to preach the truth.

Ok? Xd

I believe in a higher power but I do not conform to organized religion, it's like i told a friend of mine that is christian. It's not that I don't believe in a God, it's just I hope it's not yours cuz yours sounds like a fricking ass hole! :3

Anyhoo I try to respect everyone's religious (or lack there of) views. So just keep doing what you think is right. It's your life you should find the answers within. XD

What kind of study did you look at?
My fiance is mostly Atheist and I'm Agnostic. If it weren't for my own proof that there are good spirits and such, I'd be Atheist too. After all, if you believe in ghosts, then you know there's some form of an afterlife -- therefore, you can't be an Atheist (my logic), but fiance says he's one anyways XD

Back to your question or statement, I highly doubt that Atheist are the most hated in the country, I get the feeling that religious fanatics did that survey because I met more than my fair share of Atheist and they were never shunned by society -- much less hated.

It seems pretty unfair that you would be labeled as untrustworthy for being an athiest. All the women in my family are pagan (except for me, who can't decide what she believes, just like you) and I once caught an old woman who'd been trying to hand out scripture packets screaming in the face of one of my sisters that 'people like her' were responsible for everything wrong in this country because they were all in charge and none of them know God. My sister, to note, has a habit of politely turning such things down, explaining that while she is glad that the people handing them out can take comfort in God, His ways are not her ways. Apparently that was enough to drive this woman crazy and make her start spewing blame. I had a water bottle in my hands at the time. I pointed out to her, loudly, that if that was true, then why do all these politicians thank God for their places in office and tout on being good Christians? Obviously she was just trying to condemn others and pass judgment where she had no right. I strongly advised her to re-read the passages in her bible dealing with judgment. I'm 99% sure the Bible says to leave it to God, right?

I then maybe told her to leave my family and my friends alone or I'd baptize her myself. She didn't believe me until I started opening the water bottle. It's funny how fast little old ladies can run to their cars sometimes...

So yeah, I've seen people decide to place blame just because of the beliefs, or lack of beliefs, of others. The trick is to remember that all groups have their beliefs, their ideals, and their flaws, but a few set standards can be universal to any religious group or sect. There are laws that all people should follow and traits that all people should share, not on religious grounds but because it will make them better people. And tolerance is one of these traits. Just because they don't seem to trust you doesn't mean you should respond to that with mistrust yourself. Just hang in there and prove by action that you can still be a good person. If they really take the words of their own guides to heart and try to be good people, they should be able to respect that. If they can't, they're not worth the breath it takes to argue anyway.

Back to your question or statement, I highly doubt that Atheist are the most hated in the country, I get the feeling that religious fanatics did that survey because I met more than my fair share of Atheist and they were never shunned by society -- much less hated.

Where are you living? I see people persecuted every day for being non-christians. Then again I live in the south...

Regardless I feel the statement is probably on the money. We are still a very religious civilization, until humans evolve past the concept of religion it will always be that way and people that don't conform will always be shunned.

Then again down here in the south half the white population still thinks blacks should ride in the back of the bus. :3

I feel a lot of religious people tend to use their views as an excuse to be prejudice or what not.

Originally Posted by Gary Stargazer

Where are you living? I see people persecuted every day for being non-christians. Then again I live in the south...

Regardless I feel the statement is probably on the money. We are still a very religious civilization, until humans evolve past the concept of religion it will always be that way and people that don't conform will always be shunned.

Then again down here in the south half the white population still thinks blacks should ride in the back of the bus. :3

I feel a lot of religious people tend to use their views as an excuse to be prejudice or what not.

I live in AZ, there's actually alot more Atheist people here than I've known in NYC. I actually met more Atheists in college than in high school and I haven't seen anyone being shunned, or beaten or anything like that.

I've talked to Christians about being Agnostic, and most of them cringed but that was it. When my fiance said he was Atheist, they just stayed silent and went, "oh.. okay >.>" and went back to doing whatever. According to my fiance, there are actually alot more people open-minded about Atheism in El Paso.

I'm on the fence too, and even though I don't sway particularly to one side or the other it is really hard to talk about because then people start making assumptions. Like if she doesn't believe in God then she must be a devil worshipper, or she can't be trusted, or she's a bad person. It's really hard to know what to believe in, mainly because our generation is based primarily on facts and proof. Whereas the last generation is based more on belief. In truth there is no proof that there is God, and just because I don't believe doesn't make me a bad person.

Sadly we're still in a "Christian" world. If you don't believe in the church god you're looked down on. Even if you are Jewish or Islamic you tend to be looked down upon depending on where you live, even though all three religions share the same deity (and personally, who cares if Islam calls God by a different name, same being, same generally name, it's just in their own language).

That is why I rather dislike organized religion. That and there is a lot of corruption. So while I'm technically part of the Christian religion I hardly follow or believe in any of it. So I suppose in a religious sense I am atheist, however I don't really consider myself to be such because I believe in something. I don't know what, but I believe there is some higher power out there, I just do go around labeling it as a "god" or a "savior". In fact, just to rebel against the big organized religions I tend to say things along the lines of "my gods" rather than "my god", partly due to the fact that I like ancient mythology that has many gods rather than this "one god" thing.

But I do agree that it is rather stupid that atheist are not trusted. Why do you need to believe in God to have a valid opinion? And why would not believing make me a "horrible person" if you think I'm going to hell, well fine. But there are a lot of religious people that are going to hell to. There are people who justify killing because they claim their "god" told them to do so. Well... I don't kill people, I actually did a lot of volunteer work growing up and I'm not afraid to put a hand out and help someone in need. So.... even given all the good deeds I've done, am I still a bad person because I don't believe in God?

I think not.

I think comparing what kind of "hate" atheists have to deal with against gays and blacks is a bit presumptuous. I've never heard of an atheist being taken out a killed because he didn't believe in God. Gays are often times beaten at random on the street. Black people...you don't even compare, what you might have to deal with is nothing what they have to deal with.

I don't see how a non-believe would deal with more haters than someone who's beliefs actually go AGAINST the christian God. I myself am pagan and most people believe that I'm actually AGAINST God. Atheists aren't against God, they're simply not for him.

"Why am I an atheist? Because I don't know. I don't know if there is an afterlife, I don't know if there is some sort of omnipresent super being that controls the universe. I just don't know. I choose to find the answers for myself, not by obeying someone who go's around claiming to preach the truth."

Excuse me? I find this HIGHLY offensive. To assume that people who have faith are only listening to others is absolutely and completely absurd. I listen to what I believe as a person, by taking from my life what experiences I've had. Not a single person in my family is pagan, I found this on my own and I've always thought that it couldn't be possible for just one God to create something so beautiful as this earth and the life on it. I suggest you stop assuming that everyone who is religious is just following someone elses words blindly.

Originally Posted by Drakken

I choose to find the answers for myself, not by obeying someone who go's around claiming to preach the truth.

Just keep in mind that you are always following someone. Unless you were part of the latest tobacco research program, you're taking their word for it that smoking is unhealthy. Unless you personally processed your latest blood sample, then you're following your doctor and blood technician. Unless you were alive during the Civil War, you're taking your information from literature and other people's perspectives.

You do not know everything, nor will you ever. It's always necessary to depend upon the information and viewpoints of others. :yes:

You simply depend most upon scientists and modern intellectuals who claim that their research proves the "truth". While I value their opinions in the highest regard, I also place value upon the viewpoints of holy men and women who lived several thousand years ago. That doesn't mean that either of us is being duped or isn't thinking for ourselves. :)

Originally Posted by Shalandriel

To assume that people who have faith are only listening to others is absolutely and completely absurd.. . . I suggest you stop assuming that everyone who is religious is just following someone elses words blindly.

I agree to the two points being touched on: not everyone who follows faith is blind, and not everyone who doesn't is enlightened.

I believe the "hate" you're touching on is because of fear: fear that someone is not like yourself. It's taken the US centuries to even TRY to overcome differences of birth, like race or disorder, but differences of choice? I suspect we will be bullheaded forever. And this is one of the better countries.

From my experience, the fear of atheists is due to two things: dogmas and ignorance. If someone is of a different religion, it is assumed they have different morals. And if you don't have a religion? You apparently don't have any morals. Funny, most of the atheists I know are socialistic pacifists.

So look around, and if none of it's for you? None of it's for you. Most people ally themselves with a religion, when their faiths are really a complex web of different conclusions that may--or may not--coincide with their religion.

There's nothing wrong with being aethist. It's technically a religion that doesn't believe in religion. I guess you could call me aethist.

I don't see the problem with this...so you and people like you don't belive in some form of diety. big freaking deal. It's your choice to belive or not I'm open, I was raise christian and am currently working on Comming home to Wicca. When I made the desision I felt much better *shrugs* that's just me though, my parents would kill me if they knew.

I'm a Catholic, and I've only known one group (that were consequently responsible for scarring me emotionally and psychologically for years) in my entire lifetime that would "hate" anyone for being atheist. My parents raised me to be open-minded about everyone's beliefs, because that's just it--it's THEIR beliefs. You can't try to force them to be like you or anything. Because that's not being open-minded and accepting and loving, it's... being non-loving? *Mai fails at finding words despite having had coffee this morning*

Anyways, what I'm trying to say is, atheists are not hated by everyone, and I highly doubt they're the "least trusted" in the country, or whatever. Every religion gets its share of flak from other religions just because beliefs clash and contradict others. I know that I myself have felt pressure because of my faith, and it made me seriously question following God for a few years before I decided that I really did believe for myself, not because of what I'd been told for years, and also my faith was too important to me to leave it for others who didn't care to respect my beliefs.

So... I don't believe in judging others based on religion or any other sort of belief. Even if your belief contradicts mine (which yours obviously does), I'm not going to be all, "Oh, shun them, they're bad people," because that's not how I roll. I have friends that are of differing beliefs, and that doesn't get between us.

I don't hate you my brother, In fact I love you and will pray for you to experience the blessing of having a relationship with Almighty God. :)

I was babtized a christian but born an athiest, my first book growing up was the big book of dinosaurs and i knew the basics of scientific theory before I went to sunday school(In Austin ppl aren't that anti-athiest) and as a result got transferred to the "special" class(the class where all the troublemakers go) I played along for the free candy at the laughs I got while reading the ridiculously impossible stories in the bible(If we all were daughters of one guy and one girl we would have gone extinct thousands of yrs ago) and the free candy and raffles. After we left austin I increased the amount of days I didn't go and finally had the courage to telll my parents I didn'yt want to go anymore ever again because i didn't believ in a higher power except those called gravity and magnetism. I respect religous folks as long as they respect me and I am very open about my athiesm but I have experienced alot of hatred from religous factions in the Northern State I live in now(Who would've guessed that the north would be less accepting of athiesm than the south) and pp telling me they can save my soul to which I will reply "I have no soul" just to get rid of them. I believe what I want to believe not what others want me to believe so there..

Religion is just plain stupid. Agnostics and Atheists are the way to go.

I am an Atheist. I have been for as long as I can remember. People don't understand you when you're different, and one just has to get used to it. Almost all of my friends are Christians. I know some people who are unsure, and a few Atheists, (my boyfriend, my ex boyfriend, and his brother), but besides that, they're all Christian. Basically, if you are sure in your viewpoint (which, who knows, may change eventually), then be confident in yourself and love who you are. Try to care less about what other people think of you, and try to associate with those who are all right with your beliefs. Be who you are, my dear. You'll find others.
As for being hated, it just depends on who you're around. I had one boyfriend who's mom hated be because I was Atheist and she thought I was corrupting her son. Essentially, I offered to have a conversation with her, and she never bothered to talk to me. It's easy to hate a type of person or a group of people, but when you meet with them face to face, it becomes much more difficult. Just a little food for thought.

Originally Posted by Jakeasaurus Rex

Religion is just plain stupid. Agnostics and Atheists are the way to go.

Everyone has the right to their own opinions and belief systems. Please remember to be respectful on our forums, regardless of whether or not you agree with the statements being made.

I'm agnostic. Mostly because I don't believe that mankind could possibly hope to understand the will of a higher power. But I still believe there is something there. We just don't have the capacity to understand and name it. Basically, I dont believe in organized religion. I think its a waste of time. I have friends from many religions (or lack thereof) and I think they're all awesome. Believing one thing over another does not make you unworthy of trust. its the decisions you make in your life.

Originally Posted by Soybean

I don't hate you my brother, In fact I love you and will pray for you to experience the blessing of having a relationship with Almighty God. :)

Why don't you just pray he finds happiness, as obviously he doesn't believe in God and having a relationship with something non-existent is kind of impossible.

That's not true, I dis-trust Christians more then atheists...mainly because most Christians are two faced...they preach not to judge others..but then thats what they do. Judging pagans, homosexuals, etc.

I would so rather shop at a store owned by an Atheist then a "christian owned business".

(and i believe in god lol)

Originally Posted by Leenalia

After all, if you believe in ghosts, then you know there's some form of an afterlife -- therefore, you can't be an Atheist (my logic), but fiance says he's one anyways XD

I hate quoting Wiki, but I don't really feel like searching around for another place that says it quite so well...

Atheism can be either the rejection of theism, or the position that deities do not exist. In the broadest sense, it is the absence of belief in the existence of deities.

I am an Atheist. It has nothing to do with the afterlife.
I believe in spirits...kindof. (It's very complicated).
But I do not believe in a higher power--which is what Atheism is. A belief in the non-belief of a higher power.

I'm also with Megami, however I'd like to extend that to "most organized religions" aren't very trustworthy.
Case and point about Christianity though... Christians don't follow their own Bible, on top of the bible being horribly inconsistent anyway.
Also if you look at the people governing the churches and such...If Priests were really men of God, would they be touching little boys? :/

I also wholeheartedly agree with what Megami said. :)

Originally Posted by monstahh`

Also if you look at the people governing the churches and such...If Priests were really men of God, would they be touching little boys? :/

I also wholeheartedly agree with what Megami said. :)

O_O I know! And they never "get in trouble" instead they get pushed around to other churches! It's ridiculous!

i do not believe in life after death or any form of God, and if that makes me an Atheist then so be it. I am probably not old enough for my opinion to really matter and i am pretty sure i am still considered Greek Orthodox because that is the only church i have ever been to. The only thing that bothers me about being atheist is that my mother is so stubborn, here is a direct quote from her: "saying there is no God is like saying the Earth isn't round" =.= another thing is that she calls me "little Atheist" so of course i call her "little Christian" and then she always say that she is Buddhist, she doesnt get the difference between wanting to convert and actually being a religion. The only reason my mom wants to be Buddhist is that she thinks it cool and "deep". .... one of the main reasons i dont believe in God is that last year my history teacher said that the reason religion is seen all throughout history is because it is comforting to humans to think theres a life after death. It is comforting and humans will indulge themselves :)