I didn't know that Atheists were the least trusted....
I don't know what to call myself
I don't believe in a higher power but I believe in the supernatural.

I don't so much care whether or not there is a god... I suppose since it's something of a nebulous concept, it really depends on your definition.

For example, if the Tao is God, then yes. I believe in God. In order for God to exist, it would have to be everything and nothing.

There is nothing wrong with being Atheist you are who you are and no one can change you unless you let them. As far as you being prosecuted by religious crazy I am truly sorry. I believe that there is someone higher out there because everything cannot be so complex just based on science. I also grew up in a Christian home so it was forced upon me at early age. They are different 'Christians’ in the world f you ask me. Those who are crazy fanatics, those who are hypocrites and those who believe in the His word and put it into full practice without being self righteous. I know all three. And they reside in my family. Fanatics tend to blame everything on everyone who doesn’t believe in God. Politicians are Hippocrates (I have no idea if I spelled that right). They go around committing the most evil sins and then they proclaim that God put them in their seats for a reason or they use him and a campaign strategy (like Bush). And then they are people like most of y friends who try to spread word but they don’t force it. They also accept people for who they are and befriend almost everyone freaking thing that walks, kind of like how the bible tells you to. Even when they are about to get into a fight they smile apologize.

But let me get to the point, be an atheist and believe in what you want next time someone shoves a bible in your face or the scream that you’re doing tell them to open the same book and read the scripture before they cram it down your throat.

I hope my rant was helpful XD

Originally Posted by Shalandriel

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.

yup happiness is the way to go

'HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY'

You know what? Anne Rice was raised Catholic, decided she wanted to get out of it and try and get a grasp on why people were agnostic and atheist, and then became an atheist herself. She wrote about vampires, the lead character, Lestat, was also very atheistic, even though when he was very young he'd wanted to be a priest but his father wouldn't let him and pulled him out of church.

Lestat still believed there was goodness and that goodness was important. Even as a vampire he preferred to go after criminals. He didn't believe in God until God practically slapped him in the face in person. (He was dragged through heaven and hell by a demon spirit and when he came back he told to the story to his fellow vampires... some of them didn't believe a word of it and others were like 'it's real?!')

Meanwhile, the author was going through changes. Her husband died and thereafter she stopped her vampire series and has returned to being Catholic. Her position is that she feels that she needs to believe in something because everything is so scary and dreary otherwise. It's comforting. She would like to believe her books can carry a non-believer or half-believer to religion in the same way her writing her it did. Even if its not the main theme of the book itself.

Though, as a non-church-goer, my reading it really didn't bring me any closer to God than before. But it was a lot of fun to read a book set in our world with an atheist as the lead character. So I highly suggest the book "The Vampire: Lestat".

That Doesnt Matter O:

Originally Posted by Fastion

Sadly we're still in a "Christian" world. If you don't believe in the church god you're looked down on.

Christian Country...Not World. Christianity may influence other countries with images of Jesus and idols of the cross that jesus died on, however it does not run the world.

Originally Posted by Fastion

That is why I rather dislike organized religion. That and there is a lot of corruption.

Organized religion does not equal only religion. There are many religions that do not have a dogma so to speak.

Originally Posted by Fastion

So while I'm technically part of the Christian religion I hardly follow or believe in any of it.

If you are not a Christian then you are not technically part of the Christian religion. You might just be part of a culture that chooses to be influenced by the teachings of Christianity.

Originally Posted by Fastion

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".

That...would make you either agnostic or a deist. Agnostic meaning you don't know what to believe. Deist meaning you believe in a higher being, you just don't put any specifications on it.

Originally Posted by Fastion

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.

Why do it to rebel? What is the point? Religion and faith is a very personal thing that shouldn't be influenced by your need to rebel against the masses. There are many that are polytheists besides yourself that do not do it to rebel.

Originally Posted by Fastion

But there are a lot of religious people that are going to hell to.

How do you know if anyone is going to hell if you do not believe hell exists?

Originally Posted by Fastion

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.

Are you a "bad" person because you decide to kill? What is the objective definition of "bad." and why is killing a "bad" thing to do?

I'm a gay, american, atheist that borders on anarchist... Just wanted to put that out there first xD

Anyway, a good majority of people reject what they don't agree with. As an atheist, denying that there is any god or higher being, that naturally makes us an enemy of all other religions because no matter our belief (or lack there of) completely opposes them entirely.

A lot of people are very tolerant, though the ones that aren't like to preach about how wrong we are simply because we have a different opinion and there's so few of us. It's basically a bully picking on the shy kid in Kindergarten
Don't take it to heart, extremists who try to force their religions on others are the ones that usually end up 'sinners'. Liiiiike Killing random innocent people 'in the name of god'.

They dun act nice, so be the perfect picture of sweetness and make them look bad :3

Okay, you posted your reasons for being atheist so I'll go ahead and put up mine.
I can't just accept that there's someone who rules all because some guy (who for all I know is pedophile who preys on little boys) told me so. My family has always said "oh, we're catholic" but it's more so that my parents would have something to call themselves. My dad shares my opinion...Anyway, the bible has been revised and rewritten multiple times though out history to suit it's own purposes. They add bits of other religions and say "Oh, look we're similar so join us." They did that a lot with the Druids...(sp)

Wicca soundd nice to me but I felt nothing when I practiced it on my own. I want to believe it but I couldn't. I sooo don't agree with satanism...It sounds cool but then you see pictures and documentaries about it and it really turns me away...
I'm the kinda person that needs to know how everything works and 'why why why'. It kills me every time I think about the creation of the universe.
I decided I was officially atheist when my history teacher showed us the 'Dance Monkey Dance' video.

I'm done blabbering, anyway for America being the land of the free and all that one would like to think our miserable country was a bit more tolerant.

I was raised atheist but my dad didn't have a problem if I wanted to choose a religion. In a way I did, I'm spiritual, in the way a Buddhist and a Shaman are, but I still don't really follow either path. they people who feel like they need a title to describe themselves, to me are the ones who refuse to really see who they really are. I've read several religious texts, and was able to stand up for my beliefs in a way that made a Pastor question his in a friendly debate...

Religion isn't what defines you even if there are people out there that say it is. It's how you are around others. I for one try not to step on too many toes. Though I know there are those out there who will be mad at me because I refuse to join them. I for one don't care, as long as I follow what I believe to be right.

This might sound bad but I know a lot nicer atheists than I do Christians.

: |

Just because one is atheist doesn't mean they have to judge other religion. It's fine to have your own opinions and express them in the right forum (I'm a hardcore agnostic so one can probably imagine the discussions me and my fellow atheists have) but nether less I hold to one belief above all-

If it helps, it helps. If faith in God gives someone strength, why would I want to take that away from them? If believing in a religion or faith helps you, then go with it, man. if it doesn't, don't go with it. Simple as that.

As for the haters (I've come across a few, but not nearly as many as you... and I'm from a pretty conservative area.) just ignore them! To hate back makes you one of them. I make it a policy not to bring up religion especially unless I know it's safe or someone else brings it up.

I do get frustrated how religion seems to seep into politics. It's a personal choice and nobody else should be forcing it on others, and it's actually in the constitution. Most religious folks I've met agree, so it's the zealots (who I argue don't really follow the religious teachings- they use it as a weapon to morally justify themselves) the dang lobbyists and such. NOT everyday regular folks we meet here and in real life, they are a minority.

I believe all religions lead to the same God. I believe Jesus has been here more than once. How do you explain the true pure hearted Saints or Buddha? There are other people that that set forth image of Christ and every Religion has a Christ like figure. For me, I don't mind religious beliefs unless they are used to harm. I don't believe the Church it's self is not responsible for horrors. I believe the people that created the horrors are responsible.

I don't judge religion, that your choice but to be rude about why is not proper.

It sounds to me like you're more of an agnostic than an atheist...

"Agnostic: –noun
1. a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience.
2. a person who denies or doubts the possibility of ultimate knowledge in some area of study."

You are just unsure of whether there is an afterlife, etc, which is exactly how agnostics think.

Atheists (like I am) 100% disbelieve in the possibility of there being any kind of higher power... Science is the closest thing we have to religion, and that's a stretch in saying so.

"Atheist: –noun
a person who denies or disbelieves the existence of a supreme being or beings.
Use Atheist in a Sentence
See images of Atheist
Search Atheist on the Web
Origin:
1565–75; < Gk áthe(os) godless + -ist

Synonyms:
Atheist, agnostic, infidel, skeptic refer to persons not inclined toward religious belief or a particular form of religious belief. An atheist is one who denies the existence of a deity or of divine beings. An agnostic is one who believes it impossible to know anything about God or about the creation of the universe and refrains from commitment to any religious doctrine. Infidel means an unbeliever, especially a nonbeliever in Islam or Christianity. A skeptic doubts and is critical of all accepted doctrines and creeds."

Source - www.dictionary.com

A really, really good book to read is "god is not Great - How Religion Poisons Everything" by Christopher Hitchens. I've been reading it off and on for the last few months, and it's really opened my eyes to some of the atrocities caused by religion... That's not to say that the book just shoots down religion entirely... it's done some good for the world I suppose, but in the end, religion has done so much more harm than good. It's just an opinion, though, and still a good read whether you're a devout believer, atheist, or just unsure.

----------

Originally Posted by mintdiesel

Just because one is atheist doesn't mean they have to judge other religion. It's fine to have your own opinions and express them in the right forum (I'm a hardcore agnostic so one can probably imagine the discussions me and my fellow atheists have) but nether less I hold to one belief above all-

If it helps, it helps. If faith in God gives someone strength, why would I want to take that away from them? If believing in a religion or faith helps you, then go with it, man. if it doesn't, don't go with it. Simple as that.

As for the haters (I've come across a few, but not nearly as many as you... and I'm from a pretty conservative area.) just ignore them! To hate back makes you one of them. I make it a policy not to bring up religion especially unless I know it's safe or someone else brings it up.

I do get frustrated how religion seems to seep into politics. It's a personal choice and nobody else should be forcing it on others, and it's actually in the constitution. Most religious folks I've met agree, so it's the zealots (who I argue don't really follow the religious teachings- they use it as a weapon to morally justify themselves) the dang lobbyists and such. NOT everyday regular folks we meet here and in real life, they are a minority.

Religion does more than just 'seep' into politics... Some of the things I have learned about how this world is run, and how much of a strangle hold organized religion has on nearly everything is frankly terrifying.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

I'm a gay, american, atheist that borders on anarchist... Just wanted to put that out there first xD

Being an American on a political level and being an anarchist on a political level are complete conflicts and you simply cannot be both. You may live in America for your location, but you can only really call yourself an American if you embrace the cultural views of America. If you take part in America as a country by voting, etc. To display patriotism towards your America is to be an American. One who disagrees with the institution of America, but lives on the land strictly by location only, and follows the rules set because they are forced to, not because they want to, is considered an anarchist. One who disagrees with rules, regulations, government, and everything else that makes America what it is, that is what makes an anarchist in America.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

Anyway, a good majority of people reject what they don't agree with.

Of course, if you don't agree with something, why embrace it unless forced to? Your statement here was not needed. By changing "agree with" to "understand" you get a much more applicable statement. People will reject that which they do not understand, which basically is stating that born out of ignorance, there is found intolerance, and out of that intolerance there is found much rejection.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

As an atheist, denying that there is any god or higher being, that naturally makes us an enemy of all other religions because no matter our belief (or lack there of) completely opposes them entirely.

Are you grouping all religions together as an enemy to atheists? You simply cannot do that. There are thousands of religions, each with different outlooks in life and different codes and dogmas. Some religions do not even have dogma. Your assumption that all religions gang up on atheists is completely and disgustingly unfounded and false. The only religions you really see war against atheism are the ones from the Abrahamic Sector. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Though, even out of these three it really becomes a war between Christianity and Atheism. Then, it relies on that actual individual's tolerance that determines whether there is actually a battle. Not all Christians hate atheists and not all atheists hate Christians.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

Don't take it to heart, extremists who try to force their religions on others are the ones that usually end up 'sinners'. Liiiiike Killing random innocent people 'in the name of god'.

This statement shows your complete intolerance and non-acceptance of religion. Here you are trying to explain a supposed religion's hatred toward atheism, and now you are doing the same to religion. You call them sinners, yet do not believe in sin. How is this possible? How can you call them something that doesn't exist? Does that even make sense? Then you try the whole "killing in the name of God" example. What I then ask you, if you still believe in sin...is the action of killing in the name of God a sinful thing or following dogma? If a Christian cannot follow dogma (which is created in the brain), then why should an atheist follow emotion (also created in the brain) to guide their actions? Some non-accepting Christians will say atheists are lacking of an experience. Many non-accepting atheists will say sociopaths are also lacking of an experience. What makes the punishment of being atheist in the name of God different from the punishment of being a sociopath in the name of Emotion?

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

They dun act nice, so be the perfect picture of sweetness and make them look bad :3

Arrogant much?

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

Okay, you posted your reasons for being atheist so I'll go ahead and put up mine.
I can't just accept that there's someone who rules all because some guy (who for all I know is pedophile who preys on little boys) told me so.

If you don't believe in the rules of Christianity or Catholicism, then why is pedophilia wrong to you? What do you accept? All your actions come from outside influences. Other people, environment, etc. Nothing you do is original, nothing you do is outside of influence. Just because some people choose to religiously label their influence for why they do something does not make them wrong in their choice. Perhaps you have not come to terms with why you do things? What influences your thoughts and actions? What influences your way of life?

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

My family has always said "oh, we're catholic" but it's more so that my parents would have something to call themselves.

Is that so wrong? Do they follow Catholic dogma? If they do they are Catholic. Much like if you get initiated somewhere you are a part of that group. Humans are social animals. To belong to a group that shares similar interests is not an unnatural thing to do. In fact it is completely normal, as being social is part of what being a human is.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

My dad shares my opinion...Anyway, the bible has been revised and rewritten multiple times though out history to suit it's own purposes. They add bits of other religions and say "Oh, look we're similar so join us." They did that a lot with the Druids...(sp)

So, just because one dogma has been rewritten through interpretations makes all other religions not associated with that dogma incorrect and non-existent? Also, did you ever consider that Christianity may very well exist, it is just that human beings have messed up what the dogma actually is through their imperfections via interpretations?

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

Wicca soundd nice to me but I felt nothing when I practiced it on my own. I want to believe it but I couldn't.

You cannot solitarily practice Wicca. It is not possible as according to its founder. Wicca is an Orthopraxic Cult which you must be initiated into.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

I sooo don't agree with satanism...It sounds cool but then you see pictures and documentaries about it and it really turns me away...

What exactly do you think satanism is about? Are you one of the many trapped in Hollywood's version of satanism? Have you even read the Church of Satan's Bible? Do you know what Satanism is about? Judging by your misconceptions of Wicca, you probably have major misconceptions of Satanism. I would like you to list some of the core philosophies that Satanism preaches. I'll give you a hint, it is a religion based off Hedonism and not about Devils and worshipping Evil beings. Satan is but a name that was given power through the Christianity Church.

Originally Posted by Sev en Ester

I'm done blabbering, anyway for America being the land of the free and all that one would like to think our miserable country was a bit more tolerant.

It could start with the individuals wanting the country to be more tolerant, becoming more tolerant themselves. Yes, that means you.

well...i'm christian but i don't hate you.. :) *hugs*

I didn't even realize that atheists were disliked THAT much? o.o
But you know what, there's nothing wrong with choosing what to believe in, even if you do not believe in a higher power.
Several of my friends are atheist, even my own dad xD
I see nothing wrong with it - as long as I'm allowed to believe in a God, why shouldn't you be allowed to believe in the idea that there is no higher power?
To each their own.

Originally Posted by Lady_Megami

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)

That's not 100% true. You are only looking at Radicals. There are tones of Christians who don't judge and are not two faced. You're statement is actually hypocritical. You hate to judgment but you don't get to know the person. Once you find they are Christian you automatically judge them as untrustworthy and that's the case for only a small percentage of the Christian people.

I don't see why people would hate you for being an atheist. I am personally a Christian and I don't hate you xD

My fiance is an atheist.

I am an athiest also, and I am more trustworthy than a lot of christians that I've met.

Originally Posted by Drakken

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.

personally, im agnostic/atheist
you sound more agnostic than atheist to me, but anyways. i know how you feel, a lot of people cant handle the fact that there are other ideas besides their own. i say im both, because im a self proclaimed agnostic. however, over recent events, that make me look at religion in a whole other way, im turning atheist. i do have my reasons. personally..i see religion as a way to control the masses..and most religious people are hipocritical. thats just my personal experience. theres a larger group of us than most recognize..but a lot of us have to hide it because people cant take the fact we're different

i understand how you feel, I live in northeast Pa, here not only is the majority of the population older, they are also extreamly Christian. Their are some streets that have churches less than a block from one another, all catholic. The churches here are even broken down by ethnic back ground and the litergies done in the "mother-tounge" eventhough most who go don't understand Lithuanian or Polish. I grew up in an extreamly Catholic family, Italian and German-Polish, each with their own sets of special rules to follow, often in conflict with the other. I grew up getting yelled at by one side or the other for not following their the rules. I am the only Atheist in my family and at the age of 12 was told to either get confermed into a religion I don't belive in and, frankly, resent and find offencive, or be thrown out on the street.

In highschool, we were sent to the office and forced to go through "councling" if we showed intrest in Atheism or wicca, because they considered it a cult, in a public school! I attended a Catholic college, due to the fact that my parents refused to help me and they offered me the best scholarship, where religion was a major part of the curriculim. Even so the Arch bishiop in my area thought we were to liberal, as we had one athiest professor, that I know of, and tried to get the school to print a letter on the front page of our school newspaper advocating abstinince as the only acceptible form of birth control.

As the only openly Atheist in my family and school, I have most definitly felt the discrimination you are talking about. While I know that their are places and people accepting of it, that has not been the case for me largly.

Finding the truth? That's the question, Religion is very complicated topic if I may say so. Let me insight about my opinion and this is not to preach you at all and everyone else here. I couldn't categorize myself to those people who are highly religious. However, I believe in after life and I believe in one God. The reason why I believe in God? For the reason that, in the life I have now, God has been so good to me. I have a good parents, He gave me a good life, He gave me a good path to undertake, it is as if my life is being totally in good condition...though my life is not that perfect but i feel calm and like How God is giving to me. I prayed for him to say Thank you everyday and to give more direction in my life. That's all.

well, i guess i can do no more than to respect your view on that matter.

personally, im a Christian, or at least i think i am.

if there was one thing i learned for all i've been exposed to was this, it is that we are all responsible for our actions and it will really merit the cause and effect relationship.

im not saying you should do this or do that instead, but eventually we all will find out what the truth is, even if its too late,per se.

----------

Originally Posted by guibin

I didn't know that Atheists were the least trusted....
I don't know what to call myself
I don't believe in a higher power but I believe in the supernatural.

i guess we can suggest you be agnostic then?

Originally Posted by chong69

i guess we can suggest you be agnostic then?

Agnosticism would be implying that they don't know at all. The fact that they believe in supernatural automatically excludes them from being atheist or agnostic. In order to better categorize their beliefs, they would need to further explain what they mean when they say "supernatural" since supernatural is generally a term to explain entities that exist higher than the natural world. They usually possess qualities that we, being natural, could never hope to achieve. Hence the prefix "super." To say that supernatural beings are not higher beings is kind of confusing, which is why an explanation is needed. However, if I was to guess, I would say they are some sort of deist or natural pantheist. In other words, believe in spiritual beings, but do not necessarily believe in dogma.

Originally Posted by Tutela de Xaoc

Agnosticism would be implying that they don't know at all. The fact that they believe in supernatural automatically excludes them from being atheist or agnostic. In order to better categorize their beliefs, they would need to further explain what they mean when they say "supernatural" since supernatural is generally a term to explain entities that exist higher than the natural world. They usually possess qualities that we, being natural, could never hope to achieve. Hence the prefix "super." To say that supernatural beings are not higher beings is kind of confusing, which is why an explanation is needed. However, if I was to guess, I would say they are some sort of deist or natural pantheist. In other words, believe in spiritual beings, but do not necessarily believe in dogma.

excellent point! thanks for posting, it helped me learn something new today!

Agnosticism would be implying that they don't know at all. The fact that they believe in supernatural automatically excludes them from being atheist or agnostic. In order to better categorize their beliefs, they would need to further explain what they mean when they say "supernatural" since supernatural is generally a term to explain entities that exist higher than the natural world. They usually possess qualities that we, being natural, could never hope to achieve. Hence the prefix "super." To say that supernatural beings are not higher beings is kind of confusing, which is why an explanation is needed. However, if I was to guess, I would say they are some sort of deist or natural pantheist. In other words, believe in spiritual beings, but do not necessarily believe in dogma.

this guy sounded smart...O>O
and to contribut to the thread, i am an athiest. my mother and little sister are both christian, and i dont know about my father, but nothing against "god fearing creatures", but i think christianity is a scam. i mean, you go to a church every sunday...because the bible says so. you pray like a billion times a day...because the bible says so. AND you are frowned upon for not "obeying" you parents...because the bible says so. AND to top it all off, i know more about the history of christianity than my mother's PREACHER does. i mean realy? i know its not hard to read a bible, so why not pick up a history book every once in a while buddy? its sad, but true. so so true.