Why are Atheists outcasts?

Question

I have found, that if you are openly Christian nobody will think twice about you, or think you are a bad person. But when you'e Atheist, you can't be open about it. We are pretty much destined to be quiet about or 'religion' if you even want to call it that. i wanna know, will Atheists ever be accepted in our society, and can we, one day, be open about our religion and not be frowned upon?


yes, I'm only 13.

Answer 1

You are observant and wise for your age.

Atheists are treated as second class citizens even in the legal system. O'Hare's murder was given only a sham investigation until it became newsworthy that nothing much was being done to find the murderer, who turned out to be an obvious suspect even Barney Fife could have discovered.

I think it will change some day, but until then, we mostly have to stay in the closet in the real world.

Answer 2

Personally, some of the most religious people I've met have been the most hateful, venemous, mean, selfish, and greedy people.

I only believe in the golden rule - treat others how you wish to be treated, and that as worked out well.

I was raised believing in a God, but I always had doubts. I figured, out human minds are our greatest gift - to swish things around in our brains. And to use that gift even to question religion, should never, ever, be a sin - we all just are curious.

Nowadays, I don't think there is a God. I switch back and forth between agnosticism (not knowing either way) and atheism (belief/knowing there is no god), but I think questioning is a good thing. Being an atheist does NOT make someone a bad person. They are some of the most loving, tolerant, kind and peaceful people I know.

Morality is not the same thing as religion - those that think so, are quite snobby and elitist, I think.

Answer 3

For only being 13 you are pretty aware of things. Unfortunately you are a little off when you say that if you are openly Christian people don't think you're bad. I've known dozens of "Christians" who are worse than deviants!
As for why Atheists are outcasts....it is difficult to be any religion other than the main-stream ones. It's really hard when you are young and can be even harder yet depending on where you live. The only thing you can do is be strong and learn tolerance (believe me, I KNOW it's hard). The time will come when you can be openly Atheist and not worry. Trust me...I'm Pagan. :)

Answer 4

If you read some of the posts in here you will see that we Christians are persecuted as well. No one gets off scot free with their religion/spirituality. I think atheists in North America are born into a culture that expects everyone to believe in something, and they are confused when peope do not. Also, atheists are not exactly a strong group; that is, they do not all believe the same thing for the same reasons, and thus do not even have each other to fall back on. They are pretty much alone in their beliefs, which has got to be pretty tough. It's always easier to pick on someone who is alone than someone in a group.

Good question, by the way, I found it thought-provoking.

--Ginny

Answer 5

I have found that if you are openly atheist nobody will think twice about you, or think you are a bad person. But when you're a Christian you can't be open about it. Then again, I work in theater in New York City.

It all depends on where you live and who you spend your time with. The vast majority of people I know are rather open about their atheism, but I suspect that there are some Christians around who tend to keep quiet.

You need to get out of your small-minded community and come live in civilization.

Answer 6

Don't count on it Not in this bible thumping country. Look who is power- presidents who aren't even religious but they show up at church for show just so the religious right will love them.
Don't be ashamed of being an atheist- be careful where you come out about it -but what it means is that you use your brains to decide how to live while other people believe fairy tales. Is your family all atheist? I decided I didn't believe when I was 8 - the rest of my family is fairly to very religious: orthodox jewish, a moonie cult member, a non-religious jew, a non-religious jew married to a xtian with 2 catholic children, etc. oy!!!
Keep your head up and know that we are more clear headed, more rational, and less likely to go with the flow. My very best to you.

Answer 7

I do not think anyone should be discriminate against anyone, no matter what. Atheists will most likely be accepted into polite society one day. Look how long it took Christianity to take hold. Many other religions are starting to make waves also. Just be patient and don't let anyone treat you differently because of your beliefs.

Answer 8

Because for so long people have been lead along this path towards "God" in which wonderful things happen, most people don't have the desire to check out other possibilities. There is strength in numbers and humans are creatures that favor comfort and ease of the path of least resistance. When someone dares to go against the grain and perhaps disrupt their fantasy/personal truth they perceive the cause of this as bad. Bad = Evil.

Answer 9

You're a smart little cookie. I've never felt that being Athiest was a problem or that I'm an outcast. I feel good knowing that I'm living my life in the here and now and not being controlled by a book of stories... ridiculous!
Xtians spend their precious time on earth trying to convert everyone instead of enjoying themselves. What a waste!
Stand proud that you don't live in fantasyland.

Answer 10

Atheists aren't outcast at all, in any way whatsoever. Who told yo this? If you're in a town where atheists are afraid to admit they don't believe in God, then that town is filled with religious fanatics.

By the way, Atheism is NOT a religion, it is the disbelief in ANY religion.