For those of you looking for the study on attitude toward atheists...?

Question

Here it is. It is actually quite well conducted. A very interesting read.
http://www.ur.umn.edu/FMPro?-db=releases&-lay=web&-format=umnnewsreleases/releasesdetail.html&ID=2816&-Find

To include a question - what are your thoughts after reading this? [I mean actually reading it.]

Answer 1

First of all, thank you for actually posting an intelligent, informative, and provocative link. Most of the ones I see in this category don't qualify. =)

As an atheist, I'm a *little* surprised by this article. (Or shall I say, the statistical results it presents). I'm not naive enough to believe that atheists are a majority, or that we are are completely loved by religious people. But we're trusted less than MUSLIMS? That people can think we intend more harm to society than a formalized group of people who adhere to a system of belief that explicitly HATES our society is shocking. The idea that people think of atheists as systematically unpatriotic and antisocial is one that has never crossed my mind. But, given that I do believe most people have a misconstrued idea of what an atheist is to begin with, I suppose I shouldn't be that caught off guard. I remember my mother commenting once: "Laura, you CAN'T be an atheist, sweetie, you're not an anarchist or an immoralist. You're a sweet, kind-hearted, smart girl. I think you're mislabeling yourself."

It took me ten years to convince her that all it meant for me to be an atheist is that I believed in one less god than she did.

It's my hope that society as a whole will eventually learn that being an atheist says nothing of one's morality, patriotism, or intentions towards society. I thought they were beginning to understand that...but, based on this article, I suppose we have a long way to go!

Update: I read the posts above me and have to admit that while I read the full article I wasn't paying too much attention to its origin or sociological objectiveness. As such, I suppose my answer is only applicable if it is an accurate representation of the whole country - which is obviously not clear!

Answer 2

It confirms what other studies show. I'd like to see more details such as percentages since this is only a very general summary of the results. But this is no surprise, just part of a continuing disappointment.

It's also discussed here with several other related matters:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/atheist5.htm

It's always asked by the religious here why atheists speak up for themselves and make their opinions known. This is certainly part of the reason. People have the oddest notions about what Atheism is and what Atheists believe. Many really don't know that Atheism and lack of morals are not synonymous. There's so much prejudice against atheists that it's not surprising that a lot of people don't know who the atheists are around them. In particularly prejudiced area it can make you very vulnerable to discrimination if you admit to being an atheist.
Atheists need to remain vocal so we can counter a lot of the myths. Of course, some of us are so cantankerous and angry that they support some of the stereotypes. But when you read all of the atheist posts the same trend keeps showing through- Atheists are basically the same as anyone else, we just don't happen to believe in any Gods. To some, that's threatening enough to merit the hatred against us.

Answer 3

I'm going to consider the source--Minnesota, while no bastion of right-wing conservatism, is definitely a very traditional state. I think that 2000 people is far from a scientific sampling of the American public.

I think that in other areas, atheism is not only accepted, it's actually regarded as kinda cool (look at all the atheists on this site) in a counter-culture kind of way. I think that may even be part of the motivating factor behind this study, which is done by a University (which typically tend to have more left-leaning populations than the rest of society), and the researchers may in fact be looking for the coveted "minority status" so that they can feel self-righteous about being picked upon.

Answer 4

It's a very sad fact that humans attach morality, selflessness, and other "preferable" social trends to the belief in a god. Just because I don't believe I was created by some mysterious entity doesn't mean I'm going to steal, cheat and kill. Religion shouldn't be what stops a person from doing these things, general care for the well-being of humanity should. Besides, I'd be worried about those who say that religion is what tells them what's right or wrong...How many times have you seen or heard of a priest molesting children? A deep believer using his/her position for personal gains? A sheik kidnapping an airplane and bombing a building?...On the other hand, how many time have you heard of an atheist steal?

Answer 5

Honestly I don't think people care that much about it. While they may say they don't trust atheist. Most people are not actively going around asking if you are atheist or not. And there are laws against asking someone their religion, age, gender, marriage status when they apply for a job, unless it is specific to the job (such as a female model, etc).

I'd be more interested in seeing a wider study (state wide), and ask questions not just about atheism, but about how they feel about agnostics, deist (natural religions), budhist, muslims, christians, judist, etc.

Answer 6

A study on attitudes? From a family-values foundation in Minnesota?

In my opinion, the questions were probably poorly designed, the target group probably consisted of nine people from suburban St. Paul, and the whole thing smacks of midwestern narrowmindedness.

Sociological surveys need to be proofed regionally to generate relevant feedback in the US. I would only trust a study by these people if they'd kept the target group in their own area.. I don't see them as qualified to do a national study.

Answer 7

"The researchers also found acceptance or rejection of atheists is related not only to personal religiosity, but also to one’s exposure to diversity, education and political orientation—with more educated, East and West Coast Americans more accepting of atheists than their Midwestern counterparts"

Well that paragraph right there is pretty telling. So, the more uneducated and sheltered someone is, the more likely there are to have negative misconceptions about atheists.

Hmmm.

Answer 8

It's another matter of misunderstanding to me. I don't believe in god, but I still strive to be at least as good of a person in the same sense that a religious person does. Additionally, I'm totally tolerant to live with them believing theirs and me believing mine.

It is just a matter of ignorance. People assume that atheists want to rid the nation of religion. They believe that if atheists don't live by the bible that they won't live by good set of values by their own choice. It's simply not true.

Answer 9

It doesn't surprise me. Most people don't take the time to talk to or know anyone who is atheist and I'm sure most of the people surveyed were members of organized religion. Atheists get a bad rap, it's pretty sad actually. Most of my atheist friends are some of the most decent caring people I know...........

Answer 10

It shows how little people understand about atheists.
They seem to think that because atheists dont believe in god they dont have morals. As science gives more proof against god, more and more people will become atheist. At least thats what i hope happnes