Atheists are the LEAST TRUSTED minority in America.?

Question

This is a repost of my other question. I said that we were the most hated but now I realize it was least trusted so I will repost what I said.

According to the t.v show 30 Days, only 5% of American's are atheist. When people were polled atheists were the least trusted minority even behind Muslims, recent immigrants and homosexuals. This shocks me because I'm only 13 and on that t.v show kids were being harassed for being an atheist! I am a atheist and I know a few other people my age who are but religion isn't big here on Long Island. So do you (atheists) feel threatened or untrusted were you live by or because of religion.

I absolutely HATE that question. What's my motive, my motive is to just be a good person. I want to impact the world for the short time I'm on this planet and I want to have an enjoyable life which is achievable if you just be a nice, caring and productive member of society. You don't need a book and promises of something greater AFTER you die to be a good person. My ultimate goal is to live my life as full as I possibly can and if possible, make the world a better place for my children and my children's children.

The show was 30 days on FX. An atheist/naturalist 40 years old women (mother of 4) had to live with a Christen family for 30 days and go to church study the bible, etc. In the end the Christen women was doubting herself and the man was still staying that she should just leave the country if she doesn't like it.

Answer 1

Well I was about your age when I decided I wanted to be an atheist...after a lot of thought about it. By the time I was about 14-15 all my friends knew I did not believe in G-d and had no religion. I was vey proud of it just as others are proud of their religion, I didn't feel like I had to believe in G-d to be able to be proud of my belief. The Christians in my class took it as an offence when it came up and I said I had no belief. They told me I was going to hell and that my life was meaningless because I was "not saved." I looked at them and said how can I go somewere that doesn't exist? That did it, a girl even wanted to fight me, because I didn't belive in G-d, I looked at her and said,(very calmly I may add) You say that I'm the one going to hell, but what about yourself? Your G-d says your not supposed to judge for one, cuss (which they were all doing) and much less inflict harm on others, now I ask you whos going to hell? And if I am going to hell I'll be proud that I didn't believe in lies all my life and actually enjoyed my life without thinking every pleasure is a sin. I walked by her and left. Needles to say she didn't bother me again. I've still been threathened but not untrstuted, but I don't live my life afraid of it. It Doesn't bother me that ignorent people look at me as if I'm wrong, or say something like that girl did because again...their ignorent.

Answer 2

Whats going on here is the bizarre and absurd notion that the only reason why people are honest or ethical is due to the fear of punishment in the afterlife. If atheists do not believe in an afterlife, then surely, they must have no fear of being completely amoral or unethical..........what a crock!

Right is right and wrong is wrong, and how one behaves has everything to do with their character and little, if anything to do with their religious beliefs. Fact of the matter is, I would be uneasy around people who's ONLY motivation to do the right thing is the fear of eternal damnation......a couple of cocktails, and that's out the window! If you put the question to anyone, faithful or otherwise, as to why they do the morally correct things, the bottom line is because it is the right thing to do.

By the way, are you so very convinced that there absolutely is no Deity that you would declare yourself atheist? No on will know for sure until they die. I have my doubts.....very serious ones, at that, but how can anyone be so arrogant, so cocksure that they declare with complete assurance that God does not exist?

I'm in the I don't know category, and I practice Buddhism. I think I'm probably right, but who knows? Even the Flying Spaghetti Monster is possible I suppose.

Answer 3

People are afraid of atheists because they believe they stand for something evil. That evil is nothingness and I dont know why but I guess some people are afraid of nothingness I personaly am not so I can be friends or more with an atheists. Atheists dont really stand for nothingness I know I know but that is how I see most people seeing them. This is all just imo so take it with an extra salty grain of salt. I think one thing atheists need to express to other people is that they are not against other people having different beliefs. I mean I guess its possible some are infact against it but shame on them I guess... Each person should have free will to make up there own choices plz dont believe you can take it away its a gift that should never be taken away and I dont think its even possible. Peace out and love ya for asking such brave questions.

Answer 4

I'm an atheist, born and raised in New England, where I live now. I have no problems discussing religion with folks around here. However, I lived in Florida for 3 years, and down there I wouldn't discuss religion, and would never let anyone (except friends, of course) know my religious views. Too many people in the South think that atheists are doomed to hell and are therefore not good, moral people. They might act nice to you and all, but they still think you're going to hell. I just can't live with people like that.

Answer 5

I haven't seen this show, but it sounds like something put on by some religion or other to scare kids back into the fold. I wouldn't worry about it. You believe what you want to believe.

I don't feel threatened or untrusted. Granted not a lot of people I work with know my stance because it's not appropriate to talk about religion at work. But I doubt it would change anything.

Answer 6

i've got examine that learn, and that i doubt it rather is actual. that ought to be by using fact i'm from the main secular state interior the country, yet i will not be able to think of that.... the learn replaced into probable small-scale. those days some guy published a learn on how the bible replaced into "u . s . a .'s well-known e book." Yeah, in keeping with what in simple terms 5,000 human beings pronounced!

Answer 7

I don't really feel threatened or untrusted just disliked. The Christians in Miami are pathetic. They say they're Christian and they know they're messing up but they can't stop sinning. Its just annoying when they act all shocked and tell me I'm going to hell. Older generations, I don't easily announce my atheism to because I don't feel like being bombarded with preachers. I go to this church for bible study, mainly for the free pizza, but hey they're not pushy about trying to change my views.

Answer 8

I feel that people feel sorry for me. I hear that they will pray for me. People also think that it is sad I am too stupid to know that god gave his only begotten son for my sins and all of that stuff.
I don't feel threatened, but yes to untrusted, and yes to people who feel pity for me. It is strange. Atheist have the personal strength to stand up and say we do not beleive. And even in this day and age we are vilified for it.
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Answer 9

Not me. I live in the Bible Belt and all my friends understand how I feel and vice versa. As long as the people around you respect you and you respect them, it is no big deal. But, unlike Christians, it isn't the smartest idea to run around blabbing your beliefs to the whole world. If you ask questions, make sure to do them respectfully as well as answer respectfully. Remember, though, you can't please everybody!! :)

Answer 10

Nope. I'm more harrassed by people trying get me to go to their churches. *lives between a group of different ones* They're all nice people though. :3