Is it wiser for the athiest to just stay silent?

Question

I was raised in a christian environment (parents, aunts, uncles, cousins) but stopped attending church in highschool when I realized that I just didn't believe. However, when the subject comes up I usually either find an excuse to leave or just agree not only b/c one of my cousins had a friend who was an atheist and I saw how my family reacted toward him (the cousin included), but also because I live in a very religous community. I have witnessed people turned down for jobs, harassed until they quit, and even fired because of their beliefs. But, other reasons were given of course. So, is it wiser for the atheist to just stay silent?

Answer 1

Most people like you live in hostile environments. I cannot blame them for remaining silent, however I do consider it cowardly.

I am a business owner, and never had to face the kind of discrimination at the workplace. I am not involved with the hiring of my employees so, my prejudices play no role there either.

As far as my family goes, I am straight forward with them ad tell them I am an atheist. The usually dont say anything about it or bring up religion when I am around. I dont mock them or belittle them like I do the idiots here, but I pretty much feel the same way about their beliefs.

I think its very important to speak up and not be afraid to express your atheism, if you dont your community will never change. Sure, its easy for me to say risk it all, but If I was in your place, thats exactly what I would do.

Answer 2

In this situation I'd have to say yes. It is as if you are living in a church. Not the loving kind that is suppose to offer you hope, but the kind that picks out your every flaw and won't let you live it down. This community has also made the mistake of not letting their god judge you but doing it themselves. I think the are bad example of Christians and will be judged for judging you. And I'd like to run it by that I am not atheist or christian. I believe there is some higher being but I don't believe it wants us to worship it. And we should just try to be the best people we can be. Your family and community are not doing this and they will come to regret it when they finally see that some people must hide their true selves in order to be accepted. I think they are a complete disgrace to the christian religion even if it isn't mine.

Answer 3

Maybe you rejected religion because it was forced down your throat. This is common of many people growing up. I know someone that was the same way, everyone around her was religious and she didn't like how it was forced down her throat all the time so she in turn became an atheist. Its perfectly normal to have this sort of feeling. I myself am not an atheist but I have pondered the scenario. You see, most people should stay objective to all religions or non-religions...dont just force religion or non-religion on yourself rather look at all views and aspects of theology and atheism, this will make you wiser in the end and for you to come up with what you think is the most objective way you want to live your life. I myself looked at every scenario and concluded their was a God based upon my own experiences, but should I say to you, you must believe in him because Im right, of course not, I am not you and I shouldn't force my belief on you all I should do is tell you what I think and why you shouldn't be an atheist but I cant force your decision, your decision should come from within thru trial and error, and then and only then should your decision be made.

Answer 4

As a Christian, I would say that it is never good to stay silent about your beliefs even if it is the belief in the non-existance of God. Nobody has the right to persecute another person for their beliefs. Athiests have just as much right to their beliefs as anyone else and those beliefs should be respected even if you don't agree with them.

Answer 5

In many cases, in many area's, it is 'wiser' for all people to keep silent... but few do!!

But one should not be fired for ones beliefs or opinions, just because they are different from the majority of the rest of the community/workforce etc... This is wrong!!

But it happens on all sides... and not just because of religion!!

Answer 6

You were most likely turned off by false religion like millions of other people worldwide. False religion is responsible for misleading people and satan is the invisible puppet master behind it. I'm not slamming you but you'd have to be a complete moron to look around you and assume everything happened by chance. The odds of this world just "appearing" is as logical as an Infinity G35 just "appearing". This earth was made to be inhabited by humans... but not the humans that are here, the evil and wicked ones. It was made for righteous mankind.

All athiest's will soon find themselves in the biggest mess of all time when Armeggedon arrives. What are you going to say?

"God I didn't think you existed because I was unable to see all that you have created right in front of my eyes?"
"God I didn't believe that not only science but also history validates your inspired words in the Bible?"

Its gonna be too late for seconds chances then people.

Answer 7

If you're fired for being an atheist, you should call the ACLU and sue the company into the ground. You'll most likely get a settlement, since religious discrimination would be really bad PR.

In other situations, though, I usually find it easier not to bring up my atheism. My family would hate me if they knew, so it's easier not to tell them. On the internet, I don't have to be so careful.

Answer 8

generally, i does not propose mendacity, so it is an unusual hedge on my area. no remember how some distance you will desire to bypass to rationalize it, justify it with some ethical/ethical/religious foundation, after which you would be able to rather tell human beings, in a pre-written notice, of path, which you're forced to try this as a results of fact of a non secular vow which you would be able to no longer wreck. unquestionably make this vow, and heavily attempt to fulfill the dedication. there is not any deception in touch, for this reason. human beings comprehend that they are required to enable trustworthy religious ideals, and any lodging is not any extra advantageous than they might do unquestioningly for a individual with a speech handicap. It appears like an thrilling test on many stages. i'd refuse to grant a specified rationalization the muse of the vow, notwithstanding. it is own, and no-one has a superb to rigidity you to describe this form of vow. on the different hand, you ought to lose a activity, face self-discipline in the protection rigidity, or face different effects, so evaluate this intently before you stick to with the aid of. i'd advise working this with the aid of your father and mom, and explaining it to them till now. they are possibly to returned you up in this, in my opinion.

Answer 9

No because if you stay silent then you'll never get other people to understand where you are coming from. It's nothing to be ashamed of, just be who you are. And if those people have proof they were fired or harassed because of their beliefs there can be some SERIOUS law suits going on.

Answer 10

Most definitely...

You're asking for trouble, otherwise. I stayed silent for many years, in fact. But I recently decided to speak out about it, because someone's going to have to. Personally, I think the situation in the world is getting entirely too dangerous for the rational folks to continue to stay quiet. Reading this book is one big reason why I decided to become more proactive... (See link)

http://www.samharris.org