ive heard only 2% of the opulation are atheists in america. Are they discriminated against? Is it better to pretend you are a believer than admit being an atheist?
2006-08-19 14:11:54 · 24 answers · asked by aurora03uk 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
dull
2006-08-19 14:16:41 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly D 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
If you are in the U.S. and rarely hear about atheists or hear anyone say they are, yeah you bet that's because people are fearful of discrimination. I can guarantee you it is the very LAST group that will ever have a specific law against discrimination of us... That would take atheists in the White House, and if they were open at all about their beliefs we just KNOW no one would ever let them be voted in.
I don't pretend to be a believer, I don't know of anyone that would be that untrue to themselves. I just don't about it with people.
Edit:
Many people actually rate terrorists higher then us, I guess because at least the terrorists believe in a god...
I've read where some people said hateful things against US after September 11th as if we were to blame for it.
“No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered as patriots. This is one nation under God.” ~ George Bush (American 41st US President (1989-93)
So yeah, there is discrimination.
2006-08-19 14:34:17 · answer #2 · answered by Indigo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's actually closer to ten/fifteen percent, but nobody knows for certain because it's difficult to count a mostly-silent minority.
And yes, there is discrimination against atheists and other non-Christians, and I think there would be more of it if the godders could get away with it. The links below will lead you to some interesting true stories.
2006-08-20 05:07:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to a recent national survey, atheists are the most mistrusted minority in America.
It is illegal for an atheist to hold political office and/or testify in court in seven states.
There are "Blue Laws" which restrict what people can do.
We see public funds going towards "the Faith-Based Initiative"
Here's a video I made about this kind of thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4fQA9mt-Mg
2006-08-21 14:08:40 · answer #4 · answered by imrational 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am guessing that it is hopeless. Imagine having to look forward to --- nothing. Well, just the dirt being thrown over you....Not my cup of tea. I am sorry that they've never met Christ. They'd be much happier. And have a life worth living...And -- it really doesn't matter that one doesn't believe. It will not change that fact that God exists. It will only change where they spend eternity.
And, no, I do not think that they are discriminated against. People say things about people of all kinds, fat, skinny, white, purple (LOL)...Christians included. I hear more things that would be considered discriminatory against Christians than atheists. Wanting to share God with a non-believer is a good thing. What can it hurt? If we all die and the atheist are correct, then we all just get the dirt thrown over us, but if the Christians are correct (and they are) what is the atheist going to do then? Not a good question to get wrong.
2006-08-19 14:29:26 · answer #5 · answered by savannah 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I live on the west coast, in Oregon. Oregon has the lowest church attendance per-capita in the US. So there are religious fanatics here too but Religion or lack there of is rarely brought up. I find the media way over sensationalizes religion.
Now if I went to the deep south there might be "issues" but I'd easily hold my ground.
2006-08-19 14:22:36 · answer #6 · answered by hogie0101 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only timid people lie. I have a couple of friends that are atheists, it's the old story. To keep your friends, you don't discuss it. Especially guys. We could care less. Oh, yeah. How are they discriminated against? That's a hoot !
2006-08-19 14:19:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The actual number is about 10% and it depends on where you live.
I live in Texas and rarely discuss my religious beliefs. And, on those rare occasions when someone brings the subject up, I either change the subject, or, say, "We don't share that belief," and then change the subject.
Being an atheist in some parts of Texas is worse than being a "Muslim terrorist" and could subject a person to extreme hostility.
2006-08-19 14:18:45 · answer #8 · answered by Left the building 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
2% of America are atheists, that's very low but I guess your not counting the ones that pretend they believe in God. then the % would be 75% atheists 2% believers 23% other
You can not obey God & your government that would be blastphemy therefore the people of the world are domed
2006-08-19 14:25:28 · answer #9 · answered by man of ape 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pretending just gives religious believers a chance to be near you and I personally do not have problem being one except sometimes others persuade you to convert to a religion.
2006-08-19 14:20:41 · answer #10 · answered by classicalmusic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the percentage is higher, but for me its cost me trust from some of my family. And people asking "how can u be happy without god?" But i dont walk around with a sign that says "atheist" so most people probably assume im a believer.
2006-08-19 14:17:57 · answer #11 · answered by locomexican89 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋