why is there so much anti-religious sentiment on this site?

Question

just because you do not believe in God it doesn't mean that people who do are wrong or stupid, its just that their views differ, why try and change them, it does no harm to you or anyone else.

And before you start berating me for being some sort of religious nut, i'm not, im actually an atheist.

Answer 1

I agree that there is an awful lot of anti-religious sentiments on this site. There is just as much pro-religious sentiment left on this site as well. However, since 9/11/01 there has seemed to be alot more anti-religious attitudes being voiced than before. This site is an outlet for those that feel fed up with having all of the 'religious wars' shoved down their throats. And really, you don't see atheists or agnostics knocking on people's doors and leaving pamphlets like the Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons do.

I am agnostic but I feel that we need to give everyone the freedom to speak so long as that freedom does not infringe upon any other freedoms, like the right to live, afforded to all. This goes for both the religious and the non-religious.

Also, there are more and more people beginning to question religion in and of itself. This site has posed alot of very good questions and I have seen both believers and non-believers leave some very nasty remarks. I think both sides are fed up. Perhaps it would be better if they expressed themselves with more tact, but everyone has the right to express their thoughts in their own way. (Including the Pope and cartoonists.)

Answer 2

Leaders and politicians have always used religious sentiments to acquire, expand and retain their power base. There are no religious wars in the world right now, just territorial and land disputes. But how would one leader get people from other countries to rally around to his cause? Through religion.

The path of moderation is the best way. But unfortunately is a concept that one can't put a finger on easily, and not a fool-proof way to win votes. Doesn't sell a lot of papers or make good TV either.

Answer 3

The only thing that I would berate you for is the use of the word sentiment. Perhaps bigotry would be more apt word to use.

Like you I am no religious nut, but someone who thinks that some of the questions and answers about religion beggars belief at times.

Answer 4

I wasn't anti-religious until Christians in the U.S. aligned with the republican party. Two bad things happend because of this partnership:
1) George Bush was elected President and his harmful policies were supported by his Christian base.
2) Christians tried to discredit Evolution and put the teaching of so-called Intelligent Design in public class rooms.

I don't begrudge decent Christians their right to their beliefs and to worship however they choose in their Churches. But when their beliefs become dangerous to the functioning of civil society, I have to speak out.

But I often wonder now whether I was too tolerant of Christian views before the Bush administration came into power. I used to think they Christians were harmless when they weren't exercising power, but now I see that their denial of reason and science IS harmful.

There are moderate and liberal Christians who know that various stories in the Bible are allegories, and who support science. I wish these Christians would speak out more against the extremist Christians, then atheists wouldn't have to.

Answer 5

Atheism is 'cool & trendy' these days and is in keeping with the 'on the fence' excuses & PC correctness that we can expect from society today.

I'm a Catholic in Ireland & don't think about other religions cos I dont need to..

If you try to change other peoples beliefs you are only demonstrating your own weakness. Prods, muslims & jews are the paranoid people of this world.

If they want a fight then come over here & me & my cousins will give you a damn good bloody hiding you twits.

God bless the pope.

Answer 6

So religious belief does no harm to you or others? Try telling that to the victims of the Crusades, the Inquisition, 9/11, the partition of India and Pakistan - need I continue this list?

Answer 7

Stephen - That question is so obviously asked to be smarmy nice (I very much doubt you believe it!). Religion is imposed on us 24/7 - In everything from our festivals to news about religious threats to curtail our freedom of speech. To claim it harms nobody--- What planet have you been on??? You are a smarmy person who is probably trying to get in the knickers of some religious momma on yahoo.. Smarmy!

Answer 8

Speaking only for me, the anti-religious sentiment is in response to angry bigoted people who think they have the right to judge who is and who is not going to "hell". I have no problem with other more open minded Christians or Muslims either for that matter. Now those commy atheists really piss me off. Just kidding!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Possibly because despite everything mohommedanism, xtianity and the major world governments can do, the general educational level is very slowly rising. Progressively more and more people are realising that they've been had.

Answer 10

Its because too many bible thumpers try to change everyone else's views. I think that everyone should believe what they feel is right. There are also alot of stuck up non believers that think there way is the only way. human nature i guess.

Gnostic