How come atheists arent as outspoken about their beliefs on public or around famlily as they are on this site?

Question

im christian, but my best friend is a diehard atheist. but she is not as outspoken about her beliefs as she is in real life. i tell her that although i disagree with her, she should speak up if she believes things different.

Answer 1

I think they are bullies.
This site allows those with cotrversial views to bully the mainstream.
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I agree there are bullies on both sides but in my opinion
the more on the liberal side of most arguments; has the greater number and usually more vile.
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the thumbs down dont bother me,
I dont mind standing up to "Bullies"

Answer 2

I make it a point not discuss religious beliefs in any forum that isn't there for said discussion. I can't stand it when people come preaching to me, so I do not go preaching to others.

Open forums on the internet are a great place to have these discussions because it is invited. I also discuss it in groups that are having that type of discussion like the philosophy classes I took in college. I assure you that everyone in that class knew exactly where I stood and why. But I don't go out of my way to join the atheist groups that push an agenda on everyone else.

To be completely honest, I don't care what nonsense you chose to believe. I usually only respond to questions about why I believe the way I do. I figure that will have the most positive impact which I do define as religion fading away.

Answer 3

I think all people are more outspoken on this site then in real life. I think it's pretty obvious by this site that there are many intolerances to all walks of life. I think in real life we feel the need for accpetance even in small ways, just to make it through the day. I believe I witness about Jesus just by being kind, good, loving, giving, and displaying self control. If it comes up, I have nothing to hide. She probably doesn't want to shove it down peoples throats like some people of many religions do. What a person believes can be very personal and very private. God bless.

Answer 4

I generally don't try to push my beliefs on other people. If the topic comes up, I will state my beliefs. I'm not shy about doing so.

I can think of two reasons why atheists would be afraid to speak up.
1) We're vastly outnumbered by people who think we're evil. It can actually be dangerous in some parts to advertise your atheism. I've known people who have atheist bumper stickers on their car get their car vandalized. It can also be career shortening in some areas. Atheists are the last group it is OK to discriminate against.

2) There is a bias in this country that religion should get special handling. Critique of religion is taboo. Many here have gotten reported by people just for not being respectful enough towards religious belief, as if religion deserves a higher respect than any other belief. You can say bad things about Republicans or Democrats or even Red Skins fans. However, if you say something bad about Christianity or Judaism or even Islam, everybody gets upset.

Answer 5

Unless I am specifically discussing religion with another person my faith (or lack of) is not something I will discuss.

I don't introduce myself by saying 'hi, my name is Sunny and I don't believe in god', just as most Christians won't start a conversation by stating their religious beliefs.

If someone wants to talk about religion, then fine, I will say what I think.

This place (y.answers) is a place for doing just that, answering and discussing issues - which is probably why everyone seems to be so outspoken (atheist and otherwise).

Answer 6

Sometimes they are on here like water. I never see them have much backing to their belief I think this has a lot to do with it. Many people have a thought and say nah no god and say yup I am an atheist. Or many people specially younger feel odd about saying they are a religion as when you say you are religous people get images of the people that knock on doors and act all weird in conversation.

Answer 7

Hey, you managed a good question!

I can only speak for myself, although my reasons may be similar to others or shared by others.

1. I don't want to deal with the fallout - the gentle persuasion, the pity (albeit misplaced), the prayers...

2. I'm actually respectful of others' beliefs (to a point). Those to whom I would be most likely to mention it would be hurt and would feel bad for me. I figure what they don't know won't hurt them.

3. The topic doesn't come up much in real life for me. Unlike out here, where discussing religion topics is kinda the whole point.

4. Outside of family and fanatics, I'm not unwilling to bring it up. It just doesn't come up.

Answer 8

Religion, or lackthereof, is highly personal. While some like to spew their beliefs to anyone who will listen, many are not comfortable sharing as it may create an uncomfortable situation and there may be repercussions. However, the web provides a forum in which one can remain anonymous and thus is able to let one's guard down.

Answer 9

Because religious people take more offense to non-believers than non-believers do believers. Atheist are looked down on and persecuted for what they are. An atheist is smart enough to know this, and just because they believe what they believe does not mean they don't respect the beliefs of their love ones and friends around them in social settings.

Answer 10

I would bet that probably most (not all but most) of the people on here are more outspoken on sites like this then they are in "real life".

I'm not an atihest by the way, but I think the same applies to everyone.

Answer 11

Whenever I talk about my Atheistic beliefs, it usually starts fights. Even if I go about it in a respectful, "this is what I believe" way, my Christian friends/family members get angry. My mom tells me that I'm not Atheist... Haha, yeah, she just says "No you aren't."
So, unless I see a reason for me to bring it up, I don't.