If so, what difficulties do you face ?
I am Irish by the way.
2006-11-27 06:28:08 · 15 answers · asked by Carpe Diem 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Not at all, a large portion of the US is Athiest or Agnostic.
Might be a little tougher in the southern states, that's known as the "Bible Belt", where Christianity is most dominant :P
2006-11-27 06:29:52 · answer #1 · answered by DougDoug_ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would find it difficult to be an atheist anywhere, any time - intellectually.
Oh, you mean if atheists get into trouble in the USA today? I would strongly doubt it! Like on Answers, if you say anything people might disagree with, there are always those who will try to shout you down, whether you are an atheist or a believer.
2006-11-27 14:30:48 · answer #2 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We are protected by the constitution, but the fundamentalists are trying to change the constitution to include teaching religion in public schools. I haven't noticed hatred for atheists so much as the hatred for homosexuals and abortionists. I fear the current situation in the Middle East will bring about more hatred for the Muslims. Of course the fundamentalists won't admit to hatred -- they think of it more along the lines of "justice."
.
2006-11-27 14:38:47 · answer #3 · answered by Hatikvah 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By 'Irish', does that mean someone who says they're Catholic AND believes fairies, elves, banshees, etc. are real? :-D
Seriously, I live in TX, the Bible belt (ugh), and someone has a billboard 'down the street' that's bright yellow and says 'Jesus' on it. There's a bleepin' church on every corner. I'm disabled so I'm living with my parents who only have friends they've met in a church...constantly surrounded by people who haven't read the thing but claim it is 'The Truth'...
Very annoying BUT, I hardly think it compares to being hanged or burned alive so I'd say, it's difficult when your kid reads 'In God We Trust' on currency and pledges 'For one Nation under God' in school for you to teach them monotheism is not the only theory, but I realize I can study/think what I want & teach my son about other theories/religions w/o feeling my life is in danger
2006-11-27 14:52:40 · answer #4 · answered by strpenta 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question.
Yes it is. America is too religious, and thus, atheists and agnostics often tend to be leftist contrarians as opposed to intellectuals. I am an agnostic, and it amazes me that anyone could be atheist or agnostic and contradict the lessons of Darwin with defeatist pacifist idealogy. Im a realist...no other result makes sense once you get it.
By the way, we are very aware of the hatred for America in Ireland. Its no secret anymore.
2006-11-27 14:32:01 · answer #5 · answered by Speech Hating Monkey 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was once asked by my political party's state chairman to run for office. When I explained I was an atheist, he embarassingly admitted he had just assumed I was a church-going Christian "like everybody else", and of course it was impossible for an atheist to be elected to any office.
The women's prayer circle in our corporation did demand my termination a couple of years ago after one of them circulated a picture of The “Eye of God” gas cloud, a star remnant catalogued NGC7293, suggesting it should be an object of reverence and I responded with a terse explanation of the commonality of novae and remnant clouds and a photo of SK-69 202 (Sanduleak 69 degrees), inquiring if she considered that to be "The Crossed Eyes of God." They complained bitterly that I had mocked the Lord and they were quite shocked that I wasn't dismissed, and they began to complain incessantly that they were being persecuted for their faith and suffering for Jesus because of my mere presence in the company.
But that's about it.
2006-11-27 14:49:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The USA is probably one of the best places in the world to be an atheist!
2006-11-27 14:32:31 · answer #7 · answered by Billy! 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's difficult knowing that you are mis-represented in public, under-represented in government and mis-understood. Christianity has demonized atheists so when you tell people you are one they immediately look at you differently. Even your good friends reevaluate their relationship with you after they find out. After a few days they let it go though.
(Living in South Florida)
2006-11-27 14:31:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's kinda tough here in the South. I get funny looks and gasps when I let the cat out of the bag.
2006-11-27 14:48:42 · answer #9 · answered by curtis_lloyd2002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if you live in san francisco. probably the Atheist capital of the world. I live in San Fran and it's hard to be a catholic there.
2006-11-27 14:30:57 · answer #10 · answered by mare0705 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋