Pagans, Wicca, Atheists and Muslims: Do you feel many negative comments have been made about your religion?

Question

(Do you feel that you can change someone's mind or do anything to show the truth about your religion?)

Answer 1

atheism is not a religion. Yes, atheists receive negative comments and attitudes because we do not follow any religion. I don't want to change anyone's mind, I feel comfortable knowing what I know.

Answer 2

I am pagan, and yes, I have had negative comments made about my religion. However, it is nearly impossible to change someone's mind if they do not want to change. Some people will listen to reason, and once they understand my religion, perhaps even appologize for past comments, but there are always going to be some who will insist that I'm worshipping the devil and cooking children and such, regardless of what anyone may tell them.

Answer 3

I am Wiccan and I feel many negative comments have been made about my religion. But, Christians (and Muslims) feel that theirs is the only true religion and all others are false religions worshipping false deities. You won't change the fundies' minds, so I never try. Well, almost never. ;-)

Answer 4

There are many incorrect stereotypes made about Wicca. However, I don't think I could change someone's mind about the religion unless they were truely interested in having their mind changed. I will defend my beliefs if necessary but I won't try to change anyone's mind.

Answer 5

I haven't come across any negative comments about my beliefs. I'm not really looking, though. people will say and think what they want. they have a right to it. just as I have a right to my beliefs. (BTW Wicca is a sect of Paganism, so you just asked something similar to: Christians, Catholics. Does that make any sense?)

Answer 6

A LOT of negative comments have been made that I've seen about atheism(ok, it's not a religion, but it still counts as the opposite of theism) ranging from saying we're selfish, devil-worshippers, that we're Commies, that we should shut up and get out because everyone else is religious, that we need to repent...

You name it, I've probably heard it, including on here. And it's not just atheists, I've seen a lot of other religions get nasty comments made about them as well.

As far as changing someone's mind, that's up to the person if they truly want to know if we are as the stereotypes say or not. If they truly want to know, then they'll see it and listen and change their opinion. If all they want is to "prove" that we're a bunch of hellbound sinners, then it'll take a lot more than just explaining things to them to change their minds. People who do the latter are just doing it to justify themselves and cause trouble instead of truly learning.

All I can do to show the truth of what atheism is, is to state my own personal beliefs as an atheist and shoot down the common stereotypes when I see them. I try not to attack or mock or be an all out jerk about it(though it's sometimes VERY difficult to do so) and will admit that I'm human, I'm not perfect, and I have my grumpy moments.

I also refuse to deal with people who I can tell are deliberately being inflamatory and jerks just trying to start a fight. People who insult and are rude aren't worth my time and bandwidth. I tend to answer questions from polite and honest people who either truly want to know or understand why I am the way I am.

One thing I DON'T do is try to "deconvert" people. That's a common misconception I've seen from religious types that atheists go around trying to lead people into sin by telling lies about religion and deconvert people so they don't feel so "guilty". I for one don't feel guilty about believing as I do, and since my beliefs have rarely been respected, I know what it's LIKE to be laughed at and mocked and such for having the beliefs that I do.

Therefore, as angry as I can feel when I see such b.s. being said, I respect that a person has a right to believe as they wish, and if they have no right harassing me to believe in God, I have no right to tell them they shouldn't. I may feel that it's silly and a crock of the proverbial dung, but I don't go around telling people they're stupid for falling for what I feel is an exploitation of herd mentality. I keep those thoughts to myself and try to provide polite, intelligent arguements as to why I don't think God exists now, nor has ever existed.

I also keep in mind that I'm human and not perfect. I don't know everything, nor do I claim to(another trait I've seen religious people say atheists do), and am aware that I can be proven wrong at any time. So I'm prepared to state things as I know them, but if they change because I learned otherwise afterwards, I can fix it and get it right afterwards.

I can do little more than state my beliefs, be as respectful and polite as possible, and be honest, realizing that I can make mistakes and fix them when I do.

Answer 7

Most people are very accepting of others beliefs. The only obvious exception are fundies. It doesn't matter what religion they claim to follow, all they are interested in is using that religion as an excuse to spread their hatred and intolerance. These are the ones who tend to make negative comments obout others.

As for my views, all should be allowed to follow whichever religion they choose, as long as they don't use it to harm others.

Answer 8

Where Wicca is Concerned, I have been able to educate some people. Most are only concerned with being Right, not being informed.

Answer 9

Islam is the only right religion in the world.
I agree that negative impression of Islam has been created by the media.
I feel that following two web sites can help show the truth about Islam :

http://www.ahya.org/amm/modules.php?name=Lectures&d_op=viewdownload&cid=22

http://www.islamtomorrow.com

Answer 10

O ye men! eat of what is lawful and good in the earth; and follow not the footsteps of Satan, surely he is to you an open enemy