A thoughtful question for Athiests only please!?

Question

I have a question for my athiest brothers and sisters out there.

Why is it that conservatives and christians tend to have a MUCH higher population of bigots than athiests and liberals?

Answer 1

Why? Because of their religious faith... it's the rejection of reason, rationality and logic in favor of that which allows dogmatic certainty in their absense. Religious faith is a dangerous thing... it encourages and enables one to accept things absolutely without feeling the need to justify and validate such feelings. It's the perfect breeding ground for bigotry.

Answer 2

I'm only an agnostic (it's spelled atheist, not athiest just so you know for the future) but I more often sympathize more with atheists than Christians. That being said, you have become the very thing you are speaking about: a bigot. I'm not saying this to instigate a fight or be nasty. I'm saying this in the hopes that next time when you say you are going to post a thoughtful question, you actually do so. Your question only fuels those biggoted Christians that want to lump all agnostics, atheists, gay people, Muslims and basically EVERYONE they just don't like into one group and then write them off for being simple minded. And questions like yours are simple minded. I'm sure you're probably quite a smart person but your question just isn't. If you had some sort of scientific research to back it up that might be a different story. Since "biggotry" is hard to quantify and therefore study, I'm guessing you don't have any said research. I don't know what your goal is in life; I like to build bridges. I hope you do to. If you want to "help Christians see the light" then you might do good to heed the saying "You attract more flies with honey than vinegar". Because all you are doing right now is demonstrating the heart of an atheist is one of cruelty, hate and judgement. If, on the other hand, you are purposely creating a witty joke with your question by contrasting the phrase "thoughtful question" with a very UNthoughful question, well then good job at the dry wit. I just doubt if many people will get it.

Answer 3

I think that being an athiest requires an open mind. Being an athiest means that you accept that there are other religions and beliefs that do not conform with what you believe, and athiests should, and do learn to respect that. That is one of the greatest qualities of athiests, their open minds. They maintain their beliefs and do not force their beliefs on others. (At least, this is true of the athiests that I know, i realize that there are others who do not fit into this category). I think that religious people tend to have a more closed mind about religious matters, believing only that told in their own religion, and not being sensible or respectful enough to accept other religions. (again, i know that this is not true for everyone, and i applaud those who can hold fast to their religion, yet still be open-minded and considerate). That's why I think that some religions and beliefs have more bigots.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

>> Why is it that conservatives and christians tend to have a MUCH higher population of bigots than athiests and liberals?

As much as I hate stereotyping, there is some academic truth to your statement. Religion does lead people to be intolerant - this is how religions retain adherents - by making everyone else an "outgroup".

See the psychological phenomenon explained: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outgroup_%28sociology%29

Answer 5

Not merely a higher population of bigots, but a higher PROPORTION or PERCENTAGE of bigots as well.

It should be obvious. The entire nature of conservatism and religious fanaticism is based in the idea that YOUR TRIBE is good and right, and everyone else is bad and wrong. Thus, bigotry flows naturally like a stream flows downhill.

Answer 6

Good question. I think in about 150 years, they will be the minority. Athiests have only been out of the closet for a short time, compared to the time spent with the historic past.

Answer 7

It's of course in the nature of the belief. Religions persist only if they can retain adherents and get new ones. That means that they're almost forced to be divisive, to denigrate other belief systems, and to insist on enemies.

For conservatives, I think it's a similar matter - to get enough people to vote against their interests, conservative political groups must produce enemies and then claim to protect us from those enemies.

Answer 8

There world is build on Absolutes. Its is a sin to question there beliefs. I think Islam is more bigoted then Christianity. Conservative is to often confused with religion. I am conservative when it comes to defense and economics.

Answer 9

Because these people don't actual put much thought into morality and how to live. They simply believe that belonging to the "club" is enough. So I did something nasty today.....but at least I'm a christian so I'm ok.... even I'm saved (How arrogant).

An atheist (well most anyway) will actually put some real thought into the subject of morality knowing that there is no divine sky wizard who will simply absolve us of the guilt of our misdeneaners.

Answer 10

Because religion is based on exclusion. Just like many insular groups. They also prey on the narrow minded and the ignorant.
So it's no surprise that they'd end up looking like bigoted morons, it's what they are after all.

Answer 11

well i'm an agnostic is it okay if i answer anyway it's because they believe that they are right and everybody else is wrong and they can't and won't accept the fact that people don't feel the same way that they do because they fail to see the logic and reason of why people don't feel the same way that they do and could care less to listen to reason and logic other then their own reason and logic and in some cases it makes their heads hurt to think about things that aren't written in their holy book