In General, Do you think Atheists are discriminated against in American Society?

Question

If you are an atheist or agnostic, have you ever felt discriminated against because of your beliefs?

If you are a Christian, do you feel Athiests are to be judged, scorned or treated as any less equal than yourself? Do you feel it is your responsibility to convert them?

Answer 1

yep. Atheists and Agnostics definitely face discrimination. i'm an Agnostic and was fired under false pretenses by a new, very "Christian" manager. i told him i was not interested in attending prayer meetings he decided to hold every morning before the start of the work day. despite having performed my job above and beyond it's description for 2 months previous to his arrival i was fired for "poor performance" by the end of the week. meanwhile the most incompetent and lazy woman there stayed at her job. she, of course, was Christian and dutifully attended his prayer meetings.

Answer 2

I don't think i fit into any of those categories above, since although I'm non-religious, I don't disbelieve in God either.
I've never been judged, scored nor treated any less because of my non-religious status, but more for my race, surprise surprise. O_o
However, I thought it was more the contrary here: since NZ is a multi-cultural country, the religious are judged and treated less equal to everyone else. I don't know why- maybe some people have a fear towards all Christians and Catholics, maybe because of past negative things that had been inflicted by the religious population- I don't know.

I can say though, that although I'm not supporting either sides, there have been quite a few incidences lately where the religious population of New Zealand have been quite unreasonable.

There was the incident where Hell Pizza sent out condoms to promote their Lust Pizza. So it was a bad idea, and it only encourages children to have sex. But the Head of Church had gone a step further and made a public comment about how bad the company was, how immoral it was to expose children to such sexual objects- as if the company wasn't fired with enough criticisms already.
Also, in past experiences, I've met a few Christians and what really peeves me off is when they try convince me to convert. Now, i don't hate anyone who's religious, nor do I show disrespect towards their religion, but that doesn't mean it's ok to try convert me to their religion too. And I'll bet that's what many non-religious people here think too, that the religious people try get others to be part of that religion and, sorry to say this, but trying to convert someone won't get you into their good books. An ex-friend, who only converted to being a Christian last year, tried convincing me how wonderful it was to be able to pray to God every day, and have Him watch over people all the time etc. That was just stepping over the line for me. (we stopped contact for non-religious reasons btw in case you were wondering.)

Maybe that will explain why some people here (in NZ) have a dislike towards religous people, mainly Christians and Catholics because they just "have to express their own opinions about everything".

Answer 3

Yes, atheists are discriminated against in the American society and they even lack some legal rights. I'm not American, but I've heard many stories about the discrimination atheists have faced in the U.S. For example many American atheists feel the need to be discreet about their disbeliefs out of fear of losing their job. There have been many examples of atheists being fired or given a really hard time at work after their Christian bosses found out they were atheists.

According to laws in several U.S. states atheists cannot run for public office or do certain official jobs.

A lot of Americans (especially Christian ones) have weird ideas about atheists and treat them as less than human. They think of atheists as immoral and evil. Some try to convert atheists and others spread hatred against them. (of course not all religious Americans do those things)

To be honest I was a bit shocked when I started using Y!A and saw the attitude a lot of Americans seem to have towards atheists. So much hate against people for simply not believing in a god. I haven't encountered such hostility against atheists from anyone else than some Christian Americans. Here in Europe some people are baffled by our disbelief in a god and some try to convert us, but I haven't yet encountered any discrimination or hostility, unlike many of my atheist peers in the U.S.

Answer 4

Welcome to reality, to America, to the world in general!
I'm not an atheist, but there sure are A LOT of racial/religious probs in the U.S., ever since its supposed "discovery" by Columbus and his crew.
You're discriminated against (in America) if you're not a white Christian male. The rest of us... are very commonly discriminated against.
Peace and blessings to us all, and justice is the answer!

Answer 5

They need us. We're the smart ones, remember?

Without atheists, there would be no American Association for the Advancement of Science. There would be no medical schools. There would be no astronomers.

I'm gay. I've been more worried about discrimination for that because the laws are actually on the books that prevent me from having full rights.

Answer 6

Why do you hardship lots if our communities share actively what we experience approximately god and expensive have confidence or faith can not be injected we are the way we are! we are additionally curious to be attentive to your answer if god is good and he in basic terms does each and every factor then how come there are no longer so good issues occurring all all over the area?

Answer 7

Well we're generally fine if we keep our mouths shut about it.

That is sad when you think about that in any other sense...that someone would have to keep their mouth shut over a race thing, or gender...

In reality, I know some states actually have laws against atheists holding government positions or some such thing...

Answer 8

no they should not be treated worse, and I don't think it is my job to "convert" anyone. That is the Holy Spirit's job. My only job as a Christian is to give a good explanation of my beliefs and be a good ambassador for Christ.

Answer 9

No... if anything it is Christians. We live in a post christian / post modern society. Only 4% of the people in the US have a biblical world view. (1)

Daily the rights of Christians are infringed upon. Daily Christians are belittled, hated, persecuted for their beliefs.

This once was a nation founded on the principals of God, it is that way no longer. Spend enough time here on Y.A and you will see.

Answer 10

Everyone should be treated and creation (NOT children) of God, and yes, it is my responsibility to tell them the truth and warn them of the judgment to come. No, i don't do that often enough.

They should not be in places of authority to call down God's judgment and the result of their unbelief on those they are in authority over, and they should NOT be teaching our kids in any way, shape, or form.

They are NOT discriminated against for the most part, having taken over many areas and brainwashing our children, so that now those in many positions of authority are their stooges.