Why should religious groups be shown tolerance by secular people in society?

Question

In the United States we have the freedom of religion. Atheism is in it's own right a religious belief, even though it is based on the disbelief in god. I feel I should be allowed to practice this, just as freely as any other religion practices their beliefs. My religion, Atheism, doesn't prohibit me from looking at porn, having a fetus aborted, or having a gay marrige, if that were my preferance. Yet if I choose to do any of these things, I have other religious groups imposing their morals or values on me, by trying to have these things made illegal or banned . Why is it so hard for them, to live by their beliefs and let the rest of us alone? I don't organize protest in front of their church on Sundays. No one forces Christians to marry gays, have abortions, or engage in what they consider improper sexual behavior. I wonder what would happen if Atheist would rise up as a group and start trying to impose our beliefs on other religions, the way they do with us.

Answer 1

i have to agree with you on some level...

there are activist groups that are doing some of the things you say... there are people trying to remove reference to god in our government... sometimes they are successful.. and sometimes not.

one thing i have to point out is you talk about abortion.. you can get one... i think just about everywhere (if not everywhere) abortions right now are legal. anyone can get them... heck even if your under 18.

the gay marriage thing is growing to more states... and i gotta say i dont think its religion that prevents it from growing more.. i just think its just people.. i think some people are just homophobes... i dont think its religion.

the only thing that i think is a problem is the usage of god in our government.. on our money and the pledge of allegiance.... but i really think one day it will stop... its just changing things like this is a REAL major change.




http://www.atheistactivist.org/