Ever notice a difference between American Atheists and European Atheists?

Question

American Atheists seem to be more in your face and promoting it, I believe that is the American way with anything any American tries to promote.
European Atheists don't seem to be so incrediably rude about it.

Answer 1

I think you are absolutely right.

American atheists - like the believers - are more passionately trying to promote their way of belief.

European atheists just don't care. Of course, Europe is also more secular than the US and have a better separation of church and state. Plus religion is less of a taboo.

Promoting anything (religion, merchandise, or yourself) is considered uncultivated in Europe.

Answer 2

I'm not familiar with European Atheists. However, I've never allied myself with the American Atheists because I think they are the antithesis of the rabid, religious right. Think about it:: does it make more sense to attack something like Xmas displays in the capitol or to insist that, if those are allowed, year-round displays to accommodate all the different religions and non-religious groups should be allowed? Which argument is going to raise the more hackles and which is going to be the most constitutionally supportable and legally defensible?

That's why I don't ally myself with American Atheists. So, I reckon you're right!

Answer 3

The only European atheists I can think of off he top of my head are Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawking. I'd say the results are inconclusive as to whether or not European atheists are more or less "in your face" about it.

Answer 4

Another label.....ooooooooh, can't wait to try it on...

I'm a European who happens to be an atheist. I am some days polite, some days belligerent. Usually depends on if I've had breakfast or not...

But a point in favour is that in America, concepts of religion in general, especially christianity, are becoming polarised in the media and then in our view of religion...thanks in part to wing-nut religious figures expounding eternal damnation for any heretics or infidels and, via the media, the general public lapping up the controversy...

Answer 5

It stems from secularisation of European coutnries. Religion and Politics rarely mix.

We have seen religious persecution for centuries on this continent and we have learnt that flouting our religious beliefs in others' faces causes trouble. Thats why Atheists and Christians from Europe don't wear their religion or beliefs on their sleeve. We keep it close to our hearts and generally only your friends and family would know you religion. It is considered rude to ask what religion you are.

Answer 6

I think there are both types of people on both types of the globe. When I (I'm from New Jersey) am approached in a situation about religion and my point of view is asked, then I explain it, but I avoid yelling and rudeness if an arguement is stuck up.

Answer 7

You are correct. Jesus is not like the Jesus usually depicted in the movies. If one will try to know Him, they will understand that religion is not what He wants from us. He wants us to love and be kind to others. He wants us to accept His free offer to us of love and salvation. His love for us is like no other. Christianity is not inherited. You can't be grandfathered in. None of us were Christians in the beginning of our lives until we accepted Christ as our Lord and our Savior. Hence, many Atheists turned to Christianity.

Answer 8

You ever notice how American Christians are just more in your face than European Christians. European christians don't seem to be so incrediably rude about being christian.

Answer 9

That isn't the same as what I've observed.

I've seen that American atheists are continually needing to defend their lack of a belief. European atheists think anyone who doesn't believe the same as them is ignorant and backwards, and they are above speaking with such fools.

Answer 10

From what I've read, European atheists aren't faced with a Christian majority that seems hell-bent on inflicting their superstitions upon everyone around them.