What do you think of the CNN panel discussion about Atheists?

Question

I recently watched the 2-part CNN documentary and panel discussion on Atheists in America. I am completely offended and feel utterly degraded. Recently, the discrimination against and hatred towards Atheists has been really bothering me. Whether this is true or not, I've heard from many sources that Atheists are the least trusted and most hated of any minority in America. More even than homosexuals and Muslims. I find this hatred to be incredibly unwarranted. I want to know what other people think of this. If you haven't seen the panel discussion, you can watch it at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPHnXrU5JzU

I love how I'm asking a legitimate question about what people think of this discussion and my beliefs are being bashed. Thanks, "Miss momma" you really came off as an ignorant individual.

Answer 1

Wow... that is upsetting. I'm going to have to watch it now, thank you for the link.

I really have no word to describe how horrible that was.

"Don't impose upon my right to want to have prayer in schools" said the lady on the left. Does she even hear what she's saying? I find it mind boggling when someone can be so right and yet so wrong at the same time. She's RIGHT because imposing beliefs onto others IS a violation of their religious liberty... and at the same time, that's EXACTLY what she's campaigning for: imposing school sanctioned religious activity on the student body.

Why is it ok for everyone to look the other way and tolerate HER god and HER religion when at the same time it's so offensive that someone might suggest schools remain NEUTRAL on the subject so that NO ONE feels imposed upon??

It's so hard to imagine that people are so..... BLIND to anything other than what THEY want. They campaign for "no imposition" and are utterly incapable of recognizing that they're guilty of the very thing they protest.

And that blonde lady??? "Look at Europe, it's becoming Islamist and it's downward spiraling. America isn't having that problem because we have strong Christians. Atheists aren't strong and I think that's a good thing..."

Wow. Again.... I have..... NO words.

Answer 2

It was horrible. It's a perfect example of how prejudice against atheists is the last acceptable prejudice in this country. Even President George Bush (the first) said that there is no place for atheists in this country, because it was a "Christian Nation". Would you ever hear him say something like that about Jews? They didn't even have the guts to have an atheist on their panel, and they didn't present one single intelligent argument. They just sat there and bashed. It was a disgrace, and CNN should be mortified at such a blatant example of ignorance being attributed to them. I have lost all respect for an organization that presents itself to be intelligent.

And to "Miss Momma" How dare you say I have no purpose to life! I have a wonderful, full life. I have wonderful family, wonderful friends. I do volunteer work, and I give to charity. I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs. What do YOU do except pass judgment on people who don't believe the same things you do? You are an ignorant fool. You don't need "God" to have a purpose in life. You don't need "God" to have morals. You just need a brain, and some common sense.

Answer 3

I thought the female Atheist in the discussion room was kind of
poor in the fact she bashed religion instead of taking up for her
own. The reverand asked the question where do we get our
morals from...I would have told him the truth that morals have
been around far longer than Christianity. Yes I also hate the fact
that I'm in the most hated minority in America but you have to
expect that sort of thing.

Answer 4

I'll definitely check out the video. It is a panel, and I have a feeling I'll disagree with what they say.

A poll was done last year by the University of Minnesota that stated that atheists were the most mistrusted minority in America. You should be able to find it online.

Answer 5

No, I didn't see that but it sounds interesting. I have Friends and family that are Christians, and I live down south too. I can't recall experiencing discrimination in my own life. No one's ever denied me a job, or credit, or housing. I know there are some archaic laws in some states that don't allow atheists to hold public office, but I doubt they would hold up.

In conversations when people mention religion, I just politley mention I don't believe in any kind of religion, and the person changes the subject. From some of the atheists questions and answers I've seen on Yahoo Answers, I can't help but wonder if there as rude and offending to people when they're face to face with someone.

Everyone has seen atheists post things like "Christians are like cockroaches and termites. You have to keep stepping on them.", and people like the "HAPPY ATHEIST" who's probably going to wind up in jail someday for blowing up a church. I don't see the same animosity toward Wiccans by atheists for instance, who believe in magic spells and other such hogwash. If people have these kinds of attitudes face to face with people as they do online, I can see why Christians wouldn't like them.

I'm sure discrimnation does happen to atheists, it just hasn't happened to me (yet).

Answer 6

HAHAHAHAH... I love some of these answers, we have no fear of god so we can't be trusted??? No fear is a good thing, what happens when you hear a voice? uh-oh, its god better do what he says or else. Then you do crazy stuff like throw your kids from a peir. It just goes to show that the less intelligent are afraid of what they do not know. I guess god is needed, just so these sorry excuses for humans can be good and feel better about themsleves. Don't get mad dude, it won't help. Atheist should all move to one state and let the rest of the country see how good it is without FEAR.

Answer 7

I am sitting here with my mouth hanging open. You know, we atheists get accused of being angry all the time. The anger I saw from those women was stunning. Whats with a Jewish woman attorney saying this is a Christian country?

By the way, I would object to public Muslim prayers in school, as well as any other religions. And what the hell was that about atheist Hallmark cards? What the hell was the entire thing about????? NOW I am angry!

Answer 8

the christians hate the truth but the atheists are not alone the rest of the world stands up for them the usa is the only country in the world that hates atheists that is because the church runs the usa not the politions

Answer 9

Wow. That was the liberal whackos at CNN. Imagine what the Fox fascists think. Where did they find two blacks and a Jew who were so intolerant? What do they mean that this is a "Christian nation?" Didn't the Founding Fathers say no state religion?

Answer 10

I have not seen the documentary, but I can guarantee you that if the discrimination and hatred exists, it is wrong. This opinion is from one who follows Christ and is not part of the so-called "Christian right."