Are atheists really persecuted?

Question

Is it true that atheists do not have the same rights as us? If it is I am not OK with it. No one should be persecuted, especially for their religious choices, including choosing no religion. It is annoying enough that certain other varieties of Christians think I worship statues and talk to dead people. If these folks are persecuting atheists would they also like to burn Catholic churches or demolish synagogues? We all deserve freedom and I really want to know about it if some of us are less free than others.

Answer 1

Numerous states, county governments, and city governments have standing constitutional or foundational documents forbidding atheists from holding office.

In some states, revealing that you are an atheist to a social worker is grounds to be denied the right to adopt -- even for wealthy, stable, heterosexual married couples.

I used to be a substitute teacher for a local county school district and at orientations, we were told outright that anyone found to be either gay or atheist or both would be dismissed on the spot and would forfeit all unpaid wages.

Of course, these are all regional things, so really it depends on where you are.

Answer 2

I think you haven't been very well inform, persecution from the Catholic church as never been the main reason for Catholic and Catholicism to exist, as well that to follow God commandments. Instead The Catholic church has been persecute many times and in many different way's, the worst of this way's, and because Catholicism, has been force to protect it's self, Catholicism, Popes and bishops had pick-up the sword few times, to combat the Enemy, as was in the middle ages, in which Catholicism organize will battle the Mores, or Muslims, in the crusades. There is prophecies that in this time and age, with the coming of our Lord (Jesus). Persecution against the Church of God(Jesus), will end. Although I'm not sure if God(Jesus), desires will included to pursue a Ward, and or persecution against persecutors. Though I'm sure than that is God plans, the persecute, will become the persecutors. This time the Catholic church will raise, more than ever. perhaps due to the presences of Jesus, the Lord,in the World. Because, Catholic and Catholicism, has always been persecute.<

Answer 3

Personally I don't feel persecuted. I have met some of the people you are referring to and they are a large part of the "why" I left the church. I honestly feel the only thing preventing some of them from committing mass murders is the law against such activity. I have known more than one who would prefer a planet with only those who believe as they do as residents.

If you consider it carefully, I think it is a bit frightening. It becomes harder every day for me to sort out the radicals from different religions.

BTW, I am not anti-religion. If you feel a need to believe in something and it brings you some measure of comfort I support your right to do so and I wish you well. I fully recognize and realize that many good things have come from religion but I can also see the hate.

Have a good day...

Answer 4

Atheists calling Christians out on their beliefs is not persecution (likewise, Christians calling out on atheists' beliefs is not persecution either) You might want to look at past events in history for real examples of persecution.

Answer 5

I'm sure some are, but it was WAY more common back in the days of the Roman Catholic Church in politics. Now, they are persecuted by Islam a lot. In America? Please. I'm sorry if you have to be exposed to something that offends you (the ten commandments, a picture of an angel, "God" in the pledge, whatever). You are going to be offended. A Christian is offended every time "GD" is used in a movie.

I've lived on both sides of this. I was a hard-core, pretty outspoken atheist and I'm now a pretty hard-core Christian. It's way harder in a lot of social situations now. Atheists are applauded by the world/society 80% of the time. Christians are stereotyped as judgmental, stupid, closed-minded, and controlling, four things that I have never in my life been accused of. I think the American atheist who complain about being persecuted are angry with religion and have a chip on their shoulders, so they are just looking for another negative thing about it, or they don't want to see it.

Answer 6

I wouldn't say "persecuted". I hate to use that word unless someones situation is completely horrible (like being shot at, pushed out of town and such).

The thing with being Atheist is that there is no outward signs of it unless we wear t-shirts or tell people. The discrimination comes in when someone is open about it - which more of us should be more open (as hard as that can be!).

I suspect a lot of religious people are either told a load of bull about us and/or they don't know one of us (at least open) who doesn't fit the stereotype.

Here's one that is straight up governmental discrimination: In Texas we are not aloud to run for office, because we do not believe in a "higher power". That one is written into the State Constitution - right with "there shall be no religious test". *roll eyes*

I just found a youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mc5HDixVLuQ

Answer 7

Probably not persecuted, but perhaps subject to prejudice. And only in select parts of the Bible Belt. In the UK where I live, it's practically the norm - fundie Christians or overdressed Muslims are viewed with far more suspicion (any religious person displaying their faith ostentatiously, in fact).

But attend to where it does happen, in little communities where everyone is expected to be identical. Some of them are on here. But their persecution and prejudice I can handle. Gladly.

Answer 8

I don't know of any atheists who are persecuted. Well in some religious neighborhoods I have seen a kind of societal shunning of atheists. But I don't see any removing of their rights. This is America, land of the free isn't it?

Answer 9

Atheists are discriminated against. In many places, by many people, those without religious beliefs are viewed with suspicion, as though we are just waiting for the opportunity to start causing mayhem because we don't believe god will punish us.
Personally, I fear potential persecution. I fear Christians getting religous laws passed about abortion, prayer in schools and gay marriages (just to name a few). I fear Christian politicians who use religion to sway people to do things that are just plain wrong. I fear for the future of our country if religious fundamentalists of any stripe gain control of our government, as the christians seem to be trying to do.

Answer 10

In at least five US states atheists are barred from being elected to public office. Some school boards will not hire atheists and there is general low level discrimination. It is not as bad as it is for Gays but it does exist.