Atheists, Agnostics...etc.: How is religion forced on you?

Question

I would like to hear examples of how it is forced. I'm just asking this because no one I know has had it forced on them, except for by their parents.

could you give specific examples please

and school your really learning about culture there.

Answer 1

Everytime someone finds out I'm an atheist, they constantly return to me quoting scripture or try to logic me into religion.

Or scare me... once when I was a kid my friend's parents told me I was going to hell. I was only 9. Who does that...?

And before that, in PRESCHOOL, I was forced to pray and thank god for my meal or else they would take away my food and send me to time out.

Answer 2

Well, our money says "in god we trust," but I don't. When I said the pledge of allegance, I said "Under god" though I don't believe it. Note both of these were added in the 1950's. As an athiest I am legally barred (well, illegally barred, actually) from holding public office is several states.

I hae no problem with people exercising their religeons, nor with people trying to convert me on the street - won't work, but go ahead and try. Where I do have a problem is in the public sphere (not "in public", but in governmentally sanctioned spaces). I don't want any particular religion put forward in school by school employees, in a courtroom, and so forth, because I am not in those places by choice - I am there on official business with the government to whom I pay taxes and which is governed by a constitution that clearly states "congress shall make no law...concerning the establishment of religion." This has been a long legislative history of meaning that no arm of the government can favor any one religion over another; as there are many thousands of religions the only way to achieve this is to have the government remain secular.

Answer 3

Really, in America, there is no separation of church and state. These are incidences from over 20 years ago - so we can not blame the current conservative administration for my examples.

In public high school social studies class (when I was in 10th Grade), my teacher decided we should go around the room and say what religion we are. I said, "Pass" (as in pass by me, I don't want to answer your question). My teacher started naming religions at me. I stated pass again. [As a very shy child/teen this was a tough experience.]

Also, on Wednesdays in 9th Grade (public school), I had a extra study hall, since all the other kids had religious class. They walked to their churches.

My parents gave me the gift to see different religions (thru friends and family) and to make my own choices.

One time in my early 20s, I was dressed up to go out and dance on a Saturday night (in black and high heels, by the way). I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a couple of items. While standing in line, the person ahead of my outfit and handed me a pamphlet about Christ and religion. [I guess I must have "looked" evil.]

People automatically think less of you if you do not go to church. I believe in treating people fairly, honestly and with compassion.

Peace & take care,
debm

Answer 4

Religion has kept stem cell research from being fully explored, something that could literally mean the difference between life or death for my youngest grandchild.

In several states in the U.S., a non-Christian cannot hold some high public offices. This is a nation that purports to cherish religious freedom!

"One nation under Zeus." "In Ahura Mazda We Trust."

Handing out New Testaments to students during school hours.

Based on ancient prejudices perpetuated by several prominent religions, those of my family members, friends, and neighbors who happen to be gay cannot be married in the eyes of the law.

My tax money is being used to fund religious organizations that discriminate against non-Christians.

Answer 5

When so called Christians approach me and ask if I have been saved. I then tell them I am not interested, and then I am taunted by remarks, like, You're gonna go to hell if you don't get saved". And as others have said, government influence. I once worked for the City of Los Angeles. The city, a government agency, uses city taxpayer money, to support and maintain a Catholic Church at 24th and Grand in San Pedro, California.

Answer 6

It's bad enough that our parents force it on us. They are exclusive about it too. I told my parents I went to another Christian Church that wasn't Catholic. I had a great time there. The people were so friendly, not at all like our church was. My parents told me not to go back if I wanted to be their daughter. I told them they could keep their church. That was 20 years ago and I have never joined any organized religion. I like my own.
Another time this bible thumper got hold of me. I was 14 then. He insisted that the Virgin Mary had other kids after Jesus. Well to my little Catholic mind that was simply unheard of. He really shook me up. Even when I asked him to stop, he kept on, day after day. He was my boss, and one day he started at it again. I just walked off the job and never went back.

Answer 7

The actions of so called Christians is what made me become Agnostic. How can people be so hateful and judgemental to anyone who is different,be it from sexual preference,religion,skin color whatever. That behavior really bothers me. If God wants us to be kind to one another then why are so many mean people in a certain religion. I can't agree to go to church with a bunch of people who basically hate anyone who doesn't agree with them or try to force their views down some's throat.

Answer 8

OK. I'm an agnostic and here is how religion is being forced on me. I am gay, and I usually spend time here at yahoo answers in the LGBT forum. There are trolls who constantly come there telling me how I am going to HELL for being gay, something that I don't agree with. That is how I get religion forced on me!

Answer 9

Gays and Lesbians have religion pushed on them ALL the time. Legislation that discriminates against same-sex couples from marrying and raising a family are based on religious bigotry. There is no good reason, that can be backed up by facts, to deny equality to same-sex couples. None. The reasons for denying equality to gays and lesbians are purely religious.

Answer 10

not an athiest/agnostic.

however the Christian religion has an agenda in America to place their beliefs into law. they cannot force people to follow their religion. but they can and are making it illegal to do things that they disapprove of. such as Gay marriage/.Abortion.

and this is the end result of the last 1500 years of holy wars and forced conversiond. now there are laws to protect everyone else. they seek to change the laws.