How does an athiest blend in to a cristian country?

Question

I am an athiest and I stand up for what I believe. Although I do support others religions, it seems they don't respect my beliefs. Whenever it is discussed, I am given dirty looks. America is supposed to have freedom of religion, but some people don't like me because I don't belive in their belief system.

Answer 1

The most ardent atheist and the most zealous Christian still has more in common than not. Unfortunately, people tend to focus on the differences.

Answer 2

I do believe that this country is based on the idea of freedom to believe what one wants. Christians have no right to demand everyone believe the way they do and the same goes for athiests.... I do feel that Christianity does have one thing going for it that atheism does not ... Christianity teaches morals. I see absolutely nothing wrong with the 10 commandments and i see nothing wrong to a prayer in schools.

If the atheist children were taught that Christianity was the chosen religion of some people and they have that right then the atheist children should not be offended, they can just choose not to participate.... I do not feel that one group should be able to say that the 10 commandments should not be posted in public buildings ... They dont have to stop and read it but if it were to affect one child by reading "Thou shalt not murder" then it is worth being there. I have never really understood Atheism and what they stand for. I know they do not believe in God and that is their right and their choice but how do they teach their children right from wrong if they do not believe it is wrong to kill, or steal and other basic sins.

Christianity on the other hand does go to the extreme with fanatics and I do not belive that also is good for children, but I do believe in the morality that Christianity teaches. I also believe that everyone should be taught to respect the other persons right in their own personal beliefs. Be it Christian or Atheist.

Answer 3

You ought to try being an atheist in Texas! I make a point of not discussing it much. At work there are a number of fundementalist women that sit around me. It can get very uncomfortable, especially when religion gets mixed with politics. I have on several occasions quietly said "you know, it possible some people here don't agree with you. Maybe its not a good idea to discuss this." I get some weird looks, but it does stop the conversation. I don't feel like its my place to talk about my atheism, as I don't think its anymore appropriate.

Sometimes I do tell people as I feel its a way of letting "this little light of mine" shine! LOL. I think people need to see that atheists are not full of hate and spite. Some of us are kind, loving, funny, intelligent and great to be around. Some of us are jerks. We are just like anyone else.

Edit:
Hey Enraged Parrot! Glad to know I am not alone.in the Lone Star State :-)

Answer 4

Short answer, you don't.

You have to be yourself. Realize many of these people were hindered as children. They were never shown the ideals of others, just the way to hate.
Really, how do you talk to someone who thinks a deity is the only way to have your own morals? You can't. How many Christians are in jail?
I behave as a decent person. I don't ever try to hurt anyone, but I would not let someone hurt me. Most people it doesn't even come up. I have been to many different religious meetings, functions etc. And usually find something interesting, or interesting people, in all of them. Most are too blinded to be able to say the same thing of me or my beliefs.

Generally I just say it is not an issue unless someone wants to bring up beliefs. Most people are ok. And if they are rude, well, that doesn't say much about thier beliefs, does it? Besides, there will always be rude people of all walks, for all different reasons. We know we have a finite amout of time, so call them out on it or go on, don't waste your time worring about mean people. After all, they won't ever find out they were wrong.

Answer 5

I don`t discuss my beliefs with others .I blend in because I am sociable ,kind ,considerate and caring .You don`t need religion to have these qualities .I have religious friends and friends that question the existence of god ..They do not know where I stand on religion and they don`t have the Right to know .You will always get dirty looks ,because people have been programmed into believing there is something wrong with us or we are evil .I know I am neither and so should you .
Peace .

Answer 6

I think sometimes it depends on where you live, too. Discrimination against atheists is still accepted in this country. It's still ENCOURAGED by people like our own president and his father. If you live in the Bible belt, then there's almost no way around it. You'll be physically attacked there. Where I live, in the Northeast, it isn't as bad. People might raise their eyebrows when they hear you're atheist, but they don't generally get TOO worked up about it. Of course, there are always some whack jobs out there who will treat you like you're Satan incarnate.

Answer 7

Freedom of Religion does not mean people have to respect others' beliefs, only that people not be persecuted for their beliefs.

Therefore, it is acceptable for people to dislike a person based on their religious beliefs. It might not be the best reason, but it is acceptable.

Answer 8

I for one am Christian, and while I reject your statement that this is a christian country, The key to dealing with other religous beleifs is simply tolerance. Learn key beleifs of important religions and prepare an intelligent-sounding answer for when people criticize your atheism. Or, you could go from an agnostic standpoint and acknowledge that there might be a god. Good luck.

Answer 9

Just go on with your life. If people want to discuss religion let them. I found that if I keep my mouth shut the discussion is very brief and we can take about something I care about.

Answer 10

As a native Texan (Texas is right smack-dab in the middle of the Bible Belt) and an atheist, I'd kind of like to know the answer to that myself!