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And is it largely based on the idea of fundamentalism as representative of Christianity?

2007-06-12 13:17:06 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

22 answers

I think 19th and early 20th century atheism was more philosophical and put more emphasis on addressing the character of theology. The new brand came along with television in the 1950's and is essentially a kind of crude popularised version of the Bertrand Russell version. To answer your question: yes to both. Atheists exhibit no animosity toward denominations that are now traditionally liberal,such as Episcopalians; most atheists today are urban liberals,in contrast to the isolated small-community "town atheist" profiled so often in stories by Sherwood Anderson; and the objections they raise are always political rather than theological,or at least most often. And yes,most of them do see fundamentalism - actually a vocal minority - as representing the main body of Christianity. This dove-tailes with the fact that most contemporary atheists are probably urban liberals,since fundies get a very high profile in the mass media and there is no social class in the U.S. more dependent on the mass media to do their thinking for them than the urban liberal. This is not to deprecate liberalism; I'm a moderate liberal myself. But liberals in large cities tend to sound like a tv newsmagazine,while liberals in smaller communities obviously go to the trouble of reading books on subjects that interest them,instead of assuming that anything important would getting a big play in the press. For example,I have yet to meet a liberal from a community of 100,000 or less who doesn't know of and recognize the role of JINSA (Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs,a neo-con think-tank) in developing the current war in Iraq; conversely,my urban colleagues have never even heard of it. So if most atheists are urban liberals,and I think they are,that would explain why they give fundies the exact same high profile the press does. The hatred is indeed political - not philosophical,as in the early 20th century - and it is indeed based on fundamentalism as a powerful force in right-wing politics. Which it is,but only in an area urban liberals don't want to go into,namely U.S. support for Israel and/or U.S. hostility to the the Arab states. They don't want to hear about that at all. Just long-dead issues like school prayer,creationism being taught,etc. This may be beating a dead horse but it avoids the israeli issue - which is important to do since most American jews are ultra-liberal but still support israel. So urban liberals don't want to cross swords with their jewish counterparts on Israel. Sounds complicated,but it really isn't.

2007-06-13 08:22:22 · answer #1 · answered by Galahad 7 · 2 0

As a secular Jew,I have no quarrel with Christianity at all,with the exception of the Religious Right. They have the power to sway elections. That scares me. To be fair,there are areas - such as New York - where "the Jewish vote' is considered all-important,but I don't think it compares in scope. As far as bad blood between Catholics and Jews,I regard that as history. By the way,your question is "loaded" - it encompasses the idea that atheists hate. Many do hate Christianity,particularly in the U.S. But not all. And in Europe non-believers do not generally have any especial animosity.

2007-06-12 20:39:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

My dislike of Christianity does stem from political reasons, yes. I cannot say the same of all of us. I just don't think that Mosaic morality with a large side dish of Levitical law has any place in the legislation of the country. Also, I find advertising your faith just to get votes rather disgusting, the way Bush and his ilk pander to the Christian base who historically and admittedly vote only on issues of morality, not what's best for the country in terms of policy.

2007-06-12 20:24:01 · answer #3 · answered by ReeRee 6 · 3 0

I suppose there are some atheists that hate Christianity, but what many think is that Christians are misguided. And, people are welcome to their unusual or different beliefs if they are not used to hurt other people. Alas, Christians preach goodness and act in some of the most despicable ways. And, atheists do the same. The difference is that atheists do not point to a book to tell them what is good and evil.

2007-06-12 20:22:43 · answer #4 · answered by Your Best Fiend 6 · 1 2

Don't you people ever tire of discussing nonsense and outright lies? You're the ones filled with fear and loathing who are not worth hating, but only earn pity and amusement.

It's so sad.

2014-10-02 03:54:06 · answer #5 · answered by Nowpower 7 · 0 0

Not for me. I have absolutely no hatred for Christians, but have an anger at delusion and superstition being represented as fact. I am also aware that religious belief increases when educational standards are low.

2007-06-12 20:24:58 · answer #6 · answered by ED SNOW 6 · 0 2

The extent of Christian delusion never ceases to amaze me.

We do not 'hate' Christianity. We do not hate god. Well we don't believe in god so that's moot anyway.

We are saddened, concerned and in some cases horrified, by the influence an ancient primitive set of beliefs is having on the modern planet.

All religions not just Christian.

2007-06-12 20:33:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 2

How would you like if if there was a Satanic majority in Congress and the White House and "satanism" effected nominations to the Supreme Court, foreign policy, and all social policy?

Pretty scary for you, huh?

Well, that's how it is for us. Christians are delusional. They believe in imaginary beings with violent histories. And they let their delusional beliefs affect all their decisions.

Our constitution calls for a clear separation of religion and state. Yet Christians are electing presidents from the pulpit, starting wars because God told them to, and taking away my rights because of some ancient book of nonsense.

2007-06-12 20:21:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3 2

I would say you are on to something.

What bothers me the most is how they are aiming to demonize anyone who accepts science over their faith.

There is a constant attack on science, medicine, and individual social rights currently underway by the christians in America. Until they get it through their heads that they can not force others to live their religion there will continue to be hostility.

2007-06-12 20:23:21 · answer #9 · answered by Dark-River 6 · 0 2

The religious population is far larger that the (admitted) atheist population. I just find it absurd that we are treated, often times, as second class citizens.
Atheists have every right to rebel against this prejudice.
We are not stupid, bad, or insane.
We are people that are judged harshly for our non-belief.
This should not happen in America.
It is shameful.

2007-06-12 20:28:04 · answer #10 · answered by The Walkin Dude 2 · 2 2

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