Has anyone made you feel inferior because of your beliefs?

Question

I have an atheist friend who, just this morning, at work, got into a huge row with a girl she works with. This girl found out a while ago my friend was atheist, and had been dropping small insults, here and there, ever since.
My girl friend socked her in the nose today(finally.)

Christians, Muslims, Jews, atheists, everyone; can we all unite under the fact that we've all been through this sort of thing?
We've all been through the intolerant and ignorant people.

Any experiences you'd like to share? Stories to tell, opinions; go ahead.

Answer 1

Throughout most of high school I got very similar treatment. But I realized that no one has the power to make me feel inferior but me. To allow them to do so would be giving them power I don't want them to have.

I remember one young lady in particular who was a friend of mine for many years until I became pagan at 13. She turned into the most ignorant and insulting girl I've ever known in my life over night. Every chance she got she would say things to the effect of me being a devil worshipper and I was going to burn in hell with Satan, my master. I avoided contact with her because she wasn't worth the aggrevation to me.

Answer 2

I think whoever you are and what ever your beliefs are, you should be proud of yourself. Most people have preconcieved ideas about people of other religions that are just dumb. Most of these ideas are based on only 2 or 3 people out of a billion they met from that particular faith. No matter what faith we are from, we ALL believe that we are right. In some faiths, it is commanded to share their testemony and gospel. That doesn't mean that you get to chase someone down and shove it down their throat. My experiences are that the only atheist that I've come in contact with (and that is only about a dozen) were cool with me until they found out (through other people) that I was a Christian. Then THEY started treating ME different. Every sentence I said they would turn around and use to try to make me feel less of a person. I don't know why these particular people did this, but this is my experience. But they don't bother me, because I know who I am so I don't have to rely on others to tell me this. :-)

Answer 3

No I am proud, happy of my belief. Bahai faith(religion) is all encompassing, and it beliefs all religion are from the same God. God is this one entity like the space which encompasses the milky way and all matter beyond the Galaxies, at the same time it is in between two atoms).

Everyone has the right to choose, or follow their faith, religion or beliefs.

Abdul-Baha(Son of the founder Baha'u'llah) said "If religion be the reason of disunity, let there be no religion at all". If at all any discussion or talk causes argument, it is easy to avoid the argument and walk away from it.

The eastern cultural marial arts, and spirituality says, it is easy to walk away from an argument, instead of getting into an argument or a fight. It keeps your inside calm. Never take anything personally, always be impeccable with your words, and always do your best. Don't make any assumptions.

Best of luck. Let there be unity and peace.

Answer 4

I was made fun of mercilessly in Junior High (of course) for my spiritualism. Fortunately we moved away, and I'd learned my lesson enough to keep my mouth shut until college.

Recently I was at a bookstore and I was wearing a pentacle because it was the Solstice. A lady walking behind me complimented me on my bright shirt, and when I turned around to smile and thank her, her eyes darted right to the pentacle and she suddenly looked very uncomfortable and backed away.

I'm not embarassed at my beliefs, but I'd rather be judged by my personality than my bling. She was trying to be nice, I was trying to be gracious and then my feelings were hurt.

I've heard many stories from all faiths about being ostrasized in some way or other.

Answer 5

Yes. Just like your friend, I've endured some jabs over the years. If I feel that I'm being morally attacked I will definitely speak up. But there are people who say they'll pray that I find Jesus and I just smile because it's a nice gesture on their behalf, wanting to extend what they believe is the ultimate gift to me. I don't bother to tell them I'm not looking. I'm secure in my beliefs I don't feel that I need to get on my soapbox. My roommate was raised strict Jehovah's witness and we are on waaaay opposite ends of the spectrum but we listen to each other and respect the differences and we don't get in debates because no one will change anyone's mind and we are good friends without treading on each other's beliefs.

At the end of the day we're all human beings, regardless of how we got here. We all have the same core needs. To each his own and people must be allowed to make their own choices in life.

Answer 6

I am LDS. People are always telling me that I am in a cult and that I need to get out, or that I am brainwashed.

At first, I got really upset and had a hard time with it all, but after a while, I realized that some of them were just stating their opinion and I had to deal with it. The others I wish I could hit. They were just trying to be mean and get under my skin.

I would love it if people could get past the differences, but some people don't want to and seem to look for them just to cause problems.

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" - Eleanor Roosevelt

Answer 7

This is why we need to rid the world of religion. If religion did not exist then this incident would not of happened.

Religion creates hate, war, death, and suffering.

Answer 8

No, but they try.

Religionists are insecure in their beliefs, so they need everyone around them to agree. (I'll grant there are some, not many, atheists who are the same.)

Answer 9

No.

I work for God, and I believe all that his authentic church teaches.

Who cares what anyone else thinks!

Answer 10

When I was a kid, yes. I grew up a long time ago.