Does atheism differ from plain old religious bigotry?

Question

I fail to see any difference,personally. Opinions? Remember Article 2 of our guidelines,by the way. "Be courteous".

Luke Skywalker - almost all of the atheist postings are virulent attacks on people's religious beliefs. You are are to worship or not as you please. Incessant attacks on other people's beliefs is conformable to religious bigotry. How is it not? Look at the answers. Typical atheist garbage. Name-calling,slurs,poisonous insults,profanity. They act eactly the way white southerners used to act toward Blacks. So do you,frankly.

Answer 1

It doesn't. They claim to be exponents of freedom but you don't have to talk to an atheist for very long to recognize they would ban all expression of religion whatsover. They are really quite virulent,and it is driven by hatred,not logic or rationalism. They are not live-and-let-live - or they wouldn't be on R&S every night,pounding away at Christianity with insults,profanity and various slurs. They are basically a hate-group,no different from any other.

Answer 2

It's not a courteous question, but this agnostic will reply courteously.

The question doesn't really scan, you see:

1. Atheism is not a religion.

2. Bigotry isn't a defining element of atheism. If an atheist is a bigot, it's not because they are atheists, but because they are bigots. Whereas a religious bigot is often bigoted because their religion preachess bigoted views against others, which only bolsters any predilection for prejudice and animosity.

So then it's not just about a bigoted individual as per a free-thinking atheist, but about *instruction* in bigotry - against gays, women, other faiths etc, either persecuted or singled out as 'bad' or 'less than'.

Answer 3

Yes.

Atheism is a well-supported stance held by people who understand the issues. It is neither religious nor bigotry.

Religious bigotry is of course by definition both religious and bigotry.

There - a courteous, correct response to your question.
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Steve (below) - atheism is not "faith-based". You're either confused or deliberately lying. Care to let us know which?
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You wrote:
"How is it not? Look at the answers. Typical atheist garbage. Name-calling,slurs,poisonous insults,profanity".

Hmm. I look at the answers from the atheists, and other than one calling you a "dipshit", they're all courteous - despite the discourteous tone of your question.

The believers, on the other hand, resorted to lying and name-calling, and now you have as well.

This question and these responses clearly illustrate the fact that it is the believers here and not the atheists who are the problem on this forum. I'm starring it so people can see that.

Answer 4

ha. be courteous. life isn't courteous, and people round here can be especially venemous because what better avenue for cowards and fools to shoot their mouths off. i'll be nice to you, but consider it a favor. (you do know i jest, yes?) since it seems you are FULLY UNAWARE of the definition of atheism, I am doing you a second favor, read on:

Many self-described atheists are skeptical of all supernatural beings and cite a lack of empirical evidence for the existence of deities. Others argue for atheism on philosophical, social or historical grounds. Although many self-described atheists tend toward secular philosophies such as humanism[7] and naturalism,[8] there is no one ideology or set of behaviors to which all atheists adhere.[9]

The term atheism originated as a pejorative epithet applied to any person or belief in conflict with established religion.[10]

FURTHER --- Bigotry Defined:

A bigot is a prejudiced person who is intolerant of opinions, lifestyles, or identities differing from his or her own.

The origin of the word bigot in English dates back to at least 1598, via Middle French, and started with the sense of "religious hypocrite", especially a woman. Bigot is often used as a pejorative term against a person who is obstinately devoted to prejudices even when these views are challenged or proven to be false.

You CAN learn a lot here. try to, ok?

Answer 5

Personally, I've not burnt anyone at the stake*, or barred them from office.

I'm actually with the pope on this one. It is necessary to respect individuals, while not at the same time being required to assent to their beliefs being true as a mark of respect. Beliefs are up for debate and discussion. Calling someone an idiot for holding them crosses my personal line.

*Anyway, with global warming and carbon footprints, that's right out-of-order these days.

Answer 6

Oh, for goodness sake.

Atheism=LACK OF BELIEF IN DEITIES.

That's it. The whole shebang. We simply don't believe in what is, if anything, inconceivable. Are some atheists prejudiced against religions? Yes. As are some theists.

See, I can be as courteous as you. More so, if I was given any indication it would be reciprocated.

Answer 7

Atheism means lack of belief in a supreme deity.

Religious bigotry means attacking religious based on their beliefs.

How is that the same?

Answer 8

You fail to see the difference because you enjoy the drama, personally.

But no it isn't plain old religious bigotry for the most part it is a counter attempt to defend oneself from the indoctrination of the views of the majority.

You speak of bigotry and then speak about white southerners as if they were the only ones who treated black unjustly... you should really free yourself of your own bigotries before you attempt to chastise others for theirs.

Answer 9

Bigotry is defined in Funk and Wagnalls' Dictionary as "obstinate and intolerant attachment to a creed".

Now I think we can safely say, that atheists fit this to a T..they have a religion,,,they have faith there is no God....they cannot tolerate Christians or their beliefs..they do seem to tolerate all other religions though..very telling.

I think there are a lot of religions that would fit that definition,,the radical Muslims....are a prime example. The Catholic Church at one time in it's History....

I think the atheists are as guilty as any other religious organization.....the church of Atheists....or the Church of God......both can be wrong

Answer 10

I think it does differ in that it might be less dangerous, as religion has been for centuries.... but also in that, in times of trouble, religion does help, sometimes, and spirituality in any sense can always be a comfort. Thanx for the thoughtful question, and be well.