Do you think people that attack religion on Y answers are really attacking the American culture?

Question

Unlike Britain, Christianity has become synonymous with the American culture, it's in their history, politics, education, home and social life. Are the people that attack religion on the site wanting a different American culture, one that is more secular like Britain?

Answer 1

I would certainly like to see a change toward secularism like Britain (my husband is British so we've spent a lot of time there).
European secularism is different than the meaning attributed to it in America. In America, it is associated with media and morals which then goes into the whole religious agenda that some have (not all). If people actually understood the difference then I don't think we'd have the massive disagreements we have today. Namaste

Answer 2

Sorry, but Christianity is not in our education in that sense... it certainly isn't in my home or social life. It is part of our History, but the funny thing about that is.... Britain was once the way people see America now... people in Britain (Spain, France, etc) got fed up with the Religious Tyranny and ran to the New World.... now it's America that is struggling with Religious Tyranny - the only difference.... our culture is so diverse, moreso than Britains, that no one single religion could get a complete hold on this country without tearing apart the very laws that help sustain them here. That, and the fact that they allow Evangelicals to be in the forefront just as much as our politicians don't help... it gives everyone else the idea that all Americans believe that way, when actually it is one of the smaller, though louder, groups.

I would love it if America became secular like Europe has become. You don't see them blowing up abortion clinics, killing women and doctors and then saying on tv "Murder is against the 10 commandments" *Sigh* I don't know... maybe all of this fighting over Freedom of Religion has allowed those types of groups waaay too much freedom... I know it's killing us as far as publicity is concerned with other nations (No wonder the fanatics declared a Holy War on us... people see nothing but our fanatics)

Answer 3

As a non-religious American - I think you are on to something here.

America was started by a group of people seeking religious freedom. Many of the christians in America translate that automatically into the belief that christianity was the basis and therefore should be the be all end all.

I get frustrated with christians in this country because they seem to insist it's their way or no way. I'm a firm believer in separation of church & state - and yet I need to see the 10 commandments on public buildings, the words "in god we trust" friggin everywhere. And when you ask American christians about other religions more often than not you get this blank stare from them. Like every other religion is absolutely wrong because it doesn't follow what they were raised with.

I wish we could pass a law that says it's illegal to teach, force upon or instill any religion on a minor. That when a person becomes of age - then and only then - they should be able to make up their own minds as to what, if any religion works for them & then they should be able to practice it freely.

I think it would make the world a very different place.

Thanks for the good question!!

Answer 4

Maybe you should attend a rock concert and see the thousands of Americans expressing their cultural diversity in every imaginable way: tie-dies, tattoos, beards, beads, chillums, biker insignia, etc., etc. I recommend a Santana concert especially - he's a follower of Sri Chimnoy, and three generations of Hispanics, hippies, and Harley riders turn out to hear Carlos play and urge the audience to embrace "peace and love." It may not be your brand of culture, but it's been the dominant culture since the Sixties - sitting at home watching TV doesn't count, and opera's too highbrow for Americans. Really, the Dead tours made rock concerts into a lasting cultural icon - but you can attend the Burning Man or the annual event at Sturgis and pick up other aspects of this phenomenon - and you should! Even a pro football game comes closer to the core of American culture than a Christian religious service...

Answer 5

In America, the great tradition and indeed responsibility of our populace is to attack and expose anything and everything we disagree with or find fault with. That is how our democracy works - we say what we think is wrong and our elected representatives pay attention to what we say and do something about it. If there is something wrong here that is in some way connected to christianity that is no different than people attacking child molesters or high taxes. Thats the American way. This, for you information, IS American Culture. Strange that you have lived here so long and not gotten the message. Were you home schooled or what?

Answer 6

I'm not sure if you are in the U.S. or getting your information from elsewhere. However, I wouldn't agree with your claim that Christianity has become synonymous with American culture.

There are some places in America (such as the Bible Belt) where Christianity has a huge influence on culture. However, overall (in my experience as an American living in a blue state) America is a secular nation.

The people who are attacking religion on this site are attacking the fundamentalist Christians' attempt to impose religious law in America.

Answer 7

Absolutely not. America was founded on freedom of religion and is not a Christian nation. You, as a Christian, may see it that way but you are looking at it from a biased position. Your friends, family, etc are probably very similar to you leading you to believe this fallacy however there are many, many other traditions in America. Come out of your little box and take a look around at the diversity that is all around. Don't be frightened, it's really quite wonderful.
Most of the people that "attack" religion are actually defending America from the forces of the religious radicals that would impose their views into law. We are opposing the American Taliban.

Answer 8

I don't think you can truly say Britain has a secular culture. If only! OK it's not as bad as the US but we still have a situation where Muslims and Christians alike are stamping their feet like spoilt brats, and a government which is only too happy to help in order to get their precious votes.

The majority of people who attack religion are doing it to try and save the world from a seriously dangerous beast. You call it Satan, we call it illogical, immature, delusional, intolerant fools.

Answer 9

I would love it (a more secular country). I'm not personally attacking America but somehow Christianity has (sadly) become an American quality when we are supposed to be a secular country too.

People can believe whatever they like but when Christians argue about gay marriage and abortion far more instead of helping the poor or trying to save the environment... that's sad. We need a country focused on important matters, not religious matters.

Answer 10

I think Christianity is more synonymous with the Vatican and the Pope than American culture. However, there is a scary rise of religion in the US - the current administration, led by the hero of the Bible belt, seem to be taking your politics and education and adding their own personal religious twists to them. Hopefully Hillary Clinton will sort this out next year.