Atheists, do you feel ignored?

Question

I got a new thumbs-down record! :D
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Alzjpmf4ph8K5Zjaf4P5fpfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071108210801AAYBsMk&show=7#profile-info-69586a6597182488daa907f6e274ee0baa

What do my fellow atheists think we could do to get through to them? Or is it just a hopeless case?

Facts = preaching?

That's an ironic statement.

Atheists giving religion a special respect are an embarrassment.

Richard Dawkins: "Religious faith discourages independent thought, it's divisive and it's dangerous."

^ A lot of you atheists are giving atheism a bad name by not standing up to this mass mental virus. Are you just going to sit back and let it take over? Let education never progress?

Answer 1

Given that atheists tend to be in the upper percentile of society in terms of education and income, it is inevitable that their views will eventually become more dominant if for no other reason than the fact that they have better health care and reduced mortality. The religious, by contrast, tend to have less education, lower income, less health care, and a higher rate of mortality...though they compensate for this, somewhat, by higher rates of reproduction. This will not, however, help them in the face of global warming and/or the rise of drug-resistant diseases, such as mrsa.

Do I feel ignored at present? No, I feel horribly oppressed by a ridiculously backward, uneducated, and ignorant pseudo-culture here in the U.S. We have a president who is just as likely to press the button and launch nukes because he has a "religious feeling" as he is to do so for more limited and rational reasons(that have not risen and most likely won't arise).

Can we, through use of our intellects and our capacity for rational discourse, reach the religious? Probably not. We should do what we can to fight for our rights wherever we are; we should defend institutions of learning from the onslaught of dogma and superstition; and we should confront those who are out to confront us. One might even call it anti-evangelism: let the missionaries in the front door, load them up with cookies and tea, and then let them have an earful of why they should come to their senses and surrender their pathetic clinging to Stone Age fantasy and absurd irrationalism.

The world does NOT need religion. The world needs intelligent, rational human beings who can actually think about the crises humanity faces and find solutions.

Answer 2

Once we succeed in bringing people back to life after they've been dead for a bit, THEN maybe we can get through. But right now, as long as they don't try to convert me or say something completely out of line, we COULD just leave them alone with their fantasy. A few months ago, I'd probably launch into a tirade about how hopeless it is to try to convince people that there is ONLY earthly time, but my sister made an interesting point. Sometimes faith is all a person has left, so I shouldn't attack it. I'm still working on not attacking it. My rule now is that I'll only go in for the kill if I really feel the need to. Maybe that's how we should function for now?

Answer 3

I just answer their questions and it's up to them whether they take it to heart. Honestly though, I don't really give a sh*t about them. I just like answering questions and sharing what I know with no strings attached.

I used to be one those fundies, and it's kinda funny now in a sad way to look back at what I used to be. I've seen some truly humorous stuff in this place...for example...consider this idiot...
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlbW_uJssrPKEP4ZDAT.Ksfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071108210953AATYf1C&show=7#profile-info-EoDeSDnmaa

Answer 4

I take it you feel ignored. But I read your answer in the link you provided, and I must say, it was extremely rude!!! Why do you care if other people pray for those who are in bad health? Does it harm you in any way? If the answer is "no", then it is none of your business if other people pray for someone. Even if it really doesn't work, why on earth do you care if others pray? I suppose you care because you can't stand being reminded that there are people with beliefs that differ from yours. Honestly, get a life.

And by the way, I don't care if any studies have supposedly "proven" that prayer doesn't work. I will pray for anyone I see fit whenever I want, thank you very much.

EDIT: Do you realize that by trying to force your beliefs on someone whos's asking for people to pray for his gravely ill aunt, and then with statements like "Atheists giving religion a special respect are an embarrassment", you are making Atheists look very bad? I know that the vast majority of atheists are decent people who mind their own business, but you are really giving atheists a bad name.

Answer 5

You cannot get past the idea that atheism and religion are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Both are right, both are wrong. One side cannot pull the other side in. Why not let this type of question die a quiet death.

Answer 6

Having ignored an almighty as big as a God,why an atheist should feel ignored?At the same time,an atheist doesn't ask to be in the lime light for no reason.You don't have to do any thing special to across to them except be a normal rational person who can treat his belief/faith as a personal matter.For the rest,nature shall take care of.

Answer 7

I am a non-religious person who does believe in a higher power. I do feel a bit ignored as few questions are directed towards and or relate to my beliefs.

Answer 8

Honestly, if you had some integrity, you would have bypassed that question. God forbid you are dealing with your own family illness/death and some rude human being waltzes in and is obnoxious for absolutely no reason, other than to feel "right"

Answer 9

Why do you want to "get through to" Christians? Will my life improve if I start seeing things your way?

And if I'm a Christian, and you are trying to persuade me to be an atheist--aren't you practicing evangelism? Isn't it proselytizing? I thought that's what irritated atheists about Christians--that we're not content to let you stay as you are.

Just thinking out loud.

I don't think your thumbs-down record was because you're an atheist. I think it's because the person who posted the question was seeking comfort, and your response was not particularly comforting. On the other hand, your response was probably sincere--I wouldn't have given it a thumbs-down.

Answer 10

Well, no I don't feel ignored.

And, at the risk of getting thumbed down myself.. you could just as easily have ignored the question, or said, "I'll be hoping for the best!"

If someone asks me if I think prayer works, I'll tell them I don't. I'll cite that same study you did, and if I get a thousand thumbs down, I'll come back with "truth hurts!" In this case, his aunt has a malignant tumor and he is simply looking for positive thoughts and hope, not a lecture on the study done on prayer.

edit: It's not about respecting the religion; it's about respecting the person. I think you should reevaluate your definition of embarrassment.