What if the population of atheists grew to be the majority?

Question

As with every majority issue arise. Discrimination against the minority is one them. Since atheists hold on to the notion people who have a belief are delusional, poor, uneducated, incapable of grasping science and mathematics, are easily manipulated, need something to believe in, and are easily addicted (opiate of the masses) how would these sentiments come into play if atheists were in the minority?

Sure law and civil rights laws are a factor, however what of opinions, stereotypes, and perceptions. Even homosexuals will tell you that although they are protected by laws, they still must deal with negative opinions. It is changing now, but that change is currently happening, there is still progress that must be made.

So what if the population of atheists grew to a majority? How would that affect jobs, housing, and political representation of theists?

Yes in Europe they now have the problem with muslims. So obviously it is not all that great. Plus a few religious groups in Holland have been uprisings because they feel that they have been discriminated against. I think too influential people both atheists have been murdered because of this.

Plus in those countries you mentioned, religion has already been established and they pretty much have their rights set in stone. Atheism is growing in those regions, but they have not yet reached a majority capacity. So what will happen if they did which a majority, given the opinions of atheist on theist?

Michelle,
Just because you don't express an opinion out loud doesn't mean that you are without that opinion. Plus an unexpressed opinion will still come out in your subconscious behavior.

Eg: A white woman may take a second unconscious look when a black man walks toward her. Even though she may be friendly towards black men, that unexpressed opinion is still there.

Ode de damned,
Are you joking. They are generalizations that atheists on Y!A have provided. It is the majority of atheists on Y!A who think like that. Perhaps a minority who don't. Plus since a lot atheists come on line, it makes me wonder why I should seperate what they say online from what they may think offline

Rita,
"I once heard the question, 'If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?' "

Good point, a thumb for you.

Kai,
They would be just as worst. That's the whole point. Where do you think discrimination starts from? It starts from negative and unbiased opinions like the ones that many atheists have expressed.

Answer 1

If atheists become a majority, it will be even more important for believers to remain strong in their faith in spite of any discrimination that might occur. This could be a test of one's faith and commitment. People have suffered for their beliefs throughout the years. I once heard the question, "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Something like your suggested scenario would certainly be a test for many.

Answer 2

My biggest concern is that Christmas wouldn't be as much fun :-(

I don't mean to be negative, but if you're talking about discrimination, let's start with: "atheists hold on to the notion people who have a belief are delusional, poor, uneducated, incapable of grasping science and mathematics, are easily manipulated, need something to believe in, and are easily addicted (opiate of the masses)." No offense, but I find it a little ironic that YOU'RE concerned that ATHEISTS would stereotype. Most atheists (myself included) do not think that way. There probably would be some stereotyping about Christians being a little bit "quaint" if you will, but I don't think you're going to see much active persecution. It's also worth noting that, according to a recent UMN survey, less trusted in America than Muslims or homosexuals!

Either way, I don't think this is going to be an issue anytime soon. Religion is still healthy in America and even stronger in Africa and Latin America. Even in Europe it's definitely down but not out.

Answer 3

Most atheists will onl think about the fanatics all the things you said there. Most atheists will have nothing against the normal, educated and resonable believers. The only few times when I received hate mails for being a believer was when I asked questions about the bible, and they took me for a fanatic believer.

Don't think in real life they are millitant like they are here. In real life they don't care that much what you believe in, as long as you are not trying to persuade them


EDIT: I have been an atheist a few years back and I do know what it's like. I never considered my believer fellows stupid or what ever you mentioned there. I didn't like it when they would speak about god in my presence, and I had a terrible opinion about those who take the bible as a life manual - wich I stil do, not same much but I stil don't like those people a lot.

Maybe others are different than I was in that time, I don't know, it seems that you know better

Answer 4

"So what if the population of atheists grew to a majority? How would that affect jobs, housing, and political representation of theists?"
How would it affect employment or housing? Religious discrimination is against the law. Political representation: well, people of faith would probably adequately represented.

Answer 5

Your ideas are a broad generalization and incorrect, especially the part where you said "Since atheists hold on to the notion people who have a belief are delusional, poor, uneducated, incapable of grasping science and mathematics, are easily manipulated".

Answer 6

Christians and other religious groups have discriminated against Athiests for a long time. So what gives you the right to believe that we would somehow be worse than what you do to us? We're not looking to take revenge, most of us are willing to accept you believing. Just by asking this you show that your veiw of athiests is biased and stereotypical.

Answer 7

I'm a Christian, and I don't feel the least bit threatened by this.

I get the impression that most atheists simply want a secular society, not one where religion has been completely eradicated. All atheists aren't 'Marxists'.

Answer 8

That will happen after -- I Thessalonians 4:16-17 happens

Answer 9

It is heading that way and much of Northern Europe is already there. I like your hypotheses. I will remove myself and cogitate on the potential.

Answer 10

This will happen over time. Several generations though. Mankind thought god into existance and it is mankinds job to think him out of existance.
As there are many more stupid people than smart ones this will take a long time.