Why do people fear God and religion so strongly?

Question

It is funny to me how people go on saying God doesn't exist yet they use all their power to make sure people don't say "under God" in the pledge or make sure everyone says "Happy Holidays". If they believe to strongly that God doesn't exist then should it really matter to them whether Christian and other religious ideas in schools? After all it is all "fake" right?

That is like me saying that the Easter bunny doesn't exist and putting animal traps around my house just in case he decides to show up this year. Isn't all this resistance kind of acknowledge Him and his existence?

People seem to have no problem letting their kids learn the "facts" about Greek mythology. But that doesn't count right?

Answer 1

I do not fear gods, because there are none.

I don't fear religion as a concept.

I do, however, fear the followers of religions, not for myself but for society in general. The religionists think nothing of steamrollering anyone and anything which disagrees with their perverse way of viewing the world. We are on the brink of world war, all based upon some conflicting fables. It's sick.

Answer 2

No this does not acknowledge His existence at all. You're talking about two different people here. Those that believe, who do not want God taken out of schools. And Those who do not believe, who want God out of schools. It's a lawful issue, and unfortunately one that can not be won as a Christian. Even as a Christian I understand, not that I agree with, but I understand the non-Christian point of view. Lets say that I was still a Christian, or even an atheist, why would I want any teacher saying that the true religion or way of life was through Hinduism? Even if I think it is "fake" does not mean that I won't fight to keep it from being taught as fact. Theres simply two sides to the story even though I feel like I'm on your side.

Answer 3

Actually, you have it Bass Ackwards. Trying to remove "Under God" from the pledge is trying *not* to be a hypocrite. After all, if there is no God, then, we aren't "Under God", you can't be under something that doesn't exist. Why allow the kids in schools to be taught something that isn't true? That would be like, using your example, requiring a course in the behavior of the Easter Bunny, or , studying patterns in bunny egg hiding...When there is no Easter Bunny (just using your example, and I hope The Bunny isn't mad at me for this...)

It's more like striking down a law that *requires* Easter Bunny traps to be around a house...

Edit----------------

So, then it would be OK to teach the Bible in public schools, if it was done like they teach Ancient Greek Religion, that this is Christian Mythology, and none of it is true.

Answer 4

I dont think fear is the proper term for all people who do not believe in said religion. Personally I have yet to find a religion I am comfortable with since I see an awful lot of hipocracy from the priests (child molesters) and believers (hipocritical). I also do not believe that events that are said to have occured in the bible are believable. And though I am very open minded, I need more proof that this is not a telephone game. Which is very likely in the time these events suposovely took place. I need to spend my time towards things in my life that are doing good for those in my life and myself. My religion consists of most of same moral qualities "god" would find acceptable. And though I don't go to church or read the "good book" I know I am a good person and I consider myself better than most people that are all about their religion. This is from seeing how people act around me in my circle of friends who sin like the devil and pray like a saint.

Answer 5

I don't believe in the Christian god, and I don't want him on my money. Why? It's not because I fear anything. It's because in a country in which freedom of religion is supposed to be the way, it seems that plastering Christian dogma and doctrine everywhere presumes just the opposite. The government is not supposed to promote any religion, yet throughout the last century it came to be a huge promoter of Christianity.

How would you feel if the money was modified ... the $1.00 bill had in God we Trust. the 5, An it harm none, do what thou wilt. The $10.00 might say "There is no God" and so forth. Therefore, all faith positions could be represented. You have your god ... you aren't frightened. Why should it matter?

Answer 6

It makes perfect sense to me not to 'pledge" to something you don't believe in. A pledge is a promise. I am pledging to be loyal to one nation, and don't need to include god in that pledge. Personally, I do say it, but I respect the desires of those who don't.
I also don't care if people say "happy holidays" or "merry christmas' or 'good nail polish day'. IF they're wishing that I have a blessed day, or sending good wishes and thoughts in my direction, it matters not how they do it.
Why does it matter so much to you that the rest of the world DOES act the way you desire? Why does it matter if they do or don't speak the words in the pledge? Why are you offended when you are wished "happy holidays"? I'd think you'd be appreciative that someone who doesn't believe in Jesus would recognize the holiday at all. But given that it was a pagan holiday to begin with, we try to remember that some of you took parts of it and made it Christian long ago, and to wish you a happy holiday in conjunction with the pagan and jewish and other holidays celebrated at the same time of year. You're welcome, and I'll continue avoid sending you good wishes for your holiday if that's really what you want me to do.

Answer 7

"Under god"-why should we have to repeat a phrase that has no meaning to us, while showing patriotism to our country? "Happy holidays"-not all holidays around this time of year are Christian and I personally find it offensive that anyone would think that I would be a Christian. How could you possibly think that we wouldn't care that mythology is taught to our children under the guise of truth? And finally, it is not the deity or the following that we fear, it is the followers and their zealous attempts to win favor with this being by destroying the lives of others. Does this clear everything up for you?


So you're associating Christianity with mythology? That's a step in the right direction.

Answer 8

That was a great question! You're a pretty smart cookie!
Yes God does exist, and will always Be The First, And The Last, The Beginning, And The End, The Most High God! Jehovah Jireh Is His Name.

Answer 9

I believe religion, personally, in my opinion is a way of relief. For people who fear death and come what may, they need something that'll ease their fears of dying and seeking some type of hope. I do believe in God but because paranormal things have happened to me that science can not explain nor would coincidence. For instance, when close people of my family die, the lights flicker on and off gently in the rooms where I am and a second later, I get notice of something tragic. This has happened twice to me and once to my mother.

Science and coincidence can't explain that. I believe when people say under God, it's a symbol of unity because usually God represents a creator of all and many great good things. And for those who don't believe in God but still somewhat agrees to that phrase are people who want to believe and just need proof he exists or something near a miracle. People fear God and religion strongly because God is believed to be all powerful and all knowing and religion has their own policies and beliefs, acceptance formats. People believe certain ways to be holy and if not, it'll scare them to not know where they'll go after death or fear that something bad will happen to them in the near future, it's a lot about faith and hope in themselves to believe in something else far greater than mankind.

This is where a lot of religions come together regardless of what you believe in, there's basically the whole concept of everything relates to each other, treat everyone well, believe in yourself, believe in orders, and don't lie.

Answer 10

You would be absolutely right in your argument that it is ridiculous for atheists and humanists to fight so strongly against something they believe is not real except for one detail; nobody has ever killed someone else because they did not believe in the Easter bunny. Nobody has ever flown planes into buildings because it was filled with people who didn't believe in Santa Claus.

Humanists, like myself, feel that while a secular worldview would not solve all of the conflicts between humans, it would certainly go a long way toward promoting tolerance between cultures and ending the violence and hatred that religious fanaticism has engendered for thousands of years.

I have no objection whatsoever to people believing what they like - in fact, intolerance is the polar opposite of a healthy society. If somebody wants to believe that the world is only 6000 years old and that God created the universe with light from stars appearing to come from millions of years ago to trick us, that's fine with me - as long as they don't teach that to my children.

As for resistance to God proving his existence, I only need to say that I'm sure you resist the idea of evolution and its existence, so thank you for saving us scientists years of hard work and conceding the truth of evolution.

Answer 11

Your analogy is not exactly accurate. What nontheists object to in the examples you cite of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and the teaching of religion in public schools is POLITICAL not religious. They (or we, since I am agnostic) support the United States Constitution which forbids the establishment of a state religion. Public schools should not be used to promote religion; nonbelievers have the right to send their children to schools where they will not be subjected to religious education. Church schools are the places for prayer and religious indoctrination.