Are other Atheists ridiculed?

Question

As a person of science, I do not have a belief in religious texts. I was raised in the church but that led me to reflect upon my beliefs and I became agnostic/atheist (doubtful about the presence of a God).

I detest war and i find religion can become the scapegoat for many evils.
I love all mankind equally as my brothers and sisters and believe in the beauty of life, the importance of one's family and friends and respect for each other. I simply find science too evident over theology.

Because of my beliefs, I have been heckled and ridiculed for not believing in a God even threatened with violence.

Can their be a world where those of faith can tolerate atheism or is that impossible? If so why?

Answer 1

Dude, I cop crap all the time from the believers. My work place is filled with them, one of my brothers is, my mother, cousins etc, even one of my daughters.

In the end, I resign myself to the fact that I am atheist, not antitheist. I don't care about what they believe in, that is their choice and their life. I do care when they try to push their values and doctrine on me, and I am more than happy, as a well learned gentleman to quickly turn their dogma and theology in to dust.

One must understand that if one is to raise a point which one finds valid, one must be able to defend it with more than just 'it is in the bible, thus it is true'.

Lame sheep from a lame flock breed lame sheep.

Answer 2

Yes, there are places. I grew up on the east coast of the U.S. in New England, coast of Maine and Boston. I didn't have many problems with not being religious there. I had a few classmates growing up who made cracks but I shrugged it off. I live in Europe now, Austria and don't have problems being nonreligious. Although Austria is predominantly Catholic I haven't had anyone disturbed by my lack of religious beliefs enough to chide me, heckle me, or obviously shun me or decide not to be friends. If where you are living is that theistically dogmatic and intolerant perhaps consider a change of scenery unless you have reasons or desire to stay. There are places where tolerance is more apparent. There are even places here in Europe like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, France, etc.. where atheism is pretty normal. I know moving to Europe isin't usually feasible but just know that you aren't abnormal and there are plenty of places out there where you wouldn't feel an outcast. Hopefully, the situation will improve in the United States.

Answer 3

Come to Australia. We have no problem with atheists here. In fact it is the noisy god-botherers who arouse suspicion. We are a tolerant society and you can worship whoever you like, just don't try to impose your beliefs on me. We are so not worried about atheism that we have many atheist politicians and have had atheist Prime Ministers and State Premiers.

No-one should be required to believe in gods. If your society does then it is similar to any fundamentalist society like Iran, Saudi Arabia or, increasingly, the USA.

"either you are agnostic or you are atheist which is it? You can't be both."

You should look up the meaning of both words. Agnostic was a word coined by Thomas Huxley in the 19th century to describe a subset of atheists. "Agnostic" means "not knowing". Huxley argued that it is impossible to know whether gods exist or not. Agnostics do not believe in gods so they are atheists but they qualify their non-belief.

Answer 4

a TRUE beliver would not heckle you or threaten you with violence I do not partake in any hating activities as these so called Christians you encountered Christians should be armed with love and ready to tell you the truth when you come to them not push you away by acting like the very thing we should be against. God will show you the true love of a Christian when it is time but "christainity" remeber is just a title meaning anointed ones...us anointed ones should maintain a loving relationship wit h our Lord and savior and also love others thereby attracting you to the Light of Jesus Christ who died for you on the cross.

The fact that you dont belive does not make Jesus any less of a reality and He died for you too!
God bless!

Answer 5

I too feel your pain.

Religious people (Abrahamic religions in particular) often believe atheists know their god is the creator but actively live in denial, enabling us to carry on our sinful lives. They then become fearful or angry.

I think the original assumption, and the subsequent response is quite natural actually. For that reason, I have my doubts that atheists will ever be tolerated.

Answer 6

If that's the case, you've been around lots of blind religious fanatics. I'm a believer and a Christian but we all have the right to our very own opinions and beliefs. I get along better with a sincere atheist than with a fanatic believer.

"God wants spiritual fruit...not religious nuts!"

Answer 7

Yes, it is hard but at least you know you are not alone. It makes me feel really sad that some people come off to me as evil and unmoral as heck can be accepted and allowed to dwell in the open(mainly certain religious cults that believe in child marriages, wife beatings, child beatings, and etc.) but certain people get the blues for their stance on a non theist centered moral life. Noone is stopping these people in the streets and telling them they are going to h*ll and etc.

Answer 8

It's not impossible...you should meet my mother-in-law. She is the closest thing to a true Christian as they get. Seriously, there are people out there who love you, no matter you religious belief. Keep the hope for this world alive, it's not impossible.

Answer 9

I only heckle and ridicule the "atheism is the only intelligent choice" kind of atheists who think that their feces has no odor.

Answer 10

Sweden.