Do you think the US government will ever support atheism?

Question

I mean, the figures coming out lately about the slide of comparative education levels in USA are alarming to say the least. The secular European nations are well ahead, and let’s not forget atheist China. The US government seems to rely on religion to control the masses but as the world progresses, this antiquated form of control is proving to be a real hindrance. The constitution says to separate religion from state but as atheism is not a religion at all, maybe the government will very subtly start to support atheism for the purpose of increasing America’s competitiveness in education and technology? Because those statistics that show a distinct negative correlation between education and religion speak for themselves….

Answer 1

It's a nice thought, but I don't think it will happen. The reason I say this is because it looks like the US government and US corporate interests are trying to move the US economy to service-based jobs. If everyone is working in retail, or restaurants, or transportation, and things of that nature, it is better if they aren't all that educated. Of course, the problem is (just as you pointed out) the US is losing the competition with other nations where new science and technology is concerned. I would say that the average American either doesn't realize that their country is in this condition, or if they do know, they hate it but feel there's nothing they can do about it. Meanwhile, the government is trying to compensate for its failing competitiveness and economy by becoming the best armed nation on the planet.

Given all that, I think it is much more likely that the US will continue to support religion because it is easy to manipulate a religious population with rhetoric about God. Just look how many votes the Republican party has secured by being openly pro-life, anti-gay, and calling on the name of the Lord every chance they get. Religion also keeps people passive and distracted.

*Edit* -- I can't BELIEVE someone argued that the US judicial system is "atheistic." Bullsh*t! The Republican party has launched an ingenious and effective campaign to populate courtrooms with as many conservative judges as possible. There is serious talk of overturning Roe v. Wade. Don't give me this "liberal judicial system" crap. You see how effectively Americans have been indoctrinated? That's one area where we still lead the world -- the PR industry.

Answer 2

Why should they support it? If the state should be separate from religion, then they have no business supporting either religion or anything against religion, which basically seems to be atheism.

I agree that the American educational system is a bit behind (I don't live in America, but comparing my courses with yours I can clearly see a difference), but since religion doesn't seem to be a major influencing factor in schools at the moment, it is also unlikely to be the crucial factor. However, if fundamentalist Christians get their way and creationism is taught at schools instead of evolution, then you will be effectively impairing a whole generation of young Americans.

No; the reason Europeans and Chinese are well ahead is that they simply work much harder than you do. The Chinese spend longer hours in school (you have six hours, they have something more like eight or nine), and the German Gymnasium is a lot harsher than any system the US administration could think up. I'm an atheist myself, but I think that what the US needs is not government support of atheist to get its education and technological development back on track. What it needs is a government that will give both a good sound kick on the backside and say, "Wake up, it's time to get moving".

P.s. If the government is listening to atheist cries, then maybe it's because they realised that too much time is being spent arguing over religious theories. (Supporting atheism might be a viable solution, but not a choice to be taken lightly, and eventually it should be abandoned as things get more stable because, by your own policy, religion should be separate from the state.)

Answer 3

I think you might be happier in a different country where atheists are in the majority and you would not hate so many people.
I'm sure you have done some research.
I understand that Sweden is one such country.

I doubt the government will ever support either atheism or any religion in particular.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the government does already listen to atheists cries. They're about 14 or 15% of our population, and they are the ones getting what they want. Why this is happening, I don't know, but something needs to be done. Trust me...if other countries are ahead, it's not b/c they're atheist in majority...it's for other reasons that if I were to mention all of them, would take a very long time to type up and I just don't feel like it.

Answer 5

The US is already formally secular. The reason the US is so religious is because the US education system stinks. Uneducated people rarely master the critical thinking skills needed to overcome superstition.

Answer 6

Your reasoning is really off, so it doesn't even deserve a real answer. I work in this field, and it's not religion that is messing up the schools and students' ability to compete. Too long an explanation for here, but needless to say you are way off-base and apparently a product of our troubled school systems.

Answer 7

Or maybe the government will make no law in favor of or against any religion.

Answer 8

I don't know - but religion does have this country in a head-lock, and its having devastating consequences. Hopefully we'll wise up before its too late.

Answer 9

I'd say it's doing a pretty good job of it already. The judicial branch especially. They're concerned about not offending anyone and everyone EXCEPT Christians. And here I thought democracy meant majority rule.

Answer 10

The US will not support atheism but they will stop supporting religion.