Do you feel the tyrannous influence of religion?

Question

This question is mainly directed at American atheists. Here in the UK it is quite easy to be openly atheist as it's far more common, but it seems as though the US is suffering from religious control to a far greater extent.
One of the biggest problems with religion is that it creates a divide: in its worst case, this means children brought up in a religion are labelled as a "Christian", "Muslim", "Jew" etc before they even have the chance to decide for themselves. These unfortunate labels are then used to seperate people along these lines. People have been killed simply for belonging to the "wrong" religion because of this, which I see as a great shame.

Do you feel there is any hope for the future of your country free from religions grip?

Answer 1

Yes, I do. People seem to be getting more intelligent as a whole (new generations, that is). I am beginning to see more from the young insofar as seeking truth and questioning authority. If this trend continues, then I think there will be more and more atheists. Eventually, we will break free of the strangle hold. :)

Answer 2

Religion isn't the problem. Hate is the problem. When a child hears opinions as he grows up. regardless where these opinions come from, he/she , develope ideas, especially if exposed to others mouthing some kind of hate, bad words, and any other things which lead to discord whether it be about religion, race or color. Immediately, the bias begins and turns to hate if being continually reinforced. It can be turned around if caught when young. I am Christian, but have a Hindu border and we have some great times and discussions. I am a white female and the father of my children is Puerto Rican. My neighbous are Oriental, Puerto Rican, black, Columbian, and other Spanish speaking persons and we all get along. The different color and ethnic groups all play together on my street. I hope this might have some influence when dealing with other people. Remember the way you act, verbally and body language can set the stage for a good relationship or a bad one. You have the power to create positive interaction. Agree to disagree while respecting the other person. It usually works, except for those few who are too deep into hate!

Answer 3

I'm an "out" atheist, and I don't feel any religious tyranny whatsoever, but then again I live in the relatively enlightened North. (I think there's something about living somewhere where winter is Serious Business that tends to produce a more rational class of person. There's no praying your way out of freezing to death.) I come from a family that was churchgoing, but the church was UCC (same group that Barack Obama belongs to), which has a liberal interpretation of Christianity that verges on deism. Fundies aren't nonexistent up here, but they're mostly on the fringe, and they certainly don't tend to wind up running things the way they do in Texas, Florida, Alabama and the rest of the Bible Belt.

You want a barometer of religious insanity in this country, watch the candidacy of Mike Huckabee. The guy, even more than Bush Jr, is the "downright moron" H.L. Mencken prophesied back in the 20s - literally incapable of encompassing in thought any concept that lies outside of a fundamentalist Christian perspective - and right now he's the Republican frontrunner in Iowa. If this guy gets the nomination, it's official: about half of America is in fact brainwashed by religion. If he gets the presidency, well, America, it was nice knowing ya.

Answer 4

I am not an atheist, American or otherwise, but I do feel I need to straighten out some misconceptions for you.

The reason that people came to America in the first place was to escape tyranny. "Higher ups" wanting to dictate how people should live, and worship. This country was founded on a belief in God.

Religion doesn't create a divide, people do. Most children brought up in a religion based household, particularly those who are Catholic, Muslim and Jewish don't stray from that belief. They may stray from attending services, but not from the "label". The same can be said for atheists' children. They are brought up believing there is no God, and never given a chance (as children) to decide for themselves.

I will admit that a lot of Christians are overzealous in trying to convert people and I think that overzealousness is what's wrong. You can't badger someone into believing anything they don't want to believe. Christians are supposed to lead by example. Jesus told his disciples to "dust off their feet" and move on if they weren't accepted in a town. (don't know the exact wording or situation at this moment)

Atheists are very outspoken in America. They don't want prayer in schools, no religious symbols in public places and now, store clerks are not allowed to wish someone "Merry Christmas". That in itself violates the first amendment of the constitution that provides for freedom of religion and speech.

My question is, why are people in other countries, who really know nothing about America or the foundation of it, so quick to judge based on what is in the media? I would never judge another country solely based on what I see on television or read in the paper.

Answer 5

Well, in the U.K. it's quite all right to express your opinions ( I lived there for a few years and wish I hadn't left) I am really worried about the state of things, since most every neocon has said that America is a "Judeo religious country" That's a bit presumptious! Plus one of these neocon candidates makes me nervous when he equates religion with morality. Right now, honestly, no, I do not feel there is any hope for the future free from religious grip. Very scary. I just might go back to the UK or NZ.

Answer 6

First of all most Americans don't really care what the guy next door thinks. In our country our neighborhoods are integrated with all types of religions and ethnicities. There are some areas where this is not true.
Secondly, even athiests appreciate the work of their local church in the community with providing people with care, food and a sense of belonging that they can not find anywhere else. It is only a small minority of athiest who do not tolerate any level of religion.
Remember the religious have just as much right to their religion as you have to your belief.
When the Jahova's Witnesses come to my door I thank them for the work they do in the community, let them recite their verse out of the bible then quickly disperse them with a thank you, and I feel good about it. I feel much better about that then when I used to say "Get the **** out of here!" , that kind of behavior benifits no one.
Remember the key to a strong community is tolerence and diversity and that means tolerating groups of people who may not be as tolerant as you.

Hope this helps........

Answer 7

They are no different from football hooligans in the UK and Europe who seem to routinely kill each other because they support a different team, like tribal nutters. Religion has nothing to do with it. I have seen parents in the UK dress up their infant kids in football kits like Manchester United. Isn't that called labeling befor they even have the chance to decide for themselves. There is little hope for the future of your country mate. BTW I think your name sucks.

Answer 8

let me see, now, you have the wisdom and insight to realize that all the wrong in the world is done because of a belief in God? If we would just join you, then all man kind could live in peace? What a wonderful thought. Which God did Attila the Hun believe in? Jack the ripper? Hitler? Mussolini? Would you like to lead this new world of peace? How about Castro? Maybe Chavez? No wait, you probably favor Iran or North Korea?

Answer 9

Religion is the opiate of the people and sadly it will continue to be that. As long as ignorance and myth roam free and is embraced as fact it will. I have no problem with religion if you want to talk to an imaginary man in the sky that hates homosexuals and jews thats your choice. Dont try and press your lunatic cult on me or the judical system. America is full of wackos trying to influence everyones way of life according to some self condridicting book. I live in the north at least and i am no where near the bible belt. Can you belive that Evolution is still being debated? COME ON

Answer 10

I live in Missouri. It is better not to be too obvious about being anything but a Christian. I even got a sermon while I was stuffing a $5.00 bill into the red Salvation Army collection can. You'd think he'd be a little more polite to someone who is donating.

Answer 11

It already is. And it will start decaying quickly just like the UK. Is their any crime issues in the UK? Is it all just hunky dory?

Are all those eeevil Christians in America forcing people to believe in Jesus? Get a grip on reality.

There has never been any society that has survived without any moral compass.