What is it with the "atheist or Christian" questions? What about other religious positions?

Question

Do the people who ask questions only taking into consideration atheists and Christians not know that there are other religions and religious positions than these two?

I mean it's not like they are polar opposites or even the majorities either, so why the focus on these two groups?

Answer 1

I left this section for a month cause theres only christian and atheist question.So you're right.

Answer 2

Basically, it's that we're finally "pushing back," as it were. For centuries in the West, all we've ever heard is the Christian side of the story. From the early Catholic church, to the Protestant Reformation, to the Puritans, to those "God" billboards a few years back, non-Christians (not just atheists) have been inundated with the message, "There is only one god and its the Christian one." Christianity has been the driving force in this country, so much so that in some states, only Christians (or at least theists) can run for office. Some areas won't let atheists sit on juries because they won't swear on a bible (an act which is curiously un-biblical, by the way). There are even some people who believe atheists can't be considered citizens. Some groups have even attempted to add to the Constitution the idea that this is officially a Christian nation. Others, the idea that only the Christian concept of marriage be allowed. Still others, throughout U.S. history have forced businesses to be closed on the Christian sabbath. In some areas, merchants are still prohibited from selling certain products on Sunday because it offends Christian sensibilities. Christians have been known to harass atheist military members. In the Navy, while out to see, atheists are forced to participate in nightly prayers, led by a Christian chaplain. If I, as an atheist in the Navy need to talk about emotional issues, the only person I can talk to is a Christian chaplain. So, please understand that when I come to this website, or go to other forums and say things like "There is no god," or, "It is possible to live a full, productive, moral life without Christianity," it's not so much that I'm trying to turn you into an atheist, it's that I"m trying to convince *you* to stop trying to convince me to become a Christian.

Answer 3

People ask questions and answer questions they have an interest in. If a faith/religion you are interested in isn't represented in the questions and answers, then I'm afraid that is your fault, not ours. If you wish to be represented, then participate. Don't sit back and expect others to ask your questions for you.

As for why the animosity between atheists and Christians, Christians are the most vocal and aggressive when it comes to trying to have their religious beliefs enshrined in law. That gets quite a few atheists riled up. If you don't like the questions asked by either group, don't answer.

It's all quite simple. Be proactive and make a difference or remain silent. Your choice.

Answer 4

Of course there are other religions. And all of them have much in common with any other religion.
I believe in every religion's good points because they serve the same goal - as to put it simply - be a good person, help others and be happy yourself for that, etc., all like that.
I am close to an original Buddism, but I can not call myself a Buddist any more than call myself a Christian and so on.
For me - try to be a good person, follow the middle way, help others...
Atheism is just another religion and they are not bad people, but they are people who are chased by many other religions as non-belivers, though they believe something as well and try to be good people too. Maybe that is why there is so much about them vs. christians (who think they are the best) around.

Answer 5

I've been saying the same thing for a long time. And by "Christian," they usually mean Fundamentalist Evangelical Christian. Not only are there more types of Christians than the Fundies, there are many more religions than Christianity. You have more spiritual, philosophical, and intellectual choices than the extremes of Fundamentalist Christianity and Absolute Atheism. Many questions and answers here assume that dichotomy. I agree with you -- people need to be aware that they have more than two choices.

Here's a thought -- those of us who belong to other religions, or who are interested, should make an effort to ask more questions about our own faith, and leave the Atheist vs Christian questions to the ones who just like to argue. We can bring more diversity to this section, with just a little effort on our parts.

Answer 6

Its because atheists are so active in the Internet and dominate Yahoo Answers, while Christians is a large religion and so many Christians joined Yahoo Answers. Other religions are not mentioned because of lack of members around here or lack of interest on their subject.

Answer 7

Put it this way, there are a lot of different religions but these two groups believe that there way is the only way so they don't see anything else or want to acknowledge other religion. I am a christian and know that there are different religious beliefs out there but I believe my beliefs is the correct and only religion. It is all about how you look at it.

Answer 8

Christians are the majority in the English speaking world....and atheists are the majority of the Internet community (apparently). And these two groups really have it out for another. There are other groups, but they aren't as interested in the ongoing debate between these two, and are much less represented on here in comparison.

Answer 9

I would love to learn about other groups! It just seems this forum is where people like to bash each other and never talk about Religion and Spirituality!

Answer 10

I've asked questions of pagans, Muslims, and agnostics and gotten 5-6 answers tops each time. When people ask questions, they like to get participation. Maybe sincere questions don't get people interested and fired up like the baiting questions do. That's sad.

Answer 11

because like the others say - they are two biggest groups.

Small groups like mine have to plug away slowly but surely to get noticed.

I am a Deist. It's not a religion, we dont worship anyone, we dont have any holy books (except maybe those written by the founding fathers - Thomas Paine) and we dont beleive in heaven or hell.

It's a philosophy of life. I use my God-given reason to beleive in God, to beleive in the universe, and to beleive in myself, but NOT to beleive in other religions. We call them "revealed religions."