What harm can it cause Christians (and other Believers) when they discriminate against Atheists & Agnostics?

Question

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Much of the discussion regarding slavery and feminism was the negative effects of the institutions of slavery and subjugation of women had on the slave owners and those who oppressed women.

So what are the negative effects of discrimination against Atheists and Agnostics?

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ATHEIST MACHINE: I may not have been as clear as I had hoped. I, too, am a feminist, and I was trying to note that those who oppress women suffer negative effects, too. (It harms not just the oppressed women, but the oppressors, as well.)

Sorry if that was not crystal clear.

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Answer 1

Hate harms the hater more than the hated. The harm usually shows up in their irrational behavior.

Answer 2

I'm not exactly sure I understand your question, but I'll try.

As and atheist, I can tell you that whenever anyone tries to force their beliefs on me (or rules/laws based on their beliefs), it simply makes my much more vocal and outspoken about my beliefs. By extension, if Christians try too hard to keep Atheists down, they will simply make them stronger.

I also think that showing discrimination or intolerance in any form to any group increases the risk of turning people off or away from their religion. I think if people see a belief system as being against basic principles like kindness to others, they are more likely to resist it or shun it all together.

EDIT:
As a general rule, I also believe any decisions/rules made with out dissenting opinions are generally much weaker than those that come from careful consideration taking into account different points of view.

Answer 3

Im not sure if I totally understand your question. I believe we all discrimiate to some extent. SOme issues on a finer scale ie. what foods to eat, friends, etc. There are some people who work on a much more severe scale of discrimination ie: women haters, racists, etc.

Are you asking what penalty a religious person may face from their god/belief/karma/etc if they choose to discriminate against an atheist/agnostic in some way?

Answer 4

Well it can cause a lot of negativity, hatered and just make people look at the bad points or "judge" others wrongly. That's why God said that we are to love others as He loves.

God loves the sinner, but hates the sin...

Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-48:

"You have hear that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Don't even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Don't even the tax-collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."
(NKJV).

Answer 5

For people of most religious faiths, discrimination against Atheists and/or agnostics violates their own ethics as well as the rules taught by their religion (e.g. if you are a Christian, I don't see how it could not be a sin). Violating your own ethics makes you a hypocrite. That leads to lowered self esteem and may also lead to further erosion of one's ethics. Most believers also believe that violating the rules taught by their religion (e.g. sinning) also carries with it additional long term consequences.

Answer 6

Atheists comprise the majority of scientists, despite representing a scant 10% of the general (US) population.

If discrimination against atheists were widespread, technological progress would stagnate.

Answer 7

What discrimination?
Are you talking about here in USA or around the world? I don't think discrimination against atheists exists in USA.

Answer 8

the harm, i think it would cause more of a spite against set organized religion. & the more people that are turned away, the more they will be able to convince those who are in the faith to turn away too. thus slowly, steadily ending that idealism.

Answer 9

For being bad to others, they'll go to hell. At least that's one belief they subscribe to.

Answer 10

question's are needed believe is not