Religion thread #58,934

[razark]

Originally Posted by August

If you're right then why the constant stream of invective? Can atheists not declare their atheism without insulting religion?

A lot of atheists are reacting to what they've personally experienced.

I have personally had people tell me that I can't be trusted, or that I'm evil, or that I'm not worthy of being an American because I'm an atheist. When I first met my wife's family on her father's side (who she hadn't seen in 20 years or so), they asked her if I beat her, simply because I'm an atheist.

I had a boss at one of my previous jobs that flat out told me that he'd be keeping an eye on me, since I was new and "don't have God in your life", and he was quite clear that he looked down on another employee that was also an atheist.


Many of us don't care that you believe, or what you believe. We only wish to be let alone, to live our lives without the baggage that comes with not being like the majority. A lot of us have had to put up with being pushed around because we have different beliefs. Some have decided that they have come to the point where they're ready to start pushing back. When someone stands up and says "Stop", they get labeled as a militant atheist.

But what it really comes down to for a vast majority is: let us be, and we'll let you be.

[krashkart]

Originally Posted by razark

But what it really comes down to for a vast majority is: let us be, and we'll let you be.

Which most rational religious folk will do (or "should do") without even thinking about it. "To each his own" has always been my understanding.

[mookiemookie]

Originally Posted by razark

A lot of atheists are reacting to what they've personally experienced.

I have personally had people tell me that I can't be trusted, or that I'm evil, or that I'm not worthy of being an American because I'm an atheist. When I first met my wife's family on her father's side (who she hadn't seen in 20 years or so), they asked her if I beat her, simply because I'm an atheist.

I had a boss at one of my previous jobs that flat out told me that he'd be keeping an eye on me, since I was new and "don't have God in your life", and he was quite clear that he looked down on another employee that was also an atheist.

Excellent points. And yes, I've experienced this sort of treatment as well. I'm actually agnostic, but to most Christians it's the same thing. And it does tend to put a chip on your shoulder.

[krashkart]

A chip that can be let go of... until another one comes along to muck up the works.

[Jimbuna]

[FIREWALL]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

If you share your popcorn Jim. I'll share my beer to wash it down with.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

[AVGWarhawk]

Religion is a PERSONAL choice

[August]

Originally Posted by razark

I have personally had people tell me that I can't be trusted, or that I'm evil, or that I'm not worthy of being an American because I'm an atheist. When I first met my wife's family on her father's side (who she hadn't seen in 20 years or so), they asked her if I beat her, simply because I'm an atheist.

I had a boss at one of my previous jobs that flat out told me that he'd be keeping an eye on me, since I was new and "don't have God in your life", and he was quite clear that he looked down on another employee that was also an atheist.

And I have had people tell me that just because I believe in God that i'm some kind of loony tunes and all sorts of other rude and insulting things. Is that any different than your experience?

I ask because I can manage to have these discussions without resorting to such invective. It seems some of your Atheist colleagues just can't do that.

[razark]

Originally Posted by August

And I have had people tell me that just because I believe in God that i'm some kind of loony tunes and all sorts of other rude and insulting things. Is that any different than your experience?

I honestly can't answer that. I've only really seen it from one side. My gut reaction is to say that there is a definite bias one way, but I'm sure my view is colored by my own experiences, and making an objective assessment is beyond my abilities. I will say there are morons on both sides that try to push their views.

Originally Posted by August

I ask because I can manage to have these discussions without resorting to such invective. It seems some of your Atheist colleagues just can't do that.

I must admit, some of the replies I considered earlier were more along the lines of AngusJS. If my day had been going worse, it could very well have been a lot like that (including the stamps and baldness).

But that wouldn't get us anywhere. I'm quite happy to discuss/debate theology and specifics, but that really doesn't go well online. I've been involved in enough discussions on forums to know it wouldn't get us anywhere. I'd scream at you, you'd scream at me, and at the end of it, neither one of us would believe any different, but our opinions of each other (and the spectators' opinions of both of us) would drop. As long we're not attacking each other or advocating restrictions to anyone's rights, a calm discussion can bring a lot more understanding to everyone.