Proclaimed atheists have always suffered from discrimination, social stigma, persecution and many other grave biases throughout many centuries. As you can see, atheism is not just a NEW social bias. Although the social stigma displayed by today's society is undoubtedly very minor compared to the past, it is still quite prominent. (Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was at one point sentenced to death as he had denied the existence of the Gods'.) In the past, succumbing to the practice of atheism is as serious as committing a crime; whereas today, atheists are viewed as a part of a group of social outcasts. Believe it or not, they are thought to be below such social minorities as Muslims, immigrants, and homosexuals in terms of America's vision of society.
According to a recent study held by the University of Minnesota, the survey accounted atheists as the least trusted group of people. In fact, most Americans have negative attitudes toward atheists. Such words that spring to mind in the average American include: "narrow-minded", "Leftists", "Progressives", "shallow", and "Communists". When it comes to politics, half of the population will not vote for an atheist and despise him/her as a whole even though they are more than qualified for the position.
In a way, the U.S. constitution and bill of rights have contradicted an imprinted statement. The First Amendment states that an individual has a right to free speech, but if this was to be said by the United States of America, they should have a neutral standing. But as seen in the "pledge of allegiance", on our currency, and many other important elements of U.S. culture, the reference to God is quite apparent. (Phrases such as "In God we Trust", or "Under God".) As a whole, being an atheist or a religious individual should not stir up such tension. As modeled in the U.S. Amendments; each to their own.

-Inspired source: Morgan Spurlock's "30 Days".

(Squeaky & ghaskleAL)

 

 

 

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This social bias discusts me. I am an agnostic. I used to be a theist, but certain events and more importantly, science, has led me to doubt the existence of a greater being. I don't deny the existence of God, I just doubt the possibility. Recently I came across this phrase. May have been in someone's signature on this forum:



The same goes for the big bang. They say the entire universe came from an explosion of matter compressed into a pinhead sized ball. Where did that matter come from? And what triggered it?

So many questions that may never, ever be answered.

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That would be from me. I am amazed you memorized it so perfectly.

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Anyways, i'm sure many things can be said about theists also.


This part caught my attention the most. I've heard so many things about Muslims that it just seems odd that atheists are thought to be lower than them.


The U.S. seems to be always contradicting the First Amendment. My guess is, they didn't think far enough into "free speech" before they brought it into being. Maybe they meant you don't have to pay to talk? Hmm, imagine if we had to pay to talk.

 

 

 

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What i hate, is people think that if you are Atheist you have no morals. Its honestly not that hard to do stuff for YOU not god. I am agnostic [well, i prefer no religion, but my beliefs are closests to that of an agnostic person] because i dont worship god, and doubt his existance, but because I haven't seen him, I cant fully say he does, or does not exist.

I dislike the stupid teenagers who say they are Atheist [or um Athiest, as they often mispell] but then talk about about the devil, as if they believe in him. Being Atheist is not believing in anything in christianity.

Id vote for an Atheist anyday, you know why? Because then the opinions they have, and the actions they make, aren't from a book its from their brain.

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However, they can't go out of bounds of their power. They have to "preserve, protect and defend" the U.S. constitution--which is written; which one might say, it's a book. The law may limit their opinions and actions.

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Hmmm... something disturbs me with this thread, in particular, this comment.

I am not a Muslim, but if I was, I would find this very offensive. It seems Muslims in general are being judged by the actions of some extreme individuals. While I also dislike what is being done by these extremists, I don't believe these people reflect the opinions of the majority of Muslims. I know a few Muslims and have found them to be as decent as any "Christian", or any other person, I have met.


Let's keep this debate on track, and not bring other social biases into it.

The fact is, most western civilization is based on a "Christian" upbringing. Therefore, the laws, teachings and philosophy of the civilization is based on the existence of a God. To think otherwise means you are not thinking like the civilization and will naturally be shunned by it. In general, most people can only identify with and accept like minded people. From what I can tell, religion, what ever one that may be, was used to keep the civilization in order. Without this, the civilization cannot be controlled and chaos will reign.

While I personally do not believe in a God, I do see the purpose of having such a belief.

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I apologize in advance if anyone found what i said offensive. It was not intended to be. I do realise there are many peaceful Muslims out there.

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They probably didn't forsee the U.S. becoming "politically correct" and the majority departing from the belief that there is a God. As a Christian I hold to the belief that God created us equally but I would never consider persecuting someone with a different belief. I would try my hardest to love people to Christ.

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i think whereever you move the best for you is if you belive in the same religion as most people .
Allthu if you belived in something whole life i don't see the point of changing that.

atheims is very old and i agree with over 70% with it

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the majority of people in america are slightly religous in some way , even if they don't show it. So atheists in america are at a slight disadvantage , with chruches being at mosts towns and cities . Social bias is because in conversation with soemone even moderately religous , you say something like '' My cousin died , then a bit after I turned atheist'' , then it'll trun hostile and they won't really think as highly of you. Because of it's religous roots , america subtly promotes christianity. They provide nationwide televison services for church annoncements and special events. I was christened a catholic , and I do moderately beleive in god , but not anough to attend service every week or attend every event. A good minority of people are open-minded , so they'll listen and ask questions , not just switch off when atheism is mentioned. I aim to be like one of those people , although sometimes when features about people that I have particular distaste for become quite blatant , I try and end the conversation and leave , If it was really bad I'd talk to somebody about it.


I agree with you. Science can't explain how the matter collected and how the collected matter formed in the first place. Many experiments are taking place to try and simulate it on a similar scale ; maybe that'll provide some answers. I am confused with agnosticism ( sp?) as many answers are left unexplained , while religion has a perfectly justifiable answer for them all , without anyone being able to prove or disprove anything

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