Atheist Discussion Thread II

[Creepoc Infinite]

I saw that there was an atheist discussion thread that hasn't been posted on for a year or so.
So I decided to make a new one. This is not about any particular topic, it's just a general discussion area for nonreligious folk and especially atheists, however, there is nothing stopping religious people from commenting here too.

Astarte any topic you want, it's all up to you.
But I'd like to start with a topic concerning atheists:

Are Atheists a minority that is stigmatized and discriminated against?
Are we an oppressed minority?

[Meridiani Planum]

Are Atheists a minority that is stigmatized and discriminated against?
Are we an oppressed minority?

Yes, to a certain extent this is true in the US. It's not like there is violent persecution, but there are stigmas against atheists. I think that it is a little over-dramatic to say that atheists are an "oppressed minority".

[Creepoc Infinite]

Are Atheists a minority that is stigmatized and discriminated against?
Are we an oppressed minority?

Yes, to a certain extent this is true in the US. It's not like there is violent persecution, but there are stigmas against atheists. I think that it is a little over-dramatic to say that atheists are an "oppressed minority".

We'll, I say that mostly because being an open atheist in politics is like political suicide.
There are 7 states that have laws on the books that say atheists cannot hold public office, I live in one right now (South Carolina)
I've been bullied for my atheism in school even recently.

And you can be executed for being atheist in the Middle East.

[Shilya]

Are Atheists a minority that is stigmatized and discriminated against?
Are we an oppressed minority?

Depends where you are. In some countries with state religions - not in all, though - there would be systematic discrimination. In others, generally in the west, discrimination is a mostly minor issue. Of course, it still exists, the same degree that anyone can be discriminated against, regardless of why in particular.

Oppressed, however? No, at least not in the west. You can freely raise your voice. Also, once you look over to Europe things are starting to look in reverse in some places.

[Meridiani Planum]

We'll, I say that mostly because being an open atheist in politics is like political suicide.

Sure, but that doesn't mean that there is active political oppression of atheists. We don't have to wear an "A" symbol on our clothing by law to mark us as inferiors. We simply have a stigma.

And you can be executed for being atheist in the Middle East.

Sure, in the Middle East atheists might very well be an oppressed minority. I was talking about the US.

[The Laxus Union]

Does anyone know the Amazing Atheist or Jacklynnglen?

[Creepoc Infinite]

Are Atheists a minority that is stigmatized and discriminated against?
Are we an oppressed minority?

Depends where you are. In some countries with state religions - not in all, though - there would be systematic discrimination. In others, generally in the west, discrimination is a mostly minor issue. Of course, it still exists, the same degree that anyone can be discriminated against, regardless of why in particular.

Oppressed, however? No, at least not in the west. You can freely raise your voice. Also, once you look over to Europe things are starting to look in reverse in some places.

There was a survey in America done asking the people who did the survey on a scale of 1 to 100, how highly they regarded other religious beliefs.

Evangelical Christians mostly voted atheists in the 20s region
They viewed Muslims as lower than that
They gave themselves scores of approx. 60 and 70 and 80

In general, atheists got 41
Muslims got 40
Hindus got 50
Christians got around 60 to 70
And surprisingly Jews got around 70, they got the highest acore

[Creepoc Infinite]

Does anyone know the Amazing Atheist or Jacklynnglen?

I watch both. And have been subscribed to both for years

[The Latin Commonwealth]

I saw that there was an atheist discussion thread that hasn't been posted on for a year or so.
So I decided to make a new one. This is not about any particular topic, it's just a general discussion area for nonreligious folk and especially atheists, however, there is nothing stopping religious people from commenting here too.

Astarte any topic you want, it's all up to you.
But I'd like to start with a topic concerning atheists:

Are Atheists a minority that is stigmatized and discriminated against?
Are we an oppressed minority?

Stigma is going too far ( depending of the place ),but we're discriminated in most of the world.I live in Brazil,and I can say that the situation is worse then in the US ( not that much,but still worse ).
We are an opressed minority in several places,but in some countries atheists are a majority,so depends of where you are too.

[Knockturn Alley]

As loads of people said, the level of discrimination depends on where you live: I'm from India, and its best not to talk about atheism with the general public.
A few close school friends are also atheist and its alright to talk about it in my school. I don't have anything against any other religion and rarely speak about my opinions on it so I have so far avoided threats or bullying. I think the reason it makes people unhappy is because it goes against the "normal" trend and makes them feel as if its not taken for granted that people will be of their religion.

[Icrum]

I don't understand why any religion can get along with each other and atheism. I'm religious and most of my friends are atheistic, and I don't care that they are atheistic. All humans should be able to practice what they believe, and if anyone tells you otherwise, then they are an ass.

[Neutraligon]

I don't understand why any religion can get along with each other and atheism. I'm religious and most of my friends are atheistic, and I don't care that they are atheistic. All humans should be able to practice what they believe, and if anyone tells you otherwise, then they are an ass.

Not if what they believe means they murder people (honor killings)

[Mirchusko]

I don't understand why any religion can get along with each other and atheism. I'm religious and most of my friends are atheistic, and I don't care that they are atheistic. All humans should be able to practice what they believe, and if anyone tells you otherwise, then they are an ass.

Did you mean can't get along?

I mostly agree with you. I'm an atheist/agnostic/whatever and I get along fine with my religious friends. I think the problem is that some people think that other people's beliefs can be dangerous. For example, if a religious person thinks the reason people treat each other well is because they want to get into whatever afterlife they believe in, he might see atheists as inherently dangerous, because according to him they don't have any reason to behave decently. That's what I've heard from some people. Atheists, on the other hand, sometimes see religious believers as dangerous, since they tend to condemn actions as immoral that atheists see as perfectly acceptable (e.g. gay marriage, contraception, pre-marital sex, abortion, etc.). It would be fantastic if we could all get along, but there are people who aren't content to let others be.

[The Rich Port]

I think our oppression is subtle, but it is still oppression. I think it's sad some people think we're not; we are, and we should do something about it. Rock that boat. Get everyone soaked in the cold water and sober them up.

I was in denial about my atheism for most of my life until I watched the Atheist Experience. I felt comfortable armed with knowledge about atheism; I was already armed with my vehemence against religion.

I've learned as a social worker, though, that my vehemence against religion might actually hurt my clients. I've come to realize the social position of religion, regardless of how suspect it's function and origins are.

I'm still an atheist, though, and we are still stigmatized for what we don't believe in. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[Herargon]

If I am an Agnost, am I accepted there?

[Shilya]

If I am an Agnost, am I accepted there?

Being agnostic is not a registered and acceptable worldview. Please report to your local happy funtyme activity center for realignment.

[Herargon]

If I am an Agnost, am I accepted there?

Being agnostic is not a registered and acceptable worldview. Please report to your local happy funtyme activity center for realignment.

Nah, let's just go to hell instead. That's where all fun is. Or wait, that already exists. It's called Earth.

[The Rich Port]

If I am an Agnost, am I accepted there?

Ah, so you're bi-curiousistic.

XD

I guess. I don't really understand agnosticism, but whatever. Technically, we can also accept theists because talking about theism is related to atheism. So, go right ahead.

[Herargon]

If I am an Agnost, am I accepted there?

Ah, so you're bi-curiousistic.

XD

I guess. I don't really understand agnosticism, but whatever. Technically, we can also accept theists because talking about theism is related to atheism. So, go right ahead.

Bi-curiousistic? Isn't that like, you're interested to know all about atheism and deism?

Then, yeah.

[Espresso and Insanity]

Does anyone know the Amazing Atheist or Jacklynnglen?

I've heard of the former, and I think he's awful. He's a loud mouthed asshole who doesn't represent the atheistic community.

[The Rich Port]

Ah, so you're bi-curiousistic.

XD

I guess. I don't really understand agnosticism, but whatever. Technically, we can also accept theists because talking about theism is related to atheism. So, go right ahead.

Bi-curiousistic? Isn't that like, you're interested to know all about atheism and deism?

Then, yeah.

Little LGBT joke thar.

I don't think that's what agnosticism is...

I honestly don't really understand what agnosticism is.

[Herargon]

Bi-curiousistic? Isn't that like, you're interested to know all about atheism and deism?

Then, yeah.

Little LGBT joke thar.

I don't think that's what agnosticism is...

I honestly don't really understand what agnosticism is.

Then you don't really know if there is a god or not, but you can be fairly sure that pizza is tasty.

[The Rich Port]

Little LGBT joke thar.

I don't think that's what agnosticism is...

I honestly don't really understand what agnosticism is.

Then you don't really know if there is a god or not, but you can be fairly sure that pizza is tasty.

Um... Huh?

[Creepoc Infinite]

If I am an Agnost, am I accepted there?

Agnostics are atheist in my book so yeah

[Creepoc Infinite]

Does anyone know the Amazing Atheist or Jacklynnglen?

I've heard of the former, and I think he's awful. He's a loud mouthed asshole who doesn't represent the atheistic community.

He's an asshole sure, but that doesn't mean he's not smart.

He has a good sense of humor, he's pretty smart, and although he might not "represent" atheists, I like him and agree with most of his points