Atheist Discrimination

No. In all honesty, I don't feel that I have ever been discriminated against for being an atheist. In fact, in some ways I feel that I've been rather privileged as an atheist. That's not to say that everyone who is an atheist will feel the same way or have the same experiences that I've had as an atheist, but speaking for myself, no, I can't say I've ever experienced discrimination for being an atheist.

 

Am I the only one who laughs when religious people say that their the ones being persecuted? The things they say and condemn me for always makes me laugh. :roflmao:

Hell must be such a fun place with so many great people going there.

 

I've never been discriminated against, questioned, or even had any comments made about me being non-religious.

 

All the time, people are like, "Oh yeah wait, you don't believe in God, -giggle-" Or some bullshit. I don't mean to offend anyone here (at all~), but when people say some stupid shit I'm like are you fucking kidding me? You believe in a floating man in the sky get over yourself. (Referring to the bible freaks that say shit to me) But honestly it's like whatever do what you want. idgaf

 

I remember facing "discrimination" by my peers from discussions simply because I wasn't a theist. I remember some evangelical Christians (not generalizing, but they were) who were having some conspiracy theorist discussion about the Illuminati and when I tried to put my two cents in, they said some spiel about how "I didn't believe in GAWD" (not being condescending, but that's how she said it).

Plus, it doesn't help either that I think I'm from one of the states that outlawed atheists from serving in a government position or some crap. Pretty much, atheists can't run for mayor/governor here I guess.

 

As an Atheist I feel privileged, because I don't have to adhere to myopic rules from an unremarkable book written by uneducated men who would've marveled at a wheelbarrow as a technological breakthrough.

 

Coming from small town, yes.

A couple of years ago I manned the Salvation Army kettles at a grocery store, and stepped on a bunch of toes by even mentioning I wasn't a part of the United Church. I upset three older gentleman, one middle aged man, and two little old ladies. Two of the old man gave me the old fucking "You're going to hell" for simply not being whatever the fuck the united are. One of the old ladies gave me a stern talking to about choosing a correct religion, and the rest were just unpleasant and rude, and looked as though they wished to take back their donation. How silly is that?

I've had quite a fewer smaller incidents as well, but none are particularly exciting, and I doubt you would find them of any interest.

As for straight up discrimination, I have had people not trust me or my ideas based solely on my (non)religion, and think I'm batshit, but no stonings thus far.

 

Personally I do believe in God, but to make fun of somebody for withholding belief until proven otherwise shows profound stupidity and arrogance. At least I don't have to associate with these people because my God is not one of an established religion.

 

In some ways. I once got excluded from a house party for being an atheist (which was what I was going for, it was tragically boring). Apart from that, I've been told to 'be respectful' of religion in debates where the other party was firing personal insults at me every ten seconds.

Not too bad really. I'm at a higher risk of having my freedom of speech questioned by the government than religious people are, though it hasn't happened yet.

 

Nothing major, just the whole you're going to go to hell, my brother tried to do an exorcism on me, I just ask them where in their bible does it say that humans evolved?
I used to believe in god, got baptised when I was 11, I regret it!

 

I want for my political philosophy to get protection under political correctness.

---------- Post added 26th Oct 2013 at 02:43 AM ----------

you iz hurting my feelins by insulting my beliefs

 

I don't think I've been discriminated against directly but I agree with Hexagon that respect for religious beliefs should go both ways.

I find the approach of some religious groups towards Atheists quite funny sometimes - I was walking through a park once and was approached by a group of Christians of some form of denomination. One approached me and said that they were talking to people about God. I very politely said "I'm actually an Atheist" and he said "Why do you think that is?" to which I replied "Well, the 'not believing in God', really". I honestly can't think what more he wanted from me!

I think that's the mystery to me with religions and all the religious denominations. I could tell you why I'm an Socialist because that does come from a process of thinking and deciding on an ideology I believe is right but surely however someone approaches religious ideology the core should be that they actually believe that God/Gods exist? If ultimately they can't find that they believe it then perhaps the approach is just to try and live as a good person in the world for the myriad of other reasons to do so.

 

Sometimes you get those extremely religious people who sometimes go a little bit crazy just because someone doesn't believe in their God etc. They are in the wrong because it also gives that religion a bad name because people will look at that religious group and think "Gee, they act like that because people don't believe"

Then again, you also have those atheists who are rude and say offensive things about a religion that annoys and hurts someone's feelings. These people who follow that religion will then form an opinion about atheists because they say offensive things about their religion.

 

My best friend was discriminated against for being an atheist. She used to have a friend (she can't stand her anymore for various reason) who was super religious and she invited my friend over for dinner at her house. My friend stated that she was on her best behaviour, polite to her entire family and even played with their dog but her friend's Mom said they couldn't hang out anymore because she's an atheist. Her "friend" also told she would rotten in hell if she didn't find religion. And that girl wonders why my friend won't talk to her.

 

I can see why some athiest would be discriminated, at least in my town. There are two types of athiests in my town, those who say "I'm not athiest, I am um... agnostic? " because they don't want to be associated with the other athiests who scream "GOD IS A LIE! I AM BETTER THAN YOU BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE IN ANYTHING!" Which is why Bertrand Russel is my hero and Charles Dawkins is my nemesis.

 

I have been discriminated against several times for my beliefs. I have been bullied mainly at the workplace. At school I never was. I went to a Christian school, but I'm not Christian. I only found tolerance and mutual respect.

In my experience, I have learnt that Atheists can be as prescriptive as any other person with faith, and often a lot less respectful. The attacks have always been unprovoked. It's like just by saying what I believe, they somehow feel threatened and need to attack.

For this reason, I recognise that Atheism a religion just like any other - complete with its own prophets and texts and blind, narrow minded followers.

Respect others, and they'll respect you.

This is a maxim which all world views can agree one.

 

Not particularly. A friend tries save my soul every few weeks, it use to be every few days till I told him it made it so I would avoid him. I think his pastor told him to let it be as well.

That's not discrimination though so shrug.

I do find it amusing that people assume I'm atheist because I'm gay, when that has nothing to do with it. I just can't believe in something without solid proof.

 

Apparently there's a big secret among us atheists that I'll go ahead and reveal to religious people who love to tell us how much god loves us and hates to see us ling in sin and all that jazz.

We already know what you believe in. Don't waste your breath or time trying to sell me on it.

And as a former practicing Christian, my advice to Christians is to stop so openly hating and loathing atheists, the very people you're supposed to be converting. Don't hate us, but minister to someone who'll listen. Just make sure they'll listen, and that's not me.

 

Yes but i find it easier to shrug off than gay bashing for some reason. To me, atheism is just a philosophy that i admittedly could be wrong about and doesn't really matter anyway. Since thumpers are so adamant that they are right, i can't help but laugh because the whole thing is too silly. I especially like to be told "The apostasy is complete" or "May god have mercy on your soul." Amazing that they think it will phase or win over an atheist.