A short interesting documentary on the social effects of atheism and the repercussions that can come about due to the admission of being atheist in the United States.
7.21
Rating: 7.21/10 based on 373 votes cast.
Advertisement
Join The Conversation
Would I be wrong to say cool story bro? This made it sound like atheist are totally helpless people, but intelligent. Do you understand that a lot of people have had worse done to them for their religion and their race. That sucks that people call you names, stand up for yourself. I do agree to a point that atheist are often smart but the fact that you put them in this category, in a way, defies what most atheist look to do. Break away categories in a sort. I am a Christian I do believe in God. I also believe in all of the teachings in the Bible, the morals it teaches. You may get upset, that’s understandable. You must feel attacked. You will most likely judge a small error in what I say. That’s okay. Just acknowledge that you do not have it so bad.
The universe is random chaos and we are just a freak occurrence, a speck of dust, a brief blink of “life” framed before and after by eternal darkness. The total emptiness forever, The sure extinction that we travel to, and shall be lost in always, not to be here, not to be anywhere, and soon, nothing more terrible, nothing more true. The good done, the good not done, the love and effort given, all, all futile and eventually, totally and utterly meaningless. It fills my heart with joy and happiness.
Even the persons who advanced such argument as a novel thought originally could not preach it with as much certainty as you do. Foolproof certainty is a luxury only for those who have never synthesized a novel thought on their own, yet simply repeat thoughts advanced by others more confidently and boisterously than the original thinkers.
OK, Pascal, not a very original hypothesis. Look it up and evolve.
I’d love to live in Europe or Canada. But it’s unfortunately not an easy thing to do.
Long live separation and superiority!
Religion is the cancer of society.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell your followers that immediately, they’re driving me nuts : )
Pretty odd statement coming from “God”
Sorry, minority!!
Come and live with us in Holland, were all Atheists (or agnosts)! We don’t believe that medieval crap anymore! Ok some do, but they are the miority here!!
Everyone knows the earth is simply a cell within something far greater. A cell for example, like we are made of. We are simply the bacteria living within the cell, and one day like all cells, it will cease to exist.
How could an atheist be a devil worshipper? We don’t belive in the devil you numnuts
How could an atheist be a devil worshipper? We don’t belive in the devil you numnuts
don’t worry guys….this is why America is the first fifth world country in human history 😀 😛
don’t worry guys….this is why America is the first fifth world country in human history 😀 😛
I’ve been an atheist all of my life, and I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced the kind of hate this video shows. I’ve had a teacher tell me that this was a Christian nation and to leave the country as well, but I”m a very confident and outspoken person and I told him off. It wasn’t anything surprising, I was always in conflict with this very religious, conservative teacher. I’m not trying to sound big, but I think most people I knew were afraid to approach my atheism in a negative way because I’d make them look stupid as I often did. I assumed they’d be afraid to attack anyone’s atheism as they’ve no explanation for their nonsensical ideas. To any atheists reading this, fight back! Do not let someone talk down to you when they’re the one with the crazy, outrageous beliefs. It’s not that hard to make fun of someone for believing in a magical sky daddy that’s going to take their nightmares away. I don’t like this video because it makes atheists look like they’re being looked down on or even bullied. I’ve always felt like I’ve been above the average religious person and have always looked up to atheists as much more intelligent, respectable people. Atheists looking down on Christians?..Easily understandable. Christians looking down on atheists?…How?
Maybe it’s not your atheism but your insufferable arrogance that turns people off.
What an intelligent comment. You must be an atheist.
I’ve been an atheist all of my life, and I can honestly say that I’ve never experienced the kind of hate this video shows. I’ve had a teacher tell me that this was a Christian nation and to leave the country as well, but I”m a very confident and outspoken person and I told him off. It wasn’t anything surprising, I was always in conflict with this very religious, conservative teacher. I’m not trying to sound big, but I think most people I knew were afraid to approach my atheism in a negative way because I’d make them look stupid as I often did. I assumed they’d be afraid to attack anyone’s atheism as they’ve no explanation for their nonsensical ideas. To any atheists reading this, fight back! Do not let someone talk down to you when they’re the one with the crazy, outrageous beliefs. It’s not that hard to make fun of someone for believing in a magical sky daddy that’s going to take their nightmares away. I don’t like this video because it makes atheists look like they’re being looked down on or even bullied. I’ve always felt like I’ve been above the average religious person and have always looked up to atheists as much more intelligent, respectable people. Atheists looking down on Christians?..Easily understandable. Christians looking down on atheists?…How?
Why isn’t this video working for me? 🙁
I’m sorry but, what the fuck? I don’t know anyone who sits outside someones house and stares because they’re an atheist. I’ve never experinced any mistreatment do to my disbelief in god, nor do I know anyone who has..
I’m sorry but, what the fuck? I don’t know anyone who sits outside someones house and stares because they’re an atheist. I’ve never experinced any mistreatment do to my disbelief in god, nor do I know anyone who has..
I have… from family and friends… its sad really, that most americans hear atheist and their reactions are like you said you are a terrorist… strange really, do people not know the definition of an atheist.
That’s a little hyperbole and media-fed frenzy for the consumption of the unthinking mass. What good is a religious and/or anti-religious movement without a dash of persecution complex. Persecution, real or imagined is the life force of religious related movements.
I’m sorry but, what the fuck? I don’t know anyone who sits outside someones house and stares because they’re an atheist. I’ve never experinced any mistreatment do to my disbelief in god, nor do I know anyone who has..
This video almost had me feeling sympathy for atheists till it got to the end and stated that “atheists are the least violent, most tolerant, most intelligent, and most progressive ”
Least violent? Tell that to those imprisoned and killed for their beliefs in Communist Russia and China, oh yeah you can’t since they are DEAD!
Most tolerant? But only if you agree with their opinions (and non-beliefs)
Most intelligent? Did they do a study on this? Actually some of the most intelligent scientists in the world believed in the existence of God,… Einstein, Francis Collins, Behe, etc, etc
Most Progressive? Not all change is progressive, much of it regressive. Some of this “progressive” thinking has led to the breakdown of the family unit, skyrocketing divorce, abortion, and STD rates. Progressive? Hardly.
As for the “Most Hated & Mistrusted minority in the US”? Mistrusted, maybe, Hated, no. We just disagree with you, we don’t hate you. Actually, Christians are the most hated and persecuted in the world. Here’s some reading for you from secular sources (so you can’t say they were biased in favor of Christianity)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/901492–christianity-arguably-the-most-persecuted-religion-in-the-world
“Thinking has led to the breakdown of the family unit, skyrocketing divorce, abortion, and STD rates”. Wow, really! There are many reasons that may cause the rise of these sad events. Like urbanisation or over-population.
I promise you one thing, free thinking isn’t even on the list.
Are you implying people with religious belief are incapable of thinking?
Oh my…so many illogical statements in one post. Where to even begin. Will just have to do a quick round of rebuttals, apologies but no real time.
>Least violent? Tell that to those imprisoned and killed for their beliefs in Communist Russia and China, oh yeah you can’t since they are DEAD!
Just…NO. Those deaths were due to political reasons. Communism is not atheism.
>Most tolerant? But only if you agree with their opinions (and non-beliefs)
Have you ever heard someone say you are immoral because you believe in a god? That you should burn? That you have no soul? Atheists don’t do that. If you try to push your beliefs then we will call you on your bs. Calling it what it is is not intolerant. Is it intolerant to not accept racism? To not accept pedophilia? Fine, call it intolerance, but in that case you have to realize some things should NOT be tolerated.
>Most intelligent? Did they do a study on this?
No. Not one. Many. Try science, oh wait, too hard? Try google. There is a strong correlation between intelligence and belief in supernatural claims.
>Actually some of the most intelligent scientists in the world believed in the existence of God,… Einstein, Francis Collins, Behe, etc, etc
You can strike Albert from that list and add Adolf. That would be more accurate. Oh, and it still wouldn’t prove a thing. Many bright people believed blowing tobacco smoke up someones ass actually had medical benefits. Smart people A believes this? IT MUST BE TRUE! Please.
>Not to mention that the top “atheist” scientist Stephen Hawkings believes that the entire Universe was created from… Wait for it…. NOTHING. Mass, Energy, Time, Space, did not exist before the Big Bang, this is his theory?? He says it was created by… Gravity! Of course he doesn’t have an answer for why gravity exists, when nothing else does. Yeah, that sounds intelligent (and believable).
Yes, I am sure that you, a layman, understands the universe better than the people who study it and have years, even a lifetime of experience and knowledge backing up their opinions. How arrogant of you. I don’t understand it so it must be bullshit? Hilarious. Tell me this? What was before the big bang? What was north of the north pole? NOTHING is a perfectly valid opinion.
>Most Progressive? Not all change is progressive, much of it regressive. Some of this “progressive” thinking has led to the breakdown of the family unit, skyrocketing divorce, abortion, and STD rates. Progressive? Hardly.
You are just so FULL of it aren’t you? AGAIN, GOOGLE! There is a clear correlation between religiousity and divorce! You make vague claims about these “factors” that cause STDS? Science gives us condoms. The pope tells us they are not to be used. Who is being progressive? Who is killing people? Who is trying to save lives?
>As for the “Most Hated & Mistrusted minority in the US”? Mistrusted, maybe, Hated, no. We just disagree with you, we don’t hate you. Actually, Christians are the most hated and persecuted in the world. Here’s some reading for you from secular sources (so you can’t say they were biased in favor of Christianity)
Again, playing the victim? REALLY? Of course christians are persecuted for their beliefs in countries with other religions! Religion creates schisms! You go look in nation made up primarily of christians and see what you find. No persecution of christians. Of course. Get off your high horse. Atheism on the other hand are hated everywhere for the simple reason that they refuse to believe in bullshit. It doesn’t matter that they don’t demand that people follow them. Your so called sources are historical and consist of examples of religions clashing. Where are those aggressive atheists I wonder.
http://theframeproblem.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/atheism-the-source-of-all-of-humanitys-problems/
Yeah Inquartata, yours was also filled with illogical arguments.
No, these are a worldly “atheist” world view. You like to say it’s not about religion, obviously not, since atheism is about no God. However if it is political as you try to pass it off, why are Christians and religions that are not political being tortured and killed. THAT is illogical.
And yes, I have heard many rude and profane comments directed at Christians and believers. No, they don’t say you are immoral, have no soul, etc, but they say other things which are just as intolerant and more so. It goes both ways. Just ask people like Anne Coulter who are accused of being intolerant but shout vulgar names and target her with abuse and death threats. Almost non-existant the other way around. And your examples, racism, pedophelia, I agree, those should not be tolerated, and any person would agree. What’s your point? That’s not exclusive to atheism. I would be willing to bet that the majority of racists and pedophiles aren’t believers.
Where are these professional studies on the relationship between intelligence level and religious beliefs. I am not talking about beliefs in UFO’s and Ghosts here. Wheres your references to back it up?
Why would I strike Einstein, when he stated he believed in God, just not a personal God that you would have a relationship with. And why add Hitler to the list, when he wasn’t a scientist?? That actually would be inaccurate. And just because you don’t believe in God, doesn’t make it untrue.
Your defence of Stephen Hawkings theories sounds like your previous description of “smart people blowing smoke up someones ass”, but sounds like you know more about this then I do. But you contradict yourself by saying, still it doesn’t prove a thing, but then insist that Stephen Hawkings has the lock on truth, but of course only when it supports your view. You should apply the same statement to yourself, “how arrogant of you” to think only your view is right. Let’s be honest here, he doesn’t know what was before the Big Bang, and that’s why it’s called a THEORY, which at this point is simply a guess. But there are MANY scientists who disagree with him, and also see the problems with his theory. And yes, their opinions are just as valid as Hawkings. So why would something suddenly come from nothing?? And you think this is more believable then that it was created by Intelligence?? Not sure what your point is about whats North of the North pole?? It’s an illogical question like whats a round square?!?
Again, not sure what your point is about science gives us condoms?? Yeah, and? Why does the STD, abortion, and teen pregnancy rate keep going up when the availability of condoms and sex education keep increasing? Because its not about science, its about morality. And religion is very much intertwined with morality.
It’s not PLAYING the victim when you ARE the victim. The ironic thing is that you continue on to Play the Victim. Your whole comment is full of double standards and contradictions! No, it’s not religions that creates schisms, it’s opposing world views, including atheism. 2 sources I gave were secular sources to avoid bias. And you can read it yourself, there are many examples of Christians being persecuted for their beliefs. Some of the examples were between religions, some were from atheists, ie Vietnam, North Korea, China, Russia, Where are your examples of thousands or millions of atheists getting imprisoned and killed for their non-beliefs like the millions that have been killed in China and Russia for their beliefs?? And western countries where the majority are Christians, their is almost no persecution of atheists.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/901492–christianity-arguably-the-most-persecuted-religion-in-the-world
I can’t believe I just wasted my time reading this pathetic retort to Inquartata’s valid arguments.
It was just one nonsensical piece of noise after another. Please refrain from saying anything at all if you cannot say anything of any value.
First of all, try to include some part of my reply or some reference so I can know what you are talking about. As it stands now, what do you mean by:
>a worldly “atheist” world view
What is? What?
>if it is political as you try to pass it off, why are Christians and religions that are not political being tortured and killed. THAT is illogical.
Again, very very vague. Give an example or be more specific so I can understand what you are actually saying. If you mean communism, the church or in fact any organized group were seen as threats to the party, which is why they were persecuted. This has nothing to do with atheism since atheism has no “goal”. There is no central tenet except the nonbelief in a deity.
>No, they don’t say you are immoral, have no soul, etc, but they say other things which are just as intolerant and more so.
Which are…? Examples? Do you see my point? You are making statements that are so vague it is ludicrous! I know you can do better, please elaborate. Just as intolerant and more so and you don’t say what they are?
Just ask people like Anne Coulter who are accused of being intolerant but shout vulgar names and target her with abuse and death threats. Almost non-existant the other way around.
It is always wrong to threaten people in any way. That is an example of something that should not be tolerated. Having said that, there are idiots in both camps and when Coulter goes around calling evolution “a mystery religion” then she will get people angry since she tries to pass that off as fact when it is only her hugely misinformed personal opinion. Then throw in bigoted remarks and statements supporting shooting people who have abortions and your statement is suddenly not true. Hatred begets hatred, I am sure you agree.
>And your examples, racism, pedophelia, I agree, those should not be tolerated, and any person would agree. What’s your point? That’s not exclusive to atheism. I would be willing to bet that the majority of racists and pedophiles aren’t believers.
That statement does not make sense. If you said “I am willing to bet that the percentage of racists and pedphiles among believers is lower than those of atheists”, then it would some sense. I bet you would still be wrong though. Otherwise it is like saying that I bet that there are less fat swedish males than fat american males. Of course there are. There are more american males than swedish males to begin with! My point is that ANY pedophilia is not to be accepted, which is not the case in the catholic church for example, where priests rarely receive any punishment at all!
>Where are these professional studies on the relationship between intelligence level and religious beliefs. I am not talking about beliefs in UFO’s and Ghosts here. Wheres your references to back it up?
If we are to have references, then I expect the same from you. Here you go, google is your friend. Sorry for the site being pro-atheist, but the studies are not. They are scientific and date back more than 80 years.
http://atheistcamel.blogspot.com/2009/03/religiosity-and-intelligence-80-years.html
Also, obligatory wikipedia article with references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religiosity_and_intelligence#Studies_comparing_religious_belief_and_I.Q
>Why would I strike Einstein, when he stated he believed in God, just not a personal God that you would have a relationship with.
This is why. Feel informed.
I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it. – Albert Einstein
It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously. I also cannot imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere. … Science has been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death. – Albert Einstein
Your statement has no proof. If you wish, I am sure I can find the pdf of the letter he wrote regarding religion. If only you promise to not close your eyes but actually read it. You could also try to google it yourself of course?
And why add Hitler to the list, when he wasn’t a scientist?? That actually would be inaccurate. And just because you don’t believe in God, doesn’t make it untrue.
>You answered your own question. What we believe matters not. What einstein believed matters not. It is the facts that we base our beliefs upon that should dictate how valid they are.
>And religion is very much intertwined with morality.
Here is where I expect references. Animals show morality. Moses did. Where di he get it? Religious belief has NOTHING to do with morality, that is just pure propaganda.
>The ironic thing is that you continue on to Play the Victim. Your whole comment is full of double standards and contradictions!
THEN STOP BEING VAGUE AND TELL ME WHERE! I can make a statement like “your whole comment is just racist vitriol” but that does not make it true. At least tell me what you mean!
>No, it’s not religions that creates schisms, it’s opposing world views, including atheism
NOT including atheism! Of course it is clashing religious beliefs that are the cause. Give me examples of wars fought for atheism. Do it. References now or gtfo! Is the violence in ireland due to atheism? The withchunts in africa? The bomvings in thailand? Are they? Did you even see the comic I linked?
>sources I gave were secular sources to avoid bias.
You didn’t read my reply? Give me one example of this NOT being two religions fighting and instead atheists persecuting religious folk. Do it. References. You started this. Finish it. Back up your claims.
>Some of the examples were between religions, some were from atheists, ie Vietnam, North Korea, China, Russia, Where are your examples of thousands or millions of atheists getting imprisoned and killed for their non-beliefs like the millions that have been killed in China and Russia for their beliefs?? And western countries where the majority are Christians, their is almost no persecution of atheists.
No! We have discussed this already. Communism, communism, communism and communism! Do you see a pattern? NOT ATHEISM! Do you even understand the word?
For hundreds,even thousands of years, superstition was the norm. Now when atheists are slowly coming out of hiding, less afraid, you have the audacity to claim that they are not persecuted just because millions of them haven’t been killed? People are calling for atheists to be shot! They are the most untrusted group in america! They cannot hold office in several states!
TL;DR
ATHEISM IS NOT COMMUNISM.
JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE FAMOUS SAYS SOMETHING DOESN’T MAKE IT TRUE.
CHRISTIANS ARE NOT BEING PERSECUTED BY ATHEISTS, THEY ARE BEING PERSECUTED BY OTHER RELIGIONS AND THE OPPOSITE IS EQUALLY TRUE.
ATHEISM HAS NEVER STARTED A SINGLE WAR.
First of all, try to include some part of my reply or some reference so I can know what you are talking about. As it stands now, what do you mean by:
>a worldly “atheist” world view
What is? What?
>if it is political as you try to pass it off, why are Christians and religions that are not political being tortured and killed. THAT is illogical.
Again, very very vague. Give an example or be more specific so I can understand what you are actually saying. If you mean communism, the church or in fact any organized group were seen as threats to the party, which is why they were persecuted. This has nothing to do with atheism since atheism has no “goal”. There is no central tenet except the nonbelief in a deity.
>No, they don’t say you are immoral, have no soul, etc, but they say other things which are just as intolerant and more so.
Which are…? Examples? Do you see my point? You are making statements that are so vague it is ludicrous! I know you can do better, please elaborate. Just as intolerant and more so and you don’t say what they are?
Just ask people like Anne Coulter who are accused of being intolerant but shout vulgar names and target her with abuse and death threats. Almost non-existant the other way around.
It is always wrong to threaten people in any way. That is an example of something that should not be tolerated. Having said that, there are idiots in both camps and when Coulter goes around calling evolution “a mystery religion” then she will get people angry since she tries to pass that off as fact when it is only her hugely misinformed personal opinion. Then throw in bigoted remarks and statements supporting shooting people who have abortions and your statement is suddenly not true. Hatred begets hatred, I am sure you agree.
>And your examples, racism, pedophelia, I agree, those should not be tolerated, and any person would agree. What’s your point? That’s not exclusive to atheism. I would be willing to bet that the majority of racists and pedophiles aren’t believers.
That statement does not make sense. If you said “I am willing to bet that the percentage of racists and pedphiles among believers is lower than those of atheists”, then it would some sense. I bet you would still be wrong though. Otherwise it is like saying that I bet that there are less fat swedish males than fat american males. Of course there are. There are more american males than swedish males to begin with! My point is that ANY pedophilia is not to be accepted, which is not the case in the catholic church for example, where priests rarely receive any punishment at all!
>Where are these professional studies on the relationship between intelligence level and religious beliefs. I am not talking about beliefs in UFO’s and Ghosts here. Wheres your references to back it up?
If we are to have references, then I expect the same from you. Here you go, google is your friend. Sorry for the site being pro-atheist, but the studies are not. They are scientific and date back more than 80 years.
http://atheistcamel.blogspot.com/2009/03/religiosity-and-intelligence-80-years.html
Also, obligatory wikipedia article with references:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religiosity_and_intelligence#Studies_comparing_religious_belief_and_I.Q
>Why would I strike Einstein, when he stated he believed in God, just not a personal God that you would have a relationship with.
This is why. Feel informed.
I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it. – Albert Einstein
It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously. I also cannot imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere. … Science has been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man’s ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death. – Albert Einstein
Your statement has no proof. If you wish, I am sure I can find the pdf of the letter he wrote regarding religion. If only you promise to not close your eyes but actually read it. You could also try to google it yourself of course?
And why add Hitler to the list, when he wasn’t a scientist?? That actually would be inaccurate. And just because you don’t believe in God, doesn’t make it untrue.
>You answered your own question. What we believe matters not. What einstein believed matters not. It is the facts that we base our beliefs upon that should dictate how valid they are.
>And religion is very much intertwined with morality.
Here is where I expect references. Animals show morality. Moses did. Where di he get it? Religious belief has NOTHING to do with morality, that is just pure propaganda.
>The ironic thing is that you continue on to Play the Victim. Your whole comment is full of double standards and contradictions!
THEN STOP BEING VAGUE AND TELL ME WHERE! I can make a statement like “your whole comment is just racist vitriol” but that does not make it true. At least tell me what you mean!
>No, it’s not religions that creates schisms, it’s opposing world views, including atheism
NOT including atheism! Of course it is clashing religious beliefs that are the cause. Give me examples of wars fought for atheism. Do it. References now or gtfo! Is the violence in ireland due to atheism? The withchunts in africa? The bomvings in thailand? Are they? Did you even see the comic I linked?
>sources I gave were secular sources to avoid bias.
You didn’t read my reply? Give me one example of this NOT being two religions fighting and instead atheists persecuting religious folk. Do it. References. You started this. Finish it. Back up your claims.
>Some of the examples were between religions, some were from atheists, ie Vietnam, North Korea, China, Russia, Where are your examples of thousands or millions of atheists getting imprisoned and killed for their non-beliefs like the millions that have been killed in China and Russia for their beliefs?? And western countries where the majority are Christians, their is almost no persecution of atheists.
No! We have discussed this already. Communism, communism, communism and communism! Do you see a pattern? NOT ATHEISM! Do you even understand the word?
For hundreds,even thousands of years, superstition was the norm. Now when atheists are slowly coming out of hiding, less afraid, you have the audacity to claim that they are not persecuted just because millions of them haven’t been killed? People are calling for atheists to be shot! They are the most untrusted group in america! They cannot hold office in several states!
TL;DR
ATHEISM IS NOT COMMUNISM.
JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE FAMOUS SAYS SOMETHING DOESN’T MAKE IT TRUE.
CHRISTIANS ARE NOT BEING PERSECUTED BY ATHEISTS, THEY ARE BEING PERSECUTED BY OTHER RELIGIONS AND THE OPPOSITE IS EQUALLY TRUE.
ATHEISM HAS NEVER STARTED A SINGLE WAR.
This video almost had me feeling sympathy for atheists till it got to the end and stated that “atheists are the least violent, most tolerant, most intelligent, and most progressive ”
Least violent? Tell that to those imprisoned and killed for their beliefs in Communist Russia and China, oh yeah you can’t since they are DEAD!
Most tolerant? But only if you agree with their opinions (and non-beliefs)
Most intelligent? Did they do a study on this? Actually some of the most intelligent scientists in the world believed in the existence of God,… Einstein, Francis Collins, Behe, etc, etc
Most Progressive? Not all change is progressive, much of it regressive. Some of this “progressive” thinking has led to the breakdown of the family unit, skyrocketing divorce, abortion, and STD rates. Progressive? Hardly.
As for the “Most Hated & Mistrusted minority in the US”? Mistrusted, maybe, Hated, no. We just disagree with you, we don’t hate you. Actually, Christians are the most hated and persecuted in the world. Here’s some reading for you from secular sources (so you can’t say they were biased in favor of Christianity)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians
http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/901492–christianity-arguably-the-most-persecuted-religion-in-the-world
People despise atheists for the same reason they despise any fundamentalist. Atheists often are rude, egotistic, without a sense of irony and lack introspection. Hmm…I just described most christian fundamentalist as well. I am sure most of you are quite tickled about being compared to your eternal nemesis. It’d be fun to lock you both up in a big room and see you annihilation each other. The world would certainly be a more pleasant place.
Not sure what your point is? Yes their are radicals in EVERY world view and every religion. Including whatever view you hold. And you proved the point by stating how amused you would be to see the others annihilate each other. Sounds like a pretty radical view as well.
Not sure what your point is? Yes their are radicals in EVERY world view and every religion. Including whatever view you hold. And you proved the point by stating how amused you would be to see the others annihilate each other. Sounds like a pretty radical view as well.
Hmmm…let me try again. I dispise fundamentalists of any kind, especially those who try to push their POV on others. Without them the world would be a better place. The best way to rid the world of their presence without creating martyrs of either kind is to allow them to destroy each other. Thought a supposedly logical person would get that simple logic. But like most, your handle seems to be regarding things that are hoped for, but that are not.
Don’t blame ME for what YOU said. “It’d be fun to lock you both up in a big room and see you annihilate each other” Not a lack of logic on my part. My point stands.
Huh? Blaming you for what I said? Where? What? I elaborated what I said in my previous response.
My hypothesis is further confirmed. People who have the words ‘logic’, ‘reason’, etc in their handle seem to be the ones who are lacking such qualities the most. Yours has the word ‘super; along with one of those words indicating the profound lack there of…lol.
Impossible to argue logically with someone who has no logic. Sigh, you’re clueless. (And obviously by the post by Smack he got the same thing from your post as I did)
Impossible to argue logically with someone who has no logic. Sigh, you’re clueless. (And obviously by the post by Smack he got the same thing from your post as I did)
You are embarrassing yourself.
Superlogic you are a moron.
I stop talking to idiots when they level the same charges I I do against them. You can’t even came up with a well thought arguments against my position…get lost!
I stop talking to idiots when they level the same charges I I do against them. You can’t even came up with a well thought arguments against my position…get lost!
Huh? Blaming you for what I said? Where? What? I elaborated what I said in my previous response.
My hypothesis is further confirmed. People who have the words ‘logic’, ‘reason’, etc in their handle seem to be the ones who are lacking such qualities the most. Yours has the word ‘super; along with one of those words indicating the profound lack there of…lol.
You’re a bad person. You enjoy watching people hurt each other, and everything you accused atheists of being… rude, egotistic, etc… you did in this comment section. Maybe you can come up with something useful or an insight next time other than boasting of yourself and downing others.
Most intelligent minority? that’s a pretty arrogant statement. I thought this piece was going to try and help the social acceptance of atheists…
Most intelligent minority? that’s a pretty arrogant statement. I thought this piece was going to try and help the social acceptance of atheists…
Cool video but the music is completely unnecessary and distracting when people are talking.
Cool video but the music is completely unnecessary and distracting when people are talking.
Cool video but the music is completely unnecessary and distracting when people are talking.
Wow, way to go U.S. I’m so glad I’m Canadian. I’m speaking here as a non-atheist, non-Christian person who believes in everyone’s right to practice whatever religion or lack of religion they choose. I’m a Pagan, so I know what it’s like to be judged for your religion, but I’ve never experienced anything close to what these people have gone through. (Though I can definitely relate to being offended by inaccurate portrayals in the media.)
One thing I need to point out though is that I thought it was really obnoxious that that one guy said that atheists are the last minority group that it’s ok to bash. Umm, what? There is so much racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, etc. in the U.S. and elsewhere that that was a really insensitive thing to say. I mean yeah, it sucks that people are being so cruel to you, but that doesn’t give you the right to minimise other people’s oppression. Not cool.
Hitler was raised a Catholic.
Quote from Mein Kampf:
“What we must fight for is to safeguard the existence and the
reproduction of our race…so that our people may mature for the
fulfillment of the mission allotted it by the creator of the
universe…Peoples that bastardize themselves, or let themselves be
bastardized, sin against the will of eternal Providence.”
Hitler was no atheist, contrary to myths usually peddled by christians.
I have read this entire conversation stream with interest and am completely bemused by many of the assertions that ‘believers’ are making here. Probably the only rational comment in favour of believing in God comes from Steel9 who states that they believe in a God because they fear death and the belief eases thier mind…
As an atheist, much of my lack of need to believe in a God comes from the fact that I have no fear of death. Rationality tells me that we all live and will all eventually die, as does everything else on the planet in some form or another – I do not need belief in a supernatural and omniscient deity to ease the transition between life and death in my mind. Believing in an afterlife for me takes the form of knowing that my atoms will eventually reform as something else, whether they become part of a tree, the grass or the Earth itself and this belief places me more fundmentally in line with the Buddhist ideals of reincarnation than the monotheistic beliefs of ‘heaven or hell’. Despite this, I do not believe in any organised religion because fundamentally, all the good parts of all religions – which essentially equate to being the best person you can be and not harming others – are beliefs I hold intrinsically anyway. I do not need a book or a God or a church to remind me to get up every day and be a good person.
I take particular offense to Oksana’s assertion though that because I can not 100% disprove the existance of a God then I can never be a true atheist. Other than being a completely ridiculous statement on account of the fact that atheists are not all deniers of a God, simply unbelievers, I’d like to apply and test that statement in its opposite form:
Because theists can not 100% prove the existance of God then you can never be a true theist.
Equally ridiculous? Yeah I thought so. The human mind is equiped to believe in a range of ideas – some of them can be proved and some can not. I do not waste my time worrying about what other people chose to believe, all I know is what I believe and I am happy and comfortable with that. Those who ridicule or persecute others for having the ‘wrong’ beliefs, in my experience, tend to be unhappy and uncertain in themselves and God alone can never change that for them.
I have read this entire conversation stream with interest and am completely bemused by many of the assertions that ‘believers’ are making here. Probably the only rational comment in favour of believing in God comes from Steel9 who states that they believe in a God because they fear death and the belief eases thier mind…
As an atheist, much of my lack of need to believe in a God comes from the fact that I have no fear of death. Rationality tells me that we all live and will all eventually die, as does everything else on the planet in some form or another – I do not need belief in a supernatural and omniscient deity to ease the transition between life and death in my mind. Believing in an afterlife for me takes the form of knowing that my atoms will eventually reform as something else, whether they become part of a tree, the grass or the Earth itself and this belief places me more fundmentally in line with the Buddhist ideals of reincarnation than the monotheistic beliefs of ‘heaven or hell’. Despite this, I do not believe in any organised religion because fundamentally, all the good parts of all religions – which essentially equate to being the best person you can be and not harming others – are beliefs I hold intrinsically anyway. I do not need a book or a God or a church to remind me to get up every day and be a good person.
I take particular offense to Oksana’s assertion though that because I can not 100% disprove the existance of a God then I can never be a true atheist. Other than being a completely ridiculous statement on account of the fact that atheists are not all deniers of a God, simply unbelievers, I’d like to apply and test that statement in its opposite form:
Because theists can not 100% prove the existance of God then you can never be a true theist.
Equally ridiculous? Yeah I thought so. The human mind is equiped to believe in a range of ideas – some of them can be proved and some can not. I do not waste my time worrying about what other people chose to believe, all I know is what I believe and I am happy and comfortable with that. Those who ridicule or persecute others for having the ‘wrong’ beliefs, in my experience, tend to be unhappy and uncertain in themselves and God alone can never change that for them.
Very well said Birgcar. To be an a-theist takes tremendous courage. Atheists bear full responsibility for their actions (instead of blaming satan, Eve or whatever) and fully face the fact that this world is all there is! This kind of thinking (and emotional maturity) makes one far more likely be behave in a more civilized and respectful way toward others. There is no ready made forgiveness or salvation by god, only other human beings.
I don’t need to believe in god because I am alright with not having all the answers to life. Likewise, I do not fear death and have no need to be told what to do or how to behave since I am confident in my own judgement and fitness of mind. Thinking for yourself is hard and life is hard. These are the primary reasons religion flourished and remains.
Wow, I’m genuinely shocked. Where I live the atheists out number the Christians. The Hindus and Muslims probably do too. But nobody cares, it’s a matter of each to their own. I can’t imagine bullying a person out of town and the teachers, their disgraceful.
I am an Atheist, came from a muslim family. I know the scenery is much worse in Indian subcontinent. In US at least nobody is going to kill you for being a non believer!!
don’t be too sure honey…
Science searches for answers, and considering we were given a conscious mind that questions where do I come from, your are ignoring the most beautiful and wonderful thing “god” has given you, your ability to think. You stall your development by sticking to one story, religion and god, that has no proven or concrete base. Intelligence is the search for knowledge and truth, and until you can prove your god to be true then you should learn to be intelligent enough not to speak of something you cannot prove. Live and let live.
All religion is based on a belief in magic. At the center of every religion is at least one immortal omnipresent omnipotent being. It is a left over from a time before science was invented and was an attempt by stone age men to explain how the universe worked and our place in it. Do You really believe that magic is the fundamental operative force in the universe? The way a prophet proves that he is the real McCoy is to perform miracles – simply stated by doing magic. Only God can work magic so if you can too, you must be of God… look up the definitions of magic and miracle. They are virtually identical.
I don’t think religious people know how to handle an atheist. An atheist is simply someone whom does not believe in the afterlife, someone that doesn’t believe in the spiritual realm. What is so wrong with that? Can we riddicule children beacuse they believe in Santa Clause? – No. But children learn that Santa Clause doesn’t exist when they grow up. Religious people are just not that clever. If you want to believe in fairy tales, keep it to yourselves, don’t push your ideologies on other people or on your children, let them think for themselves! Peace.
Dear Global Friends,
1st
type of Atheist…( False or Fake Atheist ) is
one who uses the word blindly or follow blindly,
just as to
protect or make an excuse of oneself for personal gain , egoism ,
fame , power , greed and glamour. It shows that one does not fully
understand about nature
and spiritual knowledge because one’s potential
capacity of one’s mind is less than five percent
developed. So
the human mind of spiritual knowledge of comprehension of God or
demi-gods, or even fairies is very, very, very limited. This is
due to one’s pure-self which is covered
with the past and present sins.This
type of atheist may be a hindrance to societyand may mislead or
cause confusion to the innocent ones.
2nd
type of Atheist…( Secular Law Abiding Atheist )
knows
how to behave positively without going against the law
but have
self-esteemed and is strongly attached to worldly material
things.One may be of curiousity and chasing after
illusiveproofs. But one does things fairly and moderately.One’s
emotions are not stable. As stated from a proverb, “ curiousity
kills a cat ”.This type of atheist is arrogrant and at times
one may isolate
from others who are better than oneself or one may
think highly knowledgeable of oneself.Moderately one does one’s
own way.
3rd
type of Atheist…( Moral Practioner Atheist )
knows
how to cultivate one’s inner and outer-selfmorally and practise
calmness meditation. These two methods are of paramount importance to
oneself because they help to liberate one’spure-self. One has
no strong desires for these materialistic things. One may isolate
from others, but does not hate, disturb or cause any harm to
others.
One may be in harmony to society and at
times volunteer to help the society. No doubt that one does not
believe in the existence of GOD, fairies and devils but one does
respect them just like to human beings irrespective of races as
well as to nature.
One does not pollute and contaminate the land,
sea and space.
One is in line with moral values and nature.This
type of atheist is better than those religious persons whose
hearts are empty of love for others and always claim one’s
religion is the most correct and supreme. If one’s thought still
remains with an iorta of
impurity then one is within the realms of samsara,
one of the 31 planes of the “Three Worlds”of reincarnation.
4th
type of
Atheist…( Enlightened Atheist ) A 4th
type of Atheist who has gained one’s
enlightenment in
receiving one’s Universal wisdom of ” spiritual knowledge ”
which supersedes human knowledge of comprehension requires a basic
condition
to fulfill one’s attainment of this Cosmic
Consciousness through “Morality” and its Natural Way
in calmness meditation as well.
Inorder to
attain this spiritual knowlege one needs to fulfill the conditions
of self purification in one’s body,
mind and soul in practising
daily moral values with a compulsory
in calmness and stable
meditation. They are inseparable.
There must not be a single impurity of
tangible or intangible
issue in one’s thought. It
should be totally
pure to
liberate one’s pure-self
out of the 31 planes of samsara
or the “Three Worlds” of reincarnation. This indeed is a true
and pure moral cultivator who detaches all
worldly desires and can perceive in comprehension of nature
and the world beyond.
Then one becomes a non-atheist.
Whether
one is an atheist, religious, or anon-religious, The Supreme
Almighty still loves all.HE does not discriminate any but is
discriminated by many. Whether one believes in HIM or not,
HE still delivers many things for humans, animals. sea-creatures
and plants to survive
through
many millions years until today.
They are air, water, sunlight, cosmic energies,
sea, air and land
creatures, crops, minerals
as well as
many seen or unseen objects.
Only
the ignorant, selfish, egoistic, stubborn,
greedy and deluded humans are disobeying and
destroying what HE has given.
Mankind
can only destroy the environment
but they cannot replace back to
her original state
Please
have a heart of gratitude and Indiscriminate Love
to all living and non-living beings, as
well as to the
Supreme Almighty so as to be classified as a
One Civilised
Humankind. Thank you for the sharing.
blah, blah, blah. Inquisition.
Go watch the whole Paula Zahn piece on Youtube. After part one – during which nasty persecution of atheists is made apparent – she has a panel of three Christians on….two of which agree with each other fully and rather than address the persecution of atheists in part one just complain that prayer has been removed from school and atheists want God out of the pledge and they should just “shut up.”
Zahn dropped the ball by not even pressing them on the persecution of atheists demonstrated in part one.
Atheists don’t typically tell people they are atheists because they know some “tolerant” Christian will not like it and they might suffer for it.
I’d like to know when was the last time a town in the US ostracized and persecuted someone because they are Christian?
Go watch the whole Paula Zahn piece on Youtube. After part one – during which nasty persecution of atheists is made apparent – she has a panel of three Christians on….two of which agree with each other fully and rather than address the persecution of atheists in part one just complain that prayer has been removed from school and atheists want God out of the pledge and they should just “shut up.”
Zahn dropped the ball by not even pressing them on the persecution of atheists demonstrated in part one.
Atheists don’t typically tell people they are atheists because they know some “tolerant” Christian will not like it and they might suffer for it.
I’d like to know when was the last time a town in the US ostracized and persecuted someone because they are Christian?
Go watch the whole Paula Zahn piece on Youtube. After part one – during which nasty persecution of atheists is made apparent – she has a panel of three Christians on….two of which agree with each other fully and rather than address the persecution of atheists in part one just complain that prayer has been removed from school and atheists want God out of the pledge and they should just “shut up.”
Zahn dropped the ball by not even pressing them on the persecution of atheists demonstrated in part one.
Atheists don’t typically tell people they are atheists because they know some “tolerant” Christian will not like it and they might suffer for it.
I’d like to know when was the last time a town in the US ostracized and persecuted someone because they are Christian?
And that is probably the only reason why I would NEVER move to america. The vast majority of people tolerate whatever religion you have, which is very beautiful in my eyes. But If you’re a nonbeliever, and you’re open about it, then suddenly you’re not welcome anymore. What hypocrisy!
And that is probably the only reason why I would NEVER move to america. The vast majority of people tolerate whatever religion you have, which is very beautiful in my eyes. But If you’re a nonbeliever, and you’re open about it, then suddenly you’re not welcome anymore. What hypocrisy!
And that is probably the only reason why I would NEVER move to america. The vast majority of people tolerate whatever religion you have, which is very beautiful in my eyes. But If you’re a nonbeliever, and you’re open about it, then suddenly you’re not welcome anymore. What hypocrisy!
That and you’d probably not get a visa?
It’s also a hypocrisy to judge others for being shortsighted while being shortsighted yourself. I have lived in 3 continents, and the U.S., when it comes to religion, is as tolerant as most places I have seen.
Atheists, just like the egotistical and self-centered christians, love to wallow in the persecution complex. If you turn on fox news, you’d be convinced that those of us who like to keep matters of spirituality a personal matter are getting ready to run the christians out of town.
sup scum bag
Love you too! 😀
Most atheists I know, and there are so many we have to know many..used to not be this way until we got more “european” wallow in their intelligence like a pig in slop. I used to be one. then i decided to actually read the book. It helps. Don’t get too wrapped up in your smartness, because all that narcicissm will get you in trouble eventually. I guess I’m just another stupid believer,
http://www.theendthebook.com Read It and enlighten yourself.
>> JLRobb
So by saying that I don’t believe in the excistence of a higher power, that automatically makes me a narcicist? Thanks for the incredible amount of intolerance. I don’t find it offensive that you believe it to be true that Jesus is your savior, that a pair of every animal in the intire world could fit into a tiny boat or that all people except christians are going to burn in hell forever.
But I do find it incredibly offensive, when I, because of MY beliefs, have to be placed on display as a devilinfested, know-it-all narcicist that you so clearly think that all atheists are. I don’t think less of you because you’re christian, I think less of you because of your prejudice!
Smarts is dumb huh? Smarts made these computers. Up until the 1500’s, when King George translated the bible, it was read in latin in churches and only the clergy was allowed to read. So for all your ‘down-homesy’ knowen’ stuff, shut up, you are bringing back the dark ages.
Most atheists I know, and there are so many we have to know many..used to not be this way until we got more “european” wallow in their intelligence like a pig in slop. I used to be one. then i decided to actually read the book. It helps. Don’t get too wrapped up in your smartness, because all that narcicissm will get you in trouble eventually. I guess I’m just another stupid believer,
http://www.theendthebook.com Read It and enlighten yourself.
God is great. such a pity for thus who don’t undrestand the most simple thing. but they must be to we be here. ever negative like them got positive like us. so let them be, they are necessary to be.
God is great. such a pity for thus who don’t undrestand the most simple thing. but they must be to we be here. ever negative like them got positive like us. so let them be, they are necessary to be.
You’re a devil worshiper. If there is a good god there must be an evil devil. As opposed to atheists that don’t believe in either. You have your positives and negatives backwards.
Yikes! This is what passes for atheistic-intelligence these days! What happened to the more intelligent atheists? Or, has atheism become a fad for the unwashed masses? lol
You can’t have one without the other, and I don’t see your point about this statement being …… less than intelligent. It matched the preceding statement pretty well, and your statement doesn’t address anything except to insult me. So… fk you.
You can’t have one without the other, and I don’t see your point about this statement being …… less than intelligent. It matched the preceding statement pretty well, and your statement doesn’t address anything except to insult me. So… fk you.
Do you remember when I said fundamentalists lack introspection? Your response above is such an example. Please allow me explain:
Belief != Worship.
Christians DO believe in the existence of the devil. They make no bones about their dualistic (good/evil, God/Satan, Christian/Unbeliever, Saint/Sinner, etc) view of the world. But in your simpleton ways, you make the utterly illogical conclusion that believing in the existence of something is equivalent to worship of such thing. This is error in elementary logic.
In response to your other comment about me, you know the one ‘You’re a bad person’? Of course I am, as far as you’re concerned. I have just tore you a new one on this forum. That’s such a prepubescent way of responding.
Since you have to be spoonfed everything, here is a better response:
Ok, I have just been handed my ass because of my knee-jerk, thoughtless and illogical argument. How can I make it a point to think through what I have to say before I say it in the future.
Here is another advise I was given once: count until 5 before you say something you’re really passionate about.
Then, you’ll find out you won’t spend as much time defending what you say.
Cheers,
-Bad Person
So you come up with one thing to address my comments after you just insult me, then throughout this comment insult me more just to say belief does not equal worship?
Scratch that, I don’t want to ask you any more questions, you’re pretty set in your ways and I don’t think you are worth any more time. Read the first comment. The guy says ‘god is great’, that’s an indicator that he worships god not just ‘believes’… and by extension the devil. So, now fk off with your rude ass.
Oh shucks! Here I was thinking you’re reading a book or something, and you come back two months later to say the same thing!
What a waste of life!
good…what they do is good. and thus who saying American Atheists are more intelligent say noting but bowl. smart and intelligent is two different word. they better educate themselves a little. study consciousness a little. a work of universe a little. I see noting in holy book Quran but i see in quantum consciousness .
good…what they do is good. and thus who saying American Atheists are more intelligent say noting but bowl. smart and intelligent is two different word. they better educate themselves a little. study consciousness a little. a work of universe a little. I see noting in holy book Quran but i see in quantum consciousness .
good…what they do is good. and thus who saying American Atheists are more intelligent say noting but bowl. smart and intelligent is two different word. they better educate themselves a little. study consciousness a little. a work of universe a little. I see noting in holy book Quran but i see in quantum consciousness .
It’s good to ostracize neighbors because they don’t believe as you do? I doubt you’ve ever read the Qur’an, it actually talks about Jesus as being a prophet, but you see ‘noting’ in it. Yet I’m sure you believe in Jesus. You don’t see in quantum consciousness. You have no idea what consciousness is. I doubt you even understand what quantum means. So tell me is that cup half full or half empty? Prove it. You are delusional and partially illiterate. Don’t try to educate people with your nonsense when you obviously haven’t done much educating of yourself.
Deepak, is that you? 😀 Lol!
Did you come up with that all on your own? Impressive!
The cup is the wrong size 😉
The cup is the wrong size 😉
Oh I see now, you’re just a fool, maybe you should keep your mouth shut if you can’t follow the point.
you still seem confused in your video, maybe its just camera nerves,
Religion or no religion, If you live your life doing what you know is right, and not doing what you know is wrong. Some people need religion, I guess thats their strength of faith. Maybe in some things the right and wrong is all in our heads. Let us who do not believe, Not be the one to demoralize others for what they do?