Religious prejudices

[abaris]

In fact, that's another thing I see a lot - parents who don't really believe themselves but think they'd be bad parents (or that others will call them bad parents) if they don't indoctrinate their children into something they themselves would have otherwise moved away from.

That's kind of what my parents were. They didn't force it on me, but they didn't encourage atheism either. We were easter and christmas catholics as far as I can remember. Later on they went to church more regularly because they found friends there. But if I didn't want to go it was fine with them. We never had the talk one way or the other.

Come to think of it, religion never was a real issue in my family. My grandfather was a jew, but his favorite dish was roast pork. To my knowledge he didn't visit a single synagogue in his lifetime. His burial may have been a premiere.

[Thumpalumpacus]

When I was in my late teens and into my twenties, my best friend was Christian. Our difference of opinion on the topic didn't matter one whit. We were like brothers. About a year before my son was born, he married a born-again lady who, while cordial to me, disliked me because of my lack of faith. Our friendship started withering, as she would not accept invitations to my house for barbecues etc and he wasn't going to disrespect her by going alone. Got to be we rarely saw each other until 2005, when his company moved to Las Vegas, and they went along with it.

It makes me sad, but I still love my brotha and don't harbor hard feelings. He had to decide for his wife in the issue, and I understand that. It just saddens me when I think about it.

I have only been hassled once in public for being an atheist -- that was on public transport and I couldn't get away from the asshole who was preaching at me from the seat in front.

I don't have a lot of people in my life, so this doesn't happen to me.  What does happen is strangers come up to me in public and ask if they can pray for me and shit because I'm handicapped.  That bugs the shit out of me.

This happens to me on occasion -- I have a visible limp from my bone disease -- and my reply is usually along the lines of, "Sure, do what you want," as I turn and walk away.

[AFTT47]

I have rarely had issues and I have never hid my atheism. I also couldn't care less if any particular person won't accept me as I am. They can go fuck themselves if they have a problem with me.

I find this thread very ironic though. You are pissed off at theists having prejudice against atheists yet your avatar boldly states 'Adults with Imaginary Friends are Stupid'. I'm surprised I'm the first to point out this hypocrisy. My might want to work on your own prejudices before going after someone else's.

[Saxmoof]

Does anyone prefer to tell people they're agnostic? The magic word atheists use to tell people they're atheist without fear of negative reaction

[cocunningham]

Does anyone prefer to tell people they're agnostic? The magic word atheists use to tell people they're atheist without fear of negative reaction

I personally have not. I will state I am atheist, but if I'm allowed to speak after that I don't speak in absolutes as I am just following the evidence so as new information comes available my theories adjust. Also when debating I focus more on the evidence showing a lack of intelligent design rather than picking at flaws in their faith. I find theists are typically less defensive that way and the conversations are much more interesting.

[vorlon13]

I use the term 'agnostic' at 12 Steppers, it is used in the literature and doesn't cause any waves. There are WAY more outre ideas about religion there than agnosticism, and I've never heard boo said about any of them.

Outside of 12 Steppers I have in the last year noticed a couple of people 'sounding' me out about atheism. Unfortunately for them, that kind of approach comes across in the early stages as lead up to the 'gay' question, and I find the situation humorous. Puts them off about talking to me.

I know I go on here about the goddamn Mormons, but at least in my area, there is no shortage of folks willing to talk about how fucked up they are. I've noted quite a bit of curiosity on the topic, and people seem to really want to hear information on LDS from somebody other than the brethren door knockers. Heh, heh, especially if the info is unflattering, and we all know this no shortage of that.

[Regina]

Most people get on with it in my experience. Because most people in my life are "religious" in name-only (dont practice at all) there's never a need to talk about being an atheist.

I think most modern brits (apart from the Muslims) are basically atheist but just dont claim the title. I hardly ever see hardcore christians on the streets, only on TV.

[Minimalist]

Most theists have a book of holy horseshit that tells them that god loves them best.


Causes all sorts of problems with people who have egos so brittle as to need that kind of reinforcement.

[AFTT47]

Does anyone prefer to tell people they're agnostic? The magic word atheists use to tell people they're atheist without fear of negative reaction

Hell, no! I'm an atheist and don't give a shit who likes it or not.

[Saxmoof]

It's just a difference in branding really, calling yourself agnostic is similar to saying you support equality between the sexes but not saying you're a feminist

There's presumed militancy with one word and not the other