Research Finds that Atheists are Most Hated and Distrusted Minority

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Research Finds that Atheists are Most Hated and Distrusted Minority

By Ole Ole Olson (http://newsjunkiepost.com/author/ole-ole/)
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Intolerance is a bitter beast. There are many groups in America that are subject to discrimination and prejudice, but none are more hated than atheists. Research (http://www.soc.umn.edu/%7Ehartmann/files/atheist%20as%20the%20other.pdf) conducted a couple years ago at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis found that atheists are more distrusted than muslims or homo******s in the US.
Austin Cline (http://atheism.about.com/od/atheistbigotryprejudice/a/AtheitsHated.htm) from about.com writes, “Every single study that has ever looked at the issue has revealed massive amounts of bigotry and prejudice against atheists in America. The most recent data shows that atheists are more distrusted and despised than any other minority and that an atheist is the least likely person that Americans would vote for in a presidential election. It’s not just that atheists are hated, though, but also that atheists seem to represent everything about modernity which Americans dislike or fear.
The most recent study was conducted by the University of Minnesota, which found that atheists ranked lower than “Muslims, recent immigrants, gays and lesbians and other minority groups in ’sharing their vision of American society.’ Atheists are also the minority group most Americans are least willing to allow their children to marry.” The results from two of the most important questions”
This group does not at all agree with my vision of American society…


Atheist: 39.6%
Muslims: 26.3%
Homo******s: 22.6%
Hispanics: 20%
Conservative Christians: 13.5%
Recent Immigrants: 12.5%
Jews: 7.6%


I would disapprove if my child wanted to marry a member of this group….


Atheist: 47.6%
Muslim: 33.5%
African-American 27.2%
Asian-Americans: 18.5%
Hispanics: 18.5%
Jews: 11.8%
Conservative Christians: 6.9%
Whites: 2.3%
The degree of this intolerance is a bit surprising. My experience has taught me that atheists tend to be very intelligent (http://www.answers.com/topic/religiosity-and-intelligence), thoughtful people with a high standard of ethics that they carry through to their everyday lives.
So why the fear, why the hatred? This situation is not the norm for most of the planet. Most East and South Asian countries don’t exhibit this fear of atheists or agnostics. In fact, many of these countries have a significant portion of their population that does not believe in any deity (http://www.swivel.com/graphs/show/8244121).
European countries have large portions of the population that are atheist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Europe_No_Belief.png). There is not the mass discrimination there based on one’s freedom to believe or not to believe. About the only places in the world that tend to have intolerant attitudes are nations with strong monotheistic cultures, such as both latin and anglo America, and the Islamic countries (particularly Turkey).
Considering that atheist nations are more peaceful (http://bhascience.blogspot.com/2009/06/atheist-nations-are-more-peaceful.html), it seems particularly odd that there would be a predilection towards animosity towards atheists. When one group is being discriminated against, it detracts from the freedoms of every group. A society based on tolerance must support the rights of minority groups, including atheists.


What the hell ? :|

[Bathinus]

All of those resulsts are disgraceful and there's no real reason for most of them.

[Basillicus]

That's strange. I don't know, maybe atheists are asking ansvers to difficult questions that many religious people have to suppress in order to stay in faith, therefore an atheist is seen as a threat for ones lifestyle and ideological integrity?

[darz]

has anyone really been as far as decided to use even go to want to do look more like

[JoaMei]

I am an Atheist.

[rgjbloke]

I'm an Agnostic.

That's a cowardly Atheist.

[Bringer of Greater Things]

Atheism, FTW!

Too bad everyone hates us...

[RoyB]

I'm an Atheist Jew, that makes me even more discriminated.

[tluassa]

Im an Atheist with the hobby of discriminating religious ****heads :)

I even sometimes view them as having some kind of mental disfunction when I listen to them ... bad me bad ^^

[martinexsquaddie]

america home of religous feckwits sorry about that indians but we needed to get rid of them

[Alpheus]

You know you're doing something right when you're more hated then Muslims and Jews put together.

Atheism FTW!

[Isaac Kasabian]

Nice piece of propaganda right there. Still, cry me a river...

[Goggen]

Seriously someone needs to get their priorities straight, or get a healthier worldview. :)

[StickyPop]

has anyone really been as far as decided to use even go to want to do look more like

What he said.

And IDGAF about religion, so call me atheist, agnostic, or whatever other label makes you sleep better at night after you pray to your god.

And also, I can't stand all these billboards shoving religion down my throat:

"Pray to God or you will burn in an eternal fire"

I don't need to see sh*t like that when I'm driving to visit my parents. (Who live on the other side of the bible belt, BTW)

[Skutatos]

It is probably because most are pompous asses who feel they need to tell the rest of the world how very stupid they think they are. That being said, Conservative christians tend to be the same way. Im surprised that they aren't as hated, although the study apparently didnt look at people's perceptions of different kinds of christians. Some are complete wackos...others are a more stoic type...others do alot of good work for the disadvantaged people in the world.

I am a follower of christian philosophy but I am also very skeptical of whether or not there is a God. So Im not sure what that makes me.

[Skutatos]

What he said.

And IDGAF about religion, so call me atheist, agnostic, or whatever other label makes you sleep better at night after you pray to your god.

And also, I can't stand all these billboards shoving religion down my throat:

"Pray to God or you will burn in an eternal fire"

I don't need to see sh*t like that when I'm driving to visit my parents. (Who live on the other side of the bible belt, BTW)

The real centerpiece to christianity is actually forgiveness...why there is so many pricks out there who corrupt it into some fire and brimstone bull**** is beyond me.

[camerashy]

For the most part Atheists in America only believe in one less thing than their red-blooded Christian counterparts...if these results are true it is likely because the majority of people polled were older people who grew up during the cold war and still have feelings about the "Godless Reds".
I studied polling a little in college, results are skewed if the pollers call people at home during the day, and who is home during the day mostly? Moms, elderly, potheads..etc. Another problem with polling is that people like me (who TRY to be objective) only have a cell phone.

[Isaac Kasabian]

I'm an Atheist Jew, that makes me even more discriminated.

Sorry mate, but that's just impossible, you can pick one but not be the two at the same time.


Btw why is every time people mention religion what they really mean is Christianity?!

[Alpheus]

Sorry mate, but that's just impossible, you can pick one but not be the two at the same time.

You know that you can also use the term Jew to describe an ethnic group, as well as a religion?


Btw why is every time people mention religion what they really mean is Christianity?!

No. No they don't.

[Ozzy[NO]]

Sorry mate, but that's just impossible, you can pick one but not be the two at the same time.


Btw why is every time people mention religion what they really mean is Christianity?!

Jesus was a Christian Jew...

[STIG]

You can culturally and ethnically be a Jew and yet be an atheist.

Atheism ftmfw....was raised to be religious...but went to engineering school and religion went out of the window.

[RoyB]

Sorry mate, but that's just impossible, you can pick one but not be the two at the same time.
Of course you can.
1st of all, a Jew is one who is born to a Jewish mother.
2nd, I don't believe in god, but I do believe in keeping the Jewish tradition and spirit.
Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_atheism), Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanistic_Judaism), and there is lot more, actually.
The way I see it, not even the highest of Rabbi's can decide who is a Jew and who isn't, and he doesn't have the authority to disqualify my Jewish identity, and neither do you.
Following your logic A LOT of Israeli's and probably Holocaust survivors aren't Jewish.

[Goggen]

It is probably because most are pompous asses who feel they need to tell the rest of the world how very stupid they think they are. That being said, Conservative christians tend to be the same way. Im surprised that they aren't as hated, although the study apparently didnt look at people's perceptions of different kinds of christians. Some are complete wackos...others are a more stoic type...others do alot of good work for the disadvantaged people in the world.

I am a follower of christian philosophy but I am also very skeptical of whether or not there is a God. So Im not sure what that makes me.

That's pretty much the definition of an agnostic, mate. Just replace christianity with any other religious persuasion and you're good to go. :) :roll:

[wotsnext]

I am happy to let God decide what I am.

[West Texican]

Most Americans see atheism and communism as bed buddies. I can always get a rise out of an atheist by bringing up Stalin and Mao.

[domokun]

Most Americans see atheism and communism as bed buddies. I can always get a rise out of an atheist by bringing up Stalin and Mao.

Same applies to christianity with Torquemada and to muslims with Osama bin Laden as good representative of their morals.

[Scriptable]

Thor is my god of choice.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=1118&pictureid=16316

[Bathinus]

thor is my god of choice.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/picture.php?albumid=1118&pictureid=16316


win!!!!!!!!

[West Texican]

Same applies to christianity with Torquemada and to muslims with Osama bin Laden as good representative of their morals.

Works every time.

[big_les]

Nice piece of propaganda right there. Still, cry me a river...

How is it propaganda? It's the truth! Atheists consistently get shafted by polls like this (Gallup, 2008 is the last one I remember). All it shows is that 50% of any given population are retards, whatever their religious position.

[Scriptable]

I am happy to let God decide what I am.
That's a bit risky. If Zeus is in a bad mood he might decide you are an unbeliever and cast you down into the abyss of Tartarus.

[STIG]

Atheists are the new blacks.

[Skutatos]

That's pretty much the definition of an agnostic, mate. Just replace christianity with any other religious persuasion and you're good to go. :) :roll:

I guess. I just have a really hard time believing that there is some omnipotent man in the sky controlling everything but at the same time I know how a religious philosophy can improve one's life and can encourage them to help others.

Christianity has many positive points such as forgiveness, compassion, mercy, caring for the sick and poor but it has been corrupted through centuries of it's being used as a way to control people rather than help them as intended.

[chauncy republicans]

Absolute bull****! It doesn't take a genius to see that the only acceptable form of bigotry in this county is toward the religious, Christians in particular.
The media is full of Atheists who are hell bent shove their agenda down every body's throats, propagating blatant and baseless lies at any available opportunity. Lets not even get started on the public schools, where atheism is openly promoted at the expense of Christian students and parents. Atheism is turning into a state protected religion, how pathetic of these sniveling, intolerantly pushy little imbeciles to try to play the victim card.

[TheKiwi]

I'm an atheist and from what I've seen, we seem to fall into 3 categories.

First up are the atheists for who it's a simple lack of belief. I fall into this category. I have no belief in any god or gods, and I don't care whether others do or not.

The second category are the zealous atheists. They don't believe and want the world to know. They're the guys who spent their time insulting people who do have beliefs. I suspect that these are also the "hated atheists" too.

Thirdly you have the fake atheists. These are people who claim to believe in no gods, but have in fact simply substituted a different set of beliefs for that of Christianity (or another religion). You can hear them all the time, both mocking those who believe, while at the same time demanding organic coffee and salad and complaining about cellphone towers causing their little Johnny to be hyperactive. Many would call much of modern environmentalism just another religion.

[Zoomie]

That whole thing was laughable. I actually went through the "research" portion that the silly article is based around, and there's no numbers of how many people were interviewed, their demographics, just statistical numbers pulled seemly out of thin air. Instead, it randomly pulls the numbers from small polls, to come to the silly conclusion.

[wotsnext]

That whole thing was laughable. I actually went through the "research" portion that the silly article is based around, and there's no numbers of how many people were interviewed, their demographics, just statistical numbers pulled seemly out of thin air. Instead, it randomly pulls the numbers from small polls, to come to the silly conclusion.
I think thats true of just about every poll I've ever seen.

[Basillicus]

I guess. I just have a really hard time believing that there is some omnipotent man in the sky controlling everything but at the same time I know how a religious philosophy can improve one's life and can encourage them to help others.

You don't have to identify as a Christian in order to follow good parts of Christian philosophy. The way I see it the problem with Christianity and other religions is that in addition to good things they also include negative things in the same ideological package. In my opinion it's better to stay clear of these groups and decide yourself which parts have merit. I don't think people need to be affraid of some deity getting angry to them if they are not nice, deep down most healthy people know what is right and what is not and the rest is just cultural stuff learned in the way.

[kosse]

*tantrum*

Why do you hate freedom so much?

[sheytanelkebir]

I'm an Atheist Jew, that makes me even more discriminated.

OXYMORON alert!!!!

Judaism really isn't an ethnicity... http://www.jogg.info/11/coffman.htm

hint. the arab beduins of the Negev Desert seem to have the "Cohen" gene more than most of the jews.


RoyB. you are an "Israeli Citizen of Atheistic faith". Or you're a "Secular Jew". But you cannot be an Atheist Jew, since by accepting atheism you are saying that the whole judaism is a load of old cobblers that was made up and there's no ancient temples, or old kingdom or Jesus christ...

You can't believe that judaism is a LIE whilst at the same time claiming adherence to it.

As for your linguistic and cultural traits. You can call that Hebrew and "modern israeli".

[Isaac Kasabian]

You know that you can also use the term Jew to describe an ethnic group, as well as a religion?


You can culturally and ethnically be a Jew and yet be an atheist.


No you can't, once you convert to Judaism you became a Jew, belonging to the Jewish people, but everything is connected to G-d, religion, ethnicity, culture, etc... or if your mother was Jewish.




;4425161']Jesus was a Christian Jew...
Hahaha good laugh at that one, Jesus was a Jew, followed the Torah, observed the Sabbath, Christians might believe he was the Messiah but definitely wasn't Christian.

Still I won't discuss theology here.




Of course you can.
1st of all, a Jew is one who is born to a Jewish mother.
2nd, I don't believe in god, but I do believe in keeping the Jewish tradition and spirit.
Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_atheism), Here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanistic_Judaism), and there is lot more, actually.
The way I see it, not even the highest of Rabbi's can decide who is a Jew and who isn't, and he doesn't have the authority to disqualify my Jewish identity, and neither do you.
Following your logic A LOT of Israeli's and probably Holocaust survivors aren't Jewish.

Yes you are correct on your first point, but normally one who goes away from Judaism doesn't say he's Jewish or that he's children will be even if they don't have any connection whatsoever with Judaism.

What we see today is generations and generations that don't have any connection to Judaism claiming to be Jewish and that's just wrong from every perspective.

Secondly by that logic I'm already Jewish without really being one, since my family a long (~200 years more or less) ago was Jewish then forcibly converted to Christianity.
Btw you know what a Rabbi is don't you? He's not some sort of Pope far far from it, usually is a regular Jew who has more Talmudic studies then the rest, it isn't even comparable to a Priest.
Still as I said to be a real Jew you have to belong to Judaism(religion) ethnicity and culture, it's a puzzle and you just have half of it.

So what's next Buddhist Jews? Christians Jews? Seriously just because you believe you are/belong to some group doesn't mean it's correct or true.




How is it propaganda? It's the truth! Atheists consistently get shafted by polls like this (Gallup, 2008 is the last one I remember). All it shows is that 50% of any given population are retards, whatever their religious position.

There's 1001 ways to manipulate a poll, I can say exactly the same thing about any group there is with a bit of twist in statistics.
The way they give this article and it's conclusion it's obvious something is up, you can smell the propaganda.

[Isaac Kasabian]

I'm an atheist and from what I've seen, we seem to fall into 3 categories.

First up are the atheists for who it's a simple lack of belief. I fall into this category. I have no belief in any god or gods, and I don't care whether others do or not.

The second category are the zealous atheists. They don't believe and want the world to know. They're the guys who spent their time insulting people who do have beliefs. I suspect that these are also the "hated atheists" too.

Thirdly you have the fake atheists. These are people who claim to believe in no gods, but have in fact simply substituted a different set of beliefs for that of Christianity (or another religion). You can hear them all the time, both mocking those who believe, while at the same time demanding organic coffee and salad and complaining about cellphone towers causing their little Johnny to be hyperactive. Many would call much of modern environmentalism just another religion.

Exactly we can sum up three types of Atheist, people that don't care, Jerks and what is happening more recently with the youth, fashion, be Atheist because is cool and it is so 2009.

[RoyB]

OXYMORON alert!!!!

Judaism really isn't an ethnicity... http://www.jogg.info/11/coffman.htm

hint. the arab beduins of the Negev Desert seem to have the "Cohen" gene more than most of the jews.
TROLL IDIOT WHO DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE IS SAYING ALERT!!!
Judaism is an ethno-religious group, and the genes got nothing to do.
Trying to trace the genes to the time back then is like trying to find Jesus's relatives.

No you can't, once you convert to Judaism you became a Jew, belonging to the Jewish people, but everything is connected to G-d, religion, ethnicity, culture, etc... or if your mother was Jewish.
Yes you can.
You're thinking that you are smarter than everyone, and you think you are a better person just because you're religious.
You're biased.

Yes you are correct on your first point, but normally one who goes away from Judaism doesn't say he's Jewish or that he's children will be even if they don't have any connection whatsoever with Judaism.
I live in Israel, I celebrated Rosh HaShana and will celebrate any other Jewish holiday, yet I don't believe in god, but I believe(as I've said before) in the Jewish culture, tradition, spirit and identity.
And you will probably be surprised knowing how much Israelis and Jews are in the same page with me.

What we see today is generations and generations that don't have any connection to Judaism claiming to be Jewish and that's just wrong from every perspective.
What is so wrong about it?
How do you define a 'connection to Judaism'?

Secondly by that logic I'm already Jewish without really being one, since my family a long (~200 years more or less) ago was Jewish then forcibly converted to Christianity.
You're automatically Jewish if your mother is Jewish, period.

Btw you know what a Rabbi is don't you? He's not some sort of Pope far far from it, usually is a regular Jew who has more Talmudic studies then the rest, it isn't even comparable to a Priest.
Rabbi's of different approaches in Judaism do come in sort of 'ranks', I don't see any difference between them and the Pope, besides the Pope having more class. just kid'.

Still as I said to be a real Jew you have to belong to Judaism(religion) ethnicity and culture, it's a puzzle and you just have half of it.
It isn't a puzzle, it is quite simple actually.. Jewish mother? JEW.
According to that logic of yours, a TON of Jews in Israel and across the globe aren't Jews.

So what's next Buddhist Jews? Christians Jews? Seriously just because you believe you are/belong to some group doesn't mean it's correct or true.
I don't believe that I'm a Jew, I know that I'm a Jew.

Who are you to determine whether I'm a Jew or not?
Having been arguing this with you I actually feel more Jew than you are.

[Connaught Ranger]

All of those resulsts are disgraceful and there's no real reason for most of them.

There is one major simple reason, and its called IGNORANCE!:|

[RoyB]

RoyB. you are an "Israeli Citizen of Atheistic faith". Or you're a "Secular Jew". But you cannot be an Atheist Jew, since by accepting atheism you are saying that the whole judaism is a load of old cobblers that was made up and there's no ancient temples, or old kingdom or Jesus christ...

You can't believe that judaism is a LIE whilst at the same time claiming adherence to it.

As for your linguistic and cultural traits. You can call that Hebrew and "modern israeli".
I don't think that the whole Judaism is a load of crap, and that there were no ancient temples or old kingdom or whatever.. I have no doubt that they have existed.
I just don't believe that there is a god.
There are a lot of people just like me.

[Isaac Kasabian]

Yes you can.
You're thinking that you are smarter than everyone, and you think you are a better person just because you're religious.
You're biased.
Sorry but I didn't say that and surely wasn't my intention to you feel that way, just because a person is Jewish doesn't necessarily mean is better then any one else.
Bare in mind in the future, that I'm a Dyslexic so sometimes is difficult to express what I think.
And yes I'm biased, then again Truth is biased.... against falsehood.


I live in Israel, I celebrated Rosh HaShana and will celebrate any other Jewish holiday, yet I don't believe in god, but I believe(as I've said before) in the Jewish culture, tradition, spirit and identity.
And you will probably be surprised knowing how much Israelis and Jews are in the same page with me.
You can live in any part of the world and be Jewish or not, people can celebrate Easter and Christmas's, following Christian calendar (2009 years for example) and still they maybe or not Christians.


What is so wrong about it?
How do you define a 'connection to Judaism'?
Without a doubt a connection with G-d, either you are Reform, Conservative or Orthodox.


You're automatically Jewish if your mother is Jewish, period.
Indeed I believe I've said that myself a few times, still I'm pointing out the majority of people who consider themselves Jews but didn't had any Jewish mother (or father for the Reform movement), don't know if you have or not.


Rabbi's of different approaches in Judaism do come in sort of 'ranks', I don't see any difference between them and the Pope, besides the Pope having more class. just kid'.
The "ranks" depend on how much studies and how much you understand it isn't the same system as in Christianity or Islam.
They are more a spiritual guide if you can call it that, to the community, but one doesn't need a Rabbi, but usually has.


It isn't a puzzle, it is quite simple actually.. Jewish mother? JEW.
According to that logic of yours, a TON of Jews in Israel and across the globe aren't Jews.
Yes they aren't, that's what we call lost Jews, unfortunately I may add.


I don't believe that I'm a Jew, I know that I'm a Jew.
Good for you, really I can say I'm many things still they maybe or not true, if your mother is Jewish, then yes you are, if not you aren't.


Who are you to determine whether I'm a Jew or not?
Having been arguing this with you I actually feel more Jew than you are.
I'm not making judgement, you can be whatever you are, you are just as free to do so, and we are what we choose to be, I'm afraid being Jewish is more than observing some holidays.
Strange last time I checked only I did know how I felt, maybe I'm wrong... :|

Cheers p-)

[RoyB]

Without a doubt a connection with G-d, either you are Reform, Conservative or Orthodox.
That means that we need to strip half-+ of the Israelis of their citizenship.

Indeed I believe I've said that myself a few times, still I'm pointing out the majority of people who consider themselves Jews but didn't had any Jewish mother (or father for the Reform movement), don't know if you have or not.I have.
You're not the only one that his family dates back 200+ years.

Yes they aren't, that's what we call lost Jews, unfortunately I may add.Try to go and say that to them in person.. especially to Holocaust survivors.. I'll be surprised if they won't punch you in the head.

Good for you, really I can say I'm many things still they maybe or not true, if your mother is Jewish, then yes you are, if not you aren't.She is.

I'm not making judgement, you can be whatever you are, you are just as free to do so, and we are what we choose to be, I'm afraid being Jewish is more than observing some holidays.And being a Zionist is more than just writing that on a forum.
Are you planning Aliya?

*I'll be going to sleep now, so I'll reply back tomorrow.

[AroundTheCorner]

Thank you. Thank you very much, America.

Your friend,
The Atheist Christian.

[Isaac Kasabian]

That means that we need to strip half-+ of the Israelis of their citizenship.
Why? They are Israelis, you can be an Israeli and not Jewish, this state of Israel isn't the one from the books ya know... :roll:

I have.
Well then you are indeed Jewish, most probably your children won't be though.
See after all you are Jewish and I'm not, the irony p-)
(Technically I am, since you decide to convert you became one but I still have to go trough formal conversion).


You're not the only one that his family dates back 200+ years.
I don't know if it was you that didn't understand or if it was me, what I'm saying is my family way back was Jewish but today's it isn't, because once you leave Judaism you aren't Jewish any more, I'm the only one "coming back".
And just because in a given time your family was Jewish doesn't make one now, that's why all of this Atheist Jews is nonsense to me.


Try to go and say that to them in person.. especially to Holocaust survivors.. I'll be surprised if they won't punch you in the head. Many were Jews but lost their faith during the Holocaust which I kind of understand, either way you know my point it doesn't change a thing.



And being a Zionist is more than just writing that on a forum.
Are you planning Aliya?
Becoming Jewish is different then already being one, but yes I do plan to go to Israel one day, doing my share for the country.
Donate money (all the help I can give now) to Yad Ezra VeShulamit Organization that fight starvation and give better condition to poor people in Israel, it's an important Mitzvah and what a noble one it is, still nothing compared to this man, truly wonderful human being.
http://www.aish.com/v/hoi/54475162.html

EDIT: For those of you who probably will pick with the "oh look the Jews only help each other and don't care about the other's" type of argument, note that I have and will donate to any noble cause, regardless of one's religion.

[Mordoror]

Atheist: 39.6%
Muslims: 26.3%
Homo******s: 22.6%
Hispanics: 20%
Conservative Christians: 13.5%
Recent Immigrants: 12.5%
Jews: 7.6%


I would disapprove if my child wanted to marry a member of this group….


Atheist: 47.6%
Muslim: 33.5%
African-American 27.2%
Asian-Americans: 18.5%
Hispanics: 18.5%
Jews: 11.8%
Conservative Christians: 6.9%
Whites: 2.3%


:cantbeli::cantbeli:

first what is this ****ty poll ?
how can you mix religion and ethnic origins ??

recent immigrants cannot be muslims, africans and homo******s ??
how do they fit in the poll then ??

second question who initiated that poll and who answered and where, (which stated) this poll was done ??

is it really representative (sure if you have asked a bunch of Mormons i guess the result would have been predictable)

third how these people can dislike atheists when i am sure that many of their friends and work buddies are ...
atheits often dsn't share the fact that they are atheists openly like faith following people are doing...because they obviously don't care (at least it happens like that in Europe)...

pfeuu stupidity at its highest point

[Hollis]

:cantbeli::cantbeli:


third how these people can dislike atheists when i am sure that many of their friends and work buddies are ...
atheits often dsn't share the fact that they are atheists openly like faith following people are doing...because they obviously don't care (at least it happens like that in Europe)...




Probably like on this forum, a few bad apples make the whole group look bad. Goes with most groups.

[Henry's Fork]

I'm an atheist and from what I've seen, we seem to fall into 3 categories.

First up are the atheists for who it's a simple lack of belief. I fall into this category. I have no belief in any god or gods, and I don't care whether others do or not.

The second category are the zealous atheists. They don't believe and want the world to know. They're the guys who spent their time insulting people who do have beliefs. I suspect that these are also the "hated atheists" too.

Thirdly you have the fake atheists. These are people who claim to believe in no gods, but have in fact simply substituted a different set of beliefs for that of Christianity (or another religion). You can hear them all the time, both mocking those who believe, while at the same time demanding organic coffee and salad and complaining about cellphone towers causing their little Johnny to be hyperactive. Many would call much of modern environmentalism just another religion.

QFT!

I fall in between 1 and 2. For the most part i dont give a rats ass about man made cults. But when i see a powerful major religion get hijacked and most of its members dont really care, or at least their (in)actions and borderline appathy show that. It gets me pissed to no end and puts me more into the #2 category of actively talking trash about its followers.

meh.

[GiladS]

Why? They are Israelis, you can be an Israeli and not Jewish, this state of Israel isn't the one from the books ya know... :roll:


I'm pretty sure he meant people who recieved or are entitled to recieve an Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.



Well then you are indeed Jewish, most probably your children won't be though.



How so?

You know who he's going to marry and how his children will be brought up?

Impressive...



I don't know if it was you that didn't understand or if it was me, what I'm saying is my family way back was Jewish but today's it isn't, because once you leave Judaism you aren't Jewish any more, I'm the only one "coming back".
And just because in a given time your family was Jewish doesn't make one now, that's why all of this Atheist Jews is nonsense to me.


I'll save all of us the time and trouble over the debate of "who is a Jew?" by stating a simple fact...


In general, Orthodox Judaism (http://www.militaryphotos.net/wiki/Orthodox_Judaism) considers a person born of a Jewish mother to be Jewish, even if they convert to another religion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_is_a_Jew%3F


I'm guessing that the same applies if you are an athiest born to a Jewish mother...


Many were Jews but lost their faith during the Holocaust which I kind of understand, either way you know my point it doesn't change a thing.

Jewish identity isn't solely based on faith, it's sad that Hitler understood this while you don't.

[camerashy]

POST OMITTED (user attempting a flame war)

[Scriptable]

Absolute bull****! It doesn't take a genius to see that the only acceptable form of bigotry in this county is toward the religious, Christians in particular.
The media is full of Atheists who are hell bent shove their agenda down every body's throats, propagating blatant and baseless lies at any available opportunity. Lets not even get started on the public schools, where atheism is openly promoted at the expense of Christian students and parents. Atheism is turning into a state protected religion, how pathetic of these sniveling, intolerantly pushy little imbeciles to try to play the victim card.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2404/christianoppressionpie.png

[big_les]

I think thats true of just about every poll I've ever seen.

Well admittedly, polls are to be treated with scepticism.

[Scriptable]

Here's a nice vid of a hot girl refuting all the straight out Christian lies spouted by Kirk Cameron:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHN3JtyUXg

[Kit]

I think very often people equate atheism with nihilism, which scares the s**t out of most people. The idea that a person has no concrete set of ethics, brings thoughts of sociopaths and hippies.

If an atheist boy picked up your daughter, you can't be sure if that boy has the values to respect your daughter as an individual and not a ****** play thing. You don't know how this boy is exactly grounded, since most of our morals in society were derived through Judeo-Christian norms. I think this is the main reason atheists cause distrust is because people view atheists as "too free".

As a Christian, I can tell you that I have atheist friends who seem to carry themselves better than many other "Christians" I've met. I know not all atheists are nihilists, and they find a ethical grounding somewhere, whether it be philosophy, family, or just plain common sense.

[Kilgor]

As a Christian, I can tell you that I have atheist friends who seem to carry themselves better than many other "Christians" I've met. I know not all atheists are nihilists, and they find a ethical grounding somewhere, whether it be philosophy, family, or just plain common sense.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Haggard

one prime example.

You can be a atheist and have morals. Most of the hypocritical ive met are so called men and women of god :roll:

[Elbs]

Here's a nice vid of a hot girl refuting all the straight out Christian lies spouted by Kirk Cameron:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHN3JtyUXg

Misleading post is misleading.

Where's the hot girl?

[Skutatos]

Do other people than old ladies still go to church in America? How common is it for people under 25 to go to church?

Until they are 18 and out of the house. Or foreigners. Even most christians I know actually avoid church and do private bible studies and focus more on helping people rather than trying to convert them. Usually stuff like soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Thats the stuff Jesus tried to get people to do, and you can't really say anything bad about the people who do these things as long as they dont tell everyone they are going to hell or try to force people into religion.

[GlassHarp]

QFT!

when i see a powerful major religion get hijacked and most of its members dont really care, or at least their (in)actions and borderline appathy show that. It gets me pissed to no end and puts me more into the #2 category of actively talking trash about its followers.


Huh, maybe a better way then talking trash about them would be to become a member of the religion and try to help those who have strayed to get back on the path.p-) Talking trash probably just reinforces negative prejudices, not productive and not logical, therefore not atheist.


I think very often people equate atheism with nihilism, which scares the s**t out of most people. The idea that a person has no concrete set of ethics, brings thoughts of sociopaths and hippies.
.

Are not all atheists supposed to be nihilists? I think that if they are not they have corrupted atheism.p-)

My experience is that hard core atheists are not pleasant to be around. They have allot of hate, and reasons to dislike pretty much everybody who does not agree with them(and they feel they have a duty to tell everyone why)...............they are pretty much like hard core Evangelicals I guess.

[Scriptable]

Misleading post is misleading.

Where's the hot girl?
ha! Your standards are too high! :)

[Scriptable]

My experience is that hard core atheists are not pleasant to be around. They have allot of hate, and reasons to dislike pretty much everybody who does not agree with them(and they feel they have a duty to tell everyone why)...............they are pretty much like hard core Evangelicals I guess.
My experience is that hardcore American protestants are not pleasant to be around. They have allot of hate, and reasons to dislike pretty much everybody who does not agree with them (and they feel they have a duty to tell everyone why)...............they are pretty much like hard core animal rights activists I guess.

[GlassHarp]

My experience is that hardcore American protestants are not pleasant to be around. They have allot of hate, and reasons to dislike pretty much everybody who does not agree with them (and they feel they have a duty to tell everyone why)...............they are pretty much like hard core animal rights activists I guess.

My experience is that hard core animal rights activist are not pleasant to be around. They have allot of hate, and reasons to dislike pretty much everybody who does not agree with them (and they feel they have a duty to tell everyone why)...............they are pretty much like hard core atheist I guess

See what I did there?

I think what I can take away from this is that the population at large take the most extreme Atheists and their associated thought and beliefs as being representative of their group, while this is probably not often the case for peoples perception of many other religious peoples (chiefly Christians). Why is that?

[TheKiwi]

Try reading my post on page three of this thread on the 3 types of atheists. The biggest asshats are generally the type 2's.

And as for nihilism, are your seriously saying that you have to beleive in a god to have a purpose in life?!?

[Scriptable]

I think what I can take away from this is that the population at large take the most extreme Atheists and their associated thought and beliefs as being representative of their group, while this is probably not often the case for peoples perception of many other religious peoples (chiefly Christians). Why is that?
Actually, thanks to the highly vocal Intelligent Design crowd and their complete disconnect with reality, people generally see Christians as batshiat insane which is obviously not the case for the majority of Christians.

[GlassHarp]

Try reading my post on page three of this thread on the 3 types of atheists. The biggest asshats are generally the type 2's.

And as for nihilism, are your seriously saying that you have to believe in a god to have a purpose in life?!?


Thanks. Do you think it is more the fault of Atheist that people perceive them mostly as number 2's, or does the fault lie with the perceivers?

Maybe in theory, yes, you have to believe in something to have a HIGHER purpose, but in practice possibly not. Thats why there was the-p-). I just don't think that most Atheist are as Atheist as they want me to believe they are, in a sense maybe they have corrupted what Atheism is supposed to be.

[TheKiwi]

Is it the fault of the atheist that they are perceived as disagreeable? Well I'd say personally that there is some truth to that. However, I'd temper that by saying that in every society there are those that feel the need to flaunt their beliefs. Whether it's atheists saying "there is no god, you are an idiot who is wasting their lives on a non-existent entity", or the worshipers of Smok-smok, the holy Goat Rapist who tell me that "failure to change my life to one of sacrifice to Smok-smok will result in an afterlife of eternal hell", I find them both annoying.

Speaking personally again, I find the type 2 atheist to be cringe inducing, I hardly feel like being associated with someone like that. And the type 3's also get on my ****, but for different reasons.

Clear as mud?

[Scriptable]

And the type 3's also get on my ****, but for different reasons.

Clear as mud?
You lost me after "get on my ****". :|

[Hando]

The trouble for atheists is that in many cases, they have become thier own worst enemy...

For some it's not enough to just believe in scientific process, and not believe in a higher power, they have to tell EVERYBODY about it at length, and openly insult and abuse any who express a differing opinion.

[Scriptable]

For some it's not enough to just believe in scientific process, and not believe in a higher power, they have to tell EVERYBODY about it at length, and openly insult and abuse any who express a differing opinion.
Christians are just upset that they are losing the monopoly on openly insulting anyone who expresses a differing opinion.

[TheKiwi]

Exactly. If someone asks me, I'm prepared to discuss it in a open and polite manner. But when you go around shoving your ideas in someones face without them asking for it, you're being a ****!

[[WDW]Megaraptor]

Well atheists are often hateful and distrustful towards religion, so it's no surprise that religious people hate them and distrust them.

[GlassHarp]

Christians are just upset that they are losing the monopoly on openly insulting anyone who expresses a differing opinion.

See thats just the point, a true Atheist would have no reason to insult people who hold other beliefs, as it does not matter what other people believe in relation to themselves. Therefore it may not be "true Atheist" that are most hated, but rather the pseudo Atheists with their hyper zealotitry - like this Guy-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfnldRMMSAQ&feature=player_profilepage#t=14

While really atheist would be more like this guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVYWxEF49PQ&feature=related

Christians probebly shouldn't go out of their way to insult people, but at least they would have a reason for doing so.

[IronFinn]

nevermind***

[Scriptable]

Don't forget the all-time classic God Warrior:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ9MUycYD6Y

[Eye]

IMHO such "researches" have no sense and are just instruction who should or shouldn't be hated most. They have to much money from state in Minneseta and to much free time I suppose.

[Isaac Kasabian]

I'm pretty sure he meant people who recieved or are entitled to recieve an Israeli citizenship under the Law of Return.
Israel was founded mostly by socialist so I really don't get your point.. I know many don't qualify with being Jewish, but they are Israelis now, and really I don't care.




How so?

You know who he's going to marry and how his children will be brought up?

Impressive...
Just me speculating, no need to be upset.




I'll save all of us the time and trouble over the debate of "who is a Jew?" by stating a simple fact...



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Who_is_a_Jew%3F


I'm guessing that the same applies if you are an athiest born to a Jewish mother...
I believe I have said myself quite a few times if you haven't noticed, he is Jewish, my point was the majority of socialist/atheist that claim to be Jewish aren't since their mothers were atheist to, the thing is normally one who leaves Judaism is family will be to one maybe in max two generations, what we see today is after five or six generations of being completely assimilated they still say their Jewish, and that's just ridiculous.




Jewish identity isn't solely based on faith, it's sad that Hitler understood this while you don't.
Jewish identify is based on faith the rest is complementary, every little thing goes around G-d and the Torah.
Sadly you didn't understand what hitler tried to do, nor you understand the today face a similar peril, not physical but it's destroying it's people.
Let's see after a few generations of your family if they consider themselves Jewish or if they are just going to be Israelis as someone simply born in that land.

You can see more by see what Rabbi Noah Weinberg had to say.
(an example)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvtKVbU8xys

[RoyB]

Isaac, we won't get to an agreement, so I suggest cutting this argument here.

[Isaac Kasabian]

Isaac, we won't get to an agreement, so I suggest cutting this argument here.

Yes and I believe we went a bit off topic to. :oops:

[seraosha]

Speaking as a reformed atheist, I agree on Kiwis assessment of the three stereotypes.

I think it's a universal truth that zealots for any cause are annoying.
Oh and I go to church every Sunday, and besides my kids it's got more folks under 25 than the little old ladies...they go to Mass Saturday night. ;)

[a_very_ex_STAB]

You know you're doing something right when you're more hated then Muslims and Jews put together.

Atheism FTW!


That is just soooooo true!

[Eye]

That is just soooooo true!
We will see after death. Now it's clueless discussion.

[La8pv]

We will see after death. Now it's clueless discussion.

Actually it isn't. Ask the taliban or al-qaeda.

[Goggen]

We will see after death. Now it's clueless discussion.

After death you cease to exist, it's as simple as that IMO p-)

[Mordoror]

After death you cease to exist, it's as simple as that IMO p-)
in fact not

you becomes nice fertilizer and food for maggots so we can say that you revive as herb/tree or fly p-)....)

as for the spirit, soul, ka, or shi .... it is up to everyonep-)

[GiladS]

Israel was founded mostly by socialist so I really don't get your point.. I know many don't qualify with being Jewish, but they are Israelis now, and really I don't care.


The people who founded Israel founded it as a homeland for the Jewish nation (as a pose to Jewish faith).

I myself didn't get your view regaeding socialism.




Just me speculating, no need to be upset.



Not getting upset, just letting you know how condescending you sound.


I believe I have said myself quite a few times if you haven't noticed, he is Jewish, my point was the majority of socialist/atheist that claim to be Jewish aren't since their mothers were atheist to, the thing is normally one who leaves Judaism is family will be to one maybe in max two generations, what we see today is after five or six generations of being completely assimilated they still say their Jewish, and that's just ridiculous.

The thing that you don't seem to understand is that even with a person who doesn't consider himself Jewish and his mother, grandmother and even his great grandmother didn't consider themselves Jewish then still from the religious standpoint which you so adhere, he could still be considerd Jewish.


Jewish identify is based on faith the rest is complementary, every little thing goes around G-d and the Torah.

That's your view and your view alone... for some people it can be more to do with studying Torah, for others fasting on Yom Kippur and for others making Aliyah or serving in the IDF.

No one has a monopoly.



Sadly you didn't understand what hitler tried to do, nor you understand the today face a similar peril, not physical but it's destroying it's people.

My paternal granfather was the only survivor of his family since he was single and was able to flee Poland to the USSR. He later returned as a soldier in the Red Army only to discover that his parents and all his 7 brothers and sisters were sent to the death camps.

So I think I understand very well what Hitler tried to do, ah and yeah they were religious so I guess they'd fit your criteria...



Let's see after a few generations of your family if they consider themselves Jewish or if they are just going to be Israelis as someone simply born in that land.

Clrearly you know nothing of life in Israel and the Jewish sense of identity in this country.

You have a lot more to learn my friend, also learn to listen and not just to people with beards wearing yarmulkes.

[V.I.D.]

I'm an Agnostic.

That's a cowardly Atheist.

My personal thinking is most closely presented in philosphy of Ignosticism. It's like "thinking man's agnosticism".
So, it's bit like a double cowardice, I guess. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignosticism

[Scriptable]

Actually it isn't. Ask the taliban or al-qaeda.
Oh, their religion is just made up, not like the real Christian religion fabricated mostly by the church.

[Eye]

Reading this thread I don't think atheists are the most hated. It's apparent that Christians are the winners in that competition and other religious people follows them. Atheists are in the end of that race.

[Hollis]

Reading this thread I don't think atheists are the most hated. It's apparent that Christians are the winners in that competition and other religious people follows them. Atheists are in the end of that race.


That is probably the way I see it too.

[[WDW]Megaraptor]

Reading this thread I don't think atheists are the most hated. It's apparent that Christians are the winners in that competition and other religious people follows them. Atheists are in the end of that race.

That seems to be because there are many atheists posting in this thread p-)

[King of the Grey]

Skutatos I guess. I just have a really hard time believing that there is some omnipotent man in the sky controlling everything but at the same time I know how a religious philosophy can improve one's life and can encourage them to help others. what if the 'man in the sky' ISN'T controlling everything? Rather, being omnipresent in past, present and future at the same time, our paths were laid out based on the choices we make at crossroads? Like, at every crossroad, a choice is made, and immediately the path is 'generated'...so instead of a linear path, think of a web, where reaching Point B from A has a gazillion options, all depending on what turn you make...

[martinexsquaddie]

All who deny the Flying spaghetti monster will not get any seconds :)

[JRT]

I'm an atheist and from what I've seen, we seem to fall into 3 categories.

First up are the atheists for who it's a simple lack of belief. I fall into this category. I have no belief in any god or gods, and I don't care whether others do or not.

The second category are the zealous atheists. They don't believe and want the world to know. They're the guys who spent their time insulting people who do have beliefs. I suspect that these are also the "hated atheists" too.

Thirdly you have the fake atheists. These are people who claim to believe in no gods, but have in fact simply substituted a different set of beliefs for that of Christianity (or another religion). You can hear them all the time, both mocking those who believe, while at the same time demanding organic coffee and salad and complaining about cellphone towers causing their little Johnny to be hyperactive. Many would call much of modern environmentalism just another religion.

A good summary. I used to belong in the second category in my teens. It took some years to figure out that me preaching atheism isn't very different from religious preaching. These days I'm not really so bothered on the beliefs of others, as long as they aren't stuffing it down my throat.

[Ozzy[NO]]

So, uhm according to this poll; A gay, Jewish atheist who recently immigrated to the US must be feelin' the hate big time. He's hated by something like 120% !! He's so much hated that it's an mathematical impossibility!

(or my math skills just suck, I don't know)

[AroundTheCorner]

Megaraptor;4426490']Well atheists are often hateful and distrustful towards religion, so it's no surprise that religious people hate them and distrust them.


Well ever typ of religion (or group) has black sheeps. Doesn't mean eveyone thinks the same way they do.