What's it like to be an atheist in America?

[LibInternationalist]

As long as we're doing this, I might as well bring in the only minority that I'm a part of -- I'll be honest and say that it hasn't adversely affected my life so far, but it is annoying that some states still prohibit atheists from holding public office, and that the major candidates in the last presidential election were Southern Baptists (not that I necessarily have anything against Southern Baptists)

Thoughts?

[Cheswick2.0]

1. what states are those?

I am interested in knowing which states barr atheists from holding office.

[LibInternationalist]

4. Tennessee, actually

I'm sure it's not enforced, but still (and I'm in Virginia now, so haven't the capacity to challenge that one myself)

http://www.secularhumanism.org/library/fi/flynn_20_1.htm

[charlie]

7. N Carolina, S Carolina, Tennessee, Texas

http://www.religioustolerance.org/texas.htm

Same info, with links to relevant sections of state constitutions:
http://www.nebraskaatheists.org/article1.htm

Pennsylvania also has a peculiar clause, giving believers in heaven and hell protected class status:

"No person who acknowledges the being of a God and a future state of rewards and punishments shall, on account of his religious sentiments, be disqualified to hold any office or place of trust or profit under this Commonwealth."

[Maple]

2. Some states

prohibit atheists from holding public office???

You're kidding!

Who does that??

And how can they get away with it??

[FreeperSlayer]

3. Jeebus!

Are you serious?!?

[Endangered Specie]

5. some states

used to prevent atheists from being in a jury.

although Im agnostic, being non-religious in America can be tough at times.

Sometimes you feel left out when people sing god bless america, and the pledge feels awkward. IT is disappointing that so many politicians ignore us.

It is toughest being a sport fan, and an atheist

Also, having god printed all over the money, and on court buildings is irritating at times.

When it comes winter time, we celebreate Winter Solstice ( and call it winter break)

[Leftist78]

6. not that bad

If the "god people" leave you alone. I'm an atheist/agnostic (depends on the question and who's asking it), and I do get annoyed that so many people look at us as though we have 3 eyes or something.

The obvious things bother me. I don't like "In God We Trust" on the money, and the way politicians pander to the religious zealots with their fake piety bothers me to know end.

I still celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, but for me they're just days to celebrate with the family, and that's enough for me.

I don't have a problem with anybody's religious beliefs, but it gets really annoying when they wear it on their sleeve. I believe in personal religious freedom, and that to me means, have your beliefs and let others have theirs without having to listen to someone preach at them.

[JanMichael]

8. Well it's a mixed bag. Most people could give a shit.

Others might like to shoot you. C'est la Vie:shrug:

As for me I know a LOT of Atheists and Agnostics so there's no isolation.

[Skittles]

9. I consider myself Agnostic

I'm sick of religion - it is constantly shoved in my face, and most of the church-going people I know are pretty much assholes.

[A HERETIC I AM]

10. The Heretic raises his ugly head again!!! (rant)

Ahhh...well.....being nonreligious puts you in the last minority that others can discriminate against without repercussions. What is the general perception of Dr. Michael Newdow in this country? (Newdow is the man that won the case in the 9th circuit regarding "Under God" in the pledge of allegiance) I think the average American would think of him as some "Atheist nutcase" that wants to "Take god out of our lives" while in fact, Dr. Newdow is, if I am not mistaken, both a medical doctor and a Lawyer and incredibly well educated. He is just a militant atheist. And I, like many, agree with him. His methods might seem at times to be a bit outrageous, but then he is fighting a rather formidable foe. That foe being religious indoctrination that pervades our society and the individuals and groups that seek to expand it. If you don’t agree that there is a god in heaven then you are seen as odd if not scary and untrustworthy by most Americans.
I was raised Episcopalian. My father was a member of the Masonic order. He was a rationalist. He instilled in me a questioning and ethical mind and I have been questioning the veracity of biblical claims since i realized that the story of Noah's Ark was a fable and that there was no possible way Adam and Eve could be real, historical persons. I have come to realize that the belief in a god by most humans is strictly cultural and has NOTHING to do with any reality or historical truth. I have learned that there are dozens of savior god-men recorded through history with almost identical stories to that of Christ yet rarely in American discourse do i hear an inference that Christ might be just as mythical as Horus or Apollo or Mithra or all the rest. The god of Abraham is, according the books that tell about him, a vainglorious, baby killing, vengeful, war mongering, rape promoting, slavery enabling, bloodthirsty middle eastern, desert war god who is no more real than the boogey man, unicorns or leprechauns. Saying that in this country makes me dangerous. Mentioning that in certain locales can get me harmed physically. Dangerous because i dare speak contrary to established doctrine. A Heretic. Well, at least they cant burn me at the stake anymore. A mere 300 years ago i probably would have been by now. What’s it like being an Atheist in America? As long as i am careful about the battles i pick, no problem. But have no doubt; if i run up against the wrong person who has power to control my life, it could be severe.
A couple of disclaimers for the believers who might read this. Please, don’t think i am Atheist because i "Am mad at god" That is merely a childish notion on your part. There is no god to be angry with. And no, i don’t "Lack a belief in god" either. I don’t lack anything spiritually or ecumenically. I KNOW god is is mythical construct and there is no way you could convince me that your god or any of the thousands of other gods mankind has invented are real.
Is there good that can be gained from religious belief? Absolutely without question. But there is also terrible evil as well. "To err is human, to forgive, divine" but to really do bad things and kill in the name of god, takes religion. Finally, what does it say about how this country has evolved when today, Thomas Jefferson couldn’t get elected to the office of Dog-Catcher if he spoke publicly of his beliefs?

[Leftist78]

13. I agree to an extent

with what you're saying. The discrimination against agnostics and atheists in America is rampant, and it certainly makes life difficult in some situations, but at the same time, I've always thought it was odd that anybody could be completely convinced that there was absolutely no higher power. To me statements like that seem just as unfounded as saying you're absolutely sure there is a God.

I call myself an atheist when someone's definition of what a god/gods is/are is rigid and they can't see past their own beliefs, but honestly, I wouldn't say that there's no way that any sort of higher power, ultimate truth, life force or whatever exists as I believe it's impossible to know. So I guess in that regard, I'm a strong agnostic

[A HERETIC I AM]

15. I agree with your position. Dont get me wrong......

I am atheist regarding the Anthropomorphic god of Abraham and/or any other god that is personified in terms of humanity and human attributes. Having said that, i would concede your point that; "I wouldn't say that there's no way that any sort of higher power, ultimate truth, life force or whatever exists as I believe it's impossible to know." But then, using that logic, one could postulate that god is a green slime mold under a stone on Mars, somewhere. I admit it is possible, but i think it is extraordinarily unlikely. I also think the idea that there is a thinking, calculative, manipulative super entity that controls things and is transcendant of time and space is little more than wishful thinking.

[Leftist78]

18. agreed

I also find it logically impossible that some higher being could be pulling the strings here. To be honest, your position is pretty much exactly the same as mine, and I agree with you that the human version of whatever higher power might be out there is most assuredly wrong.

[A HERETIC I AM]

20. Then a smile and a handshake is in order!!!

nice to meet you, fellow free thinker!!!

[BlueJazz]

11. Actually every state in the union prohibits an Atheist...

....from holding office. No...not "on the books" but any Atheist knows all to well that running against a Christian (and revealing that you're an Atheist) is the one sure way to lose an election.

Just because it's not a formal law does not make it a "Rule"

[WindRavenX]

12. With this administration...

...I feel more and more like I am being targeted for being some kind of heretic or immoral beast. It's really quite annoying and sometimes I just don't know what to do. Religion, something very private and intimate, has changed so that it is cheaper and more availible to the masses, which isn't cool with me.
I really like religions, but not the state that they are in today...

[Solly Mack]

14. oh..let's see

I've been called all kinds of names(among the names-witch- and I grow quite annoyed at being called a witch by people that wouldn't know their ass from a hole in the ground)...accused of sacrificing animals...looked at as if I'd grown horns(and to them I probably had)..accused of attacking others for their religion because I don't allow prayers at a secular gathering..well, they can pray..provided all religions are allowed to be represented-which they never agree to.

one "good" friend was so appalled she stopped talking to me...


Normally, it doesn't come up in everyday life but when it does...boy howdee...

[FDRrocks]

17. You don't practice Santeria?

You don't go no crystal ball?

You ever had a million dollars?

sorry... just bored.

[Solly Mack]

19. S'ok. No crystal ball...should I get one?

Maybe props to encourage alarm and scare away fundies would be fun....just around the house.

Santeria is tempting but too catholic. (I slay me)

[Leftist78]

23. it's a quote

from a Sublime song.

A great one too by the way. :)

[Solly Mack]

25. I'll hafta check it out. Thanks!

:)

[noiretextatique]

26. i know you know this, solly

many folks practiced "the religion" (and still do) under the cloak of catholicism. i read a really beautiful and fascinating book about this..."the seat of the soul." if only i had the discipline...but, alas, i do not. i prefer the freedom of metaphysics...the rituals are less intense :D

[FDRrocks]

16. Pretty bad...

If you talk about Darwinistic ideas or anything deviating from the 'we just appeared here due to the benevolent being' idea... then you get flak for it. Everyone seems to believe theres a thing sitting outside the universe watching us... I just don't get it.

I also hear you cannot get elected being an Atheist. Wow.

[Cleita]

21. In my experience, it seems like they, the religiosos, try to

make me feel like I'm the one who has lost a sense of reality. I think my belief, or rather lack of belief, merits as much respect as their's do.

[Cat Atomic]

22. Christians always try to convert me- often very rudely.

I've been called stupid, evil, ignorant, doomed... let's see... "sick" (loved that one)... mmm.... lots of stuff.

It doesn't come up often, but when someone asks me about my religious beliefs, I'm happy to tell them the truth. The response is usually anger- it's very odd. I can't imagine they'd be openly hostile if I said I was a Buddhist, but somehow saying you're an atheist is different. Many take it as an attack upon their faith. I don't know why.

[LibInternationalist]

24. actually, Buddhism is an athestic religion

at least some forms of it -- I've considered looking into Zen practice

[Zomby Woof]

27. one analogy

It's a lot like being against Dean in GD. :evilgrin: