Atheists: Do they make America a better or worse place to live? (church, agnostics)

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Atheists have been described as the most despised group in America. Is the country better or worse off because of atheists?

Reference: Research Finds that Atheists Most Despised, Most Distrusted Minority

[Dopo]

If you like the Taliban... you'd be a happy person without atheists

[ryanst530]

Go figure the atheist threat starter votes "Much Better"...

Atheists do nothing other than stir the pot. They are dividing this country socially and causing religious people to become defensive about their own religion. I have nothing personally against people who are athiest, however, the activist types that go around proposing laws to ban religious ornaments from being displayed drive me nutzoid.

[AnUnidentifiedMale]

Originally Posted by ryanst530

Go figure the atheist threat starter votes "Much Better"...

I am allowed to have an opinion. But let's not make this discussion about me, okay?

Atheists do nothing other than stir the pot. They are dividing this country socially and causing religious people to become defensive about their own religion. I have nothing personally against people who are athiest, however, the activist types that go around proposing laws to ban religious ornaments from being displayed just drive me nutzoid.

Some might see them as "stirring the pot", but the majority of atheists who challenge religious symbols in government and on public property are doing it based on a principle - a principle that says religion and government should not be mixed.

[XodoX]

Originally Posted by ryanst530

Go figure the atheist threat starter votes "Much Better"...

Atheists do nothing other than stir the pot. They are dividing this country socially and causing religious people to become defensive about their own religion. I have nothing personally against people who are athiest, however, the activist types that go around proposing laws to ban religious ornaments from being displayed drive me nutzoid.

First of all, that is what you bible readers do. Secondly, it's not a religion We do not believe in anything.

[jojajn]

Atheists are against, don't support, and don't start religious wars. Atheists have no doctrine that teaches them bigotry. They use logic and reason as their guide as well as respect for fellow man.

[Frank_Carbonni]

Originally Posted by ryanst530

Go figure the atheist threat starter votes "Much Better"...

Atheists do nothing other than stir the pot. They are dividing this country socially and causing religious people to become defensive about their own religion. I have nothing personally against people who are athiest, however, the activist types that go around proposing laws to ban religious ornaments from being displayed drive me nutzoid.

I mostly disagree with you.

I would like to point out that most of America's scientists and many of America's most celebrated writers and entertainers have been atheists and agnostics.

I do have some agreement when it comes to atheist organizations and sometimes secular organizations like the ACLU doing things like suing over nativity scenes on public property. Although I do agree with the fact that it technically a violation of church and state, it has such little real effect on someone's life that if I could, I would trade nativity scenes for a million other things.

[Cyber Queen]

I don't think they make it any better or any worse, they are sorta irrelevant.

[jojajn]

Had man strictly followed and believed the bible for the past 2000 years, we would, for example:

-still believe the sun revolves around the flat earth.(Imagine what a lack of technology there would be)
-would treat epileptics with an exorcism. (Imagine how primitive our medical care would be)
-continue to discriminate against handicapped, women, and people of other races.
-practice slavery. ( Our world would be a sad place for many people!)

[ryanst530]

Originally Posted by AnUnidentifiedMale

I am allowed to have an opinion. But let's not make this discussion about me, okay?



Some might see them as "stirring the pot", but the majority of atheists who challenge religious symbols in government and on public property are doing it based on a principle - a principle that says religion and government should not be mixed.

Fair enough

I technically agree with you in that government and religion should be kept separate in order to retain freedom of religion... however, and this is a big however, the US is different from many other countries in the sense that it was founded and developed with a belief in god. Many of those who have a belief in god also believe that such a religion also offers good moral character for people as well. Strong morals and good character develops people to become hard working, good citizens and teaches them to be kind to those in need and unable to provide for themselves. In this sense, you can say our country became successful and powerful based on the strong moral strengths and solid work ethic of its people. Whether or not these personal strengths were a result of themselves believing in God is controversial, however, many people feel that it is a reason.

It is unfair to look at religious people as a bunch of nuts who believe in some inanimate, non-material being. Religion is more importantly a way of life, and Christianity has a way of developing people in a way that benefits everyone. (I'm not trying to propagandize this, lol, just pointing out the fact that every religion out there teaches a different version of moral development, some in a good way, some not so good).

So to sum everything up, atheism is not necessarily a bad thing. However, neither is religion. Religion has been with this country for a long time. Much of this country's population is religious (more so in past history) and increasingly, much of it is digressing away from strong religious upbringing. Whether or not it is contributing to the decline of strong moral character in this country is up for debate...