Atheists Worldwide Suffer Persecution And Discrimination.

[Kromovaracun]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/us-religion-atheists-idUSBRE8B900520121210

According to a report by the International Humanist and Ethical Union, atheists worldwide suffer persecution and discrimination.

I can't really think of one specific question I have, but seeing that religion often seems a hot topic (even in News, as with the recent Boy Scouts thread) I would be interested to hear my fellow ABers' thoughts on this matter.

I also think it raises an important question about the difference between the religion people put down on forms or a census and the actual beliefs they have - something which is often overlooked when people make statements like "this/that country is Christian."

[sp1814]

naomi24 - weird...one article seems to contradict the other?

[jomifl]

I don't think that avoiding conflict amounts to persecution AOG.

[naomi24]

SP, what do you mean?

[ludwig]

As I said on another thread, atheists are the common enemy to people of faith. Different religions are on opposing sides, but at least they're playing the same game, whereas atheists want to spoil all the fun by bulldozing the stadium and putting the land to better use.

As regards persecution, I think people who are different or who stand out are always persecuted. It's an unfortunate part of human nature.
Religion or lack of it is just another thing that identifies you as being different.

[sp1814]

naomi24

I am completely wrong!

I have a bad habit of skim-reading when I'm busy and misunderstood the link I posted. I thought that SA had a significant Christian and Hindu population - but I didn't see that they don't have freedom of public worship.

[naomi24]

Ah, thanks for that SP. Easily done. :o)

[youngmafbog]

I'm an atheist and proud of it. I have never experienced any persecution and I fill in forms as an atheist and always affirm in court as a juror.

[modeller]

I have never had problems but I admit if I was applying for a job that I really wanted or to save my life I would have an instant conversion if need be. I'm no Atheist martyr I'm a realist . Religious beliefs mean nothing to me so I'm quite happy to be any denomination to suit the moment.

Had I been taken as a hostage like Terry Waite I would have become a Muslim if that would have given me freedom , unlike TW who spent years chained to a bed. That's the beauty of Atheism it is not a belief so you can't betray it.

As it is I go to all our local religious talks as an Atheist and it's great I have 30 people having a go at me . It's stimulating . Our local vicars ask me to go along to their dinner talks . They want the challenge and I get a free meal and a good discussion.

[emmie]

i had some interesting conversations with the local vicar after my o/h died, i went to church not so much to pray, but to find some quiet, the attendance is low from what i understand, and he happened to be in attendance. We talked for quite a long while, more counselling that churchly guidance. He knows that i am an atheist, and did not press me further about attending once i made my feeling known. Quite why i went there i still can't answer, but i do know that the rage i felt didn't stop at the church door.