Is Atheism really such a big deal in the US?

Question

Right - in the UK, a persons religious preference is pretty much a non-issue.  By and large, the public don't mind, as long as you don't try and force it on other people.

But, I keep seeing it come up as a big issue in the USA?  People won't vote for Atheist senators, kids not wanting to admit to being Atheist to their families, and so on.
Of course, it'd be worse in certain areas than others (and grossly exaggerated on the Internet, or course...), but really - is Religion or the lack of really such an issue?

Santa Parrot · Answer

Yes, it really is a big deal. If you're running for president and you say you're an atheist, you're out of the race immediately. If you're an atheist it's insanely difficult to get elected to anything in this country let alone president. And someone asks "how do I tell my family I'm an atheist?" every five minutes on this website, so you can see how many people are dealing with that.

? · Answer

Religion is free enterprise here.  You see some people take it very seriously.  You see some people who don't care.

Football is an apt analogy.  After winning a football match, some people riot, but most are content to cheer for their team at home.  The arguments over which team is best go on and on without coming to blows.

Anonymous · Answer

The "big" respond to the powers involved. The US is a very powerful political entity, and - as you can see by the NSA agency latest developments - an only "efficient" but not caring Government can take that Nation to where nazi Germany went, very soon.

john · Answer

My parents force me to go to church and be "Catholic". I have no choice. some have it worse though. I want to say a big reason its like that is because the huge topics like abortion and gay rights. atheists at least in the US are stereotyped as being anti- religion/ fascist, Pro abortion, and pro gay rights. they are also considered immoral based on the fact they deny god and Christ into their life meaning they will be damned to hell. personally I used to not mind religion when I was agnostic but slowly I have grown to dislike maybe hate it. people are ignorant and blinded by something as little as political beliefs or religion. Many of my friends are being forced to make their Confirmation and also go to church everyday. sorry if I sound whiny.

Jace · Answer

Its never been a big deal for me after 50+ years, but I live in the Pacific Northwest and not the Bible Belt or 3rd world poverty states like Alabama or Missouri.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes but we've been free from you UK savages for what now?...200 years :)

You guys are screwed.

And so is your King. Your King is a douche.

You gonna start a war now?

EDIT:

Oh good. Then your throne is free. Free for the takin... I bet any American could conquer your country with a fcuking pencil in his hand....

Trending News

Is Atheism really such a big deal in the US?

6 Answers