Is "Atheist" perceived negatively?

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firerosearien@reddit

It really, really depends on where you live and who you're talking to.

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This! People 50 and over in the rural South or Midwest are gonna take that sh** as a challenge! Here is a soul to save, people! Goes double if the person you’re talking to is Mormon or a Jehovah’s Witness. You’re gonna get the introductory “all about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” speech, so many Watchtower copies you could wallpaper your house, well meaning and incessant invitations to church on Sunday…

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brickbaterang@reddit

In the case of mormons, just tell them you're a felon and they will fuk right off faster than you can blink

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Lady_Alisandre1066@reddit

Sadly in my case, they’re in-laws and therefore know better. My poor pagan self married into a hornet’s nest. My husband’s family is a three way split- Mormon, Jehovah’s Witness, and Hillbilly Pentecostal… Yeah, holidays are FUN!

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Mediocre_Daikon6935@reddit

That poor Pentecostal, having to endure Mormans & jehovahs witnesses…

At least they have you to keep them sane.

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just tell them you're a felon and they will fuk right off

In the South, it's the Baptists. Not sure if the Methodists or other denominations are this way, but with the Baptists, don't EVER, and I mean NEVER EVER mention you're agnostic, atheist, or "spiritual but not religious". You will never hear the end of it. Also never say you're not joined up with a church.

My paternal family consists of nothing but Southern Baptists. How my dad didn't end up as kooky-dukes as the rest of them is beyond me. Ever since I was a tiny little PatrickRsGhost, my paternal grandmother, aunt, uncles, and even cousins would all try to tell us how great THE LORD is and how we all need THE LORD in our lives.

Here are some ways they shoved the GODTALK down our throats:

Send me a set of the Children's Bible Stories - the same set or maybe a single book or two you'd see in the waiting room at the family doctor or dentist - for either my birthday or Christmas. Said book(s) would end up being donated to the local library or Goodwill.
Subscribe me to Faith 'N' Stuff, a Youth Christian magazine that tried so hard to be "with it" and "reach out" to the modern preteen. I didn't know who had subscribed me. I thought at first it was due to my name and address being sold to a third party after subscribing to a magazine I did want, Disney Adventures, until my paternal grandmother asked me one day if I was receiving the magazine that she had bought for me. I suspected as much, but wasn't sure. I said I was getting it, but didn't like it because of the layout or something. She looked at me like I'd just grown extra limbs but a couple of months later I never got another issue. Previous issues had ended up in the trash within a day or two of receipt.
Ship a handful of religious books (not the Bible, more like supplemental books or "textbooks") to my dad's attention along with a letter how it pains the sender we aren't on the path to THE LORD or JESUS, instructing him to read the books, then discuss with my mom and me about how great GOD and JESUS are. My great-aunt did this. Dad ended up donating the books to a local thrift store.
Corner one of us at any family gathering to lecture us about THE LORD and tell us to talk to the others. We'd just smile and nod while quickly trying to change the subject as best as we could, but even if the subject did get changed for a minute, it always steered back around to THE LORD.

And should tragedy or suffering befall your house, like an illness or death, they will go into MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE with the GODTALK.

Back in 2004, my mom had weight-loss surgery and while she was in the hospital recovering, my paternal aunt swooped in to help take care of her in the hospital and to pray over her. My mom's best friend was just as non-religious as my parents and I are, and she just rolled her eyes. I'm pretty sure they butted heads over my mom's care.

When my mom died of two consecutive heart attacks while in the hospital getting surgery on a broken leg back in late 2022, my dad called up his family to break the bad news, probably thinking all they'd do is send some flowers, a card, or at least visit to comfort us. Nope. Pretty sure they had rigged up an ambulance's sirens to blare Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art because they swooped in with flying colors. My aunt began lecturing us on how this was all GOD'S PLAN and it's not too late to be SAVED by accepting JESUS CHRIST into our hearts. There were no less than two, maybe three prayer circles led by her.

To this day, they still try to cram GOD and JESUS down our throats. My uncle left some literature in our car (my dad was foolish to leave the car unlocked just because 1. we were visiting family and 2. we were in a small town in east Alabama) along with some pictures his late wife had of us when we visited them for Thanksgiving the year after my mom passed away. Most recently, he gave us each a little sticker with a QR code to a website about the TRUE STORY OF JESUS. Yeah, those ended up in the trash.

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TheOneTrueNeb@reddit

Idk about the south but as a Christian Midwestern I think I can speak for a decent amount of ppl and say that many Christian midwesterners will think that it's unfortunate, but we're not gonna bother challenging the person on it since it's likely to just push him away

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PremeTeamTX@reddit

Forgot Southern Baptists and Seventh Day Adventists. They're looney tunes, too lol

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Zealousideal-Web9737@reddit

Oh, honey. What a generalization. I am 60 and from the rural south. I despise the hypocrisy of organized religion. I don't care what a person's religious/non- religious beliefs are as long as they are kind, thoughtful, and an all-around good person.

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amethystmap66@reddit

Definitely. I’m an atheist from the liberal northeast and it’s a complete nonissue. I’m not afraid of saying that I’m an atheist, although it’s not really something I’d bring up out of context bc it’s not like it forms a huge part of my identity the way that having a religion might.

Genetically I’m Ashkenazi Jewish though, so I’ll often add this when I say that I’m atheist to give some context to my ethnic/cultural background because I was raised in really diverse communities where most people were way more in touch with their culture than I was.

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BlindWalnut@reddit

This. I'm in the South East but in a very liberal city. It's just as common to hear someone say they are atheist as it is to hear someone say they're Baptist.

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tekhnomancer@reddit

It also matters how you say it.

If you say, "No, sir, I'm an atheist," you generally are received neutrally.

If you say, "Ha screw you theist sheeptard," you will, deservedly so, get mocked.

That goes both ways, btw.

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SeawolfEmeralds@reddit

Agreed.

Are atheist perceived negatively no same with pagans agnostics and all the other various religions who hold vast common ground

the negativity is when people open their mouth to promote their ideological rhetoric and religion. Not grasping the topic at hand.

Of particular note are the atheists who can often be seen celebrating pagan rituals digitally on their social media outlets

Having a conversation with them throughout time is anecdotal. However most people who call themselves atheist typically don't hold much understanding of science or religion.

The cosmos its a vast universe

To declare they are omnipotent

Is ironic

Most people might be shocked to find out how little of their thoughts are even their own they've NEVER sat in Silence, contemplating existence in deep thought.

they've moved from one moment to the next instinct clarification Always being told what to think what does say what to do

People can talk about taking drugs and going on excursions, those are called drug tourists

The shaman's will freely admit they are glorified janitors, cleaning up human fecal matter and vomit from the drug tourists

That these drug tourists don't portray the requirements necessary for that type of exploration

They go through a booking agency pay their fee, enter into a room and exit through the gift shop, with a tshirt.

Is "Atheist" perceived negatively?

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shelwood46@reddit

Yes, this is what you should absolutely not do.

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SeawolfEmeralds@reddit

Religion atheist https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAmerican/s/PO8a7hEEFT

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Dramatic-Blueberry98@reddit

Exactly, depending on who it is, and how it is said tends to matter the most when it comes to reactions.

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coyote_of_the_month@reddit

There's a stereotype that atheists are loudmouthed, opinionated assholes who look down on their religious neighbors and are always trying to start pointless debates.

As you said, better to not mention it.

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Veilchengerd@reddit

That's called projection. These atheists don't exist outside the imaginations of certain kinds of christians (and some muslims).

I have had both JW and LDS knocking on my door trying to get me to convert, and Pentecostals, as well as Baptists (and one one memorable occasion Salafis) trying to peddle their religion in the street.

So far, no one has ever approached me in public to talk about our lord and saviour Richard Dawkins to me while wearing a cheap suit.

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thusnewmexico@reddit

Yes, this. Il believe that some people think of Atheists as what OP says above, in addition that Atheists are baby and kitten murderers, and that they do bad things to good people

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GingerPinoy@reddit

There's a stereotype that atheists are loudmouthed, opinionated assholes who look down on their religious neighbors and are always trying to start pointless debates.

At most you’ll probably get a “do you go to church anywhere?” and a casual invite to their church. It’s usually more of a way to welcome and include the new person in the community.

Source: grew up around tons of religious people in the Deep South.

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Starbucksplasticcups@reddit

I live in Los Angeles. I’ve come across many people who are legit surprised that we have no belief. They are totally understanding of not being religious most of them do not attend church. But the complete lack of higher power is shocking to some. And then there is the group that will say things like, “yeah I don’t really believe in a God either but I am really spiritual. What are you into?” And I’m like, “no god, no crystals, no spiritual, no meditation, no yoga but I do do cardio and weights….” I have kids so when choosing schools it comes up a lot.

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bjanas@reddit

Oh, I agree that it's turned up to 11 online, but in my experience even only moderately religious folks will sometimes (usually politely enough, but still) judge and want to question an atheist on it. It can be pretty condescending, u really find that it's best to avoid the topic if possible. I'm tired of people "just asking!" where my morals and ethics can possibly come from, if not from a religious belief.

blackberriespastries@reddit

While uncommon, outright hostility does happen. I grew up in the rural Midwest, and it somehow came up my family was entirely atheist when I was in middle school. (This was made worse by the fact we were "outsiders" because we moved to the town rather than being "from there.") (Yes, the town was as culty as it sounds.)

I was regularly harassed for two or so years, told I was going to burn in hell, even had a few kids throw stones at me on the playground. My friends regularly tried to invite me to Bible study after school. We never had practice or activities on Wednesday since that was Bible study day.

Nope. They definitely weren’t doing that in the 1620s.

Even when the Salem Witch Trials happened, which seems to be what you’re referencing, they certainly weren’t about “women knowing math.” The Trials are an example of the dangers of groupthink, scapegoating, and paranoia, but they’re not really about “religious nutjobs.”

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Techialo@reddit

Group think based off of what, again?

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Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit

Fear, isolation, and superstition mostly. It certainly wasn’t based on Puritan doctrine, so it’s not really an example of the point you’re trying to make.

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Techialo@reddit

You sure? Because you just said fear and superstition.

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Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit

Am I sure that fear and superstition aren’t a part of Puritan doctrine? Yes, quite.

I’m well of aware of many instances where people have used Christianity (and other religions) as a tool for their own benefit, including hurting marginalized groups. I’ve also seen people with sincere belief manipulated by bad actors. But your point seemed to be that religion (specifically Christianity) has only been a negative in the US. That’s just not an accurate representation.

We could also “go all day throughout American history how religion, specifically Christianity,” has brought positive change to the country.

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Techialo@reddit

Christian doctrine in general, not just the Puritans.

The negatives vastly outweigh the positives. It's done way more harm than good, and only Christians will say otherwise. So yes, it's only a negative. Thankfully church attendance numbers are dropping more every year, and they did that themselves.

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Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit

Nope, still not right. Fear and superstition aren’t parts of Christian doctrine either.

The negatives vastly outweigh the positives.

So you’re not for abolition? What about civil rights? Inoculation? Education?

It’s done way more harm than good

Well, this is your opinion, not fact, but you are entitled to it. Clearly your biases have affected how you view American history, though.

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Techialo@reddit

Then Christians are more than welcome to stop living in fear and superstition any day now. Nobody's stopping them.

What about abolition? You had a Bible specifically tailored for slaves to make their situation seem like God wanted that for them.

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Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit

Then Christians are more than welcome to stop living in fear and superstition any day now. Nobody’s stopping them.

Agreed. Fear and superstition are counter to the fundamentals of Christianity, and it’s nonsensical for people to claim a religious belief and then live contrary to its ideals/doctrines.

You had a Bible specifically tailored for slaves to make their situation seem like God wanted that for them.

Umm, nope. Never had a Bible like that (nor known anyone who does/would). But that actually proves my earlier point exactly. If people are editing the Bible to suit their existing views, then they’re using it wrong. What a great example of people corrupting religion for their own unscrupulous ends.

Stop taking credit for achievements outside of the church.

Don’t you know anything about the abolitionist movement? In both the US and UK, it was spearheaded by strongly religious people (William Wilberforce, John Newton, Charles Spurgeon, John Wesley, Oloudah Equiano, Charles Finney, Frederick Douglass, John Brown, Sojourner Truth, Elijah Parish Lovejoy, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Tubman, etc). Often these Christians were not part of traditional institutions (e.g. the Quakers, Methodists, Anabaptists), and some churches at that time actually made being anti-slavery a condition of church membership. Abolitionists used a Christian view of humanity to argue their point, like Equiano even addresses “nominal Christians” in his Narrative to try to convince them to live up to the ideals of the faith.

The Second Great Awakening had a huge impact on increasing social activism in general, not just abolition (although that was a major one).

You are welcome to criticize contemporary Christians for also being “nominal” and not living up to the principles they espouse. And anyone who twists Jesus/the Bible into their Christian nationalist fantasy definitely deserves their comeuppance. But you can’t deny the historical reality of the strong Christian influence within abolitionism.

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Techialo@reddit

Duly noted, and obviously we could debate these all night but I'm genuinely not coming at you personally. However you sound like a reasonable and most likely lovely person, and surely understand the negative impacts it's had on people. As a gay man in a religious fundamentalist state of the US, I owe you by saying that's where I'm coming from. It's pretty much dictated my entire life, and I haven't been part of the faith in at least 16 years. I've met incredible people who happen to be Christian, although seemingly rare these days.

I guess what I'm saying is that from what I've heard from you, we need more of them like you. It isn't my place to try and change a religion as it is since I'm not a part of it, but I truly hope you manage to change some of their perspectives if you have the opportunity.

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Spirited_Ingenuity89@reddit

First, thanks for that! I hope/try to be those things.

That’s not accurate. The top 100 cities account for ~20% of the population. I certainly don’t think any city outside of the top 100 could be considered a “major city.” (I wouldn’t even count all 100. Garland, TX? San Bernadino, CA?)

The rural population is almost the same as the top 100 cities, which leaves 60% left who live in neither a major city nor a rural area. So most Americans live in the suburbs or small cities.

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XxThrowaway987xX@reddit

Eh, you’re in Michigan. I’m in the South. In the buckle of the bible belt. When you move to a new neighborhood here, one of the most asked questions is, “Have you found a church home yet?” People frequently invite you to their church. Or better yet, one of their many church functions which are a way to introduce people to their church— barbecues, chicken & waffle breakfasts, you name it.

I live in one of the least educated states, and it would make my day to see someone showily read any book. People here probably think Dawkins is a fancy brew the hipsters drink.

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jda404@reddit

Spot on. It goes both ways. I don't like anything shoved in my face whether someone is forcing their religion down my throat or forcing their atheism down my throat. If you're religious cool, if not cool. If someone makes their religion or non religion their whole personality and life, respectfully that's just not someone I'll get along with.

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This has been my experience in Virginia as well.

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Odd-Local9893@reddit

This is what I’ve found too. You don’t have to talk religion with anyone, and if they do you can just remain neutral. Only people who go around broadcasting that they are atheists will get shit for it. Most people don’t give a shit what you believe as long as you’re not an asshole.

That said, unfortunately there are a lot of Christian types who don’t forget to mention their religiosity at any given moment and they generally aren’t shunned for it like an atheist would be who did the same.

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CupBeEmpty@reddit

Oh wormy, you know I care. But you already asked me not to evangelize so I just keep it to myself.

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Other_Big5179@reddit

As someone that was raised Christian as a baby and became polythest an observation. i like some atheists. however they can be just as closed minded as any Christian. many atheists go on about how all religions are bad and no school should teach world religion. i even came across a Ukrainian Atheist that said religion should not be taught in University. i am upset by this. not all religions are bad. im just thankful atheists are small and i hope they have the sense to research all beliefs before opening their yap.

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Equal-Train-4459@reddit

It depends what part of the US. I'm in the north east. Most people wouldn't blank. But a lot of the country is called the "Bible belt " for a reason.

Atheism means believing that God, or gods, do not exist. Some atheists get belligerent and disrespectful when encountering others who are motivated by faith.

Being "not religious" means that you don't concern yourself with religion or are uninterested in it. It means that you aren't likely to be pushy about someone else's religion (or their lack of one).

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Exactly!

Old Rabbinical joke:

Q: What do you call a Jew who doesn’t believe in God?

A: A Jew.

I love this thread from a rabbi on twitter about Jewish atheism

Jewish views of God that aren’t the “Old Man in the Sky.”

Lots of people say to me “I don’t believe in God.” And they are surprised to hear that I, a rabbi, also don’t believe in the God they don’t believe in. And NEITHER do many of Judaism’s greatest thinkers. 1/30

https://twitter.com/mstreiffer/status/1534750947489902592?s=46&t=736VqQ7tNVOv-KrkxOzl5Q

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IanDOsmond@reddit

I find it amusingly ironic that Spinoza was excommunicated for his heretical ideas about God being essentially Nature and the Universe... and now, that is probably the included in the most common Jewish theological concepts.

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XxThrowaway987xX@reddit

Oh, cool. I learned a new word. I’ve never heard of orthopraxic. Thanks!

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doyathinkasaurus@reddit

Christianity is a faith, Judaism is a practice

Being a good Jew is about what you do, not what you believe.

Or as one Rabbi said when asked if it was necessary to believe in God to be a Jew, “No. it is necessary to light the Shabbat candles.”

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GSilky@reddit

I will remind you of words of the shema. Yes, Americans and western Jews in general feel this way. The conservative rabbis would ask what the daily prayer says, and ask how one could practice Judaism without accepting it's basic premise, that the Jewish person worships the one god. I think one can, but there are no atheist converts.

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doyathinkasaurus@reddit

As Golda Meir said, when asked if she believed in God: "I believe in the Jewish people, and the Jewish people believe in God"

Certainly it would be very unusual to convert as an atheist, but it's apparently not unheard of

https://www.heyalma.com/im-a-jewish-convert-im-also-an-atheist/

I'm fond of this thread from a rabbi on twitter about Jewish atheism

Jewish views of God that aren’t the “Old Man in the Sky.”

Lots of people say to me “I don’t believe in God.” And they are surprised to hear that I, a rabbi, also don’t believe in the God they don’t believe in. And NEITHER do many of Judaism’s greatest thinkers. 1/30

https://twitter.com/mstreiffer/status/1534750947489902592?s=46&t=736VqQ7tNVOv-KrkxOzl5Q

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GSilky@reddit

The idea of the classical theist god is not God. It's a rational idea of what one would worship as god if given a chance. Spinoza was excommunicated for having a god that the people couldn't possibly love, and he was called atheist. I guess in one sense of the use of atheist would be compatible with being Jewish, but the outright rejection of a god, that is impossible. It's similar in tone to what CS Lewis said about "rational" Christianity, the words and teachings of Jesus derive their authority from who Christians claim him to be, God on earth. If Jesus wasn't god, then his teachings and good ideas should be considered in the same vein as what raving derelicts of today, who claim to be God, shout on street corners.

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AttemptVegetable@reddit

That's the weirdest shit I've heard in my life. Some people don't believe in God but still practice the religious rituals? That sounds like torture

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doyathinkasaurus@reddit

Jews are a people with a distinctive culture, which includes distinctive beliefs and practices. The “secular/religious” divide is a Christian concept that doesn’t map well to Jewishness.

Religion is a way that humans strive for meaning. We do that even in the absence of traditional theistic belief. You don’t need to believe in a God to find meaning in stories of people and to find a culture, a history, a philosophy worth exploring and caring about.

I don’t light Shabbat candles to please an invisible deity, I do it as a reminder to be present and to dedicate five minutes of my week to celebrating a freedom most of my ancestors were killed for, that connects me to 5000 years of history.

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Infernal_139@reddit

Yes

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Fr00tman@reddit

Another atheist Jew here, I often do that too.

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doyathinkasaurus@reddit

Jews are more than twice as likely as the average American to be atheist!

Only 1/4 American Jews and 1/3 British Jews believe in God

ProfessionalAir445@reddit

That is not remotely what irony is.

No, it is not! Literally meaning without god'' in Greek (atheos), the word was first attributed to Socrates ca. 399 BCE, who was accused of denying the Greek gods of his time. The word was translated toatheist'' sometime in the 16th century, from the French

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novavegasxiii@reddit

As an athiest to some extent that's true. On the other hand you see people proudly and openly display their christianity at my job and i get the sense it really wouldn't be appreciated or treated the same if i did the same with my beliefs.

Actually, Occam's Razor works both ways: why should we question the existence of a being whose very essence is being and whose nature is simple (meaning, not made of parts) not exist, if its very essence is existence?

(Sidenote: it's very hard to see how people can't accept that when you've encountered such a being personally and profoundly, but I know that most people have not had those experiences. I believe in the existence of God beyond the shadow of any doubt so much that the prospect of not believing seems laughable and just plain sad, because the world is so empty and meaningless without a supreme cause and source.)

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Somerset76@reddit

I respect all people. As a Christian I do not judge the beliefs of others.

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CoolNebula1906@reddit

Every comment in this thread looks like a clone wrote it. Yes, Atheist is perceived negatively. Just look at this thread, haha.

There is a culture on reddit of simultaneously claiming that we are all atheists and nobody cares anymore (denialism) and of shutting down anything atheists say as "you guys are the annoying ones". I see religious people preach in the streets much more than atheists. In fact, reddit is the only place I encounter them. I live in the southeast and have noticed people from other parts of the country seem to be able to avoid religion more, but in most rural conservative areas atheist may as well be satanist.

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ComfortableRepeat663@reddit

Yes. The Southeast is niche, not mainstream. They seem not to understand that.

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CoolNebula1906@reddit

Over a quarter of Americans live there. You seem to not understand that.

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ComfortableRepeat663@reddit

Yes but no one outside the southeast cares what people in the southeast think. They’re niche. In normal parts of the country, no one preaches at you, no one asks your religion, and no one would give a darn if you said atheist.

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tychobrahesmoose@reddit

Strongly depends on the region of the US.

In the South among certain groups, ABSOLUTELY. Some evangelicals literally think that atheism is about worshipping the devil. In high school, I had friends' parents who told their children not to socialize with me because I was an atheist.

Outside of super religious areas, though - it's pretty neutral.

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It won't offend anyone worth talking to lol

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cdb03b@reddit

By many yes.

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pinniped1@reddit

I just use the term "agnostic". I'm not looking to start a brawl, but I also don't want to talk about religion.

Thankfully it doesn't come up much.

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appleparkfive@reddit

Well they're different things. Agnostic is more along the lines of "I don't know. Could be a higher power. We probably don't have the technology or understanding to know even if there is". Atheism is more a rigid "I don't believe at all".

I've noticed that this is one of the more confused things in the past few years. People seem to think they're the same. A lot of agnostic people just assume they fall into the atheist category.

Personally I think it's kind of weird to say "No I KNOW that nothing is out there". Because we can't really know that. That's basically just being as sure of your belief as a religion is, ultimately. But that's just my perception of it.

Agnostic, secular, and non-religous are a lot more acceptable in most of those rural areas I'd say

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ComfortableRepeat663@reddit

The great thing is, I don’t need to worry about what rural people think.

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ComfortableRepeat663@reddit

The great thing is, I don’t need to worry about what rural people think.

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Strange-Goat3787@reddit

I think I'm sort of in between these in a sense, and I don't exactly know which would be correct. Honestly, I don't even really care about the label, but it's interesting to know other perspectives. I'd consider myself an atheist in that I, personally, do not believe in anything, but I'm never going to try and argue or state that as fact because no one knows. For me, it's "I don't think there's anything, but I could be wrong," while I view agnostics more as "I just don't know."

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SeawolfEmeralds@reddit

Its the more inclined to know term as opposed to recent buzzword indicator.

Agnostic v atheist

If there was some metric or study it would likely show that more people claim to be atheist in this new digital age they've become far removed from community spiritual amd and science.

Science isn't new people throughout history have had great difficulty claiming to be scientific and spiritual in fact the moment the scientiststeps foot in spiritual they've lost their grants and their career.

Any questions see the individual who sent darwin the telegraph.

DARWIN SAID THAT SOB

in one paragraph he licked the origin of species

Are atheist perceived negatively no same with pagans agnostics and all the other various religions who hold vast common ground

the negativity is when people open their mouth to promote their ideological rhetoric and religion. Not grasping the topic at hand.

Of particular note are the atheists who can often be seen celebrating pagan rituals digitally on their social media outlets

Having a conversation with them throughout time is anecdotal. However most people who call themselves atheist typically don't hold much understanding of science or religion.

The cosmos its a vast universe

To declare they are omnipotent

Is ironic

Most people might be shocked to find out how little of their thoughts are even their own they've NEVER sat in Silence, contemplating existence in deep thought.

they've moved from one moment to the next instinct clarification Always being told what to think what does say what to do

People can talk about taking drugs and going on excursions, those are called drug tourists

The shaman's will freely admit they are glorified janitors, cleaning up human fecal matter and vomit from the drug tourists

That these drug tourists don't portray the requirements necessary for that type of exploration

They go through a booking agency pay their fee, enter into a room and exit through the gift shop, with a tshirt.

Humans are exceptionally comfortable in their environment it just means they have created an entirely artificial environment.

Most have lost their connection to nature and their ancestors

Is "Atheist" perceived negatively?

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pinniped1@reddit

You lost me with a lot of that. But the negative perception depends on how religious the other person/people are.

"Agnostic" is code for "you do you, I'll do me, and I don't want to talk about religion."

"Atheist" is more like "you're wrong and I'm ready to debate it with you right now."

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SeawolfEmeralds@reddit

The both have distinct definitions in no way are they what is listed above.

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ComfortableRepeat663@reddit

It’s just not necessary in northern, urban areas to mention atheist, because people don’t routinely ask you what your religion is - it’s considered intrusive.

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NetFu@reddit

Atheist, as believing there is no God or higher power, is challenging to any religious person. Agnostic, as basically saying you do not know one way or the other, is less negative or challenging.

As a person raised religiously (Lutheran, not the evangelical sect), I can and do disagree with an atheist for many reasons, but I can't really "disagree" with an agnostic. Like it or not, telling anyone that you are an atheist is off-putting *unless* they are also an atheist or agnostic. Anyone you know is an atheist, you suddenly have to gauge anything you talk to them about related to religion, holidays, etc.

It's not that I find muslims offensive, but if someone tells me they have never eaten pork because they are muslim, I'll remember that and adjust what I brag about with my weekend BBQ if it involved pork. You know, like that, but if you're an atheist, anything related to anything religious, I'd just have to remember you probably don't want to hear it or it won't mean anything to you.

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oakpitt@reddit

Atheism is perceived negatively by most Americans. We thought a black man couldn't be president. We think a woman can't be president. It's doubtful that a Jewish person could be president. It's incredibly unlikely that an LGBT person could be president. It is truly impossible for an admitted atheist to be president.

Given time and the right circumstances most of these conditions could be overcome except one. It will take at least decades before an overtly atheist politician could be president. I've heard that somewhere an elected official is an atheist but I don't remember where. All the other scenarios have many choices that might reach the presidency.

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baalroo@reddit

Depends on where you are. Where I live, yes, it is very much perceived negatively. Overall, we are perceived quite poorly, but there are pockets of more liberal areas where this is less true.

When sampling the US population, atheists are considered on par with rapists when it comes to how trustworthy the average American considers us.

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/02/anti-atheist#:~

Where I live, it's completely commonplace to hear people speak very openly about their hatred and disgust towards atheists and atheism. Even in my last job in a white collar IT office environment, I would hear coworkers talking very negatively about atheists and non-christians completely and entirely unprovoked maybe once or twice a month on average.

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apt_get@reddit

Nebraskan here. I wouldn't say that atheism is something I hear talked about all that much, but I know it would go over like a lead balloon around here. Ironically, no one really gives a shit whether you go to church. Atheism is just too closely associated with educated liberal city-dwellers, thus it's much more acceptable to simply say you're not religious and leave it at that.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

When sampling the US population, atheists are considered on par with rapists

Lmao

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JayNotAtAll@reddit

Depends on where you live and who your crowd is.

In big cities you are more likely to find people who are atheists. That's not to say that there aren't religious people in the city. There just are also a lot of atheists and different types of people in general. You can certainly find your crowd.

Small towns have atheists too but they are likely more closeted. Small towns tend to be more religious and oftentimes the church is a community center so almost everyone goes to one of the churches. You will be ostracized if you come out as atheist.

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Slow_Strawberry2252@reddit

Ya- a lot of frustrated intellectually stunted people in the USA and they will cling to their superstitions but you see it everywhere….

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NumerousAnybody@reddit

Yes. Atheist has the image of sweaty internet people pick fights with people. Usually only people who are actively anti religion call themselves atheist.

Wadsworth_McStumpy@reddit

In my experience, saying you're an atheist is pretty much the same as naming any religion.

If you're asked, and that's your answer, nobody cares much.

If you're not asked, and you feel the need to tell someone anyway, that's a bit weird.

If you're actively preaching it to people who don't want to hear it, that's just rude.

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Learned_Barbarian@reddit

No.

Atheists tend to think they're the smartest people in the room, and there are a lot of them - particularly in coffee shops and community colleges.

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Learned_Barbarian@reddit

No.

Atheists tend to think they're the smartest people in the room, and there are a lot of them - particularly in coffee shops and community colleges.

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HalcyonHelvetica@reddit

Most people will just say they aren’t religious. Affirmatively claiming that you're an atheist tends to lead people to assume you're more hostile to religion as opposed to indifferent or just non-practicing. There's a subset of religious people who have a major martyr complex and will view atheists negatively since they perceive them as hostile.

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Comediorologist@reddit

Totally. I had been married for a couple years when my wife and I realized that we had different definitions of atheist. She's nominally religious, and she knew I didn’t believe in anything spiritual, but one time I described myself as an atheist in front of her mother and she freaked out. Not because it was supposed to be a secret, but rather because she seemed to think atheists claimed to know there is no God. She seemed mollified when I explained that it simply means I don't think God exists.

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gharok13@reddit

I think technically athiests affirm there is no god, while agnostics believe its impossible to prove either way.

Ive heard some people describe themselves as 'agnostic athiests' to delineate they dont think theres a god but they cant prove it one way or the other.

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Mysteryman64@reddit

It's a two axis grid.

You have Gnostic to Agnostic on one axis and this determines whether or not they "know" God exists or not. Gnostics believe you can, agnostics believe you can't.

On the other axis, you have theist to atheist. One chooses to act as though god(s) do exist, one chooses to act as though they don't exist.

The vast majority of the world fall into the camps of either Gnostic Theists (people who believe they know god(s) exist and choose to act as though they do), or Agnostic Atheist (Don't know whether god exists or not, but choose to act as though they don't.)

Then there are agnostic theists who are frequently mostly just religious for cultural reasons or because they've signed into Pascal's Wager that its the safer bet.

And probably the smallest crowd are gnostic atheists who believe they have proof that there is no divine power. Even most agnostic atheists don't tend to like them, because their arguments are usually not particularly sound.

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Clever_plover@reddit

Ya, it almost seems many people confuse atheism (lack of belief in god) with anti-theism, or a belief system that is certain there is no god.

That’s my experience. There’s folks that just don’t believe and are low key about it. There are others that are distinctly hostile to religion and will let you know.

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Clever_plover@reddit

That’s my experience. There’s folks that just don’t believe and are low key about it. There are others that are distinctly hostile to religion and will let you know.

That's my exact experience with people and their personal religion/belief system as well. It's almost like that is a more universal human condition you are describing vs the way an atheist would act!

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shelwood46@reddit

I am atheist enough to be mildly annoyed when the cashier at the supermarket tells me, "Have a blessed day," but socially intelligent enough to never beef with her because can you even imagine what an asshole move that would be, just take my receipt and go it won't kill me.

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LA_Nail_Clippers@reddit

Yeah that’s my experience as well. I tend to just say “I’m not religious” and most people leave it at that. Sometimes I’ll share more specific details if they’re genuinely curious and not just looking for a fight.

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Maester_erryk@reddit

My approach as well. My boss and one of my close co-workers are pretty Christian and it rarely comes up I just say I'm not religious

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JakeVonFurth@reddit

There's a subset of religious people who have a major martyr complex and will view atheists negatively since they perceive them as hostile.

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broadfuckingcity@reddit

They're not the same thing. You could believe in a god or gods while not participating in a particular religion, and there are also religions that do not necessarily involve or require the belief in a god.

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rawbface@reddit

I only mean that "saying" you're either one is essentially the same thing. Because someone asking for your religious affiliation is not necessarily privy to the full scope of your beliefs. Semantically, you're right.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

That's pretty much the same thing, as far as not believing in any god.

I know. I've just heard that "not religious" is perceived less negatively and wanted to get confirmation on reddit.

it's rare (and voluntary) to enter into any sort of theological debate

Exactly why I came to a semi-anonymus social media to ask the question.

Thanks!

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Jazzlike-Basket-6388@reddit

Like others said. Plenty of people are "not religious" or agnostic and it's kinda whatever. Christianity is the most common religion here and Christians believe in free will. But from my experience, people that call themselves atheists tend to be far more disruptive and disrespectful.

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gujwdhufj_ijjpo@reddit

I have personally never seen anyone but an atheist strongly care about my religious beliefs. That atheist was a Highschooler.

That and the odd Mormon that knocks on my door but they leave after 10-20 seconds and have always been nice.

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streetcar-cin@reddit

atheists are like vegans. Most are fine, it’s the one that have to tell you their beliefs tend to be jerks

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benjpolacek@reddit

As a practicing Roman Catholic, I will say that even I still have a bit of this gust at the term, even though I know plenty who are don’t have anything against them and to be honest, I can understand why people go that route, but I still have that kind of childish reaction to it. However, I’ve grown up enough to realize that atheist and Christian are not synonyms for good or bad as I know plenty of wonderful atheist, and plenty of people who which count is true Christians, but are not very good people it’s called common sense.

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Sabertooth767@reddit

Every group except Jews and atheists themselves rated "atheists" more cooly than "agnostics" and "nothing in particular."

https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2014/07/16/how-americans-feel-about-religious-groups/

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

That's a very interesting study; thanks for linking it. That is actually even worse than I thought. Damn

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Rabidmaniac@reddit

It’s worth noting that by far the most common form of Judaism in America is Reform Judaism, which while technically theistic, is entirely compatible with atheism and agnosticism. I would go as far as to safely say that a majority of reform Jews are effectively atheistic or agnostic, yet still define themselves as Jewish due to strong cultural or communal ties.

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doyathinkasaurus@reddit

I’m a British atheist Jew, but research by Pew showed that in the US Jews are twice as likely to be atheist than the general public

About a quarter of Jews (26%) say they believe in God as described in the Bible, compared with more than half of U.S. adults overall (56%) and eight-in-ten Christians.

Jews are more likely than U.S. adults overall (50% vs. 33%) to say they believe in some other spiritual force or higher power, but not in God as described in the Bible.

Jewish adults also are twice as likely as the general public to say they do not believe in any kind of higher power or spiritual force in the universe (22% vs. 10%)

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/05/13/jews-in-u-s-are-far-less-religious-than-christians-and-americans-overall-at-least-by-traditional-measures/

And also in the UK

Only a third of Jews living in the UK have faith in God, as described in the Bible, yet ‘non-believers’ make up more than half of paid-up synagogue memberships, according to data from the JPR National Jewish Identity Survey

The results show that one in three Jews believe in God – about the same proportion YouGov found in the general population.

In the Jewish case, more than half (56%) of paid-up synagogue members do not believe in God, and nearly two in five Jewish atheists belong to a synagogue

https://www.jpr.org.uk/insights/belonging-without-believing-british-jewish-identity-and-god

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Maquina_en_Londres@reddit

I think you're misunderstanding the data.

Over 50% of people picked said "no opinion". A majority of people just truly from the bottom of our hearts, don't care.

That's what tolerance means. Being able to say "you do you, have fun" to things that are none of your business.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

I do understand. 50% is low though

Do you just talk to strangers about religion all the time where you come from? We just have politeness mores that we follow where it's not polite to discuss religion with just any and everybody.

I was mostly joking, I know 3-4 vegans only one is preachy about it.

I feel the same way with atheists, I don’t think anyone minds if you are or even state that you are, but if they feel the need to give a speech on the failures of religion anytime you pass a church— they may be judged annoying.

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sierranotserena@reddit

The US is a heavily christian country, so not being religious can cause judgement. In the south i've gotten a lot more people comment on my atheism, while in the north it almost never even came up in conversation.

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Brave_Speaker_8336@reddit

Not at all where I am, most people I’ve met in college probably are not religious and would refer to themselves as atheist. I’d think that if anything, being religious is perceived to be a slight negative

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ComesInAnOldBox@reddit

It depends, really. Some people have a negative connotation with it, others don't. You'll be looked at as a heathen by one household, and welcomed by the next.

Overall, though, the label of "atheist" does carry a bit of extra baggage with it thanks to a select group of notorious loud-mouthed atheists that go out of their way to be complete assholes to anyone who displays even the slightest hint that they might be of the Christian persuasion. These are the kind of douchebags that if someone says "thank God for that" as a simple turn of phrase, they'll jump all over the person who said it with an almost fanatical fervor. Some folks call these idiots "evangelical atheists," and they make up an extreme minority of actual atheists, but they're also the loudest and unfortunately color the rest of the crowd for everyone else.

It's for this reason you'll get people identifying as "not religious" or "agnostic" instead of "atheist," because they don't want to be lumped in with those dickheads.

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Clever_plover@reddit

Agnostic and atheistic are not the same thing either though.

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ComesInAnOldBox@reddit

I know. And so do the people who claim it instead of atheist. That's the whole point.

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OscarGrey@reddit

Overall, though, the label of "atheist" does carry a bit of extra baggage with it thanks to a select group of notorious loud-mouthed atheists that go out of their way to be complete assholes to anyone who displays even the slightest hint that they might be of the Christian persuasion.

Yes, religious right hasn't been pumping out anti-atheist propaganda since like the 90s. /s

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ZaphodG@reddit

I'm an atheist. I'd never announce that in a social setting in real life. My sister died a week ago. When it came up, I informed people her memory care facility, her executor, and the funeral home that she was an atheist so there would be no religious funeral and no viewing or wake. Medical autopsy and cremation, please. I'll pay the up-charge for the nicer box for the ashes.

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TriforceShiekah16@reddit

So long as you don't do anything cringe like move the Bibles to the fiction section at the bookstore you'll be fine.

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RandomPerson_7@reddit

I mean, when I hear "I'm an atheist," I immediately associate you with assholes that hate anything to do with religion because they have issues with authority. They will make wild statements asserting belief systems on people they barely know and try to immediately build a strawman out of every statement you make.

When I hear "I'm not religious," I think that you have considered religion, but think that it's not something you have faith in, but you aren't going to attack someone else for their belief system.

Basically, it define how much of an unreasonable dickhead your going to be about it and whether or not the subject should ever be brought up with you.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

I understand and respect your opinion and experience, yet I just want to ask you to try not to be so negative about it until they provide you with a factual reason to be that. The US is the country of immigrants, and in many countries the terms "atheist" and "not religious" are used interchangeably. What I'm trying to say that often those who say they're atheists simply say so because they don't know another term to describe it and arent aware of the attitude of the stereotypical 'atheist'

tl;dr if someone says they're an atheist, it's not necessarily that they're an asshole

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RandomPerson_7@reddit

And what I'm saying is that words are cultural and just using the same word you've always used to describe yourself might associate you with some people you wouldn't want to be associated with.

Think of it like saying you're a communist around an old folks home in America. A lot of people will immediately associate you with the regimes that stole food, abused citizens, hoarded wealth, and threatened nuclear war, even if you meant you just want some Star Trek post scarcity utopia where everyone gets everything they want for free.

You’re going to get extremely biased answers here on Reddit, which leans younger and less religious than the rest of the population. If I’m talking to someone I don’t know very well, I just say I’m not religious. Some people definitely see atheism as extreme, especially in certain areas of the country

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

You’re going to get extremely biased answers here

NeuroticKnight@reddit

Trump is shameless and is afraid of no one, but even he pretends to be a Christian, though it is empty and everyone knows it, USA just needs someone to be religious at least politically, though for everyday life it isn't so hampering.

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GodzillaDrinks@reddit

Very much situationally dependent. Most of the time, you're probably okay, particularly if you aren't loud about it.

But there are fairly large parts of the US that are basically owned and operated by Fundies/Evangelicals (Read: Christian Cultists) and they can get nasty. They don't usually jump to violence, but they have been known to participate in either committing or at least covering up the occasional hate crime.

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snarkypant@reddit

In Texas you cannot be elected to office if you are an atheist. And to join the Elks club, you have to state that you believe in a god.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

Is the office thing just de jure, or de facto?

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snarkypant@reddit

Honestly don’t know. The idea of a religious test for office would always nope me right out of there. And in my district/county, there’s no way anyone could be elected if they couldn’t put their “charter member of God’s Favoritest Church Home, LLC, on the posters.

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snarkypant@reddit

“Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 4 of the Texas Constitution states that no religious test can be required to hold office in the state. It also prohibits the exclusion of anyone from holding office based on their religious beliefs, as long as they acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being.”

So mayyyybe an agnostic could do it, holding their nose and crossing their fingers, but an atheist willing to bend over on that point? I sure wouldn’t.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

as long as they acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being.”

Wow. That's like straight-up discrimination based on religious beliefs on the highest jurisdictional level possible.

... would a pastorianin, a follower of Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster cut it?

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Rough-Driver-1064@reddit

Of course it is, any reasonable or obviously correct position is perceived negatively in Cheeto Land.

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Naive-Beekeeper67@reddit

Depends where you live and type of people you mix with. I'd say.

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pickleops@reddit

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/in-atheists-we-distrust/

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Level_Criticism_3387@reddit

Theological noncognitivist on the streets

Synaps4@reddit

Are you atheist or are you agnostic?

An atheist has a positive opinion that god does not exist, and often wants to tell other people about that.

An agnostic doesn't know one way or another, and so isn't trying to convert anybody.

Ehhh well, it depends on where you go irl(and online tbh) in my experience, some people are quick to pull up 2010's Athiests and act like that's how all Athiests are. I've had experiences where people were judgemental, and experiences where people weren't bothered by it at all.

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Internal_Flamingo_38@reddit

Depends on where you are; in some parts of Brooklyn, not at all, in other parts of Brooklyn, very much so!

Not to me.

I don't understand how it's possible to not be aware of a higher power, but I'm sure atheists don't understand how I could have a lifelong concept of God, and that's fine.

I fell out of religion in the late 00's when I was in college at the height of what I now hear referred to as the 'new atheist' movement... Hitchens, Dawkins, Harris, and a whole bunch of YouTubers.

When I see people holding Atheism as a core identifier, I see it as a red flag.

The communities split and veered towards far right and far left. I'm so thankful I came to my senses. Every time I hear someone leading with Atheism, it reminds me how close I got to falling down the gamergate, alt-right pipeline and I cringe so fucking hard.

If you gave me a form with a whole bunch of religions and both non-believer and atheist were on there, I'd probably pick atheist... But I wouldn't say it out loud.

I just don't really talk about religion... It's not a big thing, and I don't insert myself in it. If asked about religion, I'd answer with values I hold. Things I actually believe in, like freedom of choice, autonomy, caring for each other, and kindness... Pressed, I'd say non-believer.

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softabyss@reddit

Being an “Atheist” is cringe to me. I think its better to just say yr not religious, more mature.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

As a non-American, I feel exactly the opposite. Not objecting to anything; just interesting how the culture is different

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botulizard@reddit

I think that identifying oneself as an Atheist lost a lot of its appeal in the last ten years or so, mostly because of obnoxious and annoying "New" or eventually "Reddit" Atheists- embarrassing nerds who made calling yourself atheist terminally uncool by being both elitist and evangelical about it.

There was a time when every pseudointellectual, actually-it's-a-trilby-wearing-ass dickhead on the internet fancied himself a genius among morons because he stopped believing in god(s). I myself was caught up in it for a short time, but luckily, I grew the fuck up.

Now I just say "not religious", or "I grew up Catholic". The latter is especially useful because it allows me to sidestep the tremendous guilt I felt for calling myself atheist, guilt of course felt because I grew up Catholic.

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mklinger23@reddit

To most people, no. To most people over 65, yes.

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ruat_caelum@reddit

How true is that?

It's a big deal. While "protected by law" from being fired etc. It happens all the time in the bible belt etc.

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GlassAngyl@reddit

Atheist is perceived negatively by religious ppl. Religion is perceived negatively by atheists. Stop over thinking it.

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Time_Garden_2725@reddit

I would never hold that against anyone.

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Arcaeca2@reddit

I don't think many people would care if you just don't believe in God or don't go to church.

My perspective is biased by living in the rural south all my life, but Christianity is still "the default" here and people assume that unless you are presenting something else. And the something else is generally perceived as an invitation to try and convert you or make Christian comments to try and open a conversation so they can attempt to convert you.

I use “not religious” too. I even knew a woman who said she was fine with me not being religious, but could never be with an atheist, because they’re evil. (Not the only screw she had loose.)

But I use that not in deference to bigots, but to defy them. I don’t have to go around defining myself by a disinterest in baseball, or a skepticism of astrology. Why should I define myself by the absence of sharing in somebody else’s pet fantasy?

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mellemodrama@reddit

I assume everyone's an atheist these days

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3mptyspaces@reddit

Though I believe in zero gods, I don’t call myself an atheist because I truly don’t care if anyone else does. Self-titled atheists can have an energy I don’t like any more than the equal and opposite energy.

To me, atheism can be as much as a religion as the traditional ones. My position is that I choose not to participate in any of it.

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Rumpelteazer45@reddit

It depends on where you live. Near major cities no big deal. Rural areas different story.

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zaxxon4ever@reddit

Yes. It is perceived negatively most of the time.

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Sea-End-4841@reddit

There are few groups trusted less in America than atheists.

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FormerlyUserLFC@reddit

I’m not religious means “I don’t care to talk about it”.

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Current_Poster@reddit

I hear a lot of things (from atheists) that I find hard to believe.

So, assuming they're not lying (there's nothing in it for them to do that), things must be different in other parts of the country.

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Rhomya@reddit

To me, yes, because I’m probably going to get an edgy lecture on how me being Lutheran is ruining the world.

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rsta223@reddit

Nah, unless you're evangelical, in which case your religion kinda is ruining things.

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SatanicCornflake@reddit

Depends on where you are, but for the most part today, I don't think so. I'm a atheist. It has come up a few times, people trying to get me to their religion or talk about it assuming I must be Christian. I personally used to be a Christian and when I run into people from back then, they'll either ask or assume I still "practice."

The reaction is usually concern or something, but it's never been judgement, though once in a while someone will try to debate you on things. Gun to my head, Muslims specifically are marginally more accepting about it in my experience, though they'll be more fervent with trying to convince you occasionally.

Ornery-Philosophy282@reddit

Depends entirely where one is.

When Iived in the south I called myself a "bad Christian" who doesn't attend church. Because in the smaller towns not being a Christian is about the worst thing one can be. To save myself scorn and ill-treatment, I didn't reveal my lack of belief.

In California, where I live, people respect atheism and I can be open about it.

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115machine@reddit

Depends on where you live. I am from the rural south and wouldn’t dare use the term “atheist” to describe myself if it’s with people I care to maintain relationships with. “Atheist” is practically a slur here. I remember once when I was in college, a professor had an assignment due immediately after Easter break and my dad said “that man is an atheist” like it was an insult.

I describe myself as “non religious” if it comes up. Amongst younger folks it doesn’t seem to matter but older adults (50+) react in a way that you can tell they don’t like it.

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mwhite5990@reddit

The people most likely to care are your family, especially when it comes to attending holiday masses, getting married in the church, or getting your kids baptized.

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zamth0sss@reddit

In Colorado it doesn't matter at all. You go to texas or Georgia then id avoid the topic entirely.

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akiraokok@reddit

I lived in a religious rural area and I had people tell me they're so sorry my sibling is an atheist. But I don't think that's specific to America.

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No_Entertainment1931@reddit

Urban? No.

Rural? Possibly. But frequently people just shut up about it and mind their business.

Rural South? You best get right with jesus, son

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Leucippus1@reddit

It certainly carries a stigma.

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Groundbreaking_Bus90@reddit

As an athiest southerner, it doesn't affect my day to day life. But when people do find out, they're very judgemental. I usually don't tell anyone else I'm really close with them. I'll never tell my grandparents 🤣.

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Groundbreaking_Bus90@reddit

As an athiest southerner, it doesn't affect my day to day life. But when people do find out, they're very judgemental. I usually don't tell anyone else I'm really close with them. I'll never tell my grandparents 🤣.

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dm_me_kittens@reddit

Jesus christ, I'd love for religion to never come up.

I live in the deep south and that Jesus fucker is everywhere. Only people very close to me (son, partner, close friends who don't live around me) know, because otherwise it could be a detriment.

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c4ctus@reddit

Here in the deep south, absolutely. It's not enough to be Christian. You have to be the right flavor of Christian. When I still attended church, I was constantly told by baptists or church of Christ that I was going to burn in hell because I was Lutheran. I pretty much get the same reaction now that I am agnostic.

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MaskedFigurewho@reddit

The term itself means "Does not believe in a diety". Unfortunately, however, a lot of pseudo intellectuals and Narcassist believe the term means "Scientist."

They believe that "Not believing in a diety" makes them all knowing keepers of science and knowledgeable pursuits. People who fit the caricature of "Brian Griffin" from family guy. Who think they are better and above everyone but are really just arrogant idiots.

So, simply not believing isn't the thing that people dislike. Any Christian will try to befreind you if they think you have yet to be converted. Simply saying you do not believe in any diety is ATHIESM. It's just a lot of people do not know what ATHIESM is.

So people pretend they know anything about science by using ATHIESM as a front. I knew someone who had a 4 year degree in environmental science and was believed in Athiesm.

Apparently, that made him a qualified psychiatrist because he would go around diagnosing people against their will. Which made it hard to talk around them because it risked you being diagnosed.

Oh, you just can not organize stuff because you have ADD, or Oh, you are so autistic it's so funny. Then go tell everyone about their diagnoses of people and saying "No one can debate me. I have a bachlors in environmental science. I know everything, and I'm Athiest. Look at my genuis. "

These are the type of people who often take up the label and it's really makes the group look obnoxious. Since that isn't even what Athiesm mean. So people equate Athiesm to being a complete knob.

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FalloutRip@reddit

It really depends - where you are, who's asking, how you say it, etc.

In general Atheist tends to carry more of an aggressive anti-religion connotation more than Agnostic. That strong connotation may turn people off more strongly, because they're wary they're about to get a lecture about how religion is the root cause of all of Earth's problems.

Rural areas tend to be much religious. Again, won’t be helpful.

Totally common to just not talk about your religious beliefs too in America.

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Maquina_en_Londres@reddit

Most people don't care in the South either.

Liberal America wayyyy overestimates the religiosity of conservative America.

Most people wanna talk about food, sports, sex, clothes, and gossip basically everywhere on earth.

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beenoc@reddit

From the rural south - at least around here, you're right that pretty much nobody is going to actively seek out atheists to righteously debate them, but they're right in that if they found out you were an atheist they'd definitely look at you differently, in the same way they'd do it if you said you were gay or trans. Not necessarily worse (though if you were trans, definitely worse), but certainly differently.

Source: Am an atheist in the very rural, deep-red south (and have heard what some of my coworkers and neighbors have to say about gay people and "transgenders or transvestites or whatever they're calling themselves now" - their words, not mine.)

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OscarGrey@reddit

Liberal America wayyyy overestimates the religiosity of conservative America.

The same way that conservative America wayyy overestimates the wokeness of liberal America.

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Crafty-Photograph-18@reddit (OP)

Totally common to just not talk about your religious beliefs too in America.

That's exactly what I've been doing the last 3 years. Just wanted to confirm everything I've overheard about religion in America

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Cheap_Coffee@reddit

That's a hard question to answer as most of the self-proclaimed atheists I've met would better be described as anti-religious.

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Kgb_Officer@reddit

Depends entirely where you are and the company you're around. My cousin and I are atheist, but growing up in a very rural Midwest town, probably as Bible thumping as you could be outside the Bible belt, we never admitted it for years because I was worried about admitting it.

Now I'm open about it if asked, but the number of comments I still get from extended family members about how they hope I come back to Jesus some day, or they'll pray for me, is astounding. I don't know entirely if they view me negatively or just think I'm "lost", I don't know but either way isn't positive.

However I've moved to a more urban area (smaller city) and I know a handful of people of all beliefs/lack of.

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1200multistrada@reddit

I've found that not talking about religion or politics has never offended anyone I've ever met.

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CupBeEmpty@reddit

Heh, as the local Catholic crank then yes. You should convert and find faith.

As a generalized American, no. It has been decades since being atheist was scandalous or even noteworthy. The only annoying bit about atheists are the online ones that are smug and condescending with little to no basis in history or theology.

These days being an out and out “atheist” is no more worrisome than admitting you are a “devout Catholic.”

You might say “not religious” just to spare some folks feelings but most atheists aren’t “anti religious” just “non religious” which is by and large just fine in US culture.

So long as you aren’t shitting on people with faith then it is just fine.

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xERR404x@reddit

Heh, as the local Catholic crank then yes. You should convert and find faith.

If I do, will my clothes stop smoldering every time I’m within 500 ft of a church? :P

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CupBeEmpty@reddit

Can’t guarantee it but maybe.

nskaats@reddit

I think a lot of it is because of atheists themselves. Anymore, they're like vegans. They just can't wait to find a way to tell you all about it and be as condescending as possible. Its really off-putting to most people if you cram it in their face and tell them how stupid they are for not adhering to your belief.

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Gatodeluna@reddit

As many others have said, it all depends on who/what you live in the middle of. As others have also said, telling people you’re an atheist or agnostic is no different than announcing you’re a Christian in-neon-lights, so both are unnecessary and potentially offensive to their opposite. If someone needs to announce to me they’re Christian, I’m very comfortable saying ‘I’m not.’ With a grin. And ‘I lean toward paga, though😊.’

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Livvylove@reddit

I personally won't tell anyone older than me because they tend to be religious.

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forgotwhatisaid2you@reddit

People are not usually outwardly hostile to you because you are atheist. It does matter to a lot of people though. More so in small town areas. Churches function as social clubs and members help each other with jobs and such. Religious people are the ones that usually bring religion up because many believe they are commanded by God to bring you to their religion. I have never met a belligerent atheist in the wild but have seen religious people harassing people about their religion. There are people that are hostile towards religion but mostly keep it to themselves except on the Internet. A lot of that hostility comes from trauma they experienced at the hands of religious figures in their past. I am an atheist but not the kind that gets angry when I sneeze and someone says God bless you.

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AmbitiousBad178@reddit

Being from a southern state and only having lived in the south… I have certainly caught flak for being non-religious. Lots of “how could you not believe” and lots of “you’re going to hell, y’know”.

Unfortunately, religion is a big conversation piece in the south and drives a lot of day to day happenings.

Depends on where you are.

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Karfedix_of_Pain@reddit

Is "Atheist" perceived negatively?

It really kind of depends on the context.

Broadly speaking the US is still pretty religious. Political candidates have to all at least pretend to be religious. I don't know if an openly atheist candidate would do too well.

And it wouldn't be unheard-of for somebody to mention that they were going to church on Sunday. Or maybe in some context ask you what church you go to.

But it doesn't really come up for me in my day-to-day conversations. I don't think any of my friends or co-workers have ever asked what my religion is. They may have picked up some hints through our conversations, but they've never asked directly or commented on anything.

No, freedom of religion (or not) is the American way.

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Bluemonogi@reddit

It depends.

I’m an atheist. If someone flat out asked me my beliefs I would tell them straight out. I don’t bring up religion and usually don’t get asked. I don’t think the majority of people care or they just assume people are like them. I’m pretty respectful of other people having different beliefs as long as they are not imposing those beliefs on others.

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Nodeal_reddit@reddit

Yes. I think so.

slim_slam27@reddit

Not really. I'm a Christian but I understand how people don't believe and it doesn't bother me. Some people are curious, want to know, and might convert, and some don't care/ don't want to know/ don't want to talk about it and either way it doesn't affect me or my perception of them.

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Sometimes. I use it as a screening method. If people take issue with it, id rather they left me alone.

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machagogo@reddit

By some yes. By most no.

It depends on your area, context, and more. From the other side, when I go to many university events or music events, I never say I’m religious because the negative stereotype it has.

In general, the flow in America is don’t ask, don’t tell. It’s a revolutionary concept, but if you just treat people kind, most don’t care. If anything, most Americans are apathetic about religion. They might go to church on Christmas or Easter and might pray should something super bad happen like a car crash or something super good like a wedding. In general though, the day-to-day American just wants to not be bothered.

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Salty_Dog2917@reddit

I don’t want to know your business. I don’t want to know what god you worship the same way I don’t want to know who you are sleeping with.

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MrLongWalk@reddit

I'm an atheist and it generally doesn't come up, when it does nobody cares.

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DullQuestion666@reddit

Atheist sounds militant. Like someone who is going to fight about religion.

Just saying you're not religious is less aggressive.

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ayebrade69@reddit

It’s a weird thing to announce randomly but it generally doesn’t matter otherwise

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Redbubble89@reddit

Like any religion, it's okay if they keep it to themselves. A Christmas tree or three words on money really shouldn't offend anyone. I don't really put up with religious victimhood of any kind especially in the US.

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bjanas@reddit

By some, yeah. People may look at you with anything from indifference, to pity, to revulsion.

I generally just try not to bring it up, even only moderately religious folks will often want to get into a discussion about it if they learn. "But how to you know that right and wrong is? What do you LIVE for?"

Most people won't really care, or we least have the good sense to not grill you on it. But it's often enough that people want to get into a debate, even if you emphatically say "hey, I don't have any problem with religion!", that it's usually advisable to steer clear.

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ibeerianhamhock@reddit

Doesn't come up and I'm an atheist. I do mention that I'm not particularly religious (as in not at all). It's a socially adept way of saying the same thing.

Saying you're religious is kind of oddly offputting to me...I cannot think of a single scenario where it's benefited a conversation to just about anyone.

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NArcadia11@reddit

If I was talking with someone about religion and they mentioned they were an atheist, I wouldn't think anything about it. If someone brought up that they were an atheist in a non-religious discussion, I would mentally prepare myself for them to be annoying and either try and convince me that religion is bad (I don't care about religion) or that they're somehow special and smarter than others for having this view. Pretty much the same way I would react to anyone mentioning their religious beliefs out of context lol.

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NotTheATF1993@reddit

It's all going to depend on where you're located. If you live in a small town in the south, it may be viewed as negative, but I doubt anyone will really give you a hard time about it or not be friendly with you because of it. Very rarely do I even have discussions on religion when I'm out and about

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L_knight316@reddit

"Internet/reddit atheist," Yes.

General, irl atheists, no.

Unless you're a Dawkins atheist, which reddit atheists would largely fall under

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