Well im farther north, in Ohio. Plenty of open athiests here. And even weird things like wickens and pagans. I had one dude who was being a major jerk who kept showing off the 666 he had tattooed on the inside of his lip, and would write 666 on anything i left laying around. He was quite the atheist... Also dont mix up atheist with agnostics. I know many great agnostics. But if you lack all spiritual influence, then the only input you have is that of a human, which human ideals are completely flawed anymore to begin with...so... I have yet to meet an atheist who believed pre marital sex was wrong. Why, then they wouldn't be able to have a guilt free conscience is the only reason why.
If that rule there was followed, you would eliminate AIDS, and all other STD's after a few carefully watched generations. Abortion wouldnt be near as big of an issue. And insurance and medical would get a huge boost.... So outside of Christianity, it makes perfect sense, but its not fun so... Without a spiritual influence of law, the human mind based off of science functions only on "what feels good" and it places its priorities in such as to maximize that. There are exceptions of course. But that would be science explaining the function of the human mind in a nut shell. So to have someone in office who didnt have the "extra" laws, would be less likely to care about such things. Or many other things. If you get herpagonasiphilitis or some other STD or combo of them, you earned em.
I can see how you have to remain hidden a bit because your probably in the "Bible Belt". But I think that is one of the best places in America to be. But in your shoes I will agree they will be extremists down there. I have made a ton of Muslim friends, a few jewish ones, and some who I dont even have a clue who they worship. But I have yet to meet an atheist willing to be friends with a Christin here. Also consider our daily lives involve being different than what is normal. Abstaining from many of the things secular people find attractive.
And as far as I have seen from my old job, the atheists we blew through were the ones who could "care less". They didnt care if they wrecked a rider(the electric riding pallet jacks) or nailed product with the forklift. And it was a "curse free" environment for the most part, and they didn't care if they felt like cussing they would. I am more than open to meet someone who is atheist and hang out, play games, play sports. But jeeze...I am sorry, i really haven't met one yet who isn't a jerk. I am quite sure they arent all like that. You yourself may be an outstanding gentleman. But for the most part. I have seen nothing more a huge difference in moral conscience.
My only real issue with athiests is they are stripping other peoples rights. Such as "under God" in the pledge, trying to prevent Oboma from saying his statement. Using the term GD, as in Gosh Dang(but you know what I am getting at) which is an insult to Christianity. And some of our schools around here will make kids turn their shirts inside out or tuck in a necklace if its Christian. What the heck, is that your idea of equality?
I would say "most" atheists aren't into 666 (and don't believe in the devil) and def. would not tatoo that on their lip.
Sounds like an idiot, which of course there are many of those in all religions (and those without religion).
Most atheists follow the "do unto others as they would do unto you" / "Golden Rule" which is what I follow.
(This is not exclusive to Christianity but to many other religions as well)
I don't think pre-marital sex is wrong and not sure why most religious people are so "hung up" on sexuality.
In my past, just because I was an atheist, didn't mean I went around screwing everything that moved. I really don't care what people do as long as it doesn't hurt others.
If you've seen the most recent study on abstinence / purity pledges, you'll see that all of those who say they are going to abstain from sex until marriage, don't. They have as much sex as those who don't take a pledge.
In fact, those with abstinence only sex education are MORE LIKELY to have unplanned pregnancy, and more STDs.
There are also studies (one recent and I'd have to look it up if needed) that show the most single mothers / teenagers w/STDs are in the "red" states (most religious)
So so much for morality!
What atheists are stripping your rights?
The one guy who is trying to get "in God We Trust" off the money? (which wasn't there anyway until the 50's)...
same with the pledge:
"The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), a Baptist minister, a Christian Socialist, and the cousin of Socialist Utopian novelist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898). Bellamy's original "Pledge of Allegiance" was published in the September 8th issue of the popular children's magazine The Youth's Companion as part of the National Public-School Celebration of Columbus Day, a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's discovery of America, conceived by James B. Upham."
"Bellamy's original Pledge read, "I Pledge Allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all."
"In New York City on April 22, 1951, the Board of Directors of the Knights of Columbus adopted a resolution to amend their recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance at the opening of each of the meetings of the 800 Fourth Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus by
addition of the words "under God" after the words "one nation."
1954-
"Eisenhower opted to sign the bill into law on Flag Day (June 14, 1954). The fact that Eisenhower clearly had Docherty’s rationale in mind as he initiated and consummated this measure is apparent in a letter he wrote in August, 1954. Paraphrasing Docherty’s sermon, Eisenhower said:
These words [“under God”] will remind Americans that despite our great physical strength we must remain humble. They will help us to keep constantly in our minds and hearts the spiritual and moral principles which alone give dignity to man, and upon which our way of life is founded."
So, nobody seemed to have a problem with "under god" not being in it until the 1950's...
As far as being friends with Christians...as long as they're not preaching to me, I can be friends with anyone regardless of religioius beliefs.
I can almost guarantee anyone who met me (in the south especially) who found out I was an atheist would be shocked (due to their pre-conceived notions on atheists).
And what's the deal with some religious people who think atheists are devil worshippers? (which is odd, since we don't believe in the devil either)
