Do you think some people are working to fabricate a war between world's two main reliegons Christanity and Islam because these people post questions challenging both muslims and christans.Do you think Atheists(non believers) are gaining upper hand because of hatred they have created bettween the two faiths?They are dividing us who believe in God,Good over evil,Heaven and hell.Are these people are behind the theory  "clash of civilization"?What do you think.
213375
I think that as humans we learn by exchanging thoughts or beliefs.\nNo one can change how you think unless you are unsure of your own resolve.\n\nI honestly believe that satan uses mankind to try and achieve his purpose which is to alienate man from God.\n\nIf we are truly christian then we wont hate anyone.\nSomeone made a comment that bush had subdued the muslims.\nHow wrong you are.\nThey are very active and a very large part of religion.\nI am not one but I am aware of the large following they have. \nSo the short answer is NO people wont perform the clash of civilization by themselves but rather  with satans help they shall try and fail
551996
My question to you is this: Why did you not pose this question to everyone and only American Christians because you didn't give details on Whose households were used to answer. This is bias. Do you actually know who answered this survey and what group or individuals answered? I hope that you don't think believers only answered that. As a former atheist, I never told anyone what I belived and it wasn't out of fear and rejection. I believe that those who see atheists as the most distrusted group of people is because they seem to be the opposite of any thing that reliigous people belive in for instance some atheist are for abortion. Reliigous are against it. Some atheists are against homosexuality and gay marriages. Some Religious people are against. Some atheists are deadset on pushing evolution on anyone that's against it especially on this site. Stem cell research is another issue and some religious people are for it. Let's not forget how some atheists consistently oppose against religious rights. Not every christian want to destroy religious freedom and seek only one religon nor want others to believe as they do. IMO,Hell was created for a reason not every one wants to believe. There are unbelievers in the christian world that label themselves believers and straddle the fence. No one can be trusted if they want to impose their beliefs or non beliefs on any individual that have made theirs up. As for as I am concern atheists are in every group that you have listed such as Muslims,recent immigrants, homosexuals and minorities and let's not forget christians. Think about it!
160607
I agree with you Tory.\n\nThis situation is getting nuts all over because of a handful of people.\n\nMy sister teaches at a CATHOLIC school. She had her class make Easter Cards for their parents with religious pix from old Christmas cards, etc. and had them hang them on the wall.\n\nThe principal had her TAKE THEM DOWN because they were 'religious'!!!  \nAnd there were non-Catholic kids in the school!!??\nHello?? What is wrong with THAT picture?\n\nMy opinion with the Atheists....\nthey want every 'God' related word removed from our history, buildings, etc.\n\nWhat they fail to realize is their belief of non-belief is also represented -\non government buildings....any blank spot or wall ...\nrepresents the Atheist.\non our currency....the white blank border.....\nrepresents the Atheist.\nWhen we are finished saying our "Pledge of Allegiance" under Our God and we are silent for the 30 seconds following...that is for the Atheist!!\n\nGet my drift?\n\nTheir non-belief \nis very much represented \nin our Government!!
64985
Have you noticed that asking for human beings to simply love one another has caused other people to hate you?  You're going to get yourself killed by one of those "peace-loving" religious types if you are not careful.  Look at the examples set by other prophets; they get killed for saying let's be nice to each other.  Even if you are successful in bringing about world peace, some religious nut is going to say that you are the "anti-christ" and kill you.  The religious world does not want to hear your message.  The rest of us are already trying to live it.  Thanks for the good thoughts and try not to get killed for them.
290000
It's nice that you have found a way to put religious differences aside and focus on just plain loving everyone. I personally do not believe in a god, and choose not to belong to any religion, but I respect those who do as long as they respect me. Everyone is built differently, everyone thinks differently, we can't judge anyone on the way that they are. \nI think debating is healthy, as long as both sides respect eachother, it can be a learning experience. I wouldn't stop the debates, but I would stop people from putting down other peoples religions because they're different.
616502
I'm kind of puzzled about why you, as a self-described "non-religious person," would go into a site designed for religion and then ask this question.  I mean, aren't you asking why you're here, too?\n\nFor me, I think it's partly about education.  I'm not an Atheist, but I like that there are Atheists here, posting to the Religion & Spirituality board, because their POV is a part of the whole picture.  And everyone has a spiritual side, even if some people like to claim otherwise.\n\nIt's also partly about taking people down a notch when they get really smug.  That's petty, I know, but some of the so-called "Christians" on this site\nseem to spend a lot of time asking questions that are designed to just make them feel better about themselves, and that does breed resentment.  Especially when they wrap their prejudices up in the guise of piety, which I see a lot of.\n\nAnd, yeah, partly it's out of a resentment of the damage that religious fundamentalists seem to be doing in this country and the world.  And in a sense that's not fair, because the real damage is being done by leaders and fanatics, but then in a sense it is fair, because a part of the way they do this damage is through the voters, and that's all of us.
201453
I've often asked the same question. I suppose religion feeds our sense of spirituality and gives us "answers" to what happens to us after we die. But I think religion has caused, and will continue to cause, wars and other trouble. People should try setting aside their differences in religion and just work together. Besides, I think that religion is personal. It's what you personally believe. And atheists don't cause hatred, the term simply means they do not believe in any god whatsoever, that when you die, that's it. And I dislike those who always try to convert others. Just let people make up their own idea.
481642
I'm not  an atheist. But i can tell you this. This has been going on for years though. People getting mad over peoples beliefs.  Its not going to end ever because people can't accept if people belief systems are opposites there's. They have to show hatred. Which is totally UN called for.  They have do anything to make other people who do not want to believe  to believe in what they do. If you do this your usually are going to make people think your crazy. Then you push them farther away.People should mind there own business  if someones an atheist they can be an atheist is someone wants to be  a Jew Christian Muslim  or any other religion that's what they want that's what they will do. There has been wars over religions current and past. But  when all said in done people have the right to believe what they want to believe in. I'm not going to go up to an atheist make myself look crazy trying force Christianity upon them. People make up there's mines and stick to it most of the time.  Everyone is eqaul in my view not matter sexuality,race,and religion. I have total respect for people who go with something they believe in not what other people want them to believe in.
252443
Religions are fighting each other for the almighty DOLLAR.\nThe more believers you have the more you make.\nThe only truth they convey is guilt ,fear and false promises.
512863
yeah i agree, we are the only people that aren't crazy enough to start wars about our religion! these religious fanatics need to get a grip on reality..... if only they were not brainwashed and studied physics and quantum physics they would know that all that religion crap is LIES!!!!
317770
I'll smite you for misspelling atheist.  As for all the love directed towards us atheists, I just want to mention that a recent sociological study found that, as a human group, atheists are more significantly discriminated against in public life than any other human group, including those who are targeted most viciously by hate-groups.  That was an eye-opener, especially for someone like myself, who has not an iota of contempt for fellow human beings who believe.
599534
I am an atheist and any true atheist would not preach like that.  Those people are probably just looking for attention or they do not know what to believe so they chose to attack someone elses beliefs.  I generally stay out of the religion v. atheism  debate... although if anyone wants to talk about it I am happy to give them my reasons for my beliefs... but I will refrain from attacking them or their religion.  That is what a true atheist would do anyway.
481671
I am an atheist and yes, quite a few people have started thinking differently because of my conversation.  You need to know though that to bring someone out of being brainwashed takes in the very least, months, if not a few years.  What I talk about are how we are told something since birth, of course we're going to believe it.....then compare that to them being born somewhere else on the planet...IE: If you were born in Turkey you'd be muslim (example).  Then I talk about how it is impossibly for anyone to know (because it is) however that is usually an agnostic stand.....atheists are just pissed off agnostics.  lol.  I will give them books to read and help them understand that they dont' necessarily have to believe what they've been told and to seek out other beliefs and religions even.  The intelligent ones come around, the ones that live in denial never do......Simple mathematics, it will take a few hundred years to overcome what those in power use to keep themselves in power...... plain and simple.  be well, jack
336442
I read it....plus when you ask Questions about Jesus or God, what do you expect? Christians not to quote the Bible? Do you expect people not to defend themselves?\nChristians beleive in the word of God. \nSo the will stand by that word.\n\nWhen I post a question, that is not even about Atheism, Atheists post their opinion anyway, and it dosent bother me, I still read their contrbution and often apreciate it, when it is constructive. Everybody is entitled to their opinion whatever it may be.
579457
1. This question is posted many times every day.\n\n2. I realize that no one reads this when I just link to it, so here is my response to a previous version of this question:\n\nI believe that I have been nothing but courteous to the people of faith here. I openly deny their belief-system. They openly deny mine. That's fine. We have, however, engaged in some very respectful debate, much to the benefit (I hope) of both sides. I know that my beliefs have not changed, but my preconceptions about young-Earth Christians have been shattered by some of the people I have found here. I think that they are wrong, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debate with them without resorting to name-calling or rudeness.\n\nGranted, this requires an openness on both our parts. I think that their faith is "wrong." They think that my lack of faith is "wrong." This is where most people get hung up and debate can go no further. If someone disagreeing with you is "offensive," you're stuck. Once you accept this disagreement, you are quite free to exchange ideas. This is what I have found here (for the most part.)\n\nAs for why I spend so much time in the religion and spirituality forum, I see faith as playing a huge role in the lives of everyone in the world, be they moderate Muslims, fundamentalist Christians, Pagans, or Atheists like myself.\n\nIn my supposedly free country I see gays discriminated against due to faith. People who would never think of using the N-word openly hate and criticize homosexuals for what they are, not who they are. \n\nI see medical advances that could help millions of people stymied by arguments that have their basis in faith. Stem cell research could potentially ease the suffering of billions around the globe, but people of faith stand in the way.\n\nWe are currently involved in what may or may not be a holy war. This is an issue of faith.\n\nOur current government supports "faith-based initiatives" in what may be a breach of The Constitution itself.\n\nI know that faith helps people sleep at night. This doesn't undo the tremendous amount of suffering it has inflicted at every turn of history. \n\nI see faith as a problem, and would like to encourage people to put aside their myths and embrace reason. However, I realize that this is futile. As Jonathan Swift said, "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into."\n\nThat said, I think that Yahoo Answers provides a wonderful opportunity to try to see where other people are coming from. I disagree with the Christians (and Muslims and Pagans...), but I think it is very important for me to try to understand them. I would hope that they will try to understand me. Once we find some common ground and some mutual respect, we can truly start to talk about things.\n\nI hate the name-calling. The largest problem I have with religion is that it is divisive. I feel that this is the most important aspect of faith that needs to be removed from the equation. Name-calling is also divisive and does not fit into my attempts to act reasonably.\n\nI feel that I deny, but do not scoff. I embrace and enjoy open debate. I think that the things discussed here are important. I'd like to think that some of the things I have to say are pertinent. \n\nIf you want a place for only Christians (for example) to exchange ideas, there are plenty of places on the web for that. However, I think that this exclusion of other mindsets and worldviews does a disservice to those who would seek such a closed system.\n\nThat's why, as an atheist, I show up on the religion thread.
243268
i think you are right.... but remember not everyone believes in God so they would create evil in certain ways. Which would cause arguements which would cause fights which would cause war
259017
I think that a good portion of the Christians who ask and answer questions on this site seem to have bias. Which is fine, if they're asking a question that pertains to their religion. It stops making sense once they ask the 'non-believers' if we'll 'enjoy going to hell' and other such non-questions. But, I'll have to agree with you. Most of the Christan asked questions about the non-believers usually claim a close minded answer the 'best'. Which leads me to believe that they're just looking to justify their own opinions among their heard and are not actually looking to learn about how other people view the world. Thus leading me to the conclusion that people like that shouldn't bother wasting their question points on things like that. :)