Myth: Atheism is Anti-Religion, All Atheists Hate Religion, Say Religion's Evil
Do Atheists Want to Ban Religion from Society? Do Atheists Hate Believers?
From: Austin Cline


Myth:
Atheism is anti-religion and atheists want to ban religion from society.



Response:
Atheists often criticize religion, so a perception develops that atheism must be anti-religious — but this is not quite true. Atheism is just the absence of beliefs in gods and can thus occur inside or outside the context of religion. Thus, an atheist might be devoutly religious, devoutly anti-religious, or completely apathetic with regards to religion — exactly as with theists. It all depends on the individual and what ideas, beliefs, or principles they have aside from atheism.

This particular myth is often used to depict atheists as inveterate and irredeemable enemies of religious theists. For this reason, it's helpful to keep in mind the fact that it's not uncommon for theists, including some religious theists, to criticize and even bash religion themselves.

There are for example people who consider themselves "spiritual," and even though spirituality isn't actually distinct from religion, they believe it is and that spirituality is "good" while organized religion is "bad" (such as intolerance, rigidity, and materialism). There are many liberal religious believers who criticize conservative and fundamentalist religion. There are conservative and fundamentalist Christians who argue that their beliefs are a "personal relationship with Jesus Christ" and not really a religion.
So does this mean that theism is anti-religion and theists are characterized by an absence of religious beliefs? Of course not. What it does mean is that there is no necessary or inherent correlation between theism and religion, or being a theist and being pro-religion. Although most theists are religious, with theism being part of a web of religious beliefs, some theists are not religious and their theism is part of a web of non-religious beliefs. Just because you are a theist doesn't mean that you have anything good to say about religion, religious beliefs, religious institutions, religious traditions, etc.

By the same token, just because many atheists criticize or attack religion, that doesn't mean that there is a necessary or inherent correlation between atheism and being irreligious or anti-religious. Although most atheists (at least in the West) may be irreligious, many atheists are religious — and for some, their atheism is part of some religious system. Here is a partial list of some religions which are explicitly atheistic (rejection of gods is openly promoted), implicitly atheistic (gods play no role, positively or negatively), or which come in atheistic as well as theistic forms: (Article Continues)

Great post GW! I think it basically says it all.

I thought so too. Thank you both, I'm glad you enjoyed the read. There are enough posts in this forum attempting to incite intolerance or attack on Atheism. The truth, often shuts that agenda down.

Yes, maybe instead of assuming things, people should stop and ask questions. Understanding is the first step to "love thy neighbour" and tolerance of others. You may not agree with their beliefs, but you will understand why they believe what they do and accept them for it.

truth often shuts a few agendas down. Not just the anti atheist posts. But agenda driven posting.

LOVE your siggy! That's awesome.

agenda's....ahhh.....good point True! That siggy kills me...is that a truethat original?

Another excellent post, GW.
I'm no longer an Atheist myself though. I like to be considered an Erisian Agnostic as of recently.
Nothing particularly interesting happened to cause the sudden change in beliefs. I just wanted a more fun title.

Not an original mule, lol. I've been saying it for years though. Don't know where I got it? Maybe SNL???

An Erisian Agnostic ?! That's positively discordian, though you just don't want to commit!

Very good post GW! It poses alot of interesting points that alot of religious people tend to get mixed up on.

Good points, GW. Atheists are varied in their opinions on religion, just as many Theists are varied on their opinions. When someone says that "all Atheists" hate religion, it's a generalisation, a gross stereotype. it is not necessarily representative of the whole Atheist community. However, there are Atheists that do hate religion and decry it any chance they get - there are some atheists that work to specifically rid the world of religion, or at the very least lash out against those who purport to follow a religion. These..... extremists..... are not representative of Atheism, anymore than Westboro is representative of Christianity. But unfortunately, just like Westboro, these types of Atheists do exist. And that says a lot about human nature, methinks.......

Regards, PA

I don't understand how the belief that there is no God, or any Gods, or higher entity as in atheism can still exist inside religion. Could you please elaborate on this GW. I always thought that Atheists believe in no higher creator, God, or whatever you call it. How can an Atheist be in any religion?

Yeah, they're really extremists for going against religion. A good atheist should just shut up, right?

Tell me... How is being against baby murdering, rape, genocide, slavery, discrimination, hatred, wars, intolerance, killing those who don't believe, torture and other items that go hand in hand with many religions... (actual facts) Make any atheist... Hell, anybody... An extremist?

Then what's this "representative" of atheism? What is that suppose to mean? It's amazing how you just spoke out against grouping atheists together but then you can lable others as "representatives" of atheism. A bit of an oxymoron. One atheists actions or deeds has no ill will on me regardless if they're atheist. Atheists aren't connected together like religious followers. We are each our own person with our own ideas, thoughts and practices.

Kratos, when I penned/typed that last message, I was thinking of the active atheists that would willingly beat me up for my belief in God (and yes, I have been threatened with violence just for holding a belief in God). These atheists are not representative of the larger atheist community (at least, I don't think they are). I wasn't referring to those atheists that simply question the Bible or Theism. I'm talking about those that actually HATE theists, and are willing to take extreme measures to ensure their point of view is heard. I'm talking about those people that actively try and destroy religion because they think that in their version of the world, life would be better without it. I'm talking about extremists, who take extreme actions and extreme points of view on the subject.

I apologise if that wasn't made clear in my post above.

And for the record, if you aren't happy with me stating an extremist as "not being representative" of atheism in general, then I would like the same courtesy extended to my belief. I would like you to refrain from using Westboro quotes of "God hates fags" as if this somehow is an indictment against my personal belief in a creator.

Regards, PA

So by that example all believers are extremists. Many religions preach loudly and proudly about killing infidels, non-believers and how the non-believers will be forever punished in some way. Granted two wrongs don't make a right... But the first wrong is already there.



...

Again, most believers are then extremists just by the actions of their own god that they claim did. Just in holy books alone by the actions of the top 3 most common religions in the west... There are many wonderful verses about wars, pushing out others who didn't believe and more. These verses are still true today by the actions of the past that these holy books claim.

You're throwing stones in a glass house.



Why? Unlike atheism, religious followers are bound together. Their actions that are based on scripture is going to reflect badly on the faith. Atheists are just like a race of people... You don't say all black people are criminals, do you? So you can't say that all atheists are good, bad or anything as a generalization. There are many bad and immoral atheists out there that are still atheists, no matter what I or you think. Though those atheists have no reflection back onto me in any form.

How am I an extremist????? Have i threatened violence upon anyone????? Have I paraded the streets with "God hates Fags" signs???? I have never done these things, yet by that example I am an extremist???? I don't get it, I really need clarification on this one.l

I'm not throwing stones of any kind, at houses or otherwise. I'm not attacking anyone. In fact, I'm agreeing with the thread premise, and of most discussion so far. I made a simple comment that atheist violence against theists is not a representation of what atheism is, but I acknowledged that it does happen. If this arguing is the kind of response I get from you when I try and support atheism, geez, I wonder how things would go if I were actually arguing against you.

Westboro does reflect badly on the wider community of Christians. However, that should not be the case. Christians continually speak out against this form of blatant extremism and violence, yet we are continually associated with these extremists. Atheists are not like a race of people, as you suggest. You can't change your race. I can't say "I don't want to be white anymore, I want to be Asian, so I can better fit in with my Asian church that I attend". Atheists on the other hand can and occasionally do change their beliefs. Atheists can become theists. I do understand what you are trying to say, but an extreme action carried out by atheists is going to reflect on the atheist community, whether you want it to or not. I was.... and this goes back to the original point of my posting in this thread...... simply stating that we should not judge a large group of people on the basis on the extreme actions of a small percentage of that group, and that goes for everyone.

Honestly, Kratos, I can't understand how this has become a heated debate of Christianity vs atheism, when the entire point of my post was to agree with the consensus so far.

Regards, PA

You don't? As I said before:

Many religions preach loudly and proudly about killing infidels, non-believers and how the non-believers will be forever punished in some way

Yet if an atheist wants to beat up a believer, they're an extremist... While believers are just believers... And not extremists. It's a double standard.



Sure you are. You're saying if an atheist does roughly the same thing any ol'believer does, they're an extremist. It's more then fine for believers of religions to preach against atheists to preach they should be murdered, tortured and more. Even christians believe this because it's in the bible that if you don't believe you go to hell... Hell no matter how you want to view it is a punishment for simply not agreeing with the book.

Fine... Agree with atheism all you want... But you're holding up a double standard to what extremists are.



Why not? God does hate fags... He kills them, has them ordered to be killed and he sends them to hell. If that's not hate, well I don't know what is.

It may reflect largly on atheists if an atheist does something bad, but in reality there's no basis for it unlike there is for when a believer does something based on their holy book.

Christianity vs atheism? I've been talking about many religions here. Yes, you may have... But I'm taking issue with the labeling of "extremists".

I'm not sure where you got that from. A believer that beats up non-believers or holds similar views IS an extremist. I have never claimed otherwise. I'm just saying that it's the same thing for atheists.

I never said that a believer should preach murder and torture and more against an atheist. That is extremism, and I challenge you to find where I stated differently. Or are you saying that because I believe God has called some to be in heaven and others not, then I am inflicting pain and suffering on non-believers, thus making me an extremist??? I think we hold different definitions of "extremist" then........

I'm not going to argue here whether God hates fags or not. I don't believe God does and I can back this up with scripture, but it will take us off topic. I hope I've fixed up any misconception you have about what I think about extremists - a Christian extremist is no different than an atheist extremist, and that's the point I've been making the entire time.

Fine then all believers who follow religions preaching against nonbelievers of that religion to be punished in someway is therefore an extremist.



Holding that view makes you an extremist then. If you're fine with your god punishing nonbelievers of your religion, that's no different then an atheist beating up a believer to be called an extremist.



Yet by your own words to say if someone wants to hurt someone or anything against another religion or belief, they're an extremist... Religions preach that so by your own words all believers are extremists just like the atheist who beats up believers.

Well, I was raised Atheist. So for me it wasn't a matter of being an Atheist inside any religion. However, if you conduct a Yahoo or Google search, for keywords like; Christian Atheist, as examples, you'll get a surprising number of hits. One would think Atheism is an all encompassing term, fitting to describe the anti-theist, (not anti as in militant opposition, anti in the context of "non" i.e. non-theist) generally. But that is not the case. Many that are raised in religions and find they can no longer subscribe to the philosophy they were raised to accept as true, call themselves "christian Atheist" or what ever religion they were formerly. As a badge of awareness and a rise in consciousness, if you will.

Examples:

Atheist Jew

The Gospel of Christian Atheism

Here's a Christian Atheist. It seems to be a similar approach to Christian Deism, but without the deity. I have to say I can see the point in there being a Jewish Atheist, because of the cultural element, but I can't see the point in being an Atheist and attaching "Christian" at the front just because you think Jesus taught some cool stuff. I feel the same way about Christian Deists. Take all the stuff out that relates to the Abrahamic god and what are you left with? Love thy neighbour as thyself. I can do that without slapping "Christian" on the front of the label I already use.

I'd never thought of it that way. Whilst the non-believer might deliver a smack to the mush of a believer, and that's gotta hurt, the believer believes his god will deliver more than a mere smack across the chops... so, in effect the anticipation of a divine smack is as much an attack (as it's real for the believer) as any physical one delivered by the non-believer in the present moment. It does make sense.

^Perhaps, Shadow. But this is assuming that the Christian/believer is hoping for the eternal smackdown for those who don't believe. The Christian moderate may warn people of the dangers of their path. Out of love for others, they may try to tell them about the predicament they are in, and hope that they listen. Extremists (both theist and atheist) on the other hand are more happy to sit back and laugh, content in the knowledge that they are superior human beings, and those of differing belief are simply deluded idiots. A Theist extremist (Westboro, for example) may picket military funerals and chant that this is god's retribution, delighting in the pain of others not of their Faith, never once considering that their own actions are no better or worse. An Atheist extremist (such as the one who nearly beat me up a few years back) may scream and shout and yell and physically attack and decry theism while never once examining their own life or state of affairs. Moderates on the other hand see these short-comings in themselves. They see the same humanity in their own lives as they do in the lives of others. And through that compassion, seek to help others in whatever way they can. A Christian moderate does not derive joy from the belief that someone is set for hell (whatever that definition is).

I hadn't really thought about that much until writing this post, but I think that care for others (as opposed to mindless hate) is often what separates the moderate from the extremist, and I think that can be applied to both theists and non-theists alike.

Regards, PA

I still don't understand how Atheist can be preceded by any other word. I cannot see how you can believe in a Deity, higher power, spirit creator and be an Atheist. Every Atheist I know, and I know a few, believe in no God in any way. They all believe that there was a big bang, or some other natural creation of the Universe. This was followed by life, evolution, and then here we are. They believe when we die that's it...lights out. To put Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Bud dist, Spiritualist, or any other "Religious" or "Faith" invoking term in front of the word Atheist doesn't make sense. My own brother in law who has been an Atheist for 30 years, as well as 8 others I know all see it this way. Wouldn't the title Christian or Jewish etc. Atheist be an "oxymoron".

Don't think that I am belittling Atheists. I fully respect peoples right to believe in any thing they want. As long as it is not violent toward others. I just don't see how anyone can be a Christian, Muslim, etc. Atheist. I was told by the Atheists I know that it would offend them more than it would offend Christians, Muslims, etc.

I hope you can follow my meaning on this, just looking for clearer answers. Any thoughts anyone?

NOPE...unless you are a...............................wolf in sheeps clothing LMAO only joking PA

If you were an extremist...your posts would come accross a lot harsher and more ignorant...heck you'd most likely be that extreme, you'd get yourself banned....so no you are not an extremist

however I have met a couple of extremists on this forum....one has jumped ship for a bit...the other got himself banned...fancy that lol

I think you would have a better chance at a real life explanation, if we had a christian Atheist on forums. I don't know how one can call themselves a christian Atheist anymore than I know how they could refer to themselves as a jewish Atheist, a muslim Atheist, etc... I take it to mean, if nothing else, that they were formerly christian, jewish, muslim, etc... agree some tenets are viable, as far as moral character, etc... but do not accept the deific identity that those faiths describe. Other than that I'm clueless. (not a first. ) As you said, for me Atheist connotes no deity, no god, what so ever.

Your stance I understand completely. I agree with the view of no diety being the classic Atheist stance. I wish there was a Jewish or Christian Atheist who could explain that side better as well. I may not believe the same thing as they do, but I still want to understand the concept too.

I found this about Christian Atheism:



From an article found here (this bit was in the last section at the bottom of the article)

Interesting article. Thanks Shadow.

Well, since "true" christian has been mentioned here several times, I thought perhaps there was something to the equivalent regarding Atheism. I was shocked and admit, I don't have that much time in a day to read all the hits I received via Yahoo and Google.

So, I decided to reference this, because I enjoy this site very much in it's eclectic nature of topics. Especially in matters of Atheism.





Atheists Are Not True Atheists

Excerpt:

It's amazing how many people try to criticize atheism by arguing that there is on "true" atheism or that there are no "true" atheists. Rather than deal with atheism as it is, they seem to feel safer denying that there is anything that actually has to be dealt with. I wonder if they actually feel satisfied after such effort?
Danl writes:

They try every chance they get to remove any trace of God or Religion from the American way of life. Actually, both atheists and theists work to ensure that the government doesn't get involved with endorsing or promoting religion or religious doctrines. Individuals are just as free as ever to talk about their religion and their religious beliefs.

They try to force their beliefs on us by arming themselves with ammunition taken from our own Constitution and using that ammunition to shoot down our own beliefs. As if the Constitution were "owned" by Christians like Danl and not equally the Constitution of others. Anyway, you won't find people on the streets preaching atheism or legislators trying to pass bills that promote atheism. You can, however, find preachers on the street promoting God and legislators offering bills that encourage religion — so the situation is exactly the opposite of what Danl describes.

If we are to believe an atheist and his sincerity, we must ask one question. How can you live in America? With ignorant people like Danl all over the place, it isn't always easy.

If an Atheist is a true believer, he or she could not have a copy of the word "God" on his person. (Continues)

Your like the Atheist ranger. "DEFENDING ATHEISTS EVERYWHERE"

"Hi Ho, silver gold plated!" You should have seen my trusty steed! Before I missed with one of these swords, that is.


Actually, Atheists are the most persecuted community, besides gays, in the U.S. So while never one to consider myself a defender of Atheism(ists), I do like to insure there is an understanding about what Atheism is and is not, when the topic comes up. The best way to thwart ignorance, is with education. The best way to defer persecution by ignorance, is with the surety and knowledge one has the right not to be persecuted by ignorance. Quite frankly it never makes sense to me that anyone of faith would feel threatened by those that do not subscribe to faith, or religion. But, it's the human paradox, so there is no figuring it out, rather it's just a matter of trying to make it through, all in one piece/peace.

REALLY?? gee there was me thinking it was th color of a persons skin over there and not the fact if they believed in a God or not


Tell me how does one SPOT an atheist?? how do people tell them from others?? <-------------so curuous how this happens


I for one will take a stand for atheists gays you name it...but I doubt very much that atheists are mostly persecuted in your country...I dont even think christians are either...i do believe gays are and people with different cultures ie - indian blacks ect...but gee an atheist?? how does this work?

You know, you would be read a lot better if you didn't present yourself as someone more preoccupied with being snide, than sincere.

Study: Atheists Most Discriminated Minority

I cannot agree with the point of Atheists being the most persecuted group, but I do have a unique perspective. My mother is half Cherokee. My Brother is adopted from Korea.My brother in law is an ardent Atheist One of my sisters is a lesbian.

I'm a direct descendant from the separatists that came to America in 1620. My GGGGgrandfather was Rev. John Robinson came in 1620 as co-pastor of the seperatists. We were not the Pilgrims of Mass. who came to convert the Heathen Indians, we were the separatists who wanted a place where "all" people could worship, or not, in their own way, without some King or other person telling us what prayer to say. What Hymn book was to be used. How much money to give to the Church, and what that Church could do, or not do with the collection... Oh and we all grew up in the Bible belt. Gay and lesbians do have it bad, and have for a long time, but to say they have had it the worst, I can't agree. Neither can I agree with Atheists being either. They didn't have the forced march of the Cherokees where almost 99% of my mothers' side of my family was killed. They are still suffering all because of their desire to ensure their culture.

No I'm not offended, or bearing a cross, just giving my view on the sacrifices of some for the benefits of others. Even if those benefits are not as great as they should be. It is a national crime if any group of people receives less than any other group in a country founded 400 years ago on the rights of freedom and equality for EVERYONE.

Saying all that my brother in law never has had anything happen to him to say he is oppressed. If that is your experience I wish it were not. Like I said no one should be treated differently for any reason. But then who knows how long if ever it will take us to get to that I don't know, but I wish we could.

Thats sad.

I will say that the times have changed for some good. My mothers' family now makes up a large population of Oklahoma and they have equal, if not more, of a role in the government there. They have their own land again and they are thriving. Not that all tribes are. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you stand firm, but not stand wrong, then you will get what you deserve. Now you know where my families faith comes from there had to be a divine hand in there some how. I will just leave it up to you to see where, if any existed.

Also I can understand prejudice based on differences of cultures long ago, but not now, considering the smallness of the world. Not to say that it was ever right. I sure can't understand it on the basis of beliefs or religion. Seems sometimes we are getting more ignorant, the smarter we get as a people. I mean that for the U.S. some countries don't act this way.

You know, it would be a lot better if you actually saw I was asking you a question, and I told you how I see it in your country...now, how in the world is it snide???

What is so snidey about asking - How does one tell an athiest from another person? <-----------------its a clear straight forward question GW..nothing snidey about it


I don't believe for a sec, that anyone can tell who is or who isn't an atheist...I mean they dont walk around with markings or anything that reads - YO IM AN ATHEIST...

Atheists dont need to hold marches like - We're atheists, we don't believe in God,we are here, get used to it!!!! lol no I cant pic it

And I was SERIOUS when i stated that the only things I see that goes on in your country when it comes to people being persecuted, are those from different cultures ie Indians..or blacks...asian ...blah and then some....<----------------------AGAIN not snidey............and I added...I dont believe christians are persecuted either...not as much as some claim

Now without the paranoid reactions GW..................can you tell me HOW does one tell an atheist from another person???...its just a question..nothing more

And your problem is.........................?? please tell me its NOTHING to do with being baised now

Maybe you can tell me how you can tell if someones atheist from your avarage Joe

Paranoid reactions?!
Please, do give yourself some credit. It's not paranoid to recognize sarcasm when it speaks.

And I don't know where in this world you would get the notion one can identify an Atheist on sight, and that somehow imparts the notion Atheists are not discriminated against or persecuted. Perhaps you are just unaware and that's how you deal with it.

You see, racial discrimination is illegal. And has a legal recourse in the event ignorance decides to persecute based on race. Religious discrimination is illegal and as such, also has the opportunity to be addressed through the courts. Atheism however, is an entirely different matter. And if you would spend half as much time to research Atheist discrimination, as you do to invest yourself in snide dismissives, you might do yourself a great favor and become educated, as opposed to believing your lack of knowledge makes it appropriate to dismiss such truths, with snide innuendos and absurd dismissives, toward those that do know what discrimination as an Atheist, is. And by the way, it is "Atheist. " I've gone to the trouble to spell check your error, so as to at least correct that misunderstanding, on your behalf.

Credit?? lol what credit?.................your problem is this --> you had ONE disagreement with me the other day in another thread.....and WOW all of a sudden you THINK for some strange reason...I am going to be snidey towards you from here on in..............I call it being paranoid from you...........and its high time you realized, BM don't hold grudges nor does she troll threads looking a fight <---you have accused me of looking a fight before lol...but seriously GW, you need to chill out, I am not going to jump on every thing you say............If I ask you a simple question, then thats all it is, nothing more.....LMAO if i wanted to be REALLY snidey GW, you would REALLY notice it trust me LOL.............but seriously i was asking you a serious question...I have my reasons as to WHY <---gee cant see why you never bothered your backside to ASK ME WHY????? well as you care to read on you will FIND OUT WHY....

Ahem..


Which is WHY I was asking YOU...........cuz I too couldn't figure that one out


I KNOW, but it dont stop it from happening does it??............just in the same way all things we know are crimes are illegal...STILL HAPPEN


Now there was no need for your ignorance and your assumptions towards me.....and not to forget the INSULT...as if I am NOT already educated enough....GW you need to control this behaviour, there is no need for this

Here is WHY i asked you the so called snidey question <--as you love to look at it.......................I dont live in a country where there are lots of atheists, not too many were i come from, and if there are any, we cant tell, because no one speaks out nor brags about it in any way. I have never seen an atheist be slammed for not believing in God...................ONLY ever saw that sort of thing on these boards....not in real life............you have a go at me saying im not educated enough...well sweetie, if you knew anything about my end of the planet, you would know its mostly christian....I guess im not lucky enough to be surrounded by people from different groups...however saying that we have a lot of muslims...but thats it in a nutshell


The whole point in me asking is to figure out HOW people know in order to persecute them in the 1st place...unless they go around claiming they are atheists lol

We I am from...you can tell just by hearing a persons name..or what schoool they attended

but an atheist...NO you cant tell anything

Now before you go accusing me of snidey this and snidey that....I have made myself clear that I WASNT being SNIDEY..I was CLEARLY asking a simple question...its your OWN fault you chose to take it as such.................do it again and i'll report it...cuz clearly you have a problem with me...something you should take up in PM...keep it OFF the board thanks
Thanks for reading

Well you could meet an Atheist an have a discussion with them. Or you could know what atheists views are, and discriminate without knowing the individual.
I don't understand how this concept is so hard for you to grasp.

The only times I get to speak with an atheist is ON HERE..and I already KNOW how they feel ect...you dont need to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out

I asked how can you tell if one is an atheist in order to persecute them <---now you would have grasped that if you had of read my post right...........and the answer was already given --- you cant tell...UNLESS they tell you

And I said YOU DON'T NEED TO TELL! People hate them already (I already said this if you read my post) they don't care what race you are, what your name is, what your favorite flavor of ice cream is. They just plain hate Atheists, even without meeting the individual. Kind of like the KKK hates black people. Understand?

I have only ever seen any form of hate towards them...on this forum.....not in real life...and thats as straight as im gonna get with the issue at hand

Thats because you don't hate Atheists. Or maybe there just isn't any atheists in Ireland. Heres the statistic: Roman Catholic 88.4%, Church of Ireland 3%, other Christian 1.6%, other 1.5%, unspecified 2%, none 3.5% (2002 census)

Maybe it would help if we all knew what forms of persecution Atheists in Canada and the U.S. live under. I'm not meaning to butt in on this "debate". I just would like to know how that persecution, or misdeeds, is carried out.

You are right...I dont hate atheists...and thanks for taking a lil time and looking up statistics from my part of the world...but I live in Northern Ireland and its mosstly protestant...but see...I have never met an atheist in real life..only ever saw thenm on a forum. Met a Jewish guy once, he was selling carpet to my dad lol....only reason how I knew he was..cuz I ask my dad about the cap on his head...I must have been 8yrs old at the time............If there are any atheists here, they dont say anything

Once again..thank you for taking the time to look things up about my country...I do fully appreciate that

Its why I ASKED GW the questions...pity she took it all the wrong way