Comments on: PR Overpowers TNT

By: Delta

Delta — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:04:01 +0000

I agree with C Ray and Jim that these polls reflect more of what people think is correct to believe than what they actually believe. That doesn’t mean it’s not a problem of course, because it’s pretty bad when the PC position on atheism is of disapproval.

And also I think Bruce is right when he says that many, if not most, people believe that atheism entails worshipping of the devil. So that probably hurts us a bit

By: Ajith

Ajith — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 06:53:47 +0000

Its irrational to expect a more-than-35% support for atheists. How can you expect everyone of this world to be “wise”?

I’m rather happy with the statistics to know that 35% people have a favourable opinion now. Just 65% more to be educated.

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 28 Jul 2005 04:10:37 +0000

Believers hate atheists partly because they misunderstand us. In many cases when I tell an “average American” that I’m an atheist, they think I’m a Marxist or Satanist. We atheists need better PR.

Just talking among ourselves on atheist-oriented internet sites isn’t going to help. I try to let little bits of my naturalistic worldview peek out whenever I’m with a friendly person who seems likely to be open to discussion. This is less off-putting than jumping down someone’s throat with a list of bible contradictions.

We’ll never convince the true believers. But we do need to talk to reasonable, intelligent people to ensure that they understand and respect us. Are there any websites that we can go to where we can interact with such people? Probably not, since they wouldn’t have any reason to congregate.

By: Aaron Kinney

Aaron Kinney — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 20:15:24 +0000

I think one of the main problems is that America has many of its leaders calling Islam a “peaceful religion.” Then again, these people think that their own Christianity is peaceful LOL!

Christian Americans identify more with other theists than with athesits… no suprise there. Also, Christians Americans tend to trust what their leaders tell them. And since their leaders (mostly) want to be seen as (relatively) open minded people, and dont know shit about Islam, they will demonize the “extremists” that “distort” the “true” Islam.

If push came to shove, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity (yes all three) would join forces before ever conceding any ground to any atheist. Even the Catholic church has been reaching out to Islamic leaders in Europe to combat the evils of secular humanism! Fucking insane!

By: Uberkuh

Uberkuh — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 19:36:11 +0000

3. America cares only about America.

This is an interesting survey. Depressing, as always, but interesting.