Atheists, Americas Most Untrusted Minority
April 27th, 2006 | by Paul Merda |Ouch! I didn’t know that we unbelievers had such a negative image in this fine Christian nation. Atheists are ranked below Muslims, recent immigrants and, strangely enough, below gays and lesbians according to a recent phone survey. While tolerance for every other minority has increased over the past 30 years, the atheist is still clinging to the bottom rung.
The researchers also found acceptance or rejection of atheists is related not only to personal religiosity, but also to one’s exposure to diversity, education and political orientation—with more educated, East and West Coast Americans more accepting of atheists than their Midwestern counterparts.
9 Responses to “Atheists, Americas Most Untrusted Minority”
By Will on Apr 27, 2006 | Reply
Where was this phone survey taken? Mecca? Bible Belt? Make up resultsville?
I actually think that Athiesm, or at least very watered down Christians are rapidly increasing their numbers. I am in college, and there were this fanatical Christian whackjobs yelling that we were all going to hell. It was kind of like a fire and brimstone baptism, but there were more people refuting them then were showing any sign of support.
This could also be because I live in Nevada. Anyway, keep on keeping on my fellow athiest.
By liberal vet on Apr 27, 2006 | Reply
Paul one of the reasons I enjoy this blog is because people are not prjudiced against me. I do believe the educated are far less likely to despise me and judge me because I am an atheist. I still have to exercise some caution in social situations because many are shocked by my lack of belief in a supreme being. As you and I have discussed morality has nothing to do with your belief or lack of belief in religious ideation. LV
By LiberPaul on Apr 27, 2006 | Reply
Yes indeed LV.
By Cindy on Apr 27, 2006 | Reply
Interesting blog. Thanks for the perspective.
By Ditto on Apr 27, 2006 | Reply
Will: The next time a-holier-than-thou “Christian” tells you your going to burn in hell - ask them to pull out they’re Bible and show you where it says that. Modern Christians must get their “Bible-studies” info from Dante’s Inferno. They do not know the original meaning of “hades” - lost in a multitude of transalations and revisions made by “men of God” in accord wth THEIR values of the day.
If that doesn’t shut ‘em up do what I do: “Judge not lest ye be judged, motherfucker!”
Sorry about the MF thing there - if it offends anyone. But what is more offensive the modern Christianity? It rings as true with the message of Jesus as does today’s GOP and ‘conservatism’.
By steve on Apr 27, 2006 | Reply
God… I don’t seem to hate anyone and I am a Republican. I have this issue with stereotypes though….
By tos on Apr 29, 2006 | Reply
I thought it was the Christians who were the most untrusted.
By The Cranky Brit on Apr 29, 2006 | Reply
He said minority, not 80% majority.
By tos on May 1, 2006 | Reply
He made his point and I made mine.