why do you think that the subject of ‘religion’ stirs up so much drama in America?

- What is it about “religion” that gets people going?

- Why do you think that people are afraid to “believe” in a religion?

- Why do you think that Atheists usually get away with talking about their beliefs (or the absence of beliefs), but if Christians try to state what they know, they get criticized for breaking the “Freedom of Religion” given in the First Amendment?

disclaimer: I am simply using my first amendment rights to have a discussion. Please respond with the utmost respect. I am mostly interested in the first two questions. 

— starsinthesky18

I simply can’t let this go unanswered…

Before I begin, let me make it clear that I’m talking about the United States, as per the questioner’s clarification “in America.” What’s the only relevant religion demographically and politically in the US? It’s Christianity. So I’m going to talk about Christianity.

What is it about “religion” that gets people going?

Let’s see…

Could it be Christians trying to force their religions ideas and morals on others through law, such as laws that damage science education, throw roadblocks against women seeking abortion, deny same-sex equalities, try to rewrite history and permit the bullying of gay teens?

Or maybe it has something to do with fundamentalist Christian ideas leading to horrific things — like parents letting children die, or the murder of medical doctors, or creating an environment so hostile for children that they commit suicide?

It could be that people are just sick of being told they’re going to Hell.

Why do you think that people are afraid to “believe” in a religion?

[I’m not really sure why “believe” is in scare quotes. I don’t imagine the question is about a fake kind of belief (why would anyone be afraid, let alone afraid, of that?). I am going to assume that the quotes were included in error.]

Let me turn that around. Why are you afraid to believe in bigfoot? Why are you afraid to believe in UFOs? Why are you afraid to believe in an orbiting teapot?

It’s a stupid question, isn’t it?

In the United States, people generally aren’t afraid of being Christian. Being Christian is great! You’re part of the majority! You’d be a fool not to be a Christian…

Except there’s that little thing called intellectual honesty. No matter how great it would be to be part of the majority, you can’t lie to yourself about your own beliefs. Sadly, in America, there are many closeted atheists — people who have figured out there’s no compelling evidence for the Christian God, but due to circumstances can’t come “out of the closet”. If you need some examples of why it can be difficult out of the closet: here, here, here, here, here and here.

Why do you think that Atheists usually get away with talking about their beliefs (or the absence of beliefs), but if Christians try to state what they know, they get criticized for breaking the “Freedom of Religion” given in the First Amendment?

In the words of Ricky Gervais, “DON’T. TALK. SHIT!”

Maybe I’m not offering you the “respect” you desired, but this Christian privilege really pisses me off. Not all Christians do it, by the way, so consider yourself special.

In the civilised world we like to keep affairs of religion separate from the affairs of state. This is nothing new. Even your founding fathers knew this. It’s in your constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion

The problem is that Christians are so used to their privilege that, when they get called out for breaking this fairly simple rule, they play the victim card as if they’re the ones being oppressed!

There are so many examples. Nativity scenes, religious symbols and scripture on government property. References to God on your currency and in your pledge. In public schools, prayer and ceremonies in religious locations. Disproportionately Christian chaplains in your military.

If you can’t figure out why all that is an outrage, consider how you’d feel if another religion was doing it. Would you sit by idly while a public school organised Islamic prayers? Would you be happy to see a motif of the Flying Spaghetti Monster on your $1 bill?

Do what every other religion has been happy to do all this time. Pray, evangelise, talk theology as much as you like. Until you’re blue in the face. Just don’t do it with the taxpayer’s money or while acting on the government’s behalf.