Atheists less than a Muslim? I’d rather have an atheist than ANY religious fanatic, regardless of their faith. They are more level headed and able to focus on concepts that religious folks automatically refer to scripture for.

I don’t want a theocracy, I want a secular government that respects the rights of peaceful religions.

csdeven on September 6, 2007 at 8:42 PM

Just because someone is religious, it doesn’t logically follow that that person is also a fanatic.

To figure that one out, we’d need a different poll.

There are more functional atheists than the militant kind. Britain is largely unchurched these days but people don’t go out of their way to think at length about whether there is or is not a God and how they should therefore live their lives. Much the same of the non-churchgoing in the U.S., though a larger portion of our populace still goes to worship services.

jaychandra on September 6, 2007 at 8:42 PM

Sure there are, but just like Christians, it’s their spokespeople who become the face of atheism to those who are not atheists.

I’m sick of hearing about abortion clinic bombings and purple teletubbies, but it goes with the territory.

The only time I ever have a problem with atheists is when they talk down to me.

BadgerHawk on September 6, 2007 at 9:35 PM

Or when they’re simply insulting.

“Religion is regarded by the common as true, by the wise as false, and by the leaders as useful”
- Seneca the Younger

MB4 on September 7, 2007 at 12:37 AM

Case in point. We only believe because we’re stupid and/or evil. Because of course secular principles like doing something for the benefit of all have never been followed by stupid people, looked down upon by wise people and used maliciously by leaders.

No, that never happened. It’s only religion that is the opiate of the masses.

Esthier on September 7, 2007 at 11:17 AM