atheist i dont think are bad people.. dont know why anyone would believe that. suppose its the same kind of stigma BP gets.. (scary people, and that just isnt so) I have a friend whos an atheist and he is very kind, giving, productive, funny..

"suppose its the same kind of stigma BP gets.."

I think the US and in particular parts of US are a different culture to the UK and Europe.

Many of the things I hear and see on US based boards would be regarded as a bit "different" to UK eyes.

Asked in the census "are you religious?" only 30% of people in UK said "yes"

There is no stigma against atheists in the UK.

Ironically enough The United States was supposedly founded and broke away from Europe to get away from religious persecution and unfair taxation.
laughable isn't it .

But werent we started by puritan settlers?

I know there is a difference between us and uk, religiously speaking. Americans are so much more critical, when it comes to matters of religion.

Who is persecuting anyone??

As for taxes - If you have been on disability for 26 years, you don't pay ANY taxes, much less any unfair ones.

People all over the world are persecuted every day for religious beliefs. It is sad, in some places one still has to read the bible in hiding.

I agree with any way of life that makes people more aware of themselves.

The words i grew up with. Everytime i asked about other religions "i dont think God is rushing to send everyone to hell"

Sometimes you have to think.. loving God, wouldnt seem to equal eternal firey damnation for the masses.

On a side note.. I stopped trying to convert people long ago.. seems the only way i could ever get someone to see God is to see an overflowing joy in me. That hasnt happened yet, but im praying on it.

ZN - loved that song you posted. On my list of songs to download. Here is the song that helps me through a bad day, a pain day, a compassion day.

Blessings - Laura Story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mmgV6mPvb0

Suffering brings transformation. I think there is something in Buddhism about suffering. Would like to hear from the Buddhists about it. Thanks

I am a Southern Baptist woman and I actually find the subject of Buddism fascinating. You guys have me googling it - for more understanding. How could anyone hold a stigma against you, if you are truly practicing the teachings?

The reason atheist's get a bad rap is when they disrespect other's beliefs. We all have free will (no pun intended).

That goes for our ten commandments, too. We are free to choose. Also, breaking a commandment will not send you strait to hell. If you see that you have erred and you apologize and make restitution you are forgiven. There is only one unforgivable sin.

Christians, Atheist, Buddist, etc. - there is room for all of us. There is no right or wrong, as long as we respect each others free will.

I was also thinking there might be a difference between a Buddhist, who has a code, accountability and does charity, as opposed to someone who has just angrily walked away from God and doesn't believe. Buddhism is a world religion. Being mad at God and saying he isn't real sounds like a phase of rebellion and hurt.

Any takers?

Being mad and saying he doesnt exist would be a bit strange. Cant be mad at something that doesnt exist.. like being angry about the prices of unobtanium on the nyse..

Oh, I don't know Belle, why don't you ask the thousands of Muslims that have detain, locked up or just plain harassed since 9/11

Could you post a link, please. I don't believe

"thousands of Muslims that have detain, locked up or just plain harassed since 9/11"

Or ask the Iranian lawyer who is on death row right now for having the audacity to defend a Christian pastor. There's real freedom in the Muslim world - Under Sharia law, a non-Muslim is a second class citizen.

Or the Nigerians who were just killed by Muslims, I could give a thousand examples of Christians who are being put to death or in jail for their faith in India, China, North Korea and certain Muslim states.

What I meant is that being atheist does not equal being Buddhist. And I agree the 10 commandments were never a punishment. They were actually some rules which a loving God gave to help his people survive in a world with capricious gods who did not give them rules, they never knew whether they had please the gods, or whether they had met the number of sacrifices. YHWH cared for his people. Besides, the rules make a lot of sense.

The only thing that keeps people from the ultimate goal of being with Jesus is to not believe and obey him. I'm not arguing about the afterlife, but rather for a journey in this life which is guided by a sovereign, just and loving God, who sent his Son to die for every mistake, every wrong or bad thought I have had, and then sent the Holy Spirit to guide, lead and comfort me.