Atheists are complaining they feel socially alienated even as government, Hollywood and the media push faith out of the public eye.
The news comes as projections indicate Christianity might be a minority by 2045. It also comes as the nation’s leading atheist groups continue efforts to remove faith, a protected freedom, from the civic square through litigation.
Yet, atheists say they feel an unfair amount of social alienation despite their burgeoning numbers in the US, according to a new study from the University of Nebraska. In comments, atheists complained about being perceived as “sexually immoral.” Those residing in small towns alleged they fear violence more than atheists in cities, despite few reports of “hate crimes” against atheists for their beliefs.
American Family Association Executive Vice President Ed Vitagliano said now atheists know something of what Christians are experiencing in the US, noting that those afraid of religious persecution — no matter their personal beliefs — must work together to fight for the God-given freedom of religion in America.
“Part of the blessings inherent in our constitutional republic is freedom of religion, but that also means freedom to not believe in something,” Vitagliano said. “However, our culture is so angrily divided among so many fault lines, Christians can certainly understand how atheists in small-town America feel somewhat alienated. In fact, many of us would say to atheists, ‘Welcome to our world.’”
Christians have the same sense of anxiety in big cities, Blue states, inside many corporations, and certainly on college and university campuses. Many religious freedom advocates point to the hostility shown to Christians by the so-called ‘New Atheists’ for the last 20 years. Such anger and refusal to allow people to believe and say what they want — without fear of being ‘canceled’ — is destroying the Public Square. We would welcome well-meaning atheists to join Christians in the fight against the authoritarians who want to crush dissent and, with it, our Republic.”
Religious freedom observers say if atheists would stop fighting people of faith, perhaps they would be better accepted in society.
–AFA Action and news services