Where problems develop between cultures or groups of people is where we stop seeing individuals and only see people as part of a (fill in the blank - despised, oppressive, ...) group. We tend to develop schemas that tell us that people affiliated with that group are all (fill in the blank), and then we stop treating people who belong to a group as individuals and we can't see their good qualities. Fear rules in these cases.

It goes both ways, so it really doesn't even matter what side of the fence you are on. Whether you say that Christians discrimitate against you for being an Atheist, or whether Christians assume that you should be discriminated against because you are an Atheist, either way the same thing is happening. Luke, I can believe that someone or maybe more than one someone may be discriminating against you. That person may be a Christian. But it is not fair to hold the actions of one or a few against all Christians. Then you would be doing the same thing that you accuse them of. And vice versa of course. People are people, and each individual deserves to be treated as an individual, not just as a member of a group. Freedom of religion and freedom of association go both ways.

Everyone please keep this in mind when participating in this thread. Everyone here is an individual and does not deserve to be judged for their affiliation or any actions of someone else.

I don't see "fighting back" as a good solution because it only leads to more hurt on both sides, and less understanding. The best way is to show through your own actions that you are a good person and worthy of love and respect. Let other people's actions speak for themselves.

Rap