[Norahs]

Well my school is full of christians. Me being atheist have been discriminated and hated among the grade. I've been called everything you can think of. I am just wondering how do I help this?

[Rapunzel]

Hi Luke.

Can you be more specific? Such as, how are you discriminated against? What makes you think that you are hated? I am sorrry to hear about the name calling. That is childish at any age, isn't it?

Here is a website with some ideas on peacebuilding skills and how to deal with bullies: http://www.angriesout.com/skills.htm

Even when other people are at fault, the best way to handle it is by being in control of your own feelings and actions. Christian is the predominant religion in this country, so there are a lot of Christians out there. You don't have to believe the same way, and they don't have the right to pick on you or discriminate against you or call you names. That is not a very Christian way for them to behave. If more people would actually live the religions they profess to believe in, they would not need to make anyone else feel bad, etc. for believing differently. Unfortunately, it seems to be human nature to pick on those who are different.

Please to tell us more, so we can help with specific strategies for you. Also see if you can identify if you have some part in it somehow. I'm not saying that it is your fault in any way that they treat you badly, but often there is something that you can change that will help, and since you are here and they are not, you are the only one that we will be able to work with here.

[downsolong]

lukeyeats,

Fight back bud, arm yourself with the facts, and use them. I wish I could say just how but know you have nothing to feel ashamed of unlike your advisaries.
Many groups of people have been discrimiated against few as universally as atheists. Don't let mindless, arrogance, ingonrance, parrot propaganda, official prejudice, and violence, get to yah. Now and historically, you're in good company.
http://www.positiveatheism.org/tochist.htm
http://www.positiveatheism.org/tocweb1.htm

~Down

[downsolong]

Here's another link I just came across lukeyeats, to the point as well, perhaps it can help you fight back and feel supported. Hang in there.

http://atheism.about.com/od/atheista...ore_Active.htm

[(JD)]

WOW I am really sorry that these young 'Christians' have insulted you. I hope that as they grow up and grow in their learning about Christ, they will realize that it isn't the PERSON to be "hated" but 'sin' that God hates.

Being an atheist just means you haven't found (a) God yet. Until something comes to you that fits that category, you have every right to say you don't believe, that's just the truth!

Please don't judge all Christians by these classmates. If you give some examples of what they say to you, we can help you help them understand the real relationship they need to have with all people.

TC

[Rapunzel]

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

[downsolong]

To me 'fighting back' is also fighting for and about the ongoing struggle for a better life, justice and reason that is required to prevent the slide into chaotic and totalitarian situations, ie. 'lord of the flies' or the next hate crime/bullying/punk bashing/jihad/crusade/genocide/theocratic law discriminating against me and others. Unfortunately religions act as groups of beliefs that go well beyond and tend to influence individual beliefs and actions. They tend to create collective and systemic actions and conditions. The respect some call for can mean more than might seem, an interesting article about it is at http://atheism.about.com/od/aboutrel...ctReligion.htm

There's also the immediate fighting one must too often do with words, bodily self-defense, changes of policy and or law. The world has been murderous and at war over religion throughout human history by every means available so however one views 'fighting' it is an ongoing fact of huge personal and societal proportions.

~Down

[mlyn]

athiest does that mean you do not believe in God?

[mlyn]

sounds like you are in like a christian school or something?

[sparkling]

I know what you mean. It happened to me too when I was in school. There was a certain group of "Christians" that was bent on showing me my proper place. I'm not an atheist but I'm not a Christian either.

I'm currently trying to reevaluate my opinion in regard to such people but it's really hard. Especially when you see certain individuals who claim to be Christians and wouldn't hesitate to stab you in the back on a daily basis. I know not every one of them is this way because I recently got to know one (that's why I'm trying to reevaluate my opinion) who is a really decent person and a good friend. But still when I know someone is a Christian I find myself avoiding any contact with them because I visualize them as being hypocritical and fake. I realize their behavior has in fact nothing to do with being or not being Christians but with their characters and attitudes.

I don't have any advice for you (in my case it ended only when I changed school) but just wanted to let you know that I know how you feel. I hope you find something helpful in other people's responses.

Take care
sparkling

[(JD)]

I think it might help to view "those people" from the other side. What if...YOU just joined the church (or whatever you would do to change from where you are)... wouldn't you feel differently? Wouldn't you wish to associate with others who were also in your new group?

Would you know everything about the church? (or the group you just joined?) Probably not. You wouldn't know how to act, what it all meant ect. You would need to attend classes or meetings and learn and learn and then put into practice. Right? That's where they are. Because it's so easy to fall back into the other more comfortable way of acting and talking...

Think about your position right now. You are on the other side from them. Can you share with them everything you believe or feel? I think not. I think you are awkward with your belief, too, like they are. I think you might judge them according to your own ignorance...not a bad thing, but does cause some misunderstanding, don't you think?

You all are the same. You'll learn this, and so will they. It's tough being in any grouping I think...until you have been there and been taught by wise mentors and learned how to share with others, who are just like you and searching for the right path

TC

[EJ711]

Lukey,

You can remind your fellow students that this is America, where there is freedom of speech and religion.

EJ

[(JD)]

One last thought before I close...

just because someone accepts God's gift of salvation and becomes a Christian, doesn't mean they automatically become mature... perhaps you aren't mature in what you believe, and since you are complaining about them, I would guess you aren't comfortable with what you believe or who you are yet, either? IDK. Give all ppl the benefit of the doubt...it is a learning process.

TC!!!

unfortunately... while it is clear that there is freedom *of* religion...

it is very controversial whether this translates to freedom *from* religion.

have you heard of the church of the flying spaghetti monster?

might want to check it out ;-)

[tspencer3]

sorry you have had a tough time. i agree with sky-- don't judge all christians because of a few bad apples. they nor anyone else should judge- that's God's job. the best way to arm yourself is to use "their" weapon against them-the bible! read it and use it. who knows you might just find what your looking for for yourself in there!!!

[downsolong]

Lukey,

It occurs to me, depending on what's happened since you posted this, that you may want to go to a teacher or the principle to get them to deal with it. It's their job to ensure a safe environment so their students can learn. If they won't or don't help solve the problems, you may very well have grounds for a law suit. I don't know where you are, if in the US. there must be a number of anti-bullying groups who could advise you and your school on the subject, in addition to; Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the American Civil Liberties Union.
http://www.au.org/site/PageServer
http://www.aclu.org/contact/index.html
you can contact them online, and they may be able to contact school officials and explain why immediate action by them to correct the problem would be the best idea for all involved.
Best of luck with your struggles

~Down

[jennie]

certain verses in the bible will silence the haters. i hope you consider repeating at least the last quote mentioned below. i think that would help you.

(1) tell the christian hypocrite (who is not a true christian) the following . . .

*first say this: "well if you read your bible, you would know that jesus said . . . "

*second pick a bible quote below:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves."

"Let him who is without sin cast the first stone."

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."

(2) other new testament verses you can use are the following . . .

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him." (1 John 2:9)

"Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him." (1 John 3:14)

"Love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7)

"If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:20)

[(JD)]

I think the hardest part of all this would be to say those verses back to them with a sweet spirit. If all parties are being nasty, it won't help a thing.

Your being able to speak truth to them, from their own Word Of God will make an effect upon them, perhaps not immediately ,but God promises His Word never returns void.

TC

[Rhapsody]

<font color="purple"> ((((((( HUGS )))))))) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ((((((( HUGS ))))))) </font>

I am sorry that you are feeling as you do toward the word Christian and for the people connected to it...... but in all honesty I do understand and I hope one day that you will be able to see everyone as I do - as "A Person" a "Human-being" and not that of a name, social status, color, race, religion or nationality.... for we all bleed, cry and die the same.

Hang in there.................................. ((( hugs )))

LoVe,
Rhapsody -

[downsolong]

Or you might just try saying, that they are all atheists as well, by not believing in some 30 or so other gods, and that you've simpley added one more to the list of gods you don't believe in.
~Down

[downsolong]

I haven't seen that you've been back by recently lukeyeats, but if you happen by, I thought this quote from Richard Dawkins might be comforting in your trials.

"There more than just grandeur in this view of life, bleak and cold though it can seem from under the security blanket of ignorance. There is deep refreshment to be had from standing up and facing straight into the strong keen wind of understanding: Yeats's 'Winds that blow through the starry ways'.
from Richard Dawkins-'The God Delusion '2006 & 'A Devil's Chaplain '2003

Best of luck ~Down