I believe that Aranka's speech was better because she just expressed her opinion and didn't force it onto others.

Born and raised Catholic, but 'left' the church years ago. Still Christian, but my wife and I got sick of their social views (preaching bigotry). Don't want to get much more into it because religion is a very touchy subject to discuss on the internet.

I can respect that Chris. Most people just blindly follow their leaders without really thinking about what they are doing.

That is true. That is also true if you don't even factor in religion. Most voters in this country are simply ignorant and vote against many of their own ideals without even knowing it. Americans overall put very little effort into becoming informed once they get out of school (and many while in school). Learning should not stop when you leave school.

I live in the Midwest, and I would say that my community is pretty religiously homogeneous. Most people are Christian, and almost all of those people are Catholic or Lutheran with a few Baptists in town, too. I've never felt like religion was forced on me, and nobody makes a very big deal about it either. I've always felt like my high school did a great job of keeping education and religion separated during my time there.

I, personally, am Christian. I happen to find the general idea of it rather comforting, but I use common sense to dictate my morals and general ideas about life. I never force my ideas on others, especially since the internet is no place for a religious conversion or revelation. I think religion is all about exposure. With too much exposure as a child, religion will have a negative connotation and you will be more likely to turn away from it as an adult. Too little exposure, and you won't really know what it is, and may never care to find out. In general, I would say being introduced to it at a young age is fine, but only in moderation. In-depth studies on religious topics are better when you are old enough to understand what they mean. Anyways, that's my opinion on the topic.

You are completely spot on. Its pathetic to see the Tea Party Republicans complain about "big" government when many of them use food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid. Its also pathetic to see Democrats complain about the invasions in Iraq and Afghanistan when Obama is using many of the same tactics.

Yeah, I've never understood the religious right pushing the bible, while at the same time completely abandoning the poor.

Yes I follow Dawkins but I prefered the showmanship of Hitchens. He did entertain and he ran cirles around his opponents.

Other great athiests include Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie (Dr House for those new to him), Ben Elton, Ian McKellen, Iain Banks and so on the list goes on.

I think you will find a vast number of great thinkers, smart comedians, intellectual writers, serious actors and credible scientists have chosen reason and atheism.

the north is much different than the bible belt. In the north it all depends on who you are around. There are very strong christians and there are aethiests. From the people that i'm around the majority are christian. most adults practice because thats the way they were brought up and most kids dont give a shit. most dont. im a teen that lives in the north so i have first hand experience. almost everyone i meet or anything is tolerant to things like gay people and what not. there are hard-asses and stuff but there is no overhwelming majority like that bible belt states. most people are not aethist i know a handful at best. its really just people who say they are christian but are non practicing is what the majority of people are. ask me any questions of religion in the northeast.

I have to agree with the previous comment. I am a somewhat Christian person living in a very Jewish area of the world (North Shore 'burbs of Chicago) I go to church every other week or so, and while I agree that the teachings of, say, the Presbytarian Church (where I go) and the Methodist Church in my town really vary only a little bit. I have taken multiple trips to the deep south and, not to insult anyone, but it is far more religious, also in that Christianity punctures the daily lives of almost everyone. Anyone in my school that would make a Biblical reference would be, not frowned upon, but certainly looked on a bit strangely.

People that say that all Christianity in America is the same are rather ignorant, as it really depends on what region you are in. I believe that many people elsewhere in the world don't see the true variety of culture that exists only within the borders of the US. For example, I have often found walking through a restaurant in Arkansas or Mississippi that I simply cannot understand some people's speech, even though they technically speak the same language as I do.

@ARC: Have you travelled outside the states?
I quote you "true variety of culture that exists only within the borders of the US". Only within the US? That is bullshit. I would say the most multicultural city in the world is London. You can go to any underground station and hear almost all languages spoken.

As regards to variety of dialects:
In England there are dialects that I struggle to understand. I remember once walking into a pub somewhere north of Birmingham. I didn't understand a word they said. You go 20-30 miles and the dialect will change rapidly in England.

I have trouble understanding this forum at times.

My mother wished that I would be baptised, and so I did, but I consider myself an atheist (don't believe in the existence of in God.) So am I Christian or not?

It isn't about the water that's touched your head, it's about the beliefs in your heart :P

I don't think ARC meant it that way Words. I don't think "only" should have been in his statement. He is right though. From state to state (or more-so region to region) in the US, the cultures vary a ton. Even within the state. I am from Michigan originally, and the upper peninsula is like a completely different country than the lower peninsula.

Basically, you can't paint with a broad brush.

Don't we already have a thread on religion? Why create another one?

And also, I thought there aren't any Christians left in America?
But then what do I know, I'm Canadian, hehe.

I love Canadia!

@Wordsworth:

I think you will find a vast number of great thinkers, smart comedians, intellectual writers, serious actors and credible scientists have chosen reason and atheism.

Reason and spirituality are not mutually exclusive. There are so many devout believers living or dead that have done more for the progress of our species than you or I or anyone on this forum ever will. Being religious does not imply that you are a moron. Being atheist or agnostic does not imply that you are smart.



@Aranka:

For a DEVELOPED country to be so.....simple in their belief system is just degrading for the nation itself. Religion wise America equals countries in Africa and/or Iran/Iraq.
Not saying America doesn't have their share of intelligent INDIVIDUALS but when combined as a group they always disappoint me.

Wow. I am really surprised you didn't take more flak for such a blatantly ignorant statement. ;)

Ya, believing in a deity doesn't imply you are any less intelligent than an Atheist. I would argue that the average Atheist isn't any more intelligent than a theist.