The anti-Christian bias in our society...

[EvolutionCalling]

The anti-Christian bias in our society has reached absurd proportions. Consider:

1. During the 1988 election campaign, George Bush said that Christians should not be considered patriots or real American citizens.

2. Bill Clinton steadfastly refused to give any speeches at local churches.

3. Both major political parties are dominated by anti-Christians. The Republican party, for example, gave us such hard-core atheists as Pat Buchanan, Dan Quayle, Phyllis Schlafly and Ronald Reagan. And the Democrats have given us such personalities as the Rev. Martin Luther King and the Rev. Jesse Jackson-- both noted for their vicious attacks on all forms of Christianity.

4. Let's talk about the media. On Sunday mornings, nearly all major television channels broadcast pro-atheist shows; it is nearly impossible to find religious programming during that time period. Further, Madalyn Murray O'Hair has her own cable TV channel, while Pat Robertson has been unable to obtain one for himself.

5. Most major newspapers run a special weekly section devoted to atheism. There are no equivalent sections for religious news.

6. Anti-Christian shows such as the American Atheist Forum are broadcast by major national networks. Meanwhile, Billy Graham is only able to get on the air through public access TV, which is watched by few people.

7. On news programs and "reality" TV shows such as Rescue 911, nobody is ever shown giving thanks to God after surviving a disaster.

8. It is almost impossible to find a shopping mall with a Christian Armory book store, while Atheist Book Centers are featured prominently on every corner.

9. While atheists couples who marry rarely have any difficulty finding a place to do so, it is nearly impossible for Christian couples to find a church where they can marry.

10. For that matter, churches themselves are extremely rare, while atheist meeting centers can be found every few blocks.

11. Jurors must take an oath upon a copy of the Skeptical Inquirer before they can serve. There have even been court cases thrown out because one of the jury members was a Christian who insisted on swearing on a Bible.

12. Christians often find it nearly impossible to get time off work for religious holidays such as Christmas.

13. Even our language reflects the radical anti-Christian bias that pervades our society. For example, when somebody sneezes, most people say "Darwin bless you". Similarly, "Voltaire dammit!" is a common cussword.

14. All of our money has the atheistic slogan "We do not trust in God" printed on it.

15. In school, our children are made to recite the pledge, "One nation, anti-God, indivisible...."

16. One cannot rent a hotel room without finding a copy of Nietzsche's The Anti-Christ in the room.

17. Organizations such as the Boy Scouts deny membership to Christians.

18. In the military, it is nearly impossible to obtain Conscientious Objector status for religious reasons, even though those with philosophical reasons can obtain C.O. status relatively easily.

19. Christian churches are forced to pay exorbitant taxes.

20. You can't drive anywhere without seeing a Darwin fish or a "Jesus Was A Fraud" bumper sticker stuck to a car.

21. Georgia recently passed a new law requiring schools to have a "moment of noise" during which children are encouraged to degrade Christianity.

22. College campuses usually have dozens of atheist organizations, but few if any for Christians.

23. Many Christians are afraid to admit their Christianity to their parents and friends, for fear their kin will consider them immoral Christian scum and want nothing to do with them.

24. At presidential inauguration ceremonies, Madalyn Murray-O'Hair (that well-known friend of several presidents) gives a short pro-atheism speech.

25. For decades, high school and college commencement ceremonies have included brief speeches at the beginning and end of the ceremony in which atheism is praised and Christians deemed irrational. Christians who object to the practice, or who ask for an opening prayer instead, are regarded as cranks at best and subversives at worst.

26. "There are no Christians in foxholes" is a popular slogan in our society.

27. Communities set up atheist brainwashing facilities, and apply social pressure to citizens to report to these facilities every Sunday morning. Furthermore, attendees are expected to contribute money to support these facilities, and to build others through "outreach" programs.

28. At baseball games, you can often spot people carrying signs that read "Origin Of Species, page 34".

29. Businesses often refuse to admit that they are Christian owned and operated, for fear of being boycotted by their atheist customers. Meanwhile, atheist-owned businesses often feature Darwin-fish logos in their ads.

30. Atheists have often invented "deathbed deconversion" stories about famous Christians, claiming they became atheists just before they died.

31. Insurance companies refer to natural disasters as "Acts of Darwin".

32. Forms for job applications, government aid and so forth often ask what type of atheist you are, with checkboxes for "atheist", "agnostic", "humanist" and so forth. If you are a Christian, the only thing you can do is check the "other" box-- if one is provided.

33. Sports teams often read from the Humanist Manifesto prior to the game, in the hopes that doing so will increase their chances of winning.

34. Atheists constantly threaten television and movies producers with boycotts whenever they portray Christianity in a positive light.

35. Well-known atheists like Michael Martin and Quentin Smith have set up ministries to witness to Christians, but it is virtually impossible to find Christians who specialize in debating atheists.

36. The word "Christian" is recognized as a term which represents the worst of human attributes: cynicism, pessimism, selfishness, and moral turpitude. The word "Atheist," on the other hand, is used to signify all that is virtuous, as in, "That's mighty Atheist of you!"

37. On sitcoms and movies of the week, the parents make references to how their lack of faith in God helps them get through life's troubles. Meanwhile, Christians are portrayed as pathetic folks who end up converting to atheism.

38. Atheists who convert to christianity are often told by their parents "It's just a rebellious phase. Once you move through this stage of life you'll realize that you never really believed in God." Similarly, people who are raised as Christians are condesended to, and told that if they would give atheism a chance, it would fill the empty hole that Chistianity must be leaving in their lives.

39. Most people assume everyone else is an Atheist and are unbelievers as they are. It makes for uncomfortable social situations for Christians and other religious types.

40. Despite the overwhelming number of Atheists in the general population and in powerful legislative positions, when they don't get their own way, Atheists whine that this is an anti-Atheistic country.

41. Atheists constantly cite, out of context, books of philosophy by noted Atheists to prove that Christians live irrational lives.

42. Atheists do everything possible to get laws passed that will prevent irrational Christians from making their own choices in matters of sex, procreation, life-styles, family units, etc.

43. In small towns and communities all over the U.S. Atheist horns awake Christians at midnight on Saturdays preventing them from getting a good night's sleep before their Sabbath. Fortunately for much of the population, few church bells wake Atheists who want to sleep in on Sundays.

44. Atheist Army (and other Freethought) soup kitchens force homeless Christians to listen to Atheist propaganda before serving them a meal.

45. Hundreds of self-help groups replace codependence with the 12 Steps of A.B.A. (Atheist Brainwashing Anonymous), convincing people they don't have the power to help themselves but must rely on the power of Darwin to overcome addiction.

46. U.S. Atheist organizations send missionaries to underdeveloped countries to convince people to renounce long-held local religious beliefs and become Atheists.

47. All prisons have a resident atheist philosopher, and inmates are encouraged to participate in weekly philophical dicussions on Bible Contradictions. This is often reported to parole board, who consider it a good indication of contritenes on the prisoner's part.

48. A political candidate who declares himself a Christian will have far less chance of winning an election than one who flaunts his atheism.

49. Whenever an atheist commits a crime, invariably people will argue that this is not a sign that teaching atheism might not guarantee a better society, because anyone who would act that way "isn't a true atheist."

50. One often sees bumper stickers like, "Thomas Paine said it, I believe it, that settles it," but seldom sees Christian bumper stickers.

From Scientific Paganism list...think about it Christians...if this list were real how would you feel?

[curiosityandthecat]

Took me a minute to realize this was (brilliant) satire. I love it.  

[Faithless]

I wonder if you'd be able to get away with posting that on a Christian site?  Call it the Righteous Shoe's on the Other Foot.  I love it.

[tacoma_kyle]

I was thinkin that was a little far-fetched.

Bush the First being anti X-ian...lol yeah...

[Asmodean]

I have far more respect for most Anti-Christians than I do for most Christians.  

[Dickson]

Well played, sir.  Too many good ones to quote from, though I especially liked the "Anti-Christ" in the hotel room bit.  Priceless.

I think there is a slight anti-Christian bias in America in certain circles.  I see pop culture as somewhat anti-Christian--most Christian characters on TV shows are stereotyped as holier-than-thou morons (I'm thinking chiefly of Angela on The Office).  Not that these people don't exist, mind you, but I see very few "normal" Christian characters on TV/ movies/ etc.

[rlrose328]

I think there is a slight anti-Christian bias in America in certain circles.  I see pop culture as somewhat anti-Christian--most Christian characters on TV shows are stereotyped as holier-than-thou morons (I'm thinking chiefly of Angela on The Office).  Not that these people don't exist, mind you, but I see very few "normal" Christian characters on TV/ movies/ etc.

That is true, I'll give you that.  But how many outspoken, acknowledge atheists (not just those with no religion or some other type of secular behavior) do you see on TV shows?  Mainstream TV shows... in prime time?   :hmm:

If there are any (and none come to my mind right this second), they are antisocial bad guys or hateful morons.

But then again, you guys have Westboro... I guess it's a tie.  (But I stand by my original point.)

[quizlixx]

Well played, sir.  Too many good ones to quote from, though I especially liked the "Anti-Christ" in the hotel room bit.  Priceless.

I think there is a slight anti-Christian bias in America in certain circles.  I see pop culture as somewhat anti-Christian--most Christian characters on TV shows are stereotyped as holier-than-thou morons (I'm thinking chiefly of Angela on The Office).  Not that these people don't exist, mind you, but I see very few "normal" Christian characters on TV/ movies/ etc.

most christians these day are really that devout. except on tv. not saying it's a bad thing though, no offense

[quizlixx]

Well played, sir.  Too many good ones to quote from, though I especially liked the "Anti-Christ" in the hotel room bit.  Priceless.

I think there is a slight anti-Christian bias in America in certain circles.  I see pop culture as somewhat anti-Christian--most Christian characters on TV shows are stereotyped as holier-than-thou morons (I'm thinking chiefly of Angela on The Office).  Not that these people don't exist, mind you, but I see very few "normal" Christian characters on TV/ movies/ etc.

most christians these day are really that devout. except on tv. not saying it's a bad thing though, no offense

also, most of the shows on tv automatically make their characters christian. they just don't get in your face about it. that's why the ones who do act like a flaming theist stand out.

[Dickson]

most christians these day are really that devout. except on tv. not saying it's a bad thing though, no offense

I didn't take offense, but I don't agree that most Christians are like the ones on TV.  The only ones people generally hear about (i.e., the crazies) are like that, but the average mainline Protestant isn't a Bible-thumping bigot.

[rlrose328]

Dickson, I think that would depend on where you live and what you do that brings you in touch with Christians.  I've run into plenty of the stereotypical Christians, like those we see on TV.  The stereotype has to come from SOMEWHERE.

To be fair, I've also had my share of run-ins with truly horrible people who call themselves atheists.

What one believes is not an automatic indication of what they are like and how they behave, be they believers or non-believers.

[McQ]

Simply by virtue of a bell-curve type effect, you're not going to find that "most" christians in the U.S. are extreme fundies. Most are mainstream. Non-believers are toward one end of the curve, fundies occupy a chunk of the other end. But really, mainstream America is just that. They are believers, but not fanatical. It's not as if we don't live in the same world as believers. I'm still surrounded by the same mix of people I've always known. It's a very broad spectrum, with lots of degrees of faith all along it.

I do think television tends to portray christians in a negative light a lot, movies a bit less so. But then again, they portray a lot of people and groups badly (military, and politicians). Lots of over-the-top strereotyping.

[Dickson]

Dickson, I think that would depend on where you live and what you do that brings you in touch with Christians.  I've run into plenty of the stereotypical Christians, like those we see on TV.  The stereotype has to come from SOMEWHERE.

Good point.  As a lifelong Episcopalian, most of my church-going cronies have been on the liberal side of things.  

Yeah, stereotypes do have to come from somewhere, but they are a real timesaver http://www.theonion.com/content/node/33210

[quizlixx]

most christians these day are really that devout. except on tv. not saying it's a bad thing though, no offense

I didn't take offense, but I don't agree that most Christians are like the ones on TV.  The only ones people generally hear about (i.e., the crazies) are like that, but the average mainline Protestant isn't a Bible-thumping bigot.

i was a christian for 13 years. i know most of them are normal-ish.

[dodgecity]

A refreshing look at what we've grown accustomed to. Thank you.