Thread: Can Atheists be trusted?

Most believers think not.

Study explores distrust of atheists by believers

The researchers concluded that religious believer's distrust -- rather than dislike or disgust -- was the central motivator of prejudice against atheists, adding that these studies offer important clues on how to combat this prejudice...

...The religious behaviors of others may provide believers with important social cues, the researchers say. "Outward displays of belief in God may be viewed as a proxy for trustworthiness, particularly by religious believers who think that people behave better if they feel that God is watching them," says Norenzayan. "While atheists may see their disbelief as a private matter on a metaphysical issue, believers may consider atheists' absence of belief as a public threat to cooperation and honesty."

How non-Atheists view Atheists:

A USA Today/Gallup Poll asked this question during 2007-FEB-09 and obained the results shown below. Only 4% of American voters would refuse to vote for a qualified Roman Catholic; 42% would refuse to vote for a homosexual. But 53% -- most American voters -- would refuse to vote for an Atheist.

I would trust an atheist. If an atheist married my daughter, that would be OK. Just as long
as they would both be happy.

Of course atheists aren't trusted, considering that they bitch and moan over holiday/christmas trees and other small time, petty issues. They act hyper-pretentious about everything, and what with the smear campaign promulgated by the Church it's no wonder why most people don't trust them. It's no excuse, but it makes sense.

What a joke. I'd say about 3/4 of the people I know that claim to believe in a God or a specific religion are only paying it lip service. Hell, I know more about their religions than they do.

If I believed 100% in a God you can make sure I'd be devoting my life to it to make sure I got into Heaven or whatever that God wanted me to do. It takes a lot more then going to Church on Sunday or saying a prayer when your in trouble.

I actually think Atheists are the honest ones. They don't profess a false belief in something just because its the right thing to say.

Originally Posted by Spookycolt

What a joke. I'd say about 3/4 of the people I know that claim to believe in a God or a specific religion are only paying it lip service. Hell, I know more about their religions than they do.

There is a difference between belief in the Almighty and belief in (and adherence to) religious dogma. Atheists often mix the two for their own purposes. A deceit which does not engender trust.

Most Americans Believe in Higher Power, Poll Finds - washingtonpost.com

The study detailed Americans' deep and broad religiosity, finding that 92 percent believe in God or a universal spirit -- including one in five of those who call themselves atheists. More than half of Americans polled pray at least once a day.

But Americans aren't rigid about their beliefs. Most of those studied -- even many of the most religiously conservative -- have a remarkably nonexclusive attitude toward other faiths. Seventy percent of those affiliated with a religion believe that many religions can lead to eternal salvation.

Religion (lots of good info in this poll)

Do you believe in God or a universal spirit?" Yes 91%, No 8%, Unsure 1%

"Which of the following statements comes closest to describing your views about the Bible? The Bible is the actual word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word. The Bible is the inspired word of God but not everything in it should be taken literally. OR, The Bible is an ancient book of fables, legends, history, and moral precepts recorded by man." 30% Actual, 49% Inspired, 17% Fables, 3% Unsure

If atheists were untrustworthy, you would expect that their 1.6% of the population would be even higher in the prison population. The actual figure is 0.08%, one twentieth of what is predicted. Atheists are obviously more trustworthy than their religious counterparts, despite the smear tactics and projection.
Either that or they have better lawyers!

Originally Posted by Dangermouse

If atheists were untrustworthy, you would expect that their 1.6% of the population would be even higher in the prison population. The actual figure is 0.08%, one twentieth of what is predicted. Atheists are obviously more trustworthy than their religious counterparts, despite the smear tactics and projection.
Either that or they have better lawyers!

It reminds me of what several policemen have told me "Most criminals are stupid. Smart crooks don't rob liquor stores or hijack cars. They put on suits and work on Wall Street".

Given that most atheists have higher IQs, this does not necessarily correlate with them being honest or trustworthy. Only smart enough to stay out of jail.

Religion vs. IQ - Are Religious People Stupid?

Originally Posted by Divine Wind

There is a difference between belief in the Almighty and belief in (and adherence to) religious dogma. Atheists often mix the two for their own purposes. A deceit which does not engender trust.

Most Americans Believe in Higher Power, Poll Finds - washingtonpost.com


Religion (lots of good info in this poll)

How do you figure that? There is no diety that exists that doesn't have a religion, specifically outlined, attached to it. At least any of the major ones. If you believe in a God then you would be seeking the truth through that religion and searching for it daily or your not really a believer.

Either that or your saying that you believe but don't really care enough to worry that much about it. You can't believe in a God, yet reject their teachings, or sit on the sidelines and expect to reap any of the benefits from that religion.

If you believe in a God and don't follow their teachings then your no different than an atheist is.

Every religion I've studied has teachings about being "lukewarm."

Originally Posted by Spookycolt

How do you figure that? There is no diety that exists that doesn't have a religion, specifically outlined, attached to it. At least any of the major ones.

That only works if you believe the religion came first, then the belief in a higher power. It doesn't. Siddhartha Gautama lived and died then a religion grew up around him. Mankind has been pondering the mysteries of the Universe for eons. Religions are simply a tool for understanding some of these mysteries. While science has allowed us to better understand things like "Why is the sky blue?", it doesn't cover things like "Where did all of this come from and where is it going?" or "What happens me when I die?"

Originally Posted by Spookycolt

If you believe in a God then you would be seeking the truth through that religion and searching for it daily or your not really a believer.

Oddly, even atheists can't agree on their beliefs. Some go with the strict "When you're dead, you're dead" and there is nothing beyond the physical universe. Others are Pantheists or believe in other forms of "Woo" albeit without a deity involved. Which way do you lean?

I do think many people are seeking truth through their religion, but also think that "life" gets in the way for some. The physical realities and needs of life overcome their desire to seek higher understandings.

That only works if you believe the religion came first, then the belief in a higher power. It doesn't. Siddhartha Gautama lived and died then a religion grew up around him. Mankind has been pondering the mysteries of the Universe for eons. Religions are simply a tool for understanding some of these mysteries. While science has allowed us to better understand things like "Why is the sky blue?", it doesn't cover things like "Where did all of this come from and where is it going?" or "What happens me when I die?"

No religion came before a central figure on which to base it upon. None of them.

The early Mayan people had a God for almost everything. They saw a rock and they created a "God of rocks," basically. Then the ceremonies and practices formed.

Oddly, even atheists can't agree on their beliefs. Some go with the strict "When you're dead, you're dead" and there is nothing beyond the physical universe. Others are Pantheists or believe in other forms of "Woo" albeit without a deity involved. Which way do you lean?

I do think many people are seeking truth through their religion, but also think that "life" gets in the way for some. The physical realities and needs of life overcome their desire to seek higher understandings.

What your describing here is agnosticism not a true belief in a deity.