Blogsnark: Muslim Fanatics Hate Us Because of Atheists

One of the most common critiques that Muslim fanatics have about the West generally and America in particular is that they are "godless." This conflicts with many Americans' self-image as a godly nation, so they are forced to seek scapegoats elsewhere: the atheist minority.

Tanner, the Nashville Samurai, comments on the recent atheist weekend in San Francisco:

This weekend's activities are yet another reason the Islamic Terrorists wish us ALL DEAD, EVERY ONE OF US ! This is why we're seen as a godless society. I'm not saying you must be in church every single day, or even at all. But, you must realize that when you flaunt this so openly, you have to expect results. Bad results.

So, people who are open and honest about their atheism are partially responsible with Muslim terrorists attack us? Would it be better for atheists to get back in the closet and hide their real beliefs because, otherwise, religious fanatics with no respect for the lives of those who believe differently might get mad?

That's sheer lunacy. It's like telling black people that they are only bringing racism on themselves by moving into white neighborhoods or by daring to sit in the front of the bus. You don't combat religious fanaticism and terrorism by caving into their demands to limit liberty, even on a voluntary basis. If they "hate us because we are free," then the answer is to flaunt our freedom and flaunt our diversity rather than hide it and pretend that it doesn't exist.

Muslims don't regard America as "godless" because of the few and rare atheist gatherings that are publicized. Muslims were calling America godless and decadent many decades ago. They don't regard the sort of Christianity followed here as properly godly, regardless of how devout American Christians see themselves. Christians like Tanner, the Nashville Samurai, need to come to terms with the fact that many Muslims don't see American Christianity in the same way that American Christians do.

Read More:

• Religious Right
• Islam
• Palestine and Israel
• War on Terrorism
• Islam, Violence, and Terrorism
• What is Jihad?