Forum Discussion: Atheist-Friendly Countries?
Wednesday November 21, 2007
In most western, industrialized nations a person's atheism should not cause them any problems; indeed, atheism is so common in many of these countries that most atheists would never think that they might need to hide it at all. America is unusual in this respect because atheism is regarded so negatively — far more negatively than just about anything else. If an atheist were to consider moving from America to another nation where bigotry and discrimination against them were less of an issue, where should they go?
People always say, "If you don't like America, then leave!" While I get that it's a ridiculous statement, maybe someday I will.
So I was wondering, what countries are atheist friendly? Or at least true secular countries. Obviously third world countries don't count since if I want to live there, I should be able to work there as well.
Any suggestions?
There are a lot of nations to choose from, but they aren't all the same — each will have advantages and disadvantages. One of the most obvious will be language because if you can't speak the local language, you won't get very far. What sorts of suggestions do you have? Add your thoughts to the comments here or join the ongoing discussion in the forum.
Comments
Apparently, the country with the least number of believers in gods is Japan, but the UK is largely secular in practice, and you would not have too many problems with the language!
The New Zealand Prime Minister is openly atheist, she attends theist rituals where her duties require it, but makes no secret of being an unbeliever. We get the garbage coming in from US TV preachers, and there is a high proportion of theism, particularly amongst the pacific peoples, whose islands were colonised by European religious groups. They seem particularly susceptible. Here are examples of the outcome of that…
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4269877a10.html
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4287818a10.html
Just returned from the People’s Republic of China where my atheism was greeted with surprise and enthusiasm by my Chinese acquaintances who apparently think all Americans are religious nuts like our President. However: For aetheists, the Chinese are, ironically, the most superstitious people I’ve ever met!
Apparantly Sweden has a higher proportion of atheists than any other European country.In the UK we have an established church whose head is also the head of state-the queen.but we’re far more more secular than the US which has,ironically, an avowedly secular constitution.I’m not sure whether “atheist friendly” is the right phrase.surely “atheist(and religion) neutral” is enough.But if you find you just have to leave the US,and reading this site I can’t blame you,being an atheist is no big thing in the UK.most of my friends/collagues are atheists and don’t find themselves under threat or having to justify their lack of belief.Even Blair has admitted he had to tone down his religious beliefs when in office for fear of being thought a bit weird.It didn’t work.
I’m an atheist i live in America and i have absolutly no problems. The only way anyone would be treated negativly in America for being an atheist is if they walked into a church while a sermom was going on and said God is not real!
So, are you saying that because you have had no problems, then there is no reason why anyone anywhere should ever have any problems? Is it really your position that no atheists anywhere in America have been subjected to any inappropriate discrimination, hostility, or bigotry?
The best solution isn’t to leave America, but rather move out of whatever part of the country you are in.
Move to Seattle and you’ll find yourself part of the majority rather than the minority.
Of course, moving abroad works too, but in my experience the grass is always greener until you get there….