Atheism and freedom of speech

here's the thing - it never never comes up. In the UK religion is a very private thing. It's your business and whatever you believe, good for you but keep it to yourself. I'd never bring up religious matter when with friends and family.In certain areas it goes further than that, I always see American politicians talk about their faith in the lord. In the uk to openly talk about your faith in such a way is seen as a dangerous character flaw.so yes we are all free and equal to keep our mouths shut and not bother other people!Edited by CK, : typos

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How does anyone ever conclude within themselves whether or not God exists if it never comes up in discussion? Why is it such a private matter? Why is it the dirty little secret that we are theists are atheists? I've never understood this. Now, I can understand the good advice of, when in a setting where you are entertaining many guests, the cardinal rule is, don't bring up politics and don't bring up religion. But within your own family or your circle of friends, this seems odd to me.

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Well I guess you conclude god exists because you go to a church or you grow up in a relgious environment. I can see it come up in certain family environments but I don't see why it would come up in conversation with friends - what's it to do with them?

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We tend to use the description 'reserved' (at least my age/social group do).

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Are you like me Mangy? Do you cringe when you see people on TV telling all and sundry their private business?

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It used to amaze me when I was first in the States that I could meet a total stranger in a bar and within 10 minutes they were telling me things about themselves and their lives that I wouldn't share with anyone who wasn't a pretty close friend.

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Correspondingly I got accused of being unfriendly, cold or aloof because I didn't treat people I'd just met as though they were lifelong friends.

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I've had the same experience - total strangers telling me all sorts of things, and then they'd say "and what about you?""well what about me? I bid you good day." Edited by CK, : No reason given.

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Perhaps some of them are craving that dialogue, as there are many Brits who are active participants on this forum. They don't seem to be too shy in telling me how wrong I am on here. They obviously have strong feelings on the subject. So why hide your feelings, eh?

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I wouldn't count on that - we (as a race) like to argue that's not quite the same thing. I come here because it's a useful way to kill time and the debates get quite fierce. I can honestly say I don't give religion much thought away from here.It's a mistake to assume that all online traits represent real-life traits.If I really had strong feelings about it - I guess I'd seek out a group of similar people, why am I going to embarrass my friends by subjecting them to rants about religion and quizzing them about what their beliefs are? Edited by CK, : No reason given.Edited by CK, : No reason given.

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Because its not a source of embarrassment.

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The embarrassment comes because culturally it's one of the subjects that we don't bring up in polite conversation - that, sex and what people earn. It's none of our business. You just have to accept that socially things are different here.

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1. Hey, is that a fashion statement or an actual belief in God? I only ask because I noticed that crucifix around your neck.

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But again what's it got to do with me?, it's none of my business. We consider religion to be a private thing and something you should do at home or in your religion house of choice, not to bother other people with.However in some respects, if you ask someone that's consider better than telling people about your beliefs unsolicited, that's likely to get you labeled as a kook. If I was at a party and someone started talking about how they were a christian/Mulsim/Jew and expounding on their belief in a creator - I'd smile politely and then slowly slide away...(edit: I should point out that the relationship with religion we have in the uk is more complex than this post makes it appear - I'm purely talking about the interactions that we have as individuals and small groups).Edited by CK, : No reason given.Edited by CK, : No reason given.Edited by CK, : No reason given.

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Does this mean C.S. Lewis was considered a kook?

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different time period.

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I'm saying, perhaps it shouldn't be a source of embarrassment.

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Why? I think most of us prefer it like this - anyone can believe what they like and they leave the rest of us alone!I'm not sure how it started but it's interesting when you consider we don't have separation of church and state like you guys do. (for example we have a requirement in schools, that there must be daily collective worship).Edited by CK, : No reason given.Edited by CK, : added addition detail.

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This tends to be more true with the Middle Classes. This group is pretty proud of their intellectualism and do seek to undermine their friends sometimes in coversation.

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of course! it's wonderful fun - I'd argue over anything - even subjects I have no interest in at all.