I live in the south, Bible Belt, that's what they call and religion is a big deal here. There are many occasions when the professor bings up religion while teaching and starts to praise and such. The president of my school always brings up god in his speeches. To that extent that he makes us feel that he is a religious leader rather the school's. I was wondering if it was/is the same case in your school too. What do you guys think of this? Do you really believe in God? On one occasion my professor told me that he'd discard his son if he was like me. This happened after I told him that I am an atheist. Note that it's a state school.
Its because you live in the south. I used to live in southern states for childhood so i kinda know what you mean - new york and california are completely different - especially silicon valley - feels like everyone here is an atheist
I don’t live in the Deep South, but I do live in Texas, Austin area. I’ve also lived on the west coast. Frankly I haven’t seen a huge difference between where I lived in California and here in Austin. Keep in mind, a lot of people in the world grew up religious in the past.. we have many religions and ideas about God. I think what you mean to ask is.. “why is Christianity such a big deal in the U.S.?” - I don’t know exactly. But the kind of religion you are talking about in your area sounds quite a bit different than the religion I’ve encountered and am currently around. I think you may find more conventional religion in areas that value tradition and cultural heritage.
Austin is very different from the rest of Texas.
@julB03, indeed it is. I’ve lived in small town Texas, and Dallas as well.
South and the Midwest, this can be a nearly dangerous thing to proclaim. These people do not think for themselves, only what the preacher told them to think.
Exactly! That's what I noticed.
Pump your brakes before dragging the Midwest into this, son. Out here, we love our guns (way) more than we love the baby Jesus.
It’s the Bible Belt, the rest of the country isn’t like that...at least not on the coasts.
Yeah, why is it necessary to point things out and dominate one another. I have never had any problem with any people either they be religious or not. I grew up in a family where I was taught to be respectful and polite to people regardless of who they are.
Why bring religion while teaching? It's a private matter. A professor is an important person and he has to know what to say while in class and it's his responsibility to make sure that everyone feels comfortable sitting in his class. What do you mean what's the problem?
Yeah, I understand that. The problem is when a professor starts to talk about religion out of nowhere and starts to preach.
Can you say the same thing about Islam?
I am sorry but posting such demeaning comment harms no one but yourself.
That might be illegal unless it is a private school. Separation of church and state. Schools should not promote or ban religion. A principal invoking god certainly falls under preaching/promoting a certain religion. As an atheist or even a member of a separate religion, you have a case.
Yeah l, I know. I am only waiting to graduate and get outta here without causing any drama or whatsoever.
There’s large swaths of areas in the US like this. Move to the coasts if you want to live outside of Jesusland.
Be it Jesusland or allahland or any land, no one should be intimidated based on their beliefs. Yeah, I am actively applying as I'm graduating soon.
I agree. But it is what it is. In Jesusland you’re only in their good graces if you’re one of them. It’s cult-like creepy at times. I grew up in a small town and just learned to keep my opinions to myself.
Can't be open about your atheism in the south. It is not safe.