Hi Reality Pixie, not to worry, San Francisco is probably the most pagan large city in the USA. Less than half the people claim any sort of faith group. And not too far from the bay area you can see landscapes of great beauty. Drive either north or south along the coast, visit wine country, see the really tall trees, and do not miss the national parks.
The US is a big place. What people described above is fairly recognized information.
I am in the Northeast, and atheists have been very freely vocal here for as long as I can recall. It is more likely for Christians to be cut down here-- mostly by people with Christianity in their family background.
I can't guarantee you will not have verbal abuse anywhere, lol, whether you are an atheist or a lama farmer or a movie star. No one is exempt.
Both coasts have some good schools too. Are you looking for any specific programs?
Cheers for the wiki link, clears some things up. Yeah I study youth work, so am looking for something with a youth work/social work/psych/councelling focus, another reason why I picked that area. I've been recommended Berkley? I think? but have yet to do proper research into individual unis. If you have any info that would be tops
Hi Reality Pixie, not to worry, San Francisco is probably the most pagan large city in the USA. Less than half the people claim any sort of faith group. And not too far from the bay area you can see landscapes of great beauty. Drive either north or south along the coast, visit wine country, see the really tall trees, and do not miss the national parks.
May God Bless
Nice! I'm a bit of a greeny at heart so can't go past a bit of natural tourism ....or alcohol tourism teehee. Also heard the beaches there are wonderful, which would make a welcome change. Perth beaches are dull and clogged with stinky seaweed unfortunately. Thanks for the advice and kind words guys
So I suppose what I'm asking is, for those of you in the US (and especially in California/San Fran), how do you feel about atheists? And what is the religious climate in that general area?
Cheers;
RP
I live in Louisville, KY and I know plenty of outspoken atheists as friends, co-workers, and relatives. None of them seem to complain about being treated terribly, and I haven't seen that they are. They simply stay away from the religion topic altogether among those they feel wouldn't take their atheism well. Obviously, they have no problems telling me all about it, as some have tried to sway me to their way of thinking in the past. A particular co-worker is mystified at my being a believer and is constantly telling me that he thinks I'm wasting some potential (in what way I have no idea) in persisting in a belief in God and that he respects me otherwise- magnanimous of him.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Troparion - Tone 4
Commanders of the heavenly hosts, we who are unworthy beseech you, by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you: “Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commanders of the powers on high!”
Holy Archangel Michael, pray to God for me.
"It's later than you think. Hasten therefore, to do the work of God." ~ Fr. Seraphim Rose
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
You'll be overjoyed to know that Christianity in America is no longer what it was intended to be. If it was, then nobody would be against it and atheists would have no ammunition for their stance. In other words, most "Christians" in most churches don't live out the gospel like they should, and therefore atheists like yourself and agnostics have plenty of validity for not believing that God exists. So that's a long way of saying, no worries about being maligned for your (lack of) faith - the only people who hate/get angry at atheists are pseudo-Christians who don't live the life of Christ outside the four walls of a church. Welcome to America!
__________________ View my blog, To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. , and learn about one man's experiences as a former God hater. You'll be challenged (and encouraged) in your faith!
I live in a pretty secular society (Australia) where a huge portion of the population doesn't consider themselves to be religious, so my atheism has never gotten me into trouble. However I currently have the opportunity to study as an exchange student in the USA. I'm a fairly, erm, 'alternative' person so was thinking San Fransisco. I know the US is a pretty religious place, and I've heard from sources that admitting atheism can get you into all sorts of trouble. Is this true? Keep in mind I'm a pretty outspoken atheist, but I'm hardly the kind to walk around handing out copies of 'Evolution of the species' spouting Dawkins quotes.
So I suppose what I'm asking is, for those of you in the US (and especially in California/San Fran), how do you feel about atheists? And what is the religious climate in that general area?
Well, I'm not in that area, but a lot is going to depend on the actual people involved. And of course, how you let your atheism be known. If you go blaming religion in general for the world's problems, that's going to get you some vocal disagreements. If you're more decent about it, decent people will respect you. Of course, if you came to my area, people would want to talk to you about faith either way.
Originally Posted by RealityPixie
Yeah I'd agree, but there is a big difference between the different types of xtian, ranging from extremely liberal to hardline conservative. The majority of xtians I know are liberals, and over here if you believe in creation that's considered extreme. Even the xtains will look at you a bit wonky if you are of the view that the bible is complete truth, and that's here in WA, haha (WA is basically considered the 'conservative backwards rural' state). I suppose from what I've seen and heard, in America they tend to lean more towards the conservative lean, and that a huge number believed in creation (again, can cite but can't be pooped looking up reference or exact % right now. Let me know if you want it.)
You know, I hope you have the benefit of meeting some actual conservative Christians. We're not as scary as people say we are. In fact, when I spent a little time in the heart of Southern Baptist territory, I was pleasantly surprised.
__________________ Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
- Proverbs 30:5-6
Sovereignty is not racism.
Last edited by twistedsketch; 22nd November 2009 at 06:26 PM.
Linear Mode
