Atheists have always been concerned, to a degree, with how low we poll among the general population as to being trusted. We have polled lower than rapists and that should be disturbing to anyone, atheist or not. Why is it we’re so disliked (okay, I’ll say it – hated) by those that probably don’t personally know an atheist? Why is it that just not believing in god(s) somehow brings out a level of vitriol in some people that in any other circumstance, would be considered a threat? Think about it. Some of the things I’ve seen posted on social media by so-called believers are so over the top that it has me wondering about the mental health of the same.

While perusing Twitter for a few minutes, I came across a pst that included a photo of a letter to the editor of some local newspaper. No date was associated with the letter, but just reading this short, hyperbolic rant, made me stop and think for a minute that there are some, at least in the United States, that despise atheists to a degree that may be considered disturbing. In another way, it’s awfully funny to read about what some people consider freedom of religion:

When I first saw this, I thought it must be a joke. How could someone be this crazy, and why would they display their obviously troubled mind to the public? Well it takes all kinds. This is a rarity for. me although I’m aware it’s not for other atheists. I just don’t spend enough time online anymore to attract people who would say the things that are in this letter. the person that wrote the above must believe that atheists are overly influential and of course states explicitly that atheists have caused the ruin of this great nation…

The most laugh-out-loud portion of this letter is this:

The United States is based on having freedom of religion, speech, etc… which means you can believe in God any way you want (Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, etc.), but you must believe.

I bolded the last part. This is why I thought this must be some sort of joke. It’s not an uncommon theme though: Many believers actually think that “freedom of religion” means that as long as you believe in some sort of god, this applies to you. If you’re a non-believer, it doesn’t:

I don’t recall freedom of religion meaning no religion. Our currency even says, “In God We Trust”. So to all of the atheists  in America: Get off of our country.

This person  has a serious educational deficit when it comes to knowing and understanding the Constitution, and the First Amendment. I’ve said before that maybe we atheists just need a better PR machine. I don’t think the best PR firm on the planet could overcome the hostility the above person presents.