I am a 16-year-old girl, and I was brought up in a Christian environment. However, I am now atheist.
I am not writing this to speak of my personal beliefs on religion, but to share my opinion on how atheists are seen in society, the judicial system, etc. Contrary to what many elders I've spoken with believe, atheism is not a form of rebellion. Atheism is a way of freethinking, looking at life and interpreting how you choose to. It is not a lash out against parents, teachers or society.
The one thing that baffles me more than ever pertains to atheists in the judicial system. In the Constitution, U.S. citizens clearly have a freedom of religion. If this is so, then why in multiple states can atheists not run for public office? If an atheist is the sole witness of a murder in Maryland, what will the victim's family think when they find out the one person who can convict the murderer isn't allowed to testify, simply because they don't believe in God? ("No religious test ought ever to be required as a qualification for any office of profit or trust in this State, other than a declaration of belief in the existence of God." - Maryland's Constitution)
The fact that someone does not believe in God does not mean they can't lead moral, honest lives. Our society makes such a big deal of racism and prejudice against races. What about prejudice against religion? I've been referred to as "that stupid atheist girl." Is that fair? If I call my peers "stupid Christian kids," there would be huge controversy. In Massachusetts, I could be put into jail up to a year for taking God's name in vain, but how is that justifiable if I don't believe in said God to begin with?
But the fact that my religious beliefs are a minority, prejudice against my beliefs and me gets blown off. Yet, when it comes to race, minorities are praised, given their own scholarships, helped out by the government and society alike.
It just amazes me how we can call ourselves a "melting pot," but still discriminate against atheists. I realize that we are a Christian government, but our laws clearly contradict freedom of religion, which is not a privilege, but a right in our country. It disgusts me how atheists are looked down upon in society, but Christians are praised, even rewarded. Is that justifiable in your God's eyes, to judge someone and look down upon them because of their beliefs? I don't think so.
