SEVERAL POLLS indicate that the term “atheism” has acquired such an extraordinary stigma in the United States that being an atheist is now a perfect impediment to a career in politics (in a way that being black, Muslim or homosexual is not). According to a recent Newsweek poll, only 37% of Americans would vote for an otherwise qualified atheist for president.

Link: 10 myths — and 10 truths — about atheism – Los Angeles Times

The author Sam Harris debunks some of the commonest myths about atheism in America, where ‘a remarkable 87% of the population claims “never to doubt” the existence of God’.

Although the situation is not quite as bad in the UK, the influence of religionists is increasing. Can you imagine an openly atheist UK Prime Minister?

We might add Sam Harris’s truths about atheism to our arsenal when fighting irrationality.

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Tags: Sam+Harris, Los+Angeles+Times, Myths, Atheism