Atheism vs. Citizenship

Is atheism compatible with being an American citizen? The Boy Scouts seem to have their doubts and President Bush (the first) said that "I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots." Certainly there are many Americans who share this view. What about non-citizens who are trying to obtain citizenship?

As this short article explains, it doesn't seem as though an atheist can become a citizen without lying:

It also amuses me that the INS civics test claims that the reason the Pilgrims came to America was "to gain religious freedom;" yet, the citizenship naturalization process requires me to take an oath under God.

So, what is an atheist to do? Lie or become an American citizen? What about an atheist coming here to flee religious persecution — is the price of religious freedom to submit to religious oaths?

 

Read More:

• Atheism 101
• What is Atheism?
• Who Are Atheists?