What do you think of atheists

[Squiggley]

I'm just a little curious as to what most christian people think of atheists.

I my self am completely fine with atheists, the only thing that makes me angry is when they try to deconvert me. Luckily however that has only happened about 1-2 times.

 

[GrayAngel]

To speak generally of any group as if everyone in it is the same, this is something I wouldn't recommend.

However, I usually feel one of two ways towards atheists, and it all depends on their attitude. Some atheists think they've got it all figured out. It's their mission to get everyone else to see how dumb they are for not seeing the world the same way they do.

There are some who hate religion completely, and they think all the world's troubles would suddenly disappear if all religion would end. And then there are the ones who hold this insulting opinion that religion was once useful for a period, but that we must outgrow it, just like a child outgrows its blanket.

Just as with most groups, there are the extremes on two ends, and then there's the tolerable middle ground people. These are the ones who believe what they believe, but they have little interest in trying to force their opinions on others, and they actually enjoy getting familiar with alternate point of views. They feel secure enough to express their opinions calmly, and to really listen to what other people think. These people I can enjoy being around, but the others I cannot stand.

 

[Eudaimonist]

I my self am completely fine with atheists, the only thing that makes me angry is when they try to deconvert me. Luckily however that has only happened about 1-2 times.

On the bright side, at least you know how atheists feel when Christians try to convert them.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Agonaces of Susa]

What do you think of atheists

You don't want to know. If I told you I'd have to wash my mouth out with soap.

 

[Gishin]

I heard they're all jerks.

 

[Drathnor]

I heard they're all jerks.

Its true, all that logic and reason are just down right despicable.

 

[Eudaimonist]

I'd like to ask Christians who are annoyed when atheists try to deconvert them how they feel about the Christian mission to spread the Gospel and to convert the heathens?

I ask, because, isn't it at least a little ironic that Christians are complaining about conversion attempts? Isn't this a kind of secular karma in action?


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Ar Cosc]

You don't want to know. If I told you I'd have to wash my mouth out with soap.

The feeling is mutual

 

[GrowingSmaller]

Its true, all that logic and reason are just down right despicable.

Whats the differnce between logic and reason, or are you just taking the opportunity to give yourself two slaps on the back instead of one?

 

[AveMaria_45]

YouTube - Why Be Catholic?

 

[.Iona.]

i think of them as fellow human beings.

 

[plindboe]

There are some who hate religion completely, and they think all the world's troubles would suddenly disappear if all religion would end.

I've never seen an atheist say anything like that. But I've seen countless examples of atheists stating that they think that religions cause alot of harm, only to be countered with the strawman "So you think that without religions there would be no harm at all?!".

Peter

 

[sandwiches]

You don't want to know. If I told you I'd have to wash my mouth out with soap.

You're such an angry fella. Maybe praying for peace in your heart might do you some good, no?

 

[GrayAngel]

Its true, all that logic and reason are just down right despicable.

I find it obnoxious when atheists think they're the only logical thinkers in the world.

I'd like to ask Christians who are annoyed when atheists try to deconvert them how they feel about the Christian mission to spread the Gospel and to convert the heathens?

I ask, because, isn't it at least a little ironic that Christians are complaining about conversion attempts? Isn't this a kind of secular karma in action?


eudaimonia,

Mark

There are two methods of conversion. The difference is mostly in the motivation.

Some are simply interested in converting others because they want everyone to agree with them. This is the conversion of ideas. Usually, this type reveals itself to be quite pushy and annoying.

Others want to convert others because they believe doing so will benefit them. The goal here is not just to change one's thinking, but to change one's heart.

Most religions have some of both, but atheism, being the anti-religion religion, is limited to just the conversion of ideas.

I've never seen an atheist say anything like that. But I've seen countless examples of atheists stating that they think that religions cause alot of harm, only to be countered with the strawman "So you think that without religions there would be no harm at all?!".

Peter

People always tend to view things in their own favor. You've completely missed the point.

Religion is not responsible for any of the world's troubles. The problem with the world is that we have people in it.

Some feminists also believe that if women were in charge, then we would have fewer wars. But if we take a look at societies where women had power, do we see any less violence? No. In fact, many of female leaders were extremely violent.

People fight for many reasons. If we can't fight for one reason, we'll find something else to fight about.

Religion benefits those who embrace it, but to most people, it's just another set of ideas for them to get defensive over.

 

[sandwiches]

I find it obnoxious when atheists think they're the only logical thinkers in the world.

My usual disclaimer of "I can't speak for all atheists" applies to all this:
Personally I do think a certain suspension of reason and logic to a degree is necessary to believe in certain versions of a deity. Specifically, the Christian God. Logical inconsistencies, contradictions, and the like are abundant and clear to anyone who has read even a few passages of the Bible and the only way to surpass them is either ignore them or to bend logic/morality/reason to fit what we want to believe.

There are two methods of conversion. The difference is mostly in the motivation.

Some are simply interested in converting others because they want everyone to agree with them. This is the conversion of ideas. Usually, this type reveals itself to be quite pushy and annoying.

Others want to convert others because they believe doing so will benefit them. The goal here is not just to change one's thinking, but to change one's heart.

Most religions have some of both, but atheism, being the anti-religion religion, is limited to just the conversion of ideas.

This is false. I honestly believe that deconverting people can actually encourage people to think more clearly and honestly, that it can help remove illogical biases and prejudices, and that it can in general lead to a more productive society that focuses in what can be observed, verified, and demonstrated as opposed to that which is indistinguishable from our imagination.

People always tend to view things in their own favor. You've completely missed the point.

Religion is not responsible for any of the world's troubles. The problem with the world is that we have people in it.

And some people BECAUSE of their religious beliefs have done some terrible things.

Some feminists also believe that if women were in charge, then we would have fewer wars. But if we take a look at societies where women had power, do we see any less violence? No. In fact, many of female leaders were extremely violent.

People fight for many reasons. If we can't fight for one reason, we'll find something else to fight about.

Religion benefits those who embrace it, but to most people, it's just another set of ideas for them to get defensive over.

I do agree that humans will always find something to fight about but this isn't a reason to keep on supporting one of those reasons that seems to be mostly harmful in what can actually be measured.

 

[jayem]

I think that the vast majority of us non-theists are perfectly content to live-and-let-live regarding metaphysical beliefs. What we may take issue with is not personal faith, but organized religion. Which rarely takes a live-and-let-live attitude towards non-believers--or even towards heterodox co-religionists.

 

[Ayersy]

Atheists just wish they could disbelieve as much as us nihilists.

Just joking. I refer to myself as a nihilist, specificically, but in general, as an atheist, simply because more people understand what that means.

 

[plindboe]

People always tend to view things in their own favor. You've completely missed the point.

Your point was a strawman. I'm not sure what I missed, as you haven't really explained it. You said that some people "think all the world's troubles would suddenly disappear if all religion would end" and this is a strawman.

Religion is not responsible for any of the world's troubles. The problem with the world is that we have people in it.

So a religious text telling people to kill witches can't possibly inspire people to kill witches? I don't mean to be rude, but you're living in a fantasy world if you think that people can't possibly act in any negative way from reading and believing a religious text dogmatically. Ever heard of Sharia law?

Peter

 

[emily_elizabeth]

I have no issues with atheists as long as they're respectful to me. I return the respect because they have the right and free will to believe what they want.

 

[Lion Hearted Man]

Isn't it funny that most of the people who posted in this thread are atheists? Thought this was Christian Forums