Why do atheists....?

Question

Well first I have to say I am an atheist. But why do we try to convert people of other religions to atheism. I mean I respect other people's religion and I usually try not to get all preachy and tell them well duh God isn't real. I think unless we our challenged we should lay off a little you know?

Answer 1

I agree.

But I think everyone should just leave religion to everyone's private life.

Its no one business what you do or do not believe. Whether yo are athiest or a lapsed Catholic or a 'reformed' born-again or a devout Buddhist, it doesn't matter. It shouldn't matter to anyone but YOU.

Religion is entirely too public nowadays. So, yes, athiests should back off, but so should everyone else!

Answer 2

Why should I lay off of people who believe that a donkey talked, an evil snake lured a naked man and woman to committing the world's first sin, a sea was split in half, voices came out of mountains and clouds and flaming bushes, angels swoop around in the heavens, devils try to drag bad people to hell, and some guy took a stroll on a lake, turned water into wine, and raised people from the dead? These are some seriously messed up, childish beliefs! GROWN ADULTS believe these things, and they are teaching them to their children as facts! These people are voting, too, and they vote with their beliefs, a fact which should give you reason to be worried. Do we want a world in which everyone accepts fantasy as reality and vice-versa? Christians certainly do! So I mock them, I challenge their beliefs and point out all the absurdies, fallacies, errors, and contradictions, I ask them questions that they can't answer without resorting to circular reasoning or, "Because the Bible says so." I like trapping Christians in a theological box of their own making. It's fun to squeeze the sides together to see what comes out...and which end it comes out from. :o)

Answer 3

I'm also an atheist, and I try to respect the beliefs of others...but it's not always easy. A lot of the Christians I know are very smug about their beliefs. For example, a friend of mine, when it is brought up that I don't believe in God, loves to say with a little smile, "But He believes in you." So you can imagine how difficult it is not to rebut that my beliefs aren't based on self-fulfilling mumbo-jumbo or some other acerbic retort. Perhaps it is the area I live in (North Texas), but it seems to me that Christians take joy in doing "God's Work" (aka attempting to brainwashing me into their ways), but if I voice my godless opinion, I'm being insensitive. To that, I say that I will respect anyone's opinions and beliefs as far they they respect mine.

Answer 4

Good question with a good comment attached. I reckon its because all humans want others to be like them in some way. I think its more about security than anything. Trouble is when we try to make others like us, we usually go too far and hten some form of trouble starts - from a friendly dissagreement on an issue, to a war. Your way, understanding and respecting other people enough to allow them to make thier own choices is the better way, I think.

Answer 5

Well first I have to say that I am a Christian. I do not see atheists as 'enemies' or that I need to convince anyone of anything.

Generally, atheists believe that there is no God. Well, it's their belief. Some of them believe it so much that they share with others. Just like Christians who believe in Christ so much and how good the gospel is that they can't help but share with others.

=) Have a nice day.

Answer 6

Ummmm, dude....

Ok, first, are you sure your an atheist?

Second, convert people to what? Atheism isnt a religion, HELLO!!!

Third, you do realize you capitalized god, right? Again, are you sure your an atheist?

Fourth, atheists are challenged everyday! Have you ever looked at your money, said the pledge, or had some nut come to your door and shove their little book in your face??

HELLO, McFLy!!!!!!

Answer 7

I disagree. That would be aiding and abetting the promulgation of willful ignorance. These myths, fairy tales and superstitions must be confronted at every opportunity.

HOWEVER... this does not have anything to do with trying to convert believers to non-belief. That would be pointless. The fact that they are believers clearly demonstrates that they do not have the capacity to employ rationality and critical thought... which are necessary to penetrate all the skillful lies, deceits and delusions of Christianity. No... it's not about them. Its about intervening on behalf of those uncommitted people who are here in this forum, genuinely searching for honest answers. It is our moral responsibility and duty to provide those honest answers. So, keep it up... but make sure that you consider the lost 'believers' in the proper perspective. They serve as the examples of where gullibility, willful ignorance, and faulty thinking can lead one.

"The god who is reputed to have created fleas to keep dogs from moping over their situation must also have created fundamentalists to keep rationalists from getting flabby.  Let us be duly thankful for our blessings."  ~ Garrett Hardin

Answer 8

I'm not sure what other atheists you hang out with, but everyone I now, myself included, that is atheist (which is most of my friends) never tries to convert anyone, live and let live. If someone tells me I am going to hell though for being an atheist, I simply tell them o' silly, I don't believe in hell :)

Answer 9

Nah, christian baiting is great fun.

Seriously though, I don't try to convert them. I just point out in some cases that their questions and responses rely on blind faith or stupidity (not in all cases though).

I respect the belief of the intelligent christians and the fact that they can live by it.

Answer 10

No offense but if someone has something good and positive in their lives, why would you want to try and take it away?? As for Christians, we are supposed to at least share the message with you. If you choose to reject it that is your choice. I like the quote "If you don't believe in God. You'd better hope you're right."

Answer 11

I don't try to convert anyone. I don't care what othr peolpe believe in . What works for me doesn't necessarily suit everyone else. Belief is a choice.