Are atheists more contemptuous than believers?

Question

After participating in Answers for a couple of weeks I have noticed one thing in particular. The atheist popluation seems to be more pessimistic and contemptuous than believers. Some have claimed that all they want is to be understood and have their ideas respected. However, I have read many questions and answers from atheists that imply they have not taken the time to understand Chritianity either and are very interested in putting it down. Additionally, it seems that atheists are so much more defensive and agrumentative than Christians. If one wants to be understoon, one must first take the time to understand. (I am using generalities and my own observation. Just like everything else in life, there are exceptions) Any thoughts?

Answer 1

i fidn your comment amusing that atheists dont take the time to understand chritianioty. from my perspective its usually the atheist who knows more about christianity than the averge christian.

you must rememebr thatthere are usually two types of atheists. the first (which seems to be ore comon) is your rebelling youth or someone who has a problem with the religion or has been "burned" by them

your second type is the educated, methodical, logical thinker. they may see certain problems that the religion creates and simply speaks out on them. as i stated in another question i fit snugly in the second option.

much like christianity, atheism has its share of people who tend to go off the deepe end.

Answer 2

It's an interesting question, and one that I honestly feel is a matter of perception.

A number of supposed Christians employ various forms of God's vengeance as a way of lording their religion over those outside the faith. You may not see that as a put down, but to someone outside the faith, telling someone they are "going to hell" is the equivalent to a grand FU.

At the same time, I have noted (and reported) some non-believers who simply are rude and accusing people of being stupid because of their faith. There are ill-informed people and educated people of all stripes. Let's face it: there are competitive Master's and Ph.D. programs in religious studies. I studied in one. There are biblical study groups available in most churches, that require a good bit of research and discipline.

Some religious people on Y! Answers do a really poor job of describing their faith, and many of the answers are comically irrational. Someone once even wrote: "Don't think; just believe!" For someone prone to practicing ridicule, they are an easy target. But atheists do not have a corner on that market.

The issue behind it and one that I think many Christians minimize is this: MANY CHRISTIANS IN THE US WANT TO STOP PROGRESS AND IN MANY AREAS ROLL BACK HUMAN RIGHTS. When you read vitriol, consider that it comes from fear that if the US becomes more of a theocracy, then the chances are that homosexuals will be jailed and/or killed, that people who perform or receive abortions will become criminals, that birth control will be much harder to get, that science education and research will become tainted by religious dogma, and that the rights of minority religions will be trampled by the majority Christians. These are not small issues. If it seems non-believers come across as a little grumpy, it's because we're genuinely frightened of the US being conquered by a Christian version of the Taliban.

Answer 3

To some extent what you say is true, but you have to realize that many people who ask or answer questions as atheist are not thoughtful people but just teen agers trying to tee off the parents.
Also, while a Christian answer like "God said it, I believe it" or even "bless you, have a nice day" may seem nice but it is really as contemptuous as the atheist profanity, because it is meant to demean the questioner and nullify the question. I think that a person looking for answers or insight on the site has be like the farmer cutting through the cow pasuter. Keep your mind on where you're going and step around the B.S,











































s

Answer 4

Yes here is a thought from the atheist. I was a christian for most of my life. A born again, spirit filled, speaking in tongues nut case like a lot of you. I finally figured out it wasn't working and let my natural intelligence take over and reasoned that there is no god. I have done every christian thing or activity that you could think of including praying every day and reading my bible. So when I put down christianity I do so with full knowledge of what it is all about and how the people within it treat each other and those around them.

Answer 5

Angeltress was partially correct. We cannot allow these people to have a say in our government. Thank God for president Bush!These closet Christians are very self righteous. They don't belong in this section. If they don't believe God why don't go to another country because this country is founded on Godly principles. They may have book sense but they don't have common sense. They never sought God and a personal relationship with him. They are not true to there belief system because why would they be in a religious section? Some unbelievers wouldn't dare come to this section because they respect other peoples beliefs. They are bias because they only hate and attack Christianity and not other religions. They attack believers on every topic such as Homosexuality,evolution which is false,abortion,stem cell research and most than any the Holy Bible. They are here to force their non belief system on those who don't agree with them. They are not here for the right reasons. There is no such thing as an atheist. They don't exist! My faith has grown stronger and stronger since I have been coming to this section for the last 3 months. I am guilty of being pessimistic and I will not justify it because it is without excuse and some people won't say that. God bless the unbelievers. May the unbelievers choose God before it is too late!

((Dusting my shoulders off! Whew!))
(smile)
God bless you.

dbd

Answer 6

I guess you would consider me an atheist.. It seems to go both ways, i see the same things from both sides. I see some Christians pushing beliefs on people and casting people to hell left and right. And i see some Atheists making stupid and hateful comments questioning a Christians belief system.. This is all about how tolerant a person is. And i see intolerance from both sides. And the argument from both sides tends to be, "My way is the right way, your way is the wrong way". This will always exist because these are two drastically different beliefs. Ive seen enough crap from both sides to know, you can't just single out one side and blame it on them.

Answer 7

I agree that atheists can be quite contemptuous, but I also see that many Christians, Muslims, Jews, Agnostics, etc. are quite contemptuous also.

Your comment is from one point of view and I think it is a bit blinded toward the behavior of Christians.

Answer 8

"If one wants to be understood, one must first take the time to understand."

Agreed.

And that is a two way street, now, isn't it? Actually, it's a multilane interchange, but you've made it into a dichotomy.

And are you aware of how your own beliefs generate a bias that influences your perception of the world around you? This is true for everyone; I am just curious as to whether you recognize this or not.

ANGELTRESS: EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN, REGARDLESS OF HIS/HER RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION, DOES HAVE A SAY IN OUR GOVERNMENT! Your remark is truly offensive.

Answer 9

Well seeing as how you continously ignore the points atheists bring up when stating your inane questions time and time again, maybe rather then Atheists being contemptuous, you're just a moron.

Answer 10

I hate to say it, but it seems to be equal on many question. As Christians, we are to be the image of Christ in the non-believer's life. While it may seem that athiests or agnostics tend to start the verbal battle, many Christians get just as aggressive and insulting if not more-so.