Have you noticed that gleeful little attitude, a digital smirk if you will, that some Christians get...?

Question

...when they think a question will stump the Atheists? That "I'm going to watch and see what they have to say on this one" attitude? The one that shows they think they are better than others and this particular question shows how they can't be touched? The one that shows they absolutely won't actually entertain any of the answers? You can just see them rubbing their hands together in glee.

I'm not saying that's the norm. Don't you think that's a bit unchristian-like? Or certainly unbecoming? But mostly just sad because even if they read the answers, they don't "get" them? It makes me feel embarassed for them. Is that unreasonable?

What do you consider the Atheist equivalent? And why is it always the Christian chicks?

Answer 1

I'm a Christian and I will agree with you that that's not cool. You don't get anywhere with people by acting superior and Christians especially should know better. Still we're only human and we do want to see every one get a shot at heaven so sometimes we can go a little over the top, but it's hard not to go over the top when you're rooting for God :)

Answer 2

In some ways it appears to me as almost a rite of passage, on either side. With both Christians and Atheists, there always seems to be the obligatory, "This makes total sense to me. It must, therefore, make total sense to everyone else" question. You know, the ones that end with, "Now don't you see why you were wrong all along?"

Now, there are plenty of reasons why both Christians and Atheists do this. I'm sure some of it does have to do with a sense of self-gratification; that they, in their mind, proved they were smarter than someone else. However, despite the fun of Yahoo Answers, this is most likely not the forum where anyone is going to have their deep seated beliefs changed, be they Atheist or Christian. But if some people seek an ego boost or inner peace from posting their "This will stump all those stupid Christians/ ignorant Atheists!" questions, well, so be it.

Oh, and I have no idea why it would be especially Christian girls who come up with said questions.

Answer 3

I think if you look at it from a Christian perspective, they are hoping to stump you so to speak. Not to embarass anyone, but to make a step toward opening a door for further communication. They're attempting to assist you in realizing a new system of beliefs. Atleast that is their overall goal, even if it's not their immediate goal. I know, I'm one of em. I can promise you, however, that any Christian who is abiding by the teaching of the Bible would take every precaution not to offend anyone or seem "Holier than thou."

Unfortunately this is a HUGE problem within the Christian community. So many of us cannot figure out ways to discuss our beliefs with those who disagree without being offended or becoming offensive. Perhaps it's just because we expect everyone to think, in general, at least, as we do. (I would venture to guess that all people are that way, all people seem to think everyone thinks like them and then when someone states otherwise, we're caught off guard.) Perhaps it's just due to the fact that religeous beliefs are a quite sensitive subject to discuss, at least they are when they are being challenged in either direction.

I also admit this....in reading many of the answers on this page by the Christians represented here, I have only become more frustrated. Not all of them but many. Just look at how many turn the question around in an attacking form. I can see EXACTLY what you mean and understandy why you've become frustrated. I understand because I get frustrated that the Christian community as a whole at least is entirely too judgemental, which we are commanded by God in the Bible not to do!!! (yes i know, humanly this is impossible, but we should at least be conscious this fact and how we come across to others.)

Answer 4

First off, on behalf of all the well-intentioned christians out there, I would like to appologize for the "holier-than-thou" attitude some self-professed christians have. My approach to spiritual and religious discourse has always been to fully respect anyone's right to believe what they wish - I can explain why I believe what I do, but I can't forse feed it to anyone, and that certainly won't win anyone over any time soon.

Some of the people you mention honestly believe that they know all of the answers and don't care what you have to say, and some of them are too insecure to admit they don't. I know you said it's not the norm, but I agree that it is a more than too often occurance, but I disagree with you when you say it is unchristian-like.. If their intent is only to be argumentative or confuse people, then maybe, but I think often times that is not the case. I think that their intent may be sincere, but their practice is, for lack of a better word, flawed, or at least suboptimal.

As for an athiestic equivilent, there are athiests who approach christians the same way - with trite sayings and impossible situations meant only to trap others into proving themselves wrong, like "Can God create a stone so heavy he can't lift it?" I know this particular example is a cheesy cliche, but the personality traits you mentioned above do not only apply to professed christians. Nor do they only apply to chicks - the biggest examples I can think of off the top of my head are both guys.

Slightly off topic, another atheistic equivilent that, especially when it was new seemed to get under my skin was the "Darwin fish." I have no problem with the icthus or "Jesus fish" being used by christians to identify themselves or attempt to make their choice of beliefs known (even if it is easier to point out their hypocracies when they cut you off in traffic...) and I would have no problem with atheists doing the same. However, I find it crass, cynical, and frankly rude to use a mockery of the symbol of someone else's belief to identify your own. Just because we may disagree on what we believe does not mean an atheist needs to intentionally be disrespectful of a symbol of our beliefs and subculture. But I guess that's a rant for another question...

Answer 5

How are you able to see all of us Christians smirk with glee if we are on the computers in our own houses, miles and miles away from you?

The main thing I hear atheists say about Christians is that they are "self-righteous". I really wish they would understand that I have never asked or answered a question with the hope of proving myself the better person.

We, just like you, try to find questions that will make you think. Isn't that why we all come back day after day?

The only motive I have ever had in asking or answering a question is to help someone. If someone is a Christian with questions or doubts, I tell them what I have learned in an attempt to help. If an atheist or agnostic asks a question, I tell them what I have learned because that is what I am called to do. You may not believe me, that's fine.

All I know is, I wouldn't stay up all night and only get three hours of sleep for work just because I want to prove myself better than someone. I care about every single person on here, and I want them all to be happy. My version of happiness just happens to differ from yours, and I can't help but wish that I could say the right thing to help you find God. I feel that it is HIS desire working through me. That's it. I have no desire to compete in a power struggle.

Answer 6

Why do people feel the need to attack different religions or beliefs? Don't you realize that you are causing even more anger and hate by asking that question?

You shouldn't label people that act that way as "Christians" because that is not how true Christians act. Please think about that when you ask your next question. I am a Christian and I don't feel the need to bash you for what you believe, and I don't hate or dislike people for believing something other than I do. I do pray to God that you come to know Him someday.

I know you probably think I am FULL OF CRAP, but that's okay. That's part of what being a Christian is all about. Helping others even when they don't believe and don't want to be helped, and when they call you foolish for what you believe in. I love my Lord and want to do what's right in His eyes, but I'M NOT PERFECT BY ANY MEANS AND I'LL ADMIT THAT TO ANYONE WHO ASKS.

God bless you, and I'll say a little prayer for you tonight.

Answer 7

Hmm... kinda like the ones that the Athiests get when asking a question meant to stump the Christians. Yah, I've noticed it. But not just the Athiest chicks, men too.

Answer 8

I've seen it, and it's one of those unpleasent bits of nastiness that some Christians have that doesn't allow them to accept that there are people who simply do not wish to adopt thier beliefs or views. They do it to convince themselves that they will always be right and non-Christians will always be wrong. Just your basic hatred based on fear. I personally think they do it because they feel a bit insecure in their own faith. If they felt secure, hey wouldn't feel the need to keep doing it.

Answer 9

I think a lot of people do that, but for me, it's fun when Christians do it, because I already know how to shoot them down. There's not an original question left to be asked. They're almost all just variations of Pascal's wager, arguments from personal incredulity, cosmological and ontological arguments, emotional plees, special pleading, attempts to shift the burdon of proof, and threats of various forms. A well trained 6th grader could counter the crap they put forth.

Answer 10

I've seen it on all kinds of faces.

I just think the Christians are being human and enjoying a good debate, like anyone else.

(I'm Pagan, not Christian or atheist.)