Why are religious people so incapable of dealing with criticism?

Question

Everyone has a right, indeed a moral duty to criticize religion since it is so prevalent in modern life. Why do so many people criticize atheists when they are both powerless and put-upon (at least in North America)? Should atheists respond with violence, as so many of the religious do?

Answer 1

No, of course not! That's all we need, yet another group of gun-toting homicidal maniacs.

Atheists aren't powerless, and they are probably in general far less inclined to think themselves so righteous that they're willing to kill other people who don't share their beliefs, than religious acolytes.

The power atheists wield may not be obvious, but it is real.
They advocate and discuss logic and reason as a way of life. The more people who become tired of the violence spawned by religious extremism, and the more people willing to put aside their fears long enough to consider the possibility of life without religion, the more people who will come to a life of logic and reason on their own.

In one respect you're right; there aren't any huge atheist churches, or televangelist atheists raking in millions from the credulous, so atheists don't have the power that money can bring. It would rather defeat their purpose, don't you think?

Answer 2

Nobody likes criticism religious or not.

To believe in any religion you must have faith that it is the right religion to believe in.

In the old days they didn't have scientists or the tools that modern scientists had, there was no newspapers or internet. There was only the word of mouth to tell others what was happening in the world. Rumor, and gossip was wide spread as that was the only way people could find out what was going on.

The best way there is to promote something is by word of mouth, you can spend millions on commericals, newspaper ads, but the word of mouth is the best way. That is how most old religions got started, there is no way to disprove it, because it has been spread by word of mouth there is no beginning or end as it keeps going and going, like the everready battery. Who saw Jesus on the mount, well I heard it from a passerby that sold me some cheese, he heard it from a farmer, the farmer heard it from the sheep herder and so on.

So the beliefs getting stronger because so many have heard the same stories, so how do you kill off a rumor, you can't.

As to the violence part the bible as well as the Koran both speak about the use of violence, to die in God's name is to have a seat to the right hand of God. To the very poor, and helpless that might be enough to start violence in the name of God, because the importance of sitting on the right hand of God means more than the promise of diamonds and rubes to others

Answer 3

I think that you (both of you) are making huge generalizations. I'm not insecure about my beliefs because I believe them because I have studied the logic behind it as well as other religions and I think Christianity is the logically superior choice of religion if you are choosing one.

I don't mind criticism or debate because it's the only way to stretch my closed mind and learn something new or think in a different way. I welcome criticism and think it takes more character to constructively criticize than agree.

As for athiests, I haven't met very many. Also, the person assumes a quality of the very thing that the person says they do not believe in -- athiests assume that they know everything and through this knowlege they have assertained that there is no God (who knows everything).... doesn't make sense. An agnostic is a much more logical solution: "I don't know if there is a God."

Most athiests I have met are simply choosing not to believe what they have been exposed to about God. I am a Christian and my best friend for several years was an "athiest". I named my first child after her. My friend said to me: "I like your brand of religion."

So not all Christians are closed-minded angry people who can't bear intellectual inquiry into their faith by people of differing opinions. Also, I don't feel the need to "be right" -- I want the TRUTH, whatever that is. I believe with 99% of my heart I have found it, but if you don't doubt, I don't think you are human.

At least you are talking about God which is great! If you don't keep yourself open to new knowlege you will never grow...and that is a shame for any one no matter what their religion or non-religion religion :o) .

Answer 4

Generalizing again (happens a lot here)! Some people are and some aren't - we are all different and unique individuals. Please don't assume that all people of a particular group are the same. We as humans need to break that habit and start viewing individuals as such, rather than as a member of a particular group.

Answer 5

Sorry, but I find it the other way around. I find a lot more angry, defensive atheists on here than Christians or others who have religion.

Answer 6

I'm not sure. I go out of my way to ask thought provoking questions to get a feel for what goes on in the Christ Cultist brain and all I get in return is venom.

I dont understand.

Answer 7

You are just jealous that you don't have the character necessary to embrace organized religion as a part of your life. And most of the ppl I know who don't embrace organized religion are far worse than those who do.

Answer 8

Why aren't Atheists good at asking intelligent questions?

Answer 9

ROFLMAO
What they haven't?
ahhh the poor atheists, well we will not have them for long, so enjoy they while they last.

Answer 10

Religious people as a group are significantly more insecure than irreligious people.