I want to know why do some atheists spend so much time 'downing' Christianity in efforts to debunk the existence of God and the teaching of Jesus, when all religions, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, even Native American and African Tribal Beliefs, believe in some form of God and Savior?
I have never, in the 6 years I've claimed Jesus as my Savior, witnessed or been part of a conversation with an atheist who tried to debunk the existence of other religions Gods. Why?
Before I became a Christian, I was an atheist with strict views on all Gods, and not once, at that time, was I criticized or 'downed' for my beliefs. But now that I'm a Christian, I find myself being criticized or 'downed' and having to defend my right to be a Christian to atheists constantly. Why?
** For all who want to know, I stop being an atheist when I was told by a man I loved, "If you don't believe that God exists, where does your morality come from. God is LOVE and you can't know LOVE for me without LOVE for Him."
2006-08-31 04:58:15 · 12 answers · asked by DeeVee D. Essemar 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As a christian you ar ethe target of certain troll-like atheists, that don't represent all of us. As an Atheist I am the target of certain fundamentalist Christians that I know (or at least hope) do not represent all of you. You cannot treat us as all the same. we do not have a organization or anything that unites us other than our personal beleifs. 6 years ago before you were a Christian this place did not exist nor had the animosity escalated to today's standards so I am not surprised that you were not accosted like you were today. I think it's dveloped from a desire for healthy argument and dialoge debasing to accusation and self-proclamation, the old addage of "my way is the right way" Most of it can be ignored or not taken seriously, i certainly havn't paid much notice when I get scripture in my email inbox, I think you should do the same if an Atheists attaches a few words to you, but if you feel "downed" though I've no authority to apologise for atheists I'm sorry you've felt this way by them
2006-08-31 05:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by jleslie4585 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Most Western athiests are bombarded by Christian based ideology every day, so they feel a special need to address Christianity. The thing that troubles me the most about Judeo Christain-islamic belief is that it requires the "faithful" to embrace ignorance in order to allw for belief. There is too much evidence against the texts and theologies of these religions. Your example is a perfect illustration. Your lover saying "God is Love" is not an argument, it's a logical fallacy (begging the question). Ignorance about the basis of your morality is not a reason to retreat to a divine explanations. It's not about your right to be Christian, it's about whether anyone has the right to self imposed ignorance.
And for the record, there are at least 3 religious orientations that do not require the idea of a personal deity - Buddhism, Taoism and Advaita Vedanta.
2006-08-31 05:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by neil s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We view the world each from our own rose colored glasses.
It doesn't mean that there are so many more people that down Christianity or Atheism then or now. It's just your perception has changed. It's like learning a new SAT word, and all of a sudden hearing that word used all the time. (The word was always been used commonly, but since you learned the definition, you now hear and understand the word.)
And it doesn't seem like you were a real atheist, you just didn't have a religion and were eventually indoctrinated. Because you don't have to believe in God to have morals--AND even God-believers are AMORAL!!
EDIT: Girl Wonder seems right on the ball--your man seems to have blackmailed you. (Join my religion or I'll leave you.)
2006-08-31 05:12:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, it sounds like you changed your religious beliefs for the benefit of your man. He gave you an ultimatum and you gave in to it. Personally I've always thought that morality comes from within and that to choose to follow your own standard of moral guidelines takes more effort than to follow the guidelines established by others. Anyway, if someone told me I had to change my fundamental beliefs in order to continue a relationship, I would have to discontinue the relationship for how can true love come with such prerequisites?
Anyway, as to your question, I personally don't see any reason to put down other religions, however, I have noticed a trend in Christians to be rather short-sighted. Most Christians I've talked to never look past their own bibles, insisting that everything be placed in a biblical context. A Christian friend of mine once said that he wasn't worried about global warming because he knew what the bible says about how the world will end. Such short-sighted ways of thinking put me off Christianity and I'm not against trying to convince a Christian to change his ways from time to time.
2006-08-31 05:15:42 · answer #4 · answered by boukenger 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why won't Christians ACCEPT that theirs is not the only religion in the US and therefore all this hoo-ha about teaching the bible and creationism in public school ticks me off. What makes you think Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Hindus, or Pagans want to learn Christianity in school as opposed to no religion and leaving it at home.
You are now a part of a group that has a very bad rep for bullying. And remember: Religion don't make people bad, people make religion bad.
So for every bad Christian you observe, remember your question.
ps. i'm sorry you get attacked for your beliefs, but as a pagan i can tell you, be patient and know your true self.
2006-08-31 05:13:24 · answer #5 · answered by Lotus Phoenix 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you American? By far the prominent religion in this country is Christianity. Why would atheists debunk the other religions, when they have so few followers in this country?
2006-08-31 05:02:21 · answer #6 · answered by Some Dude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This should cover it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4fQA9mt-Mg
Also, I'm quite convinced that there is no god, yet I still have morals, and love. You'll find quite a few other atheists here that will tell you this, as well.
It sounds to me like you were never truly an atheist. You simply didn't know much about religion, so you didn't practice it. If you do the research, you'll see why there is no god. Whether that makes you happy or sad is not the issue. It is simply reality.
http://www.godisimaginary.com
Also, I'll second what Girl Wonder said... sounds like blackmail to me. My ex wife tried the same tactic. :) Obviously, it didn't work on me.
2006-08-31 05:01:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Even though you asked atheists this question I would like to respond. As a Christian my thoughts are this. There is no in between when it comes to God. You are either for him or against, simple as that. That being said, if you are not Christian, you are not of God. So in conclusion, Christians are prosecuted more so because they are true believers in God.
2006-08-31 05:31:45 · answer #8 · answered by zero 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because no other religion is constantly trying to shove their belief down anyone's throat. And they don't claim to have a savior or the only acceptable answer.
Your Morality, my dear, comes from within. You had it already. No one gave it to you.
2006-08-31 05:13:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Athiests I have come into contact with focus most of their attention on Christianity because it is the most domanent religion in this country. It is the Christians who want to turn their religious beliefs into our laws.
And not to knock you and the man you love, but it looks like he sorta blackmailed you into becoming a Christian.
2006-08-31 05:07:20 · answer #10 · answered by Girl Wonder 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋