Why such animosity?

Question

Not every Christian is narrowminded, and not every Atheist is immoral. There are plenty of immoral Christians and narrowminded atheists. I will agree that in the past of Christianity, we'll find some ugly moments. However, the Enlightenment turned a blind eye to the institution of slavery. No man, no school of thought, is perfect. So why do we find it necessary to come out here, sling philosophical and spiritual mud, and make fools out of ourselves and eachother? (For those of you ready to point me out as guilty of the same - don't bother, I'm copping to it now.) Hey, I'm just spending my five points to get this rant off my chest. I've spent the last six hours reading Derrida, my head is spinning, and I just wish Atheists and Christians would stop shooting barbs at eachother. Can't we respect each other's beliefs and ideas?

Eduoardi - are you familiar with Martin Heidegger? World renowned philosopher, highly respected. He was a Nazi. Can we totally discount his valuable contributions to philosophy knowing his affiliations? To say "I like you, so I'll just ignore your personal beliefs" is tantamount to insult.

Also, though I'm a woman of faith, I don't generally try to push my beliefs on anyone else. No more, at least, than I feel the pressure to abandon my faith from my non-believing peers. How is it that we just can't respect one another's beliefs as their own and let the issue be?

Answer 1

I think a main reason why people have "animosity," is because their views are so integral to who they are. When something is a core part of you, and someone else is against it, or doesn't accept it, it can be very hard to come to terms with that.

We all have views of the world, and everyone has a different way of seeing the world, due to their experiences, lifestyle, culture, etc. When something is so different than you, you might begin to see it as bad, even though it is just another part of our world.

I think if we all took the time to understand each other's worlds, and why we think the way we do, and how we can help eachother, there would be a great deal more peace in the world.

Answer 2

Good for you, now calm down, you do have a very valid point! however, you can not make people act as though they have values and morals and respect. They must either have them or learn them. As a christian, I really try very hard not to judge others or trample on their belief system. And as a christian it is not my place to judge anyone. I am daily a work in progress, and hopefully, others will stop with this nonsense. As a christian we are supposed to love one another, whether they are right or wrong is not our place to judge. Do not allow people to get so deeply under your skin and upset you, they obviously have their own issues to deal with. If they were not so full of anger and hate it would not come out the way it does. So if you are a christian pray for them, and if you are not then just over look them to the best of your ability. God loves all of us. No exceptions we are all God's children. Good luck and God bless.

Answer 3

It's Christianity I turn my animosity against. Not ordinary Christians. And besides, Christianity is STILL having those 'ugly' moments you're talking about, only they're more subtle now.

And no, I can respect you as a person, but not necessarily your beliefs and ideas. I mean, could you respect a Nazist?

EDIT: I meant, respect a Nazist "AS" a Nazist. I may respect Heideger as a philosopher (to tell you the truth I don't really know what he said, but maybe I could accept or even like him). But I would not respect his political ideas. There's the difference.

And if you're not an imposing Christian, I think I could easily get along with you, too.

In short, and as I said before. I respect (or not) people for what they do and are. But I can't be asked to respect all views.

Answer 4

I see plenty of answers on here where one might say, all Christians are hypocrites or all atheists selfish. I don’t like Christians because they are ALL this way. Or the problem with atheists are that they are ALL like that.
What this tells me is that some people are incapable of thinking past stereotypes. They can’t or won’t look at people as INDIVIDUALS. As long as that is the case, you can expect these generalities.
It's sad, but I guess it takes a little effort to look at each person as a unique being.

Answer 5

Gee true Christians should always have respect for someone else. Jesus did not show any type of dis-respect. He counseled and corrected the priests and other that were in direct opposition to God for their own advantage.

Christians are commanded by Jesus to preach and like Paul said to make a through witness.

Answer 6

I try to end arguments with "Agree to disagree," but people do actually undermind my position in my life and think that I have no argument to justify my atheism. They keep on pushing and pushing their beliefs onto me. I try to walk away, but I see the same thing happening on such a wide scale by the goverment. I just have to say something. I go unheard, but at least I got my point across with at least one person.

Answer 7

I'd ask this simple questiion:

Why can't christians simple LIVE THEIR VALUES EVERY DAY before demanding that others do that??

I, for one, am sick of their hypocrisy...so, since they claim to have the better values, why not prove it before demanding it of others??

Of course, you are going to get the brainwashed yay-hoos who come on here and claim that their bible-god myth is the ONE TRUE god, and all others are wrong, blah blah blah...and we're back to the same old mindless drivel from them....

Answer 8

sad to say there are those who do not practice the saying " we who are tolerant must be tolerant of those who are not " wish everyone would just respect the rights of others and treat each other with the same respect they want for themselves.

Answer 9

You would think so, right? I agree with you totally. Such barbs and caustic arguments and comments accomplish nothing but further anger, division, and animosity.

Chow!!

Answer 10

I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Let's try to spread some accord instead of discord, love instead of hate, understanding instead of prejudice.

And may your days be filled with joy.