Question to Christians AND Atheists..?

Question

I'm not referring to ALL of the people in each group. Here goes..
To Atheists: Why the need to get on here to trash someone's belief in God or the Bible if they haven't tried to force their religion on you? Couldn't it be a good thing that a person has something to believe in that helps them live a good life? And why do some of the Atheists seem to detest even the most simple religious gestures so much that you fight to have them removed, like "Under God" in the pledge for example. Can't you just not say it and move on? The Christians are exercising their right to say it, and you're exercising yours not to. Isn't that fair?
To Christians: Why the need to come down on both Atheists and members of other religions. As stated above, if these people have something to believe in that's not satanic or evil in some way, why bash it? Why the constant arguing over whose religion is the "right" one? No person alive now lived on this earth during biblical times, so no one really knows.

Answer 1

Amen. I couldn't have said it better myself, Christian here. I believe why not let the other person believe, think what they want, I never push Religion on anyone. If they act interested or curious, I let them lead me into the discussion. And I try my hardest to be polite, but I do have my days, I think every one does now and then.

Answer 2

I'm an atheist, but not an anti-theist. I never randomly trash someone's religion; to each his own. There are some questions about religion asked on here - by people of almost ALL religions - that are born of arrogance and condescension toward others. It distresses me that most religious people cannot think for themselves; they just mindlessly quack out words from their holy books. To answer them, I usually use the weapons of sarcasm, reason, and logic, but never disrespect.
I know what the US Constitution says, and what the Founders meant; I have read the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist Papers. There was great disagreement among the authors of the Constitution (primarily James Madison and Thomas Jefferson) as regards religion. Jefferson was the first to come up with the political idea of the separation of church and state. Personally, I think it is a very good one, and it distinguishes the US government from most others. I realize it can be taken to extremes. Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower is the one most responsible for placing the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. He was inspired to do so by a sermon. Personally, I think the US is primarily a secular nation, and the original Pledge was just fine; nothing was missing.

Answer 3

Good on you for not being judgemental! To either group.

I don't say the God part of the pledge. I don't like that God is on the money. It smacks of having a national religion in this country, and we don't. The founders never intended there to be any national religion. As far as I am concerned, those two things alone are forcing Christianity on everyone. However, you also have attempts at legislation of morality - no gay marriage, the anti-abortion movement, etc. Those moral values are based soley on the Christian morality. People tend to forget that this country is a melting pot, where people of all faiths, creeds, and colors can live without fear of persecution. When God is invoked on the money and in the Pledge, you're effectively removing the rights of those of differing faiths and views, by implying that the Christian god is the national God.

Answer 4

I'll have to answer the first part.

I do not mean to trash anybody's belief. I mean to trash religions, because I feel they are the worst institutions ever to exist on earth. I do not want you removed. I have never reported a question because I thought it was 'too religious'. I just have the right to say what I think. I admit I take it out on you all, for the wrongdoings of a few of you. But you have to admit that those people who give you all a bad name (religious fanatics, manipulators, etc.) are where they are, because you have either let them get there, or even put them there. You are somewhat responsible, too.

Besides, you also have to admit that some Christians will take an "I disagree" as a "You're all trash". Well, I'm not in the habit of actually insulting people. I discuss ideas. I sometimes despise ideas. But I respect the holder of those ideas. And the fact that I'm eager to discuss religions with you shows that YOU aren't my problem. Your belief is.

Answer 5

"Why the need to get on here to trash someone's belief in God or the Bible if they haven't tried to force their religion on you?" If you're referring to the "xtians are idiots" type comments, then yes, they are uncalled for. If you're refering to those who come on here and use facts and logic to answer questions, well...that's the whole point of Y!answers.

"Couldn't it be a good thing that a person has something to believe in that helps them live a good life?" Yes it could, but the fact is, the tenants of xtianity calls for witnessing and attempts to convert. Also, with research, you'll see a disturbing trend that the faithful have a tendency to pick and choose which parts to follow. This is a type of hypocrisy.

"And why do some of the Atheists seem to detest even the most simple religious gestures so much that you fight to have them removed, like "Under God" in the pledge for example. Can't you just not say it and move on? The Christians are exercising their right to say it, and you're exercising yours not to. Isn't that fair?
" Because a pesky thing called the 2nd ammendment assures us that anything the gov't does should not be based in ANY faith. If it's supported by tax money, it cannot have so much as one toe in faith. The use of the word "god", regardless of what the faithful will tell you, is not a generic term, and is insulting to millions of people who don't worship or believe in the christian/judaeo god. Christians are exercising their right at the expense of anyone else's, so no, its not fair. Anyone who has done research knows that this particular example was instituted in the '50s, as propoganda against the "godless communist threat".

"Why the need to come down on both Atheists and members of other religions. As stated above, if these people have something to believe in that's not satanic or evil in some way, why bash it? Why the constant arguing over whose religion is the "right" one?" The basis of EVERY religion is that theirs is right, and anything other that theirs is wrong. With that established, christians are taught that anyone not of their faith is hellbound, and its their job to attempt to preach and convert everyone they can. Calling satanism evil is a falacy. True satanism, per the Satanic Bible, is based in atheism, and only uses the term satan to show itself to be the antithesis of christianity.

"Why the constant arguing over whose religion is the "right" one?" This has been going on for the better part of 2 millenia, and won't stop because of the 100's of pleas for peace on Y!answers...sorry.

"No person alive now lived on this earth during biblical times, so no one really knows." Close, but science has proven that nothing (and let me repeat this, since it bears repeating...NOTHING) written in the bible existed in biblical times. The first accounts of Christ were written a minimum of 30 years by scholars, and their sponsers, who advocated the use of lies, exclusion of fact, and blatant deciet, in order to help the church maintain its power. There are no contemporary records of Christ's birth, teachings, or death...and the Romans were notoriously detailed in their record keeping.

Answer 6

No such element. An atheist believes in NO god/desses. that would incorporate Allah,Ganesh, Kali, Isis, Thor, Gaia, Danu, etc...maximum English conversing consumers are on right here and are raised Christian, yet i might say my morals & ideals are from a mix of empathy & society. i'm professional-determination, and so are many Xians and that i'm additionally vegetarian. The Bible is quite contradictory. That total 'no longer killing' element? various Xians do no longer look to have a difficulty with production facility farms, the dying penalty or going to conflict. And in case you study the OT, you do no longer ought to circulate some distance to study some tale the place the 'chosen ones' are commanded to kill. There are over 30,000 Xian denom's obtainable...there's a reason.

Answer 7

Having the right to keep silent (i.e., not saying "under God") is not really the same degree of freedom.

If the pledge of allegiance included a statement that there was no God, I think most believers would have a problem with having the right to keep silent during that part.

Answer 8

You're right. Live and let live. BUT for those who believe in the one true God and believe what Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me" it seems to be a Christian's duty to help others see that.
I do agree that it has been done wrong by so many. Jesus did not force anyone to believe in him. Everyone is free to believe whatever they want.
A persons actions speak louder than words. So many have preached good but behind closed doors have done evil. When the truth comes out, so much damage is done. If the person keeps their mouth shut and lived a good, honorable life it is a better testament to Christ.

Answer 9

You seem like a fair person. You're questioning those on both sides of the 'fight' in a fair way - and I admire and applaud that.

To say it briefly, I think it matters deeply to us on two levels.

1 - On a personal level, I was once a christian. After the very difficult journey out of that faith, I feel a responsibility to talk to people about this. People who may be questioning things themselves, people who may be hassling people who are coming out of christianity and people who are just out of it and need a little reassurance. In addition, I deal with christians in my real life, on a daily basis, many of whom are UP IN MY FACE about it. This forum gives me an opportunity to clarify those issues that I feel strongly about.

2. In any culture "belief in god" plays pretty strongly. In my own, USA, it's taken a turn for the "fundy" lately. This concerns me greatly. Did you know that Richard Nixon (R) was to the LEFT of John Kerry on issues? It's my country and I want to fight for the mind and heart of it.

I hope that clarifies. I try not to be mean-spirited - although I agree many are. But don't paint us all with that brush (not that I think you do).

Answer 10

I agree. The arguing is pointless. Atheists shouldn't care either way. If they show religious gestures it shouldn't matter to them because they are doing it for a God that doesn't exist. And So called Christians are at the bigger fault. Because Jesus doesn't want this. These people claim to believe in Jesus but does not follow his example. It's pathetic. And they are making Christianity look bad when they aren't even christian. I'm sick of it. If your gonna claim to be Christian, act like it because your making our God look bad.