What happened to you.......?

Question

That caused you do think people of an opposing religious view are intolerant/hateful/insensitive/stupid? Whether its SOME atheists calling all Christians intolerant, or some Christians calling all atheists stupid, what happened that gave you that idea? Was it one incident or many?

Both sides generalize WAY to often, and its becoming irritating. Surely you cant possibly know ALL of one group acts in a certain way, so why do you act as if you do?

The first answer is a prime example of my point.

Brookie....how is it justified to lump all of the side you oppose into a single category, when individuals may not accept the entire view, as set forth through religion?

Answer 1

There is a psychological form of manipulation called invalidation. It consists of making a person feel inferior for the purposes of controlling them. It’s contagious. Those that have been invalidated learn that behavior and go on to do it to others. Many try to use religion/difference of opinion as their form of control, especially if that’s what has been done to them. They may jump from one religion to another. And use the new one to attempt to do what the old one did to them.

Answer 2

Christian theology teaches that those not Christian are necessarily following Satan. There are only two camps, the sheep and the goats. As such, those they insult are less than what Christ would want, and, I suspect, somewhat inconsequential.

Many Christians don't have a NEED to understand other religions as they believe they undestand the nefarious motives behind their existence.

I'm a Pagan, so I'm automatically branded a human-sacrificing, demon worshiping Satan follower. It doesn't matter that mine is a religion of peace and communion with nature. I'm not following their God, ergo, I'm damned.

For many Christians, religious tolerance is a difficult concept,as it implies tolerating Satan and his teachings in the world.

Other religions are much the same. The problem is one of exclusivity. Believing that one's religion is correct to the exclusion of others automatically implies that the other faiths are inferior, and will lead to some damnation. Those who believe that there are many paths are branded crack-pots or heretics.

As such, it will be difficult to find an interfaith conversation that is free from acrimony.

Answer 3

There is far too much intolerance for others who disagree! If a person considers themselves a Christian, I wonder why they would condemm and lash out at anyone, but particularly in a discussion on Christian religious views? Is this a Christian attribute?
We should live and let live, and let others have their religious beliefs. It is not up to each of us to go around converting others to what we believe! That is up to Christ!

Answer 4

Because I can.

Look, I respect everyone's right to believe what they believe, but I don't have to have respect for those beliefs.

I think believing in a god is stupid. If you want to go ahead and believe in a god that's your business and your welcome to it. But I'm not going to pussyfoot around your beliefs just because they're yours. If you believe something that I think is ridiculous and you want to talk about it, you'd better be able to defend what you say with valid arguments. If you can't then I win, and stfu!

I'm more than willing to defend my belief system. I'm open to discussion about it, but not proselytizing. In all the arguments I've ever had with christians or muslims, I can honestly say that they simply refuse to think about what it is they believe, and are willing to discuss it even less. All they ever want to do is pray for me, quote scripture or try to poke holes in subjects they know nothing about. They come off sounding like ignorant asshats.

I'm not saying all religious people are ignorant asshats, just all the ones I've met.

Answer 5

I don't think ALL Christians are intolerant, but what gave me the idea that a LOT of them are is because of what happened in the past, long story, but it happened when I used to be a theist.

Mainly because they force their beliefs on you......just like I used to on other people

Answer 6

I don't generalize. I respect everyone's religious freedom, but I also expect freedom to express my views on religion without being called "stupid".

Answer 7

Because everyone wants to make themselves feel special. As an atheist, I don't believe that there is a God, and I hate to admit it, but I do feel a tiny twinge of 'ooh, I'm smart because I don't believe in something fake' every time someone talks about church. It makes me feel smart and special.

My Christian friend, however, believes in God because it makes her feel part of a warm, happy family. It makes her feel smart because she knows about something that others think isn't real--like her knowing about gravity when others just think that things fall.

We all like to believe we're special, so when we're confronted with opposing viewpoints, we like to tear them down to make ourselves feel even better about ourselves.

Answer 8

perhaps it's the hate for non-believers that makes me dislike Christians in particular. Perhaps it's the constant preaching - or the adherence to fairy tales that bugs me. All I know is that it has become almost frightening how grown people can hold on to a myth that bothers me. Do I generalize - sure, but it's justified.

Answer 9

diamond_doll...it's called trolling. That's what most of the people here do, myself included on occasion. There are a few who actually believe as you say. They have lost touch with reality, probably through some awful events in their lives.

Answer 10

Well some are intolerant, there are very few people like you who tolerate other religions. I am glad some one can see this other than me.