Are any other atheists tired of the sympathic "I'm sorry" from believers?

Question

I can't stand it when religious people say, "I'm sorry that you don't believe in God". I just want to reply, "And I'm sorry that you're so f****** ugly!!". Sorry, I am a little frustrated. Anyone else feel the same way? Why can't they just accept my view and not try to change it? I don't force my beliefs on them.

I don't want sympathy. That means that you feel your belief is better than mine. I want you to accept the fact that your beliefs work for you, and mine work for me. How hard is that?

I'm not trying to push atheism on anyone; don't even suggest doing that (AiW). Sorry to call you out, but what you said is completely against the purpose of this question. I want tolerance, not intolerance.

Sorry for the earlier comment about beauty. I was trying to make the question more light-hearted, as well as release some anger. I apologize to those whom it offended.

Thank you, planetdan. You are the perfect example. Did you ever think that atheism has its advantages. I wouldn't want you to miss out on all that atheism offers.

It's like me telling you that the party may be fun, but there is another party up the street. If you don't go to both, then how can you tell which is better? (Thank you for the metaphor).

Answer 1

Well, I'm not atheist, but I'm not very religious either. I had two friends, one who was an atheist and one who was a firm-believing christian. Around this time of year, the atheist would say Happy Holidays and the christian would say Merry Christmas, as a way of persuading him and it ticked me off. My mentality is that everyone's beliefs are going to be different because everyone in this world is different. And if what they believe makes them a better and happier person, then I'm not going to judge it and more so, I'm going to be happy that's what they believe, because it makes them happy. And those who are super-devout in their beliefs to the point where they push it on other people really piss me off. And a lot of times, I see it's because either A) they are too stupid and/or lazy to come up with their own ideas that they need a book or someone else to make up ideas for them or B) they can't forgive themselves for their past sins so they think if they lead this life it'll automatically make them a better person, when it doesn't. To those atheists out there, believe whatever you want to believe. It's nobody's business but your own. And a truly good person and friend will accept and respect you, even if you don't agree with their beliefs!

Answer 2

It depends. Are they sorry because they want you to experience the same compassion and faith they have? Or are they generally just being smart a**?

If it is the first, then you have a problem. If this upsets you that they want you to have the same experience as them, then you might be upset because you are trying to force your own views on them. I would encourage opening the dialogue a little more and trying to sympathize with where they are coming from. It might give them the opportunity to see where you are coming from.

On the other hand, if they are doing it in a pompous fashion and looking down their nose at you, then I would say let them have it. A real Christian or devotee of another religion would not make some stupid crack like that unless they were a child.

Answer 3

I'm sorry you feel that way... (Just joking).

Personally, I'm a Pagan, and I could care less what others believe or don't. I do care when others start getting pushy or hateful.

Atheist, Pagan, Christian, Muslim, Voudoun, whatever, it really doesn't matter to me as long as a person is seeking enlightenment through whatever their chosen path. Enlightenment needn't mean of the spiritual sort either. I just want people to have some sort of fulfillment in this life.

The only thing anyone might be assured of is that if they have lived a good life, someone in this life might just remember them. Our legacy is the marks we have made on others. Beyond that is speculation and faith.

Answer 4

They genuinely think that they are doing good by preaching their nonsense to us. If I really thought that a hell existed I would do everything I could to keep people from going there too. The problem is with the people's beliefs and not the people themselves. All we can do is try to educate them and stop this madness before it is too late and someone has pushed the big red button.

Response to Edit:
I am not advocating intolerance of people. I am advocating intolerance of ideas. I surely hope you wouldn't take this intolerance approach of yours to slave owners. I feel similarly about religion...it causes genocidal stupidity(preaching the sinfulness of condom use in Africa for example) and I hope we can win the war of ideas rather than any kind of military war. Just by expressing your ideas doesn't mean you are forcing them on people! It is not as if I am saying believe like me or face eternal torment. I am just making my position known and If you have a problem with that then maybe America or a free country is not for you.

Answer 5

Well that's hateful and demeaning. What difference does it make that religious people think they are right and want everyone to go to heaven along with them. Just think God you live in the USA where you have freedom of religion and not in one of those countries where religion is forced on you. Freedom of religion means freedom from religion. Thank God everyone in the USA can have their own belief. No it doesn't bother me at all that my religious friends are sorry that I don't believe it God. It's a comfort that they are thinking of me. God bless kisses Betty.

Answer 6

None of the Christians I know are offended if a person doesn't believe like them.
They don't go off on a rant and call people foul names.
I fear there is something important lacking in your life.
You must be surrounded by some terribly militant christians.

Is that an oxymoron??

Answer 7

It's like there is a party going on down the street. And I say "Hey dude there's a party. Are you going to come over and hang out" and you say "You can't prove there is a party happening. No I'm not going to wast my time. I'm going to sit here and watch TV". And I say "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that dude. The party just isn't a party with out you."

Honestly I'm sorry if us Christians come across as pushy. We just don't want to see you miss out on all that God has in store for you.
But honestly, your choice is your choice. May God richly bless you.

Answer 8

They only know to say that. They think that you are not a good person even if you do help your fellow man better than they do. It is the old thing about My god is the best and if you dont follow him {us} then we will make you or you will be sorry.
I have gotten to the point I just shake my head and go on

Answer 9

Fundamentalists are not going to accept your view. Notice I did not say christians because most mainstream christians are not like that. But it is the fundamentalists you are hearing from and complaining about. Not much you can do. I'm sorry.

Answer 10

When I come across post like these it truly makes me happy to believe in the love of Jesus Christ that lives within me, that keeps me from hating you even when you hate me, the love that causes us to apologize not for ourselves but for you.... if all there is to Atheism is hatred, sarcasm, perverse language, the ability to judge all others who believe in something other than air and space, and most of all nothing else to do but be mean to people they don't know because of what their beliefs are. I AM GLAD I HAVE GOD!!!!! Now God Bless you and have a good one....