why is there such a stigma associated with being an atheist or agnostic?

Question

it seems to me that most of the time the atheist and agnostics know more about religion and are more interested in religion than most christians or "believers." why is it that their is such a stigma attached to these people? it's like we're (atheists, and agnostics) viewed as immoral people for something as trivial as beliefs.

i meant to say "beliefs in an imaginary being, not values"

Answer 1

For the same reason that Christians hate gays, anything that represents truth and contradicts their narrow views they hate.

Answer 2

Honestly I think its the same reason why Christians have a stigma of being self righteous and judgemental and usually hateful. Because unfortunately they are the loudest. The atheist/agnostic stigmata comes from all the ones, like ones you see here, that just make fun of God, have no clue what Christianity (or other religions) teach, make false assumptions about the believers and the Holy Books. Of course they're not the ones you want to represent you, so just try and get yourself out there more as someone who IS interested, even if they dont really believe.

Answer 3

Because they read the bible and saw how much of it was twisted and changed from what they are being told in church. An old Quote goes the worse thing to happen to Christan's was when the poor man learned to read. The bible is full of violence and death as well as what Christan's will turn from the meaning to what they feel it means. If we went by the bible we would have to be stoned for having cloths with Cotton and polyester in it. Or working on Sunday. So no Denny's after Church.
But see with knowing what they know they cant follow it and think that those who do are hypocrite's.
So Christan's feel they much bring over the atheist and agnostics, to save them and to try to prove that their religion is the one true one.. when in-fact they know that it is based on a book that was written and rewritten so many times that they don't know whats real and what is not. That is after all why it is call King James Version of the bible. A Version is

Pronunciation: 'v&r-zh&n, -sh&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Medieval Latin version-, versio act of turning, change, from Latin vertere to turn -- more at WORTH
1 : a translation from another language; especially : a translation of the Bible or a part of it
2 a : an account or description from a particular point of view especially as contrasted with another account b : an adaptation of a literary work c : an arrangement of a musical composition
3 : a form or variant of a type or original
4 a : a condition in which an organ and especially the uterus is turned from its normal position b : manual turning of a fetus in the uterus to aid delivery
- ver·sion·al /'v&rzh-n&l, 'v&rsh-; 'v&r-zh&-n&l, -sh&-/ adjective


thought I might repeat this part

an account or description from a particular point of view especially as contrasted with another account

Answer 4

The most frustrating thing about being a non-theist, especially in a society where the majority of the population is theistic, is that if you don't believe in god - or the popular consensus of what god is - you are automatically viewed as a person without a heart; without values, and devoid of morals. Sadly, non-theists are often viewed as individuals without humanity. However, I would argue that, for the most part, just the opposite is true. Because I do not believe that there is a magic man in the sky who narcissistically sent his only son to "save me from my sins" and toys with his creation by punishing them for being exactly what it created them to be, I value my own life and the life of others more than most Christians ever could.

Answer 5

Well if your right that these people know so much about religion and the bible , then in their on facts of knowing then they are ignorant . Because with out belief their is NO salvation , NO peace , and NO love of God only darkness and endless suffering , And also all the people that you say know so much but don't really talk about it is because they are ashamed of other people making fun of them talking so much about Gods love and salvation , so before your time comes make up your mind what you are going to be a righteous person or one that just sticks their head in the sand and hopes it'll just go away ??

Answer 6

Faith is a commitment, a leap into the dark. Once the decision is made, one expects to feel certainty. The world is seen with a new light. But the power source, the actual faith connection, is still invisible. Believers tend to look for verification to strengthen their faith, for "proof".

Agnostics doubt. And atheists reject faith outright. This can't be anything but threatening to the faithful (especially from the ones who have formerly believed). I suspect the worry is that anyone unconvinced by what the believer "knows" represents the potential collapse if that deeply-invested faith.

Answer 7

Because unlike other religions, that most probably have a higher being, atheism is the complete opposite of it, so religious people would have a harder time accepting someone with a completely opposite set of beliefs.

Answer 8

you know i would love to share what i have found out by many many non- believers they all everyone of them all ways say they don't believe non of the christian dogma and this is why they are atheist or agnostics now when you introduce them to 20 or 30 beliefs they start to understand that the Christ stuff is truly bogus and that sad its sad really!

Answer 9

Atheists and Agnostics have done alot more thinking and consideration than any Christian I know-who just accept because they are told to do so. I see nothing wrong with them. I have my religious beliefs---and I am content to live and let live. But, Christians will not do this. So, I take offense to alot of them, and I will get ''my feathers ruffled up'' at them.

See? It is Christians I am stigmatizing--not Atheists and Agnostics.

Answer 10

Because of prejudice people are taught from an early age...so much of religion makes us up as these bad lesser people and too many keep on believing that. Even when they meet some that are just fine, it seems they ignore that...

Answer 11

Satan is the prince of this world .....Jesus is the King I remember seeing an interview with the child of satan MADELINE MURRAY O'HARE she sounded so intelligent compared to the preacher being interviewed at the same time. It actually was a debate. The preacher looked as though he had no knowledge of the Bible and MMO' did. It was all the work of satan. The point is they don't want you to know about Christ and Salvation.
That is why they always work so hard to appear informed...........they aren't saved.