It's pretty common to see a Christian say "Most Atheists aren't really Atheists, they're Agnostics". That's not likely more accurate and definitely no more appropriate than telling a Christian they probably aren't really Christians but Gnostics. With that in mind, let me make a suggestion to Christians on the matter. It may go against your Christian ideals, but you should try treating others like you would like them to treat you.
2006-12-28 15:14:05 · 16 answers · asked by Boris Badenov 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you.
According to many Xians on here Atheist is just another way of saying "Agent of Satan". Seeing as they're not clear on the definition themselves, maybe they shouldn't be trying to un-educate others.
2006-12-28 15:18:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Unfortunately, there are a number of agnostics who think themselves atheists. I'll grant that it's not those who have actually thought about it though, but I do know a few who simply don't know the definition of the two words. I had a chat with one the other day.
I asked if she believed there was no God, or if she simply didn't know. She replied that she did not know. Still, she calls herself an atheist.
To your credit, an atheists truly knows what an atheist is; it's the agnostics who don't know that give the atheist a bad name.
Also, I think there are many so-called Christians who don't really know what being a Christian means. They watch a televangelist, say a prayer and think that's it. A handfull of words and they're clean as snow. Say it again when you do something really bad.
Such is life. I understand your position, but when someone says they're atheist, and they seem really young, or not that educated, I'll question them to determine if they are actually an atheist.
I'm not trying to change them; simply to understand their actual position.
2006-12-28 23:23:19 · answer #2 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here's my top ten reasons for being a non-theist, as Christians seem to hear them:
10. I wanted to sin without worrying about pleasing god.
9. I'm too puffed up with pride to be a christian.
8. I wanted to keep my tithes.
7. I wanted to worship myself.
6. A pastoral figure "hurt" me.
5. I followed men rather than god.
4. In the last days, the love of many shall wax cold. I thus waxed.
3. I was never really a christian anyway.
2. I was filled with the love of the world.
And the number one reason I'm an atheist according to christians is...
1. I'm angry at god because bad things happen.
2006-12-28 23:16:39 · answer #3 · answered by jaden404 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
REALLY? I've never heard of this...
And what do they mean by agnostics? One CAN be an agnostic atheist. Do they think everyone who says they're atheist mean they are gnostic atheists? Or maybe they think atheism as a whole is "I believe there is no god" (which is gnostic atheism) dismiss the idea of "lack a belief in god" (agnostic atheism) and believe agnosticism is separate from theism and atheism (it's not) and say it means "don't/can't know" (one form of it means that but it's not solely that).
Ignorance is fascinating isn't it?
2006-12-28 23:17:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am christian and I would never tell someone that they don't know what they believe and I always try to treat other people the way I want to be treated and I am sorry that you have had bad experiences with other Christians
2006-12-28 23:24:06 · answer #5 · answered by william_callen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not atheist, but I agree with you. Too much judgment goes around. Everyone thinks their way is the only and best way, and anyone that doesn't believe their way is not worthy. I think it is the way us humans try to rationalize what we do.
2006-12-28 23:28:27 · answer #6 · answered by smwah345 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some do.
And that last bit was classic: "It may go against your Christian ideals, but you should try treating others like you would like them to treat you."
Heh... how do ya like them apples?
2006-12-28 23:16:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Because apparently we aren't allowed to think or talk for ourselves. They don't understand the concept of disrespect to others. Either that or they think it's their prerogative to practice it.
Think I should start telling them that they aren't really Christians, but actually closet atheists? :-|
2006-12-28 23:30:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
because it a debate, if you get to define the terms, then you have a huge advantage. So, christians try to define all terms to make their arguments sound stronger than they really are.
2006-12-28 23:16:41 · answer #9 · answered by Samurai Jack 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
atheists means a person doesn't accept the belief in a God. am i wrong?
2006-12-28 23:20:24 · answer #10 · answered by Nikki 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋