For atheists...question about anti-theists?

Question

I may get thumbs down this but I really don't care. How many real atheists are tired of the anti-theists, and people who call themselves atheists bashing Christians and other believers? It's getting real old and it's making those of us who are sincere in our belief look awfully bad. Don't you think we should be tolerant of those of different beliefs? I know that *some* Christians aren't very tolerant, but shouldn't we be above that? Joking around about FSM is one thing, but to call Christians retarded is just wrong and it needs to stop.

So go ahead, bring on the thumbs down. I have very thick skin. :)

I'm waiting...

Oh...and I'm an atheist.

My point was to try to stick to facts about beliefs. Not to belittle the person. And I know that some people, on both sides, invite others to bash them, but I feel , and again this is my opinion, we shouldn't sink to the level I have seen some here do. And yes, everyone is free to express themselves however they want. As for myself, I am going to try to stay away from the really obvious questions that seem to want to stir up trouble. It's just not worth my time anymore.

Thanks for all the posts on this. There are some very good points made.

Answer 1

Anti-theism is not inherently wrong. But when it manifests itself as insulting theists it really doesn't help anyone.
People have a right to object to theism when it controls politics, oppresses science, et cetera. But if you objection can only be expressed as "Christians are retarded" then you should really keep it to yourself.

Answer 2

I only engage in Christian-bashing when somebody tells me if I don't believe what they believe, I'm going to Hell, or God is going to smite me, or something like that. As soon as somebody says that, I consider them fair game. Others I don't have a problem with. Some Christians are very smart. You can say what you will about Thomas Aquinas, but he was no dummy.
On the other hand, if I'm asked for my opinion and they find my opinion offensive, well... They asked. Sometimes I do make fun of certain beliefs, but I avoid ad hominem attacks. I admit I could be nicer still, but sometimes they just offer you such juicy targets.

Answer 3

I think the anti-theists and the militant Christians are just two sides of the same coin. In enjoying the fight, they neglect the philosophy or "spirituality" or humanity. Both sides seem to enjoy the feeling of being discriminated against, and both love to try to prove the other wrong, usually with meaningless arguments that prove absolutely nothing except for the fact that the one making them doesn't know how to think critically.

No thumbs-down here.

Answer 4

Honestly, I'm an atheist, that doesn't mean that I don't like christians though, I was raised by them, the people I don't like are those who judge me, or those who ask ridiculous questions such as "why would atheists want to live?" or "how do atheists base their morals and ethics?" or the 5 times daily "here is something that almost kinda goes against evolution"

by the way, the last time I checked your question had 5 thumbs up, and I'll give it it's 6th.

Answer 5

No, I welcome the debate. While I don't want to prevent people from believing, I think they need to consider their beliefs, not just swallow them solid like a seal consuming herring.

And the anti-theists are atheists, too, and their input is valuable. I would no more ask that they close up their traps than I would Christians.

However, for everyone, it's the ideas that are the target, not the persons themselves. Ad Hominem attacks are not helpful for either side, and they distract from a legitimate debate.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 6

I'm christian for starters.
But I just read a story today about things that so-called christians did, in my own town, to a woman who was atheist.
I could not help but feel such sadness for this woman.
I am ashamed of what these so-called christian, God-Loving, people did.
It's just deplorable. And this just happened a few years ago....I would have expected this during the salem witch trials....

Answer 7

I may or may not be anti-theism, but I'm not anti-theist. I'm definitely an atheist.

I think any leader who believes him or herself to be working in the service of the Creator of the universe is uniquely empowered to do horrible things. (Would Osama bin Ladin still wish us all death if he didn't think the Creator of the universe was on his side?)

So to that extent, I'm anti-theism. I think the theistic argument is wrong and dangerous. But I don't call you retarded, and I acknowledge that most theists are good people.

Answer 8

Name calling is not a good thing to do and I am guilty of it from time to time. It is a fine line to walk between being civil and being approving. If someone makes a statement that you think is insane and dangerous to society, it is difficult to respect the person when you don't respect the statement. But let's keep trying.

Answer 9

I think I agree with you. I certainly don't think it helps to call Christians "retarded" or "brainwashed" or "insane".

However, they are wrong, and often ignorant and arrogant. I don't think that tolerance requires us to ignore that sort of fact of the matter. I wouldn't bring up the topic of Christian ignorance out of the blue, but unfortunately they seem insistent on bringing their ignorance to the public eye and forcing us to acknowledge it.

Answer 10

Well, to call them retarded is just wrong. All that does is get them offended. It is far better to be neutral to the people and just demonstrate how retarded the religion is. I think the best is with questions that force conflicts in their religion. Others think it is to force them to realize conflicts between their religion and their lives.
It makes little difference. They are capable and determined too destroy knowledge in the USA and to return the nation to the late bronze age both scientifically and economically.