Why is the response of some Christians to atheïsts so intolerant?

Question

Okay, in my humble opinion, the idea is simple. Someone else has chosen to believe in the story of a kind and loving God. I've decided not to. Now, this person goes all out telling me I'm so ignorant, and that I'm going to burn in Hell, and that I need to repent for my sins. What did I do to deserve that? I've respected your choice and I'm more than willing to allow you to practice your religion (and any other religion for that matter). Why can't you understand my choice too? You keep throwing quotations at me from that same story, saying it is the absolute truth. But the whole point is that I don't believe that story! Why do Christians always believe they have the one single truth in their hands? Basically, an Atheïst is someone who doesn't assume anything is true before it is proven. Why is that wrong?

Or, to sum up in a comprehensible question:

Why is the response of some Christians to atheïsts so intolerant?

Okay, I'd like to thank all the tolerant Christians that have taken the time to respond. I'm now more convinced than ever that the word "some" is applicable in this case. Also, I'd like to respond to zomal44 in kind, because I don't entirely agree with his comparison. Believing in God is not like knowing you have the cure for cancer, it's like thinking you know you have the cure for cancer. Purely metaphorically speaking, you're handing me a bottle which says "Will salvage your eternal soul", and I reject it because I'm not taking anything I'm not entirely sure of. That's the problem, as everyone wants to believe something noone is actually sure, and we can argue about it until the sun runs out of power but we still won't come up with a reasonable answer.

Thanks for all responses. We're still open though.

Answer 1

Ask God, not Christians. You are not accountable to them.
And if you choose not to acknowlege God, so be it.
No one will convince you but God himself.

A "single truth" is fundamental to Christianity. Of course we believe it. But we do not sit in judgement of anyone and are to love others as ourselves. Peace on your journey.

Answer 2

Because some people do not possess tolerance as a character trait. Also, because some people have no respect for opposing viewpoints - or somehow think that if they have respect for the opposing viewpoint of someone else, that means they somehow agree with that persons (opposing) viewpoint.

Just to be fair though, I see it both ways here. Some Christians bash atheists. Some atheists bash the Christians.

I'm a Christian, but I don't believe in your "single truth" comment. I believe there are many paths to God. I also respect your belief that God doesn't exist. When it comes down to it though, I don't think any of us know the absolute truth, even though many of us think we do. The point is, we just need to be much more tolerant of each other.

Answer 3

What everyone needs to see is that there are CHRISTIANS and there are "christians"....the latter are the ones who do not respect others right to choose God or not choose God and to treat all with love and learn to love all without excuse. I am sorry you have seen this..I am a christian and have seen so many christians doing it to christians..let alone anyone else. People have their life time to remain in the belief they currently hold, or to change their mind..noone has the right to treat non believers like trash etc..because, if they do not stop it..they will end up where they judge others to end up because of their un Christ like behaviour.
All I can say is that the striving real Christians will remember Christ on the cross saying this before He died in our place.."Father forgive them for they know not what they do".
God Bless.

Answer 4

We all fall short from the glory of God. You need to remember that we all are in different maturity level with you. All these people hare are not Christians. Some are here to make Christians look bad. We are here on this column also for different reasons.

I believe in Christ and I believe that the Bible is true. I respect your choice. God gave us our free will. He will respect your choice. No one else is sending you to hell than Him, and it is His promise that you will find Him if you seek Him.

Answer 5

Your question sounds like a sincere one and I will answer you respectfully. As a Christian, I believe that God wants a relationship with EVERYONE. He doesn't want anyone to be lost to Him for eternity. But that choice is yours to make. I also don't want you to be lost to Him forever because the alternative is not very pleasant. It's like knowing you have the cure to cancer. Wouldn't you try to give it to everyone who needs it? And it's very frustrating when someone who needs it won't accept it. I respect your choice, but still encourage you to accept Jesus before it's too late for you. Bless you and thanks for a respectful question.

Answer 6

Very exciting element, Jerod. i think of it extremely is our tendency. We element our finger and accuse others of a few thing that we, ourselves, remarkable then and there, are answerable for! As a Christian (God-fearing, Bible-believing, and so on.), i've got self assurance that Jesus is the only thank you to heaven. particular, you're able to desire to that an intolerance. i do no longer tolerate different procedures being promoted to getting to heaven whilst Jesus says he's the only way. and to no longer sentence human beings or look down on human beings, i'll tell them that Jesus is the only way because of the fact i admire them and want them to work out the fact. you are able to call me illiberal. it extremely is okay subsequently because of the fact i desire to stand on the understand God!

Answer 7

true fundamental christians beilieve that they are held accountable,and its their duty to share the gospel.so in obediance to Gods word we"throw quotations at you!"It really is out of concern.just assume for a minute ,that im wrong that after im dead ,thats all there is! so ive iratated you a bit by spouting my beliefs at you,im sorry. but on the other hand .we die and we really do have to stand before God and i have to explain why i did nothing to warn you. Gods word says YOUR blood is upon my head. I truly believe this and from that belief i witness to the lost.Also this christian is someone who doesnt assume anything is true before it is proven.I sought after God and he brought me to the truth.//// peace be with you.

Answer 8

It is representative of the intolerance God is going to have towards you. Dont be surprised when Christians offer a warning of the consequences of your beliefs and disbeliefs. Sometimes its sugar coated, and sometimes it isnt.

Answer 9

As a Christian Preacher, writer and Evangelist I really wish I could answer your question, but I can't.
As far as I'm concerned the choice is yours, even though I disagree with that choice.

Answer 10

Browbeating goes on from all sides. Articulation is not to good either´. Usually just rants or scripture quotes. They aint making Jews like Jesus anymore.(Kinky Friedman)