Why are so many Atheists and Agnostics so quick to judge and harass some of us Christians and our beliefs?

Question

I just asked "Isn't it lonely, empty and frightening being an Athiest or Agnostic?" and am shocked by how many people thrashed on me for asking a simple question. Why are agnostics and athiests so defensive and quick to judge? I asked if it is lonely and empty because to myself, as a Christian, I would feel very much of both if I no longer felt God's presence in my life. I asked if it is frightening because I am curious if any of you acknowledge the fact that anything is possible, and if Christians are correct- that there is a creator called God and that Jesus did die for our sins, why would you chance it? Why not acknowledge the possibility. I'm not peddaling my religion- but you people sure know how to pedal your anti-religion!

Answer 1

Sorry that you felt harassed by the many answers to your question. Unfortunately you will find that there are neigh sayers on both sides of this aisle. For a good example, why don't you post a question as an atheist, asking why Christians think that God exists. I think you will be surprised by some of the indoctrinated answers you will get, especially if you read the responses as an atheist who has no experience with God.

As far as your original question, I don't feel lonely at all. In fact, I feel a lot more comfortable, knowing that I haven't been neglected by God. When I was a Christian, I rarely felt God, looking back at the times I thought I felt Him, I can see emotional reasons for those feelings. For instance, I can still listen to a great song and get goosebumps. When I was a Christian I would attribute those goosebumps to the Holy Spirit. Now I realize that they come from chemicals called endorphins because I still get them when a particularly great song comes on.

This will sound threatening to you, but my lack of belief in God has really given me freedom, to be proud of my morals and behavior, rather than guilty about what I might do wrong in the future.

Answer 2

Do you realise how often a question like that is asked in this forum? It gets a bit tiring -- and sometimes some of us reply instead of just turning the computer off for the night.

Look through the archives, or even just tonight's questions, for all that start with "Atheists...". Now imagine that you have a long history of involvement, practice and study of religion and that has led you to a position that is best defined as 'atheist.' Take a good look at those questions.

That you would feel something does not mean that I would. I've been a Christian; I know what I felt like before, during, and after. I do get tired of the countless Christians who backchannel me, or report my answers, to tell me that I can't possibly behave ethically or be happy without their faith. Every week or so we get someone asking why we don't kill ourselves? WT?

Your question and all of the answers are part of a complicated context. Always try to understand what it is.

Answer 3

Because not everyone believes the same thing! Why cant people understand that?? People DO acknowledge the possibility but not everyone thinks the same. Why do Christians always try to push Jesus on others?

And no--it is great being Agnostic. I am open to all religions and beliefs and I respect all religions! I dont follow any religion simply because I don't know what is right. We will all find out when we die. Until then, everyone can just keep going back and forth about who is right and who is wrong. Nobody is right and nobody is wrong. Live in harmony.

Answer 4

As a Christian you have experienced something that athiests do not understand. After all, did you understand it before He came into your life? Your query has good intention. You want people to know about the Word. Don't scoff or point at people and ask, "how can you live like that?" You were once a sinner. Now you are saved by His grace. You are still undeserving. It seems that people who don't know Jesus in a way that you do would rather you lived your life as an example of Him. Hopefully they will see your shining example and be drawn to it. God never said it would be an easy road. After all, He was crucified for preaching the Truth. The Truth is hard, for some, to swallow. Keep telling people about Jesus. Our mission is to share the gospel. God says the Holy Spirit will do the rest. God Bless.

Answer 5

I don't usually judge or harass Christians according to my definitions of judge and harass. As for your other questions is it lonely being an Atheists because I don't fill Gods presences? Nope. For you other question am I frighten that in the end I'll be wrong and go to hell? No, life is a gamble and I place my bet on the belief that I think will be right.

Answer 6

Think about it, if someone were to ask a question Isn't it lonely, empty and frightening being an Christian?" I bet you'd answer in a hostile manner, would you not?

And enough if the Pascal's wager already! It's the poorest argument for belief in your God that you can use!

Answer 7

Hanz, We are very happy you found God and you don't feel lonely, or empty but, not everyone feels the same way you do and here on answers alot of people are on the defensive.
If you don't want to acknowledge anyone elses opinion, don't ask any religious or political questions.

Answer 8

Your question made an assumption (judgement) that atheists must have empty and pointless lives. And then went on with the lame and logically bereft Pascal's wager which isn't worth answering. Why wouldn't you think you'd get judgements in return from those you were judging? If you don't want to get thrashed, why don't you be more mindful of the things you are saying?

Answer 9

If I see one more of these questions, I'm going to pull my hair out. There are people on both sides of this argument - and everywhere in between - that are defensive and quick to judge. Alot of christians - not all, but alot - assume that atheists' live empty, broken, unfullfilling lives, which is completely not the case. Sometimes, when you've been told that you're doing to burn in hell for all eternity, its a little hard not to get defensive. Most of us have acknowledged the possibility that there could be a creator - and then, upon examining all the available evidence, we decided otherwise. Most of us didn't come to this decision lightly.

Answer 10

A simple rewording of your question would have made it less insulting and accusatory:

"Do you feel lonely, empty, or frightened being an atheist or agnostic?"

The way you chose to word your question makes it sound like you take it for granted that atheism or agnosticism is all of these things, which is insulting.

I diagnose this as an operator error.