I was raised without religion. I absolutely respect and honor people's religious convictions, but I do not hold them myself. I know for a fact that people are very tolerant of each other's religious views, where I'm from, but they get upset and confused by my absence of religion.
2007-02-26 09:49:03 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because many have blinders on when it comes to beliefs outside of their own beliefs. They are taught that theirs is the only right belief so, someone having no belief in what they consider to be the end all be all makes them defensive because you challenge their belief system even if you don't do so intentionally.
2007-02-26 10:10:14 · answer #1 · answered by genaddt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure offended would be the right word unless you blaspheme the Name of God in their presence. In other words, if you are offensive then they have every right to be offended. However, in the case where you are just telling someone that you are atheist without being offensive, as soooo many often do, then I would say they are more apt to be surprised that you don't believe in God. And I personally could only say that I might be surprised" because my thinking would be "How can you look at how everything is so perfectly put together on earth and in the universe and not believe that a infinitely wise and beyond intelligent God created it all?" Then there's the "big bang" theory which is totally off base because if you study any random boom that takes place on earth or the universe only chaos follows not order and design. But then that is the thinking I believe most people have when you tell them you are atheist. However, I have learned, just as Jesus taught, to teach and/or preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in love. If people reject it I must leave them to their own philosophy. If God does not force His Will upon mankind who am I or anyone to force their beliefs on anyone at all!?
2007-02-26 18:05:09 · answer #2 · answered by drivn2excelchery 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps they are frightened or confused or even not sure of what to say Noah. Often we assume that a reaction is negative when there may be many possible reasons for it.
I have to say...online is really the only place where I openly tell people of my beliefs right off the bat. Were it a friend I met in person I would probably not even ask about their beliefs until we had somewhat of a closer relationship. By that time I would hope they would not judge me because of my beliefs.
This...forum...or whatever we wish to call it, is not at all representational of how I find people in general in public to be or react.
ME
2007-02-26 17:56:05 · answer #3 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best guess is that for some people, if you are not part of their religion, they believe that there is no way for you to know God or have any chance of a "happy" afterlife. So when you tell them you are an atheist, they are offended because they don't understand how someone could choose that path. (ie "Why on earth would this poor person choose to go to hell?") That's my thought, at least.
2007-02-26 17:56:38 · answer #4 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most people do not like it when someone does not believe in what they do. Other people still have religion in common even though they have different beliefs in their religion.
Respect for each others beliefs is what we need.
If you do not believe in God that is your business however I think your missing out on a lot. Just my belief... However I would still respect you as a person.
2007-02-26 17:57:38 · answer #5 · answered by Tess 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably the context you tell them. If you start spouting blasphemy, or ignorant slurs, some people can be rightly offended by this. Why you would bring this up in normal conversations with people and use it to define yourself, is beyond me.
SWM Doesn't believe in God, is a piss poor description to give of yourself. Why don't you emphasise something that puts you in a good light. 99% of the time, Religion is an impolite topic to discuss with people. Just some advice.
2007-02-26 17:58:03 · answer #6 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Maybe if you explain to them exactly what you said in your question they would understand more.
Most people are offended because it makes them think that there is someone else out there in the world that is just as normal as they are, yet without their religion. This is the same as saying, hello, my name is Joe and I choose to live without hands. THAT is how much people regard religion..and it is their fault they can't see past that.
Continue being true to yourself.
2007-02-26 17:55:06 · answer #7 · answered by snow_cat 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
People judge when it's not their place to do so! Your absense of religion doesn't bother me. I'm a Christian and I know my place and I could never force my beliefs on someone else. People get upset at what they can't understand and you and your beliefs are really no ones business, or for anyone else to understand...
2007-02-26 17:58:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not offended.
I was told by a few at work that they were atheists.
I didn't get offended, I didn't much care.
I did get offended when one of them said he would be Glad when all of us Christians were gone. The world would be a far better place.
I asked him."according to whom?"
Who are you?
2007-02-26 17:56:31 · answer #9 · answered by chris p 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I give you credit for being a respectful atheist. I think it's mostly b/c we (Christians) think that all atheists will diss us to death b/c we believe in God. As for me, I am a Christian w/ lots of friends who are just like you, not against religion, just.... never had one. don't sweat it. As long as you are respectful to other people's beliefs, it's cool. That's what America's all about, Isn't it?
2007-02-26 18:10:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋