Why do so many people stereotype atheists and agnostics as being immoral and overall terrible people?

Question

Just because you don't have religion, you can't be a good person? That sounds like a pretty off-the-mark assumption, don't you think?

(And just for the record, I'm not an atheist. You could probably call me an agnostic if you wanted to split hairs, but we won't go into that right now)

Answer 1

I couldn't tell you. In my opinion there are good and bad, smart and ignorant, arrogant and humble people in all beliefs.
Kind of sad that we can't have a serious and intelligent discussion without someone making some kind of snide and ignorant remark. I am a Christian. I feel as though I am open minded, educated, I love science, I do believe in evolution, I am a strong independent women, and I not only talk in church -I do the preaching.Oh and I have been married for well over a decade-I guess (from another question) that we have higher divorce rates ;). Talk about breaking stereotypes!! Whatever your view is share it with others in a respectful manner and then let it go. This site makes prison ministry seem like Disney World !!!!

Answer 2

Insecurity and/or frustration. I am a Christian for the record, but I agree with you. I am always disappointed when I read Christians judging Atheists and Agnostics. Christ was a tolerant man who taught us to love enemies, turn cheeks, and wash servants' feet. That said, I also find it disappointing that some Atheists (not all) insult the intelligence and mental capacity of believers. We could learn so much from or about each other, but it never takes long before someone starts blasting insults and then the communication ceases to be constructive.

Answer 3

The people who do this have probably had bad run-ins with atheists and agnostics. As a result of such experiences, they expect all people of this philosophy to be rude and uncaring.

I have met a few atheists who were polite, soft-spoken individuals. The rest were verbally abusive bigots, using their time and efforts to inflict misery on me because I am a believer. THAT, left me with some bad expectations.

I know it is possible to be ANY type of belief, and be a complete jerk, so I'm willing to give anybody a chance regardless of their personal philosophy. At least once.

Answer 4

I've always looked at that as a conversion tactic. They want people to think that it's impossible to moral without religion -- that you HAVE to be a member of their religion to be a good person. Unfortunately some people actually believe that.

Answer 5

I only speak from personal experience, not generalization.

In my 28 years of atheism, I lied, stole, hired hookers, sold drugs, used my family and loved pornography. Also a lot of fraud, hatred and general anger.

In my 3 years of being born again: I am happy, healthy, crime free, drug free, loving, giving and slow to anger.

Just my experience. I don't assume all atheists have lived like I have. Nor do I think all believers have been changed as drastically as me.

Blessings
David

Answer 6

enable's see: a million) Do I actually have a judgment of right and incorrect? sure 2) Do I have no morals by any skill? No 3) have been my mothers and fathers married? sure 4) Do I deserve no admire whatsover? No, my call isn't Rodney, so I deserve it merely as much as maximum do; not greater, no much less wager standard i might could desire to assert "fake".

Answer 7

Man, theres not a person walking this earth who is not immoral in some degree. Most athiests are probably not as bad as some who are religious. we all just need to get saved.

Answer 8

Sadly, Theists can suffer from ignorance and prejudice just like anyone else. And so many people simply don't want to reach beyond what they already "know".

Sometimes we Christians forget that we are nothing more than sinners saved by grace.

Answer 9

Because they always want to promote their religion. So, the more blame they can give to or problems they can find with non-believers, the better their religion looks.

Answer 10

Obviously they are immoral just because they don't follow Jesus. You have to believe and follow Jesus. That is all that is important in this world. We Christians are allowed to do anything else we want to no matter how bad it is , and Jesus will forgive us as long as we follow him. That is why Christianity is so wonderful. Meanwhile Jesus will torture non-Christians for eternity no matter how many good deeds they do. Praise Jesus!!