Why do I sense so much animosity from atheists about other's religious choices?

Question

I myself am an agnostic, but I find that I am annoyed by some of the condescending and mean-spirited questions from self-proclaimed atheists on here bashing the religious choices of other people (Christians and otherwise). They aren't all wackos shoving it down your throat. Why can't you just let them coexist in their beliefs happily while you go about yours? Why the bitterness? I just hear so much bitter language.

Just another thoughts after reading responses: I have certainly seen questions directed to atheists from Christians; however it is the bitter and condescending language that is in question here. I am just curious as to WHY they are so deeply bothered. Atheism isn't really a belief system, but a non-belief, so since salvation isn't really on the line, you aren't called by your lack of religion to share it with others. Why the animosity? That was really the question. We've all been questioned about our belief or lack there-of, sometimes to the point of annoyance certainly. But why does their questioning the atheist stance stir such nastiness?

Answer 1

Religiosity threatens the athiest's position, just as atheism threatens the position of the religious. I would suggest that the level of an atheist's (or a religionist's) animosity is proportionately related to the level of insecurity that individual harbours about his/her own beliefs.

Answer 2

I'm not sure you're seeing the entire picture. If you see a question that sounds condescending or mean-spirited, it is likely in response to a real post by a christian. I have seen it a number of times where a christian will post something outlandish and I think wow, did I really just read that? Then I see one of my fellow atheist take up the gauntlet and turn the question around and ask it back to the group. If you see just the question, I could understand why you'd think it may be rude. But if you saw the cause of some of the questions, you might rethink your stance.

Answer 3

They think they can win hearts by putting down God and His son, Jesus! What they are doing is securing their reservations in the Fire and Brimstone No Return Motel! They are so concerned about slandering those that believe in the Lord that they have lost the concept that there WILL be a day of reckoning when ALL will stand before the throne and give an account! How will they account to God for the vile things they have said about His son?
I am not trying to shove my beliefs down an atheists throat any more than I would throw my pearls of truth to a bunch of pigs! Why are they here when they know the topic is religion and people are really trying to learn something? It is their right to not believe! It is mine to believe! God gave us free will! Why are they trying to offend so many here who are sincere in their beliefs with vile language directed at the Lord and His people? If an atheist has a respectful question and wants to ask it, I do not have a problem. If they are saying ugly things about the God I love and worship, it is really offensive and they need to keep their poison to themselves!

Answer 4

I have only seen or two Atheists bash other religions. It happens, but then again I've seen more people of other religions bash Atheists and any other religion that's not their own.
I guess you haven't seen the thousands of questions on here that are posted by Christians that start off with Atheists........
Atheists are targeted on this site because we don't believe.
Not to be rude, but look back on some of the past questions asked by Christians to atheists...and look for the questions that state for Atheists only, or how about the questions that Atheists post looking for a valid answer from a Christian and are then told that we're going to burn in hell.
Another reason some of us start to get annoyed is because of questions like yours. It's not only Atheists that are bashing, it's Agnostics like you too that seem to think that Atheists are the only ones on here that bash anyone.

Oh, here's an example for you
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuHiBeWCDsKcmP9lS55Kzend7BR.?qid=20070316095549AAYHfsO

and another one
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuHiBeWCDsKcmP9lS55Kzend7BR.?qid=20070316093740AAvp3Y9

and again
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmmX5DqGaN8122XeREJo6VVIzKIX?qid=20061204180642AAeRJWJ

I could go on and on, and I'm sure you could find a few questions out there that are Atheists bashing christians, but the fact remains that christians are trying to save atheists that don't want to be saved and they do it by quoted bible passages, or threatening us with hell, or putting our beliefs down, and telling us that we're wrong. Most Atheists on here will answer a question with what we believe, and most of the time we don't put down the christian unless we're put on the defensive.

Answer 5

I call it cause and effect, you punch at a punching bag hard enough it's going to come back and thwack you unless you duck or take a stand and stop it... various religions use their religion as some kind of weapon to look down their collective noses at others and deny people basic human rights, etc. while trying to force their agenda on the world through a government that is NOT a theocracy... it's only natural some people are going to push back.

_()_

Answer 6

As an atheist, I'd have to say I agree with you. I have seen a lot of name calling and insults thrown by other atheists at other people's religious choices, both here and in other fora.

I think a lot of it has to do with the zealous nature that some religious-types have in trying to force their religion on others, and here on the anonymous internet, the atheists have an outlet where they can express their outrage at this situation. Unfortunately, it tends to spill over and hit some of the non-zealous religious types as well.

Answer 7

If religious people kept to themselves i don't think there would be a problem.

But they try and invade every aspect of other people's lives through politics and government.

It is an attack on our lives and lifestyle just as if another country were invading and trying to impose their beliefs on us.

I do not support it in any way and have no problem not being "nice" about it.

Answer 8

It's not just the atheists or the evolutionists or agnostics or christians or muslims - it's everybody that shops at the thrift store and buys that extra-tight previously worn underwear. The lack of circulation and continuous itching would make anybody seem fiercely antagonistic...

Answer 9

The tenor of the discussion is a measure of fear, IMHO. Discussions that are inherently invitations to flame wars or compiler wars generally stem folk who are afraid to entertain concepts different, and in some cases radically different, from their own. This is one of the reasons sheer freedom of speech is over-rated. :)

HTH

Charles

Answer 10

The ones that are not "wackos" are not on here. They have found better ways to occupy themselves. The "wackos" on here like to argue. As for the atheists, well, I can't explain atheists. Deal with it.