Why the religious/anti-religious hate?

Question

A few days ago I asked why there was so much anger towards Atheists around here and a very intelligent gentleman pointed out to me that it goes both ways. I looked into it and lo and behold he was right! There are just as many Atheists shooting the same mindless vitriol towards Christians (and other proponents of the supernatural) as there are religious people angrily telling us we're going hell!

So now my question is to both sides: why? Why must this philisophical difference engender so much anger? I honestly don't mean this as a commentary, I really want to know. What is it about someone who disagrees with you on this that makes you so pissed off?

Judging by the answers I have received so far I must reiterate: this is a question, not a comment. I'm not trying to make a point, I am seeking information. Also, I want to clarify that I am not referring to reasoned disagreement or intelligent debate, which I both understand and engage in.

Answer 1

Simple answer: People who doubt their own convictions attack others'. Knowledge of truth requires curiosity and a quest for answers, and people who condemn others very likely are neither curious nor seeking.

"Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it." - Andre Gide.

Answer 2

The reason why this debate is so heated is because of what is at stake, salvation and sanity. Anger/frustration arises when you feel you are not being heard. If I tell a religious person that the water is comprised of H20, and they say, "no it isn't" what else is there to say? The person I am speaking to is delusional and lives in a fairy world. If we cannot agree on what is real, there is nothing to discuss. If I reference natural laws and logic, and you reference the mythology, we cannot meet at the middle and claim to be having a rational discussion.

Atheists point out rational flaws in a religion, and the followers choose to ignore the facts. This concept is terrifying because society relies on rational debate to live cohesively without mass confusion. People who choose to not accept factual information are fanatical psychopaths.

If you don't find religion scary, harmful, and dangerous you're not paying attention to the effects of religion. Sure good things come out of religion. I'm sure if I beat my wife I may see some benefits as well but since I am rational, I can see that is clearly a poor argument.

As globalization continues, we will see more and more secularization and advancements in culture. The day of the religious leaders and their herds will come to an end and the earth will be a more civilized place because of it. If you disagree, read "Letter to a Christian Nation", by Sam Harris.
If a christian cannot prove that Zeus does not exist yet does not require any for their own god, something is wrong. It is not up to us to prove your god does not exist. The burden of proof is on the believer to prove it does exist.

Answer 3

The lack of love and tolerance on both sides. Ignorance goes a lot farther than christianity and atheism. This world is full of hate and ignorance across the board. People need to deeply evaluate themselves rather than preoccupying themselves with others' faults. People who point out others' faults are generally taking away the focus off themselves and their own faults. There is a difference between constructive critcism and downright finger pointing. A lost of people will mistake the two.

Answer 4

I think it is a need to always be on the defensive. Differences between religious and non-religious (don't really like anti-religious) people are quite great sometimes and that unknown and unfamiliarity between the two groups may be why there is such hostility.

Answer 5

It would be laughable if it didn't result in so much bloodshed. It's beyond me how people will kill each other defending a being who instructed them, "Thou shalt not kill" and "Turn the other cheek." and "Love your neighbor as yourself." Humans make almost no sense, in general. Sometimes I wonder how it is possible that I'm one of them, until someone challenges something I'm attached to. Then I am reminded that I'm one of those silly humans after all, just a not-yet-fully-qualified idiot.

Answer 6

They are operating from different deep emotions. Religious folk look at the world in fear. They see other ideas and people to fear, and seek protection from their own god. Non-religious folk see the world as a beautiful and exciting place to live and experience. Risky of course, but hey, it's great.

Answer 7

It has to do with passion. When people agree with what you believe in passsionately it generates positive passion which end result is love. Conversely when people disagree with what you believe in passionately it generates negative passion which ends up as hate. From the spiritual perspective, when the kingdom of light clashes with the kingdom of darkness it inevitably generates a lot of heat.

Answer 8

yeah.... I dunno.... I was actually going to ask that question myself.

You have a point..... people shouldn't be fighting. But what we must remember is that people have their own individual beliefs.....it's what constitutes a person.... it's what is down deep in their soul.

When you step on these beliefs it is then that people get upset..... People that feel that they have found the truth also want to share and protect it.... thats part of the reason too.

Answer 9

It is natural for Atheists and Christians to disagree. So what if there are a few conflicting statements those of us who disagree enjoy it. What are you trying to spoil our fun. I don't mind being condemned to Hell. Better than the boring stuff you spout.

Answer 10

It all happen when everyone think they are right. So one hatemail beget another so on and so forth.