How hateful do you have to be to be an atheist?

Question

Quite a bit, judging from the questions and answers being provided by the ones here.

Answer 1

AGREE !!!!!
Too bad they only see the hate coming from someone else.

Answer 2

I am sure that this is literally untrue. Figuratively, it may appear this way, especially in this type of unmoderated forum where all sorts of persons are free to hide behind anonymity and act out. The question could be reversed just as easily.

I have taken a position that if a question is explicitly targeting "atheists", "non-believers" or something similar, that I will not answer (but may read for my own edification) the question since I obviously do not fit these labels.

Likewise, if a question is labeled "believers", "theists", “Moslems”, “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, etc., it would be polite if those not fitting the label would not respond. I also ignore questions that obviously violate the new community guidelines posted at http://answers.yahoo.com/info/community_guidelines.php, and especially those that are flippant, hate-mongering, vapid preaching, or chatty.

It seems to me that only if a question is non-specific should responses come from any and all persons.

We all learned this behavior in kindergarten. We were taught to not speak unless spoken to. We also have learned, as George Elliot noted, "Blessed is the person who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving us worthy evidence of the fact."

Why is it that when we are older we feel we can reject all semblances of politeness with shallow and strained arguments for free speech, just having fun, etc. But, these are not the salient issues, only excuses for bad behavior whether believer or not. The real issue is what enables these forums? The answer is clear--it is the questioner. The questioner is the driving force in these forums and should be able to designate to whom they are seeking an answer from. For if there are no questions, there is no reason for a Q&A type of forum. Respect the questioner and this place will be something worth spending time in.

Answer 3

Funny, I've never heard an Atheist kill over their beliefs. You can't say that about Christians, Muslims, or Jews. Even Thomas Jefferson relized that arguing against religion is a touchy subject when he once said, “Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions. Ideas must be a distinct idea of the trinity. It is the abracadabra of the mountebanks calling themselves the priests of Jesus”

Answer 4

Well, not nearly as hateful as you do to be a Christian, it seems. Hardly any Christians here do anything other than throw around childish insults and lie about others, like you just did.

On the other hand, most of the atheists here make solid arguments.

Now, out in the real world, there are plenty of Christians who behave themselves. I work with dozens of them every day. You could stand to learn a lesson from their behavior.

Answer 5

On the contrary. I find most atheists less hateful than christians and muslims. I find most atheists to be rational. Being rational, one understands that hate is not an emotion that can be relied upon to cooly judge matters of importance.

I find that god-believers are more likely to hate, and for less reason.

Answer 6

About 10 notches less than a common Christian

Answer 7

You don't have to be hateful. You just have to believe that there is no God.

I believe in God, but some of the nicest people I have ever met are atheists. They aren't all hateful.

Answer 8

Show us these hateful atheist questions and answers you're talking about.

Answer 9

Not at all. I'm an atheist, and I love Christians. Non judgemental Christians, that is

Answer 10

That's funny you're one to talk. You're being rude, insulting, condescending and hateful towards people yourself. Practice what you preach. If you're gonna talk the talk then walk the walk. Peace!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 11

When we're spreading our beliefs with the sword and burning believers to the stake you can complain.