Do some Atheists have a zeal to convert others to their way of thinking? (see details)?

Question

First of all, I'm not talking about ALL Atheists.

As for those who do have a desire to convert others:
Where did they get this desire? Is it possible that it actually comes from a Christian culture or upbringing? Christians often feel a strong desire to spread what they consider to be the only acceptable view of reality.

If someone instead became an Atheist from a non-proselytizing background, would they have the same zeal?

I apologize for any generalizations. I realize this doesn't apply to everyone.

Answer 1

Realistically, have you ever had an atheist show up at your door trying to spread the "message"? Or found a tract left on your doorknob inviting you to an atheist pot luck?

I think the furthest most atheists go is trying to share their point of view on religion/philosophy boards and blogs. In their personal lives many of them try to understand how friends and loved ones, usually so rational, can believe in things they find so far-fetched. Hardly proselytizing.

I've noticed most atheists really don't care what others believe, as long as their rights aren't threatened. Many religious people, though, seem to think atheists are somehow personally insulting them by not sharing their belief in some divine being.

Answer 2

I can only speak for myself, and I have no particular zeal to "convert" anyone. I just reserve the right to point out logical flaws in the thoughts of others if I think there are some, and this is not restricted to religion. By no means I think that I were the sole holder of any sort of "truth" which must be spread. The only thing which should be spread in my opinion is critical thinking and scepticism.

I was brought up in a secular home.

Answer 3

Yes, I do, and I don't come from a proselytising background.

I consider myself a militant liberal. That will probably confuse some people, and will inevitably draw some thumbs down.

I have little patience with people who obfuscate with the truth, or who are frightened to put their views on the line, or who emphasise their "hurt feelings" as a response to rational criticism. A good deal of what passes for religious or spiritual discussion falls into these categories.

My view of reality is on the line. It is not perfect, and I enjoy sensible criticism (although, to be honest, it's often painful at the start). I hope to give as good as I get - if not better. But learning is what sustains me.

I am a humanist.

Answer 4

Oh! Heron - your thoughts are marvelous. How do you say and talk what is happening exactly, in other parts of the world?

In India poor and Dalits (Dalit means low in their caste) were and are ill treated by well to do people. The Christian Atheists have adopted telling these poor people that Christians and Christianity does not discriminate in such way and force the poor to convert to Christianity, promising so many facilities and also paying money. They are doing it at village after village in India (mostly southern part of India) They have told that they are Atheists and assured there will not be any discrimination. They have also paid good amount of money and granted house, land etc. They give Christian names to all these poor via. Jesus, Mary, Moses, etc. etc., I do not think Jesus has asked them to convert people like this.

What do you say for this - Is it not ZEAL to CONVERT others - Yes Again you are correct. -

Answer 5

Some atheists are very evangelical in spreading their gospel of atheism. But there are many atheist who can handle religion as long as it's not christianty. If you are a buddhist, hindu, jew, taoist and so on, they have no problem with you as long as you don't try to convert them. I find less atheists who can handle islam. I find very few who can handle christianity. I must admit I've met a few atheists who even compliment christianity on it's benefits to society but not very many. Most atheists hate christianity.

Answer 6

When I was an Atheist I felt a need to revert people back to non belief of Gods. I thought that such beliefs were harmful to society. I would never go to the extent that other anti-theists go by insulting and making false accusations. I would oftentimes admit Theists were just as likely to be as smart as Atheists, etc. It seems that on Y!AR&S a lot of people just wish to belittle others, I think most of them do care to a much smaller extent of converting Theists to their beliefs as they do just enjoying harassing them.

Answer 7

Hmmm. I can only speak for myself.

I don't feel the need to proselytise people to my own philosophy. But sometimes I get frustrated with people whose every answer seems to be "You need to pray to God" when it's obvious that practical action would be of more use, or when it's completely out of context with regard to the question. That just comes across as obsessive and blinkered.

I'm not denying there are times I want to shake some christians by the shoulders and shout "WAKE UP!" - but in general I settle for stating my own view on things, it's up to them what they do with their lives. If they want to waste it on their knees, that's up to them.

Answer 8

I don't want to convert anybody. But my hate of religion does come from being dragged off to church when I was a kid, amongst other reasons more important now, but in my youth is where it started. Thank you for turning me off early. It has saved me a from a lot of grief, fear, and probably knee replacement surgery...

Answer 9

I certainly did when I was a militant skeptic. I coudn't believe that an educated person could actually believe the superstition and nonsense. I felt they were gullible, but otherwise well intended.

Obviously, I feel differently now. It really happened.

Answer 10

everybody has a desire to convert others one way or another... maybe to different degrees, but it's still there nonetheless. I believe it is in human nature to want nothing but the best for people you know and to attempt to convert them and change their ways.