Christians and Atheists, why can't you get along?!?

Question

Okay, I'm an ex-Christian, but I refuse to say 100% that there is no such thing as the supernatural. Lately, I'm finding so many Atheists that annoy the HELL out of me- Polly Toynbee and Byron Crawford among others. These are the sort that are out to destroy Christianity and find most if not all Christians to be insane and stupid. They believe themselves to be greater and make their own personal "unholy war". However, there are alot of Christians that abuse the bible and say "god hates this" and "god hates you", meanwhile there is nothing in the Bible written about God hating anyone. According to it's teachings, he is still the father of all. I've been raised in a family of Christians who have friends that are both Chrsitians and non. This makes them unpopular with some in both circles. Now recently, I've discoved the Friendly Atheist website, which slightly bridges the gap. Even still, this is being criticized. All of this mutual hating is leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

Answer 1

I don't get along with all fundie religious people

Answer 2

There is no personal hatred between the Christians and the Atheist, but an arguments of belief on God , and how man existed.

Atheists always say that there is no God and say some other words against Christians, vice versa.

In solving that problem, the atheists should not despise Christians of their belief and should not say words against our God which are very hot to hear, very hot from the ears, some words that are not supposed to be uttered to God.

The atheists should express very convincing words to convince the Christians if ever Christians be convinced. So with Christians, to do the same.

Christians have also sound mind to understand what is supposed to be understood while the Atheists claimed that they are the only persons who have enough knowledge about things.

Christians have studied science as they have studied it and we have studies on the bible but the Atheists do not to study the bible that is why they could not understand the bible, yet they want to force us Christians to believe on them. No way.
jtm

Answer 3

Good question. Are you looking for a solution?
From what I have seen here, there are a number of people who attempt that very thing, they do their best to conduct themselves in a respectful and courteous manner.
Sometimes they joke a little bit about others' beliefs.

But then there are quite a few who are just on here to be hateful. They are not really interested in a discussion, or even a passionate debate, they just want to be mean.

I can not control their questions or responses, I can only ignore, or thumbs down, or report if the posts are particularly atrocious. Nor can any of the others who so desire a place of respect.

It leaves a bad taste in my mouth also, at which times I give it a break and do something much more productive.
The best any of us can do if we are interested in seeing respect is to ourselves be respectful. Not that we will get that in return, but we will have not added to the bitterness.

Answer 4

When I was a militant skeptic, I felt I was doing Christians a favor by challenging their faith. I couldn't understand how an educated person could be so gullible, superstitious, and ignorant.

As a Christian who is now convinced that the resurrection really happened, I try to see how people react when I "steer" the conversation towards spiritual matters. If there seems to be interest, I try to carefully continue. If the reaction seems to be indifference or hostile "stiff-arming", I back off.

When I was a new Christian, I was more aggressive and determined about trying to get a conversation about Christianity going. It did and does seem like a caring thing to be concerned about their eternal destiny.

Answer 5

I agree with Skippy, and he's right about us atheists being the most hated/distrusted group of people in the US if recent polls are an actual indication of such things. Here in the US we are definitely put on the defensive by laws that target us (did you know that several state constitutions prevent atheists from holding office?). At the same time I don't disagree with you that some atheists are as over-the-top and militant as the religious right. That bothers me. I am an atheist and my best friend of 23 years is Roman Catholic. Our belief/non-belief hasn't gotten in the way of our friendship because we basically believe in the same things anyway, such as murder being wrong. I don't know what's wrong with the rest of society. I have no problem with religious people as long as they don't try to convert me (which seems to be attempted on a regular basis).

Answer 6

It's true what you said that God hates no one, he only hates evil actions. However, there is at least one passage in the Bible that states God will only consider you his child if you have accepted Jesus as your savior.

Although athiests and Christians being friends is quite a nice idea, I think it is difficult to achieve. Atheism is the opposite of believing in a supreme divine being. The opposing beliefs of Christians and atheists about the existence of God is something major in their lives. Their beliefs set the path for them to follow. That is why they find it difficult to get along well.

There will always be mutual hating and we can't really do something to achieve total world peace.

Answer 7

"You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?"

Romans 2:1-4

I pass judgement on others every day. I try not to, but I am weak. I have judged athiests for not recognizing God, and then I fail to serve him, even though I know his glory. I find whatever I pick out about other people, I find myself doing shortly after. Christians (Not all but some)will judge athiests.

but please, dont blame the composer for the way we play his music.

Answer 8

That is a good question. People let emotions take over their arguments and resort to name-calling. The Bible does say God hates certain things (divorce, sin, etc.) and Jesus did use strong language to certain people (the hypocrital pharisees) calling them hypocrites and generation of vipers. In most situations I would agree that a rational discussion puts everyone in a better light.

Answer 9

I've come to realize the "not getting along" tends to be on this forum. Out here in the real world it's not quite the same.

I'm a Christian with a wide variety of friends, including atheist.
It's about respect, and understanding.

Answer 10

From what I've seen, most of the hate actually comes from the atheists, aimed at Christians. True Christians dont hate anyone.

Answer 11

Jonas - you are the only one rising above the rest then, and you know this. You also know that you can't change a thing - people are set in their ways and it will only take experience, life, and mistakes made - to change it. (when they learn from them)......this leaves a bad taste in my mouth too, but then I wake up in the morning and brush my teeth--we all put our pants on one leg at a time & we're all in this life together - most people are with you!