What is so bad about being an Atheist?

Question

How come when I tell someone that I do not believe in God, they will always respond in one of two ways.
They look at me as if I just called their mother a dirty name.
or
They immediately start preaching to me. As if they think that I have never heard the word of God before.

I have read the Bible numerous times. I have read the Torah and the Koran as well, and I have not been able to anything that I can believe. I'm sorry, but I just don't believe in any God.

I am still a good person though. I am always nice to everybody. I don't steal. I don't lie. I treat others in the way that I would like them to treat me.

So why is it so hard for people to simply accept that I am an Atheist?

I live in Southeast Missouri (the buckle of the Bible Belt) so it is extremely rare someone from this area to be an atheist.
It really makes me feel better knowing that the rest of the world is more understanding than the locals in my area.

There are so many good responses that I just do not know how to pick a best.
I appreciate that everyone here has shown how compassionate and understanding the rest of the world is.

Answer 1

Because we're different. I told my mother and grandmother I was an atheist and they just got really quiet and changed the subject. It's like we're lepers. Sad, ain't it.

Answer 2

You're a good person. I'm an atheist too. I make straight A's on the Dean's list at my school, I try to be an ethical person, and the only time I'm arrogant is when I'm on Yahoo! Answers and engaging in a little humorous mudslinging on the boards.

My mom and grandmother react in the same way. My mum warns me to "get saved" and shows me videos where people have near death experiences and claimed to be pulled back from hellfire. Another video warns of some coming biblical apocalypse and how evolution is a secular "tool of the devil." Then my grandmother who's very traditional thinks I automatically hate "Amazing Grace" and don't want to play it on the piano anymore. I don't think that either realize how hurtful these comments can be. My dad and step mom tend to be the most understanding of my views, even if they disagree.

I figure that life is more precious than anything else because existence is a rare and uncertain thing. The chances against the evolution of the human species and even myself were staggering! So I figure that I want to live the best life that I can, while I can. I'm done with misery and self-debasement.

Good luck with your search! I hope you find the acceptance you desire.

P.S. I define my atheism as "weak atheism," or the lack of belief in a deity, not the proactive belief that no deity exists. See the difference? There's a confusion of terms here and some blending between agnostic/atheist. But I certainly feel that it's safe to debunk most religious philosophies, especially when they make narrow claims about the creation of the world.

Answer 3

If you understand Christians, then you understand that we are commanded (the great commission) to "go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations."

We also feel a loss at the thought of someone choosing hell. I personally don't feel that emotional kick that a lot of Christians feel, but I do feel an urge to tell people about God and the salvation that His Son brought. I can't expect everyone to accept it, and I've learned to befriend those people. Even if they can't accept God's love, they can still experience it through me. So my point is, I never treat anyone in one of those two ways that you say everyone does to you. Do I feel like ramming the Bible down everyone's throat until they believe it? Probably. Will I? I know from past experience that if the Bible was rammed down my throat like I've seen some Christians do, I'd be an atheist/agnostic today.

Don't give up on Christians. There's some good ones out there.

Answer 4

As atheists, we're a minority, and last spring, I read an article I think in Harper's that listed the top minorities a parent would least want their kids to date. The top two minorities were Muslim and atheist, the former which I once was, the latter being what I am now. Isn't that sad!

Back to your question, though... I think that Americans have come to equate religion with morality because those are the principles upon which the American tradition was built. Rather sadly, our perception of people is sometimes even distorted by whatever religion they choose to follow, or not follow, in our case.

Answer 5

Well, I am a christian and have been since I was 10. I know how some christians can be really pushy when it comes to this. I know some of these people. As a believer I do understand why people do get concerned. It is just because we care about what happens to people in the afterlife. No one should be pushy and try to force their beliefs on you though. You have to do what is right in your heart and it is ultimately your choice as to whether or not to believe. I hope that you would one day open your heart to Him and join me and many others in heaven. God Bless.

Answer 6

I for one have alot of respect despite I am not an atheist, I happen to be married to an atheist and he is the most caring and devoted father and husband any woman could wish for, he has studied the bible and to him there are alot of things that he just can't grasp, he was raised in a catholic home so he is kinda of like a black sheep LOL. My husband respects the different religions of the world as he thinks everyone is entitled to believe in what they believe in, what my husband does have a problem is with the ignorant few religous nuts that continue to sum up his character without ever knowing him all because he refuses to believe in god. He is not evil, neither does he lie and my favorite line that christians use on him that he is a devil worshipper, WRONG, he does not believe in god and neither does he believe in the devil. I even heard one christian say that atheists don't pay their taxes and don't take showers LOL, that made us both LOAS. I have met many atheists who really try not to be judgemental of people of christianity. I am the christian in this household and tend to find myself getting more annoyed at the hateful garbage that comes out of some hardcore christains mouth moreso than my husband, He also does not instill his belief or might I rephrase his non-belief into our children, he wants them to decide for themselves.
I suggest any christian that implies that athiests push their non-belief views on the world, that atheists are dangerous and out on a crusade just listen to themselves, them I suggest every christian and atheist go to your local blockbuster and rent Jesus Camp and then you decide whats right and wrong.

I will also like to point out that any christian that keeps spewing that atheists and along with homosexuals are the least trustworthy minority in America to date, I can honestly say I would trust an atheist or a homosexual to watch my kids for the night (which I have 2 boys) than a catholic priest

It might seem like I am an atheist but I am really not, I just am tired of the few christians that give the rest of us christians a bad name and preach then do the opposite.

Answer 7

Don't get down fellow Atheist..(^-^)
It's because Christians believe that there beliefs
are Superior to everyone Else's and that the only
being able to create this world and everything
else can only be "GOD or Jesus" No other religion
or being is capable except " Christianity "..

They also think that the Devil has influenced your
mind and the way you think, I once had a Preacher
bloke start lecturing me in a shopping mall after I
said to him :-
" I don't believe in your God,bother someone else"

He started raving on that I shouldn't loose faith in
our "Saviour Jesus Christ" and that I should attend
the Services to regain my faith..!! I thought he was
going to give me an "Exorcism" right there in the
shopping mall to drive the demons from my body..

Anyway, as long as there are religions and people
who believe in these "GODS" there will be people
who criticise and force there will upon us Atheists.

Answer 8

It is hard for people to accept because the majority of people have been conditioned into thinking one way and one way only their entire lives. Whether they are die-hard fundies or habitual 'sinners' who pray every now and then when they want something, most people claim to be spiritual in some way. It is comforting to some. Others choose not to think things through enough to come up with their own assessment of things.

What I'm trying to say is... religious belief is the norm, and atheism is not. That's why we get the responses that we get. But be proud! You have used your BRAIN and have chosen not to blindly follow. Expect the worst, but don't let it get you down - not even a little!

Answer 9

It is because of an ancient dogma that anyone that is different is evil.

My belief? You've got the chance ahead to choose what you believe in, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Just remember (I don't think that I need to say this to you as an individual, but I will anyway for good measure), it is important to let other people believe what they want and to gracefully accept it.

And it takes all kinds to make a world, so your belief is overtly nothing new. But it's essential to note that people get nervous when someone comes in their way that believes in something that they don't. People are just quick to judge many times.

Answer 10

I have a friend who doesn't believe. I don't preach to her. I love her for who she is. She's one of my best friends. I think the deal with friends and family is that we want you in Heaven with us. We don't want you separated from us in the the afterlife. It's really concern, nothing more. For people who don't know you at all, I don't really know. I wouldn't preach to someone I don't know if they said they didn't believe. I might ask why...but it's my personality to try to understand people's ways of thinking. If it turns into a discussion where they ask me questions I answer honestly about my beliefs though.
I know people can not believe and still be good people. It's hard for me to understand though how if someone hears it, and it's so easy, they don't want to believe in Heaven. But if they don't, I accept it.

Answer 11

If people who do believe in God didnt care about you, they wouldnt care whether you believed or not. It's really simple. If someone REALLY believes in God It would be the worst form of neglect if they didnt want you to believe also. A Christian doesnt want someone to believe just because they do; they want you to believe so you can go to heaven with them. I wouldn't take it as an insult because rarely is that meant(although there are some that don't handle it right)