Atheists and other non-christian people: are you shocked?

Question

Christians out of respect for you and your beliefs I request that you hit the back button on your browser. If you choose to read and answer this question, you will have only yourself to blame for feeling bashed, though that is NOT my intention.



I hear Christians saying that they are shocked that people don't believe as they do. Are Atheists and other non-christians shocked that people still believe the bible as literal and true? Are you shocked that people believe their emotional responses are "god"? Are you shocked that people not only believe but wish that the entire world believed too?

And why do you think they still believe? Why is the Bible the best seller that it is? Why has their mythology lasted so long?

Answer 1

Not shocked... I'm somewhere between understanding and sadness.
Most believe what they were raised to, in their family or their locality.
For many that will be a literal view of the bible, and comes complete with the doctrine that considering other viewpoints is satanic temptation.

It lasts because it has an *internal* consistency, and because there is a lot of value in a close supportive community (But, in my view it comes from the humanity of the community, not the divine.)
It offers simple answers for a complex world, and that's also attractive. Doubt and details are more difficult to sell.

"It's not as simple as that. " doesn't make a great poster, battle-cry or political slogan.
But I'm pretty certain it's a true saying. Only "pretty certain", of course.

Answer 2

I was at first six years ago, seeing that while being an adolescent who had come into this new understanding of the bible and the way things are run. I still am to a point, and I guess I would react the same way a christian would when they see an atheist.

Many people believe this religion for many reasons. It may be because of family, the feeling of emptiness or hope when they need someone to turn to, a idea of the prize of heaven at the end of the road, or perhaps it's the only thing they know? The bible continues to be a best seller because churches or other religious establishments buy them in bulk to give them to followers who might have a bible. Christianity has offered humanity a god who will listen to them when they are in trouble, and offers a personal relationship with him/her and their son, Jesus Christ. The idea of a man who can not sin, and died on the cross for everyone else's sins is appealing to it's audience.

Answer 3

I'm shocked because I knew something was amiss with Christianity when I was about 9-10 years old. Most of the Atheists and non-Christians I know converted around age 13-16. So it really makes me wonder about the nature of belief and why some of us reject the fantasy while others cling to it. There's something psychologically different between believers and non-Christians, that's for sure. I really wish I knew the answer to these questions, but I don't. I mean - I can see a very gnostic interpretation of Christianity if you really read between the lines. And if that's what they believed - I could get that and I would understand it. I just can't get on board with their perception of God and the whole literal bible interpretation stuff. When I try to step into their shoes and see things from their point of view I feel like no reasonable, rational adult could seriously and honestly believe in the Abrahamic deity and the bible stories. So yeah - I'm equally shocked by them as they are us. We just think differently.

Answer 4

I have no axe to grind with you--honest questions don't offend me, nor do they make me feel bashed or threatened. I know who I am & Who I believe & why I believe. Your last paragraph is what I find interesting, mainly. The Bible is still a best seller, could it be that there is something to it, after all. If God/Jesus are not real, how could Christianity have lasted so long? It has attracted more hate than any other "religion", yet it will not go away. People are being killed for their belief in God & Christianity every day. Why? Jesus lived & died 2000 years ago, yet miracles are still being done in His Name. How? Could it be that Christianity could be the Truth after all? Consider this & please keep an open mind. Peace to you.

Answer 5

I'm honestly disappointed that they can't open their narrow minds and think of other possibilities. I myself am pagan and am always thinking about 'right and wrong'. Don't get me wrong, I love Mother and Father, but sometimes my fellow pagans have the most twised senses of what love for all is... It's even more disturbing to think of what the Christians think about life and what happens during its course.

And as far as their mythology, Christianity hasn't even been around for a long time compared to the religions of old. The Christian religion, if you notice, is very subtly starting to fall apart. There is less than half of the numbers at 'mass' and such because people are starting to realize the hidden secrets. Over the last ten years, you wouldn't believe how low the number of Christians has gotten. Sad when you think about how many there still are. (I realize that sounds really bad so I'm sorry if I've offended anyone.)

But just so I don't offend anyone anymore, I'll just say this. Christians: start to think about other options for the betterment of the world. Put yourself in the shoes of a Buddhist or Pagan for one day. I'll do the same (in the shoes of a Christian of course). =]

***Blessed Be and May You Find Eternal Happiness!***

Answer 6

It doesn't shock me, it saddens and frightens me that the metaphors and symbolism of the Bible are entirely lost on those who believe the Bible to be literal truths, rather than a series of stories meant to help them reach spiritual enlightment. It's very hard for me to understand why someone turn away from a true spiritual journey in favor of believing a book translated, altered, added to and deleted from for centuries upon centuries is to be taken literally.

I think they still believe out of fear, quite honestly. At least, the ones with knee-jerk reactions who tell the rest of us we're going to hell are obviously afraid of something. Their mythology has lasted so long because it has only recently become marginally okay to say you're not a Christian. Historically speaking, we non-believers were subject to death if we didn't say, "Oh yes, I believe in Jesus."

)O(

Answer 7

Well, I'm not ENTIRELY shocked. I mean, I was raised a Christian, and for the first half of my life, I was a believer. If that's what you're raised being told over and over, then that's just what you believe. Plus, there's a great comfort to some to think that this life isn't all that we have, and that we're going to someday be reunited with the loved ones that we've lost.
On the other hand, now that I'm not a believer anymore, it does sort of blow my mind to see people seemingly mindlessly following stories that are such obviously myth and fiction, and believing in invisible super-beings who control everything and inflict terrible, torturous punishment for all eternity on those that don't "believe" in them. It seems sort of --- primitive --- to me. Like we're somehow stuck back in a cave-man mindset in this day and age.

Answer 8

Unfortunately, many Christians think it's their "job" to convert people to Christianity, thinking that they'll "save" people. I do believe in a Deity (Deist), but I certainly reject the bible as a true book. I agree that it's the best seller, but that's because it's a book of faith for the number 1 religion in the world, and believe me, and I speak from real stats, numbers of people leaving Christianity is increasing with time. The bible lasted, but it got altered severely. I don't think it was like that 2000 years ago.
I don't want people to follow my philosophy. I believe in a Deity, but that's it. I won't condemn anyone to eternal punishment because they disagree with me. Everyone has a reason to choose their beliefs, and should NEVER be forced to change them.

Answer 9

I am shocked when I hear Christians who hold so much stock in the bible . i am more shocked when those people (the Christians) carry on about their God who loves everyone and preaches tolerance, yet they are the most un-tolerant people that I have ever met. I have actually had "holy water" thrown on me by a "born again" christian because i am wiccan. I think that people want to believe in something and it is just much easier to follow the masses than to make your own decisions , especially about something as complex as religion.

Answer 10

Nothing shocks me anymore. I don't care if they want to believe in their god. But what I don't understand is how they can deny scientific evidence that points to evolution. Why can't they believe that their god started the world with the big band and created life by means of evolution? Why is that so hard for them to accept? Why are they blindly accepting the literal 6 day creation found in the bible? It really saddens me that people *choose* to be ignorant.