Why do religious people look down on athiests?

Question

Isnt religion supposed to be about being kind and helping people? In a lot of ways, disliking someone for not being religious is like being racist. Is there a good explanation for this?

Answer 1

They think that they have to save us from eternal damnation.

I wish they would just save us from having to listen to their rhetoric.

Atheists are seen as immoral, and distrustful. As far as they are concerned I can be whatever they want. I know who and what I am, and that is all that matters to me.

Additional Info:
We all have white spells and black magic. Christians think that everyone needs someone to tell them, "Don't use the black magic. OR YOU WILL BURN IN HELL." Atheists just look at both and say, "Well, I COULD use black magic, but I think I will use white... because I am not a bad guy."

Answer 2

Well that is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. I have seen many an atheists attack religious beliefs on this board. Actually I see more atheists attack then religious attacks.

But to be fair, some religious people do put down atheists. That is a personality flaw, not a religious flaw. The question should be "Why do SOME religious people look down on atheists?"

There is never a good explanation for why people do some of the things they do. It is called being human. As a Christian I strive to be kind and help people. For that matter, everyone should try to do that, regardless if it is in the name of religion or just to be a better person.

Answer 3

I am glad that you are asking "us" what we think rather than have people answer for us whom aren't Christian like some of the Christain hecklers already posting.

My honest opinion is that I don't look down on atheist nor do I know CHrisitans that do. We obviously disagree but we are not called to be against you. We all started at some state of doubt or disbelief and some of us (Chrisitans) were atheist.

My personal opinion on atheists would be there too smart for there own good. I see more people that are atheist usually are quite intellectuals, have high IQ's. I see them as people who think they have to have all the answers or be able to completely figure out God and if they can't there is no such thing as a God. I don't know. I really don't know how (being as intelligent as atheist are at least IQ wise) could look at everything in this world, the anatomy of the human body and within each system that functions in our being, the birth of a baby...I could go on and on... how can they deny a Supernatural force? This is an intelligent design. ANyways I am ranting.

We love ya and were praying for you.

But boy there sure are some anti-Christians on this Y/A. Man if anyone is racist its people against us Christians. But. I can deal with it there just a little obnoxious and degrading. Wow

Answer 4

I assume you mean "Why do *some* religious people look down on athiests? we all know that not ALL religious people look down on non-believers. I say non-believers because I want to encompass all that do not ascribe to a religion, including agnostics, atheists, etc. Anyway the reason SOME of these religious people look down on other who dont share the same beliefs as they because according to their religion they are the "chosen ones" of their god, who will be rewarded for their worship... its kinda like a superiority complex, rather like "I am going to have eternal salvation and rewards, and you will burn and be punished.. nah nah nah nah poo poo" Seriously thats what it is.. they think their s*it dont stink because they are going to be rewarded for worship, and they must be better than you otherwise all they believe makes no sense to them and they wouldnt believe it. Think about it, if these people did not expect to get a reward for their religious affiliation do you actually think they would have anything to do with it? Of course not, these narcissistic examples of religious followers look down on others because they have joined the "clique" that will reward them with everything and they think that makes them better.. well if they really examined their motivations they would see it actually makes them worse...
PS Keep in mind not all religious followers are like this at all.. many can agree to disagree without looking down on others for their different beliefs, I have known quite a few of each kind... you have to take each person you meet as an individual, in most cases I do not even bring up religon because it has no bearing on whether I am friends with someone. It only affects me when it is brought up and then the person says something like.. "you are going to burn in hell and im not" that it becomes an insult.

Answer 5

I don't think your statement is universally true. At least as far as most of the Christians I know myself included, I do not look down on anyone. I am in no position to do that.
As far as other religions are concerned, I cannot say I know anyone of another religion who feels that way about atheists. From the Christian perspective what may appear to be unkindness, or even looking down, is more often a great desire to help a fellow human being become part of the kingdom of Jesus the Christ, to enter into eternal life with the one true God.

Answer 6

Yes wouldnt that be called relgionist? i mean come on I am spritual in a different way and I am always in between Issues. I dont care as long as someone is a good person and religion doesnt have a damn thing to with that. At least you give a crap and you arent pushing your beliefs on other people.

Answer 7

There is no reason to look down upon the atheists. Every individual has the liberty to practice or follow one’s own thoughts in this so called free world. If otherwise, its sheer hypocrisy and narrow-mindedness. Good or bad…. it all depends upon one’s conscience and perceptions towards life and others.

Answer 8

if you remove religion ... sam will still not like joe... it's a mask we hide behind. Some say it's a product of the religion. I say it's a product of the peoples personalities, character, and so on. If they were not religiouse they would hate eachother over something else.

I argue a lot with friends who call themselves athiests.... note they are my FRIENDS....

Simply because to me the idea in not believing because you cannot stick God in a test tube to consume/fully understand is irrational as well.

I am told that I'm stupid for believing in God because "no explanation does not by default mean God exists"

Well... just because you can't stick God in a tube to studdy doesnt' mean that with no explanation means God does not exist.

We should love others as Christ loves us.... HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR US WHILE WE WERE YET STILL SINNER(ENNEMIES OF THE CROSS)...

but, Christ didnt' let others thoughts, others lives, get in the way of Him spending time with God... him sticking to the truth of heaven... and HIM fullfilling what he was made to fullfill.... so, i'm not called to be a silent schlump always as to not offend.

Seriously..... some people considerate hateful that you even dare believe is this fair?

Answer 9

No there is no good reason, and personally as a Christian I look down on no one. We are all equal and have the right to our beliefs.
In here I have noticed a lot of people looking down on others, including Atheists calling Christians, stupid, narrow minded etc etc

Answer 10

I'm a Christian and I don't look down on them. Some of my good friends are atheists and agnostics.

The best thing you can do if you're a Christian is be there friend and let them know you are there for them.