Why is everyone so quick to disrespect Christians?

Question

Why do atheists always flame and push their beliefs on Christians? I'm completely open in this question, and am honestly curious as to why atheists feel the need to push their opinions on Christians. I'll just put it out there, I'm a Christian and pretty much everyone I know is Christian, too. My friends and family and I have never forced our beliefs on anyone, brought them up when they were irrelevant to the topic, or criticized anyone who disagreed with them; and I feel like I'm always having to defend what I believe to people who just have different opinions than me. Because I respect religious differences, I think it's rude that atheists criticize people for their faith. Are there some pushy, in-your-face Christians out there that make you feel like you need to do it back? I want honest, thoughtful, intelligent answers. No flaming and be respectful and courteous in your answers, please.

I based this question off the fact that every time I log onto this site, the first questions I see are always ones in which atheists are trying to flame Christians (ie. "Christians, read this?" "Why are Christians so stupid?! How can you idiots believe all those stupid stories in that moronic story book of yours?!"). I will admit, though, in response to one of the answers, that when I actually browsed through the questions there were many that stemmed from the other side as well. Those who attacked me in your responses, I have said nothing malicious and don't deserve personal attacks about this question. When I said that I feel I have to defend my religious views, I meant that when someone is openly attacking them that it's my natural reaction to feel defensive and not at all implying that I ever try and convert/push my beliefs on anyone else. In fact, if you read the original paragraph I openly state otherwise.

I'd also like to make it clear that I'm open to both sides of this, and am honestly curious about EVERYONE'S viewpoint. I am Christian, but I'm not siding with that "side" or any side at all. I don't know any atheists, and therefore want to understand their viewpoints better. Thank you for understanding, and thanks for your participation.

Answer 1

Young person, atheists come in all sizes, all moods, all levels of education, etc., etc., which is to say, it is not a matter of "all" atheists. There are some fools in our midst. There are persons onboard--both atheist and Christian--whose mental illness is a troubling and fearful aspect of his or her life. There are atheists who are polite and mannerly, and who are, like me, far beyond high-school and university, who perhaps harbor a broader understanding of human life. Etc., etc. Some men and women who look into this site say they simply pass on by contributors who appear to be over-the-top, who "flame." Take good care of yourself.

Answer 2

There are plenty atheists who aren't pushy. It's the insecure that do this and many atheists and christians do this. As an atheist I feel no need to push my belief onto others and I feel no need to defend my belief. I find that I have problems with both pushy in your face atheists and christians. A good approach that I have if I disagree with someone is to just ask them questions and try to understand their logic, it helps me empathise with them and see where they are coming from. So really the problem you are encountering is one more of personality rather than belief as you probably know that some people will be total non believers to the extreme, then when they become religious they go all out to the extreme as well

Answer 3

It is very hard in this society to be non-Christian. There are many exceptions to what I am about to say but there are many many people who portray themselves as Christian yet seem to think that makes them superior to anyone else.
As a former athiest and christian I understand that being taught from a young age there is only one way of being and if you don't believe the same things you are going to hell confuses most people and causes dislike and distrust of anyone different. On the other side, when dogma and particular practices of faith do not make rational sense to you it is very hard to blindly accept anything. Does this make someone evil? Some say yes to that but I believe God is much bigger that that. I think that there is much more to God and life on this planet than anyone can wrap their mind around.
If people would only learn the history of their version of the bible and understand the anthropology of the times the different books were written not to mention the Nicene council in approx. 400ad, which determined the books of the new testament as well as the idea of the trinity, maybe people would be willing to expand their ideas and stop trying to punish those with differing viewpoints.
Thankyou for asking a question to gain more knowledge for your own personal path. I hope you find the way that is best for you and keep trying to understand other's views it will lead you closer to God by tolerance and empathy.

Answer 4

Extremists get on my last nerve. The rest of believers get all my respect, as long as they don't try to push THEIR beliefs down anyone's throat. And I centainly don't force my beliefs on anyone. I don't know about other atheists though.

I actually feel the same way about (some) Christians, I often come across people who shake their head in horror and disbelief when I say I am an atheist and start warning me about eternal pain etc etc etc. I really don't need all that either.

Thing is, it's the XXI century, and from our point of view it's kind of illogical that people still have these irrational beliefs.

Answer 5

All religions teach good things within certain parameters. If we follow the commandments we live in peace and support our social stucture.

Unfortunately atheists believe in "nothing" and have nothing to tell a believer! They jump on science and scientific achievements well known to every body and take advantage as if all was done by them.

In fact they are trying to destroy every religious faith and its values. They are the hidden agents or victims of Zionism which has almost destroyed the true Christian values in America and Europe. They are creating Evil societies where they can do what ever they like on the strength of money.

They are eliminating the concept of God so that their hidden agends could be promoted easily.

They are creating sense of stupidity in believers so that they could not resist against social evils!

Answer 6

Well, when you go around spouting your beliefs to any and all who are near, you open yourself up to criticism, sweetie! If you don't want to have to defend your position, take a different approach and keep your thoughts about your religion to yourself. If you want to debate about religion, you have to expect that people are going to have different viewpoints.

And there is NO war on christianity. You're just not willing to be equal to other religions and atheism; you want to be 'the bestest' and that's not how it works in America.

Granted, people shouldn't be rude to you about your beliefs, but maybe you are getting back what you give out. Do you ever tell people you'll pray for them...without knowing if they believe the same as you? Do you ever tell people they need to come to your church...without knowing what religion they believe in? Do you assume everyone feels the way you do...without bothering to find out if you're right?

Answer 7

I don't know of any atheists who try to force their beliefs on others although I am not saying that they don't exist.
You have only to look at this forum to see how christians will push their beliefs on others or better still check out some other sections and you will see the same thing.
Please continue to keep your faith to yourself,we appreciate that and respect you for it

Answer 8

All you have to do is see how many christians respond to those who have different beliefs and you'll have your answer. Yes it's rude and it's rude when those rude christians do it.

We should be able to discuss things within the sniping but people can't seem to help themselves.

Neither side has clean hands in this matte.

Answer 9

Atheists bash Christians who bash Atheists.You may know Atheists who are attempting to push their beliefs on Christians. Strangely, I don't know any.
You are defending your belief in the above statement. Do you have the feeling that you're forcing your belief on to anybody ?
I certainly am with you on your statement that it's rude to criticize people for their faith. It's equally rude to criticize those who do not share your beliefs.

Answer 10

From what I have understood, many of them have had a bad experience with a christian "telling them they are going to hell" or not showing them love and that has jaded their view of christianity. This is not a bash on atheists, I tend to do the same thing if someone from a certain group is a jerk to me, it makes it hard for me to respect any other person from that group untill I talk to more people from that group.