Believers of all sort, what is your gut reaction when you hear the word atheist?

Question

Seriously, I am curious. Please be honest. I won't take it the wrong way. I am of the opinion that most people really know what we are like.

Answer 1

My gut reaction is...they don't believe God exists....nothing else. After all, we are all just humans with opinions.

Peace, Love, and Blessings
Greenwood

Answer 2

ok, basket... the first word that came to my mind was "wandering" - as in "wandering in the wilderness"
I know most will disagree with me, but I truly believe to some extent you and others are on a quest. It's impossible to discuss this over a forum such as this, but I know it would make for rousing conversation should we meet sometime....
as well, what I admire about atheists (at least those whom I have contact with here) is that they investigate that which they know or question. I respect that.
I believe I get the same respect in return.

blessings :)

EDIT: I don't mean wandering as in 'lost' but rather on a quest.

Answer 3

Well, at least some of the Christians think some of the Atheist have brains. Open dialog with some of the Christians could be a positive thing as long as they don't pull the conversion bit. Still, I find most of the Christians to be sheep, sorry if it offends.

Answer 4

I feel a burden for their souls and this is why I spend a great deal of time praying for them. I sincerely pray they will accept Jesus and receive salvation before it's too late. I was once an atheist and I now know the joy and peace which comes from following Jesus and being indwelled by God's Holy Spirit. You can't understand until you experience this feeling. I realize atheists can be happy as I was happy also when I was one, but you have no idea what you're missing.

Answer 5

Hmm, to tell the truth my reaction is just "oh.." Atheist is simply someone who does not beleive in God or religion.
I don't think bad of them as a person or anything, however when some Atheists insult other religions, I just feel speechless in that it is a shame that they could say such words. I mean, i can't control how they feel about God and religion, and I can't convince them to either. I am a believer and you are not..I suppose it is as simple as that.

Answer 6

That they don't believe in a Higher Power.

No negative connotations with Atheists in my religion; we all have to go by what we believe, they've got as good an argument as anyone else I've ever heard. Maybe they're the "right" ones.

Answer 7

To be honest, and I do not mean to b rude or offend, least of all push my belief or opinion on you or anyone, but after I discovered my husband was (no longer is) a atheist I was incredibly sad, for many reasons. I was sad for his spirit and what would happen to him when he dies, sad that in the afterlife I would never again see him after I spent my life not just finding my soul mate, but a part of me that was missing, and I was scared for him and the torment I thought he would be enduring in the afterlife.
So when I hear the word "Atheist" in my gut I feel sadness what what I feel or believe that person is or could be missing out on.

Answer 8

John Steinbeck-my favorite author. He was an atheist. But, man could he write. He makes you feel as if you're in the story with the characters. Hell, I thought I did live in "Cannery Row" with Doc, Mac, Mr Lee and the boys just down the street from the Bear Flag resteraunt, and Dora who loves her Nile green evening gowns.

Answer 9

I feel an opportunity exists for somebody to care enough to change eternity for a fellow human being. Then I wonder, how could they just not know? Then I remember when I knew nothing.

Answer 10

Though I have more in common with Christians, I have no negative feelings toward athiests. I don't think anyone can say 'we know what athiests are like'. It's like saying we know what brunettes are like. I think we should take each person, Christian or athiest, on an individual basis.