Why do they feel the need to convert us? Do we threaten them SO much?

Question

Why can’t I just say “I’m an Atheist” without it turning into a theological debate? Other people can say “I’m a Hindu” or “I’m a Jew” or “I’m a Christian” and no one questions that. I live in the bible belt. I always have this overwhelming feeling that I have to represent Atheists as best I can; dress nice, be kind and intelligent, but it’s a lot of pressure to constantly feel that I speak for an entire group of people.

In real life, I’m just a normal person trying to have a normal life. I don’t go around sparking religious debates. Just an hour ago, I dared to mention that I was an Atheist and I was pounced on by every “Proud Christian” in the room. I’m at school right now (college) and feeling a little vulnerable and ganged up on. I don’t believe that the Christians that were trying to convert me were doing so just for a selfless cause to save my soul. They were too eager. Too excited at the prospect, the challenge, like I was a project. Why? Have they no empathy?

Me: I'm talking about something that happened in real life. Read the whole question...

Answer 1

There's an incentive plan.. they get crowns and jewels in heaven for all of the souls they "win to Christ". Hence, the eager beaver fire insurance sales mentality.

Answer 2

Why do you feel the need to represent a whole group of people, dress nice, be kind and intelligent. Atheists represent themselves without needing a single spokesperson to speak for them. If you are feeling pressured then it is pressure you put on yourself. If you do not believe in God then what you believe stands. The thing that you need to work out is - is this the truth -and not be complacent about it. You live in a bible belt and you are an atheist - not an uncommon occurrence. If you feel separated from the rest of the group at college that is not an uncommon occurrence either. Most of us have been through that. Each of us has our own personal journey. I dont know whether you have done any searching for yourself to see if there is a God or you just want to stay in your self made secure position. That's fine, I guess. You dont like being influenced by people - well, you are being influenced. Why dont you try the independent way. Put your foot out there and test the waters. You only live once and then there will be the testing of your theory.

Answer 3

I know EXACTLY what you mean. If that conversation ever comes up in a bar where I live, I am immediately questioned. I've even been asked (more than once) why there are still monkeys. I think the opportunity for an argument makes some people drool, because "saving non believers" has been turned into some kind of game or contest- and a pretty lame one at that.

There is no other group that will argue with me on this. I have NEVER been approached by a Buddhist or a Muslim for the purpose of arguing religion. Christians annoy me with it all the time.

Answer 4

Well, why would you mention your an atheist? I mean you don't just say something like that unless the conversation is already on the subject of God or the lack there of.

I don't sit in a room at work here and suddenly say "I'm a Christian" for no reason.

Plus, in the conversations over time, I've had a few people say they do not believe in God. I do not confront. I think it's sad to hear and hurts me inside to know that this person has no faith. But I would never launch an attack. That is the surest way not to convert them.

Answer 5

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience. My Christian brothers and sisters can be a little overzealous sometimes, to put it mildly, especially in the Bible belt. So I am sorry.

Yes, atheists are a challenge to us, in more ways than one. You guys challenge us intellectually, by demanding evidence for our beliefs. You challenge us philosophically, with the arguments that some of you have made. And you DO challenge us spiritually. I used to be an atheist. I can say, and mean it from the bottom of my heart, that I love every single one of you.

So please, even if a few, or even many, Christians are the way you described (which I know some of us are) not ALL of us are.

Yes, I DO want all atheists to become Christians. But it's not me that does the converting. All I can do is love every one of you, and treat you with the respect that my Lord and Savior would. So that's what I try to do.

Answer 6

Those people probably feel like their doing their religious justice by shoving their beliefs at you, thinking they can save you.
I'm a Christian, and you know what I say about your beliefs!
Nothing. That's your choice in life. I won't try to change your mind. You have your beliefs, I have mine. I would try to learn about your beliefs if anything, because it is interesting to me. I love learning the basis of others beliefs, but there's no way I'd try to change it.
I hate when people do that! This is why I'm always so anti-missionaries that go into other countries with their Bibles. Ugh, let them alone. They've been fine for this long!!
Hey, some of us Christians get beef, too. For example, I'm Lutheran... for the most part. I'm not religious as in: I don't go to Church. The rest of my family: Catholic. They're not happy about my choices, and jump down my throat all the time. My grandma threw a fit when I ate meat on a Friday during lent. Ugh! I wanted sausage on my pizza, what's the big deal?
Well, that's my opinion. I'm done rambling. Have a good day, and don't worry about what people think. They're just brainwashed by their religion. =) Stick to your beliefs!

Answer 7

It is what some of them do. I think in real world the majority do not but here in the religion room the vast majority do. It is due to different reasons
1) Fear of difference, all must be same and uniform to be right
2) Lack of faith which to hide from causes them to try to convert others thereby proving their "faith"
3) Genuine idea that you would be better off believing as they do



sisterzeal> Sounds like you need to be silent and get over yourself

sparkles> I agree...as long as both sides are gonna trash each other both are to blame and the vicious circle continues.

crimsonandclover> OK but I don't think you would be so accepting of atheists who harass you saying you are delusional and must accept atheist beliefs.

*Abby*> all due respect no you don't. You THINK you know what will happen but you don't ACTUALLY know. Nothing God or Jesus said disqualifies a good person from heaven...There is no "And thou who donteth wearith this pin are barred from heaven". All you have is Jesus saying he is the way but he never said his way via words....Jesus meant actions..as in you life as Jesus said..life right, be good..Jesus never said you have to be a club member or church goer. You wouldn't like me harrassing you because i "knew" that unless you accepted there was no God a comet would hit you in the head.

AdoreHim> That is some piss poor reasoning there. So his beliefs have to be strong so you don't bother him. The problem is not the PEOPLE going harrassing him...it is HIM. WOW do you also think that women who are raped were asking for it? Turn the tables and I seriously doubt you would have that attitude....if atheists would harrass you non-stop I really think you would get irritated and tired of it...because no matter how strong your faith is..don't you have the RIGHT to believe as you do and be left alone? In the bible belt, being a part of US, the answer is YES you have the right to be LEFT THE F**K ALONE.

Answer 8

If you really were a strong atheist what we say would not affect you so much- so it seems to me that many we, Christians, threaten your beliefs- or it would not bother you so much, that we speak of our belief. You told the people that you were an atheist- why did you feel the need to share that you were an atheist- if you did not want a debate. Did you think everyone would be the same as you? It seems to me that you are more upset because you have to speak for an entire group of people- why? I stand up for Jesus, and I always will- if you were very satisfied with being an Atheist you would say so, without being so upset with the fact that we very sure of our beliefs

Answer 9

First of all we are all in "real life." Second, the reason that we are so concerned for nonbelievers is because we know where you are going to end up in the afterlife. We don't want that to happen. Even if you are a complete stranger we are trying to save your soul. It is no different from a concerned friend keeping a loved one away from drugs, alcohol or bad people. And yes, some Christians seem to come on way too strong. But, please don't assume that we are all that way. I do hope that you find Christ one day. God Bless.

Answer 10

Some are seriously wrapped up in what they believe and excited and some are just trying to be altruistic as they understand it, and then there are others who aren't as altruistic. Either way, let it roll off your back like water off a duck.

I've experienced people who were so confused that I wasn't a Christian and instead a Buddhist and essentially atheist that all they could do was ask questions or stare at me dumbfounded, which they didn't understand the answers to, which is partly why we Buddhists don't proselytize.

_()_

Answer 11

You can. I am sick of you Atheist. Are people chasing you down or something? I have never had a Christian come to my door and ask, Have you seen an atheist anywhere, so that I can try and convert him, or her. If you present a question, we only try and answer it. I don't think it's personal. Nobody is attacking you in the streets are they? Or bombing your homes. Be an Atheist if that's what you want to be, but stop asking questions on the Internet if you can't except the answers. What do you want us to do, say OK, you're right, and join you? I don't think so. Are you sure you aren't putting up to much of an effort to convert us? Will this help? GO ATHEIST!! GO ATHEIST!! GO FOR IT!! Now leave us alone. We aren't bothering you! Peace out!