This is mostly for Christians who accuse atheists of "attacking" religion" and being "mean to believers" and being "hateful", but anyone can answer, preferably Christians, but non-Christians too.
Besides "accepting God" and becoming your "brethren in Christ", what should atheists "do better"? What would make interactions with them more amiable?
2007-08-02 14:08:27 · 22 answers · asked by ZER0 C00L ••AM••VT•• 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1) Do some half decent study of the bible before trying to criticize it, instead of taking something out of the KJV at face value. For example, the "children" mauled for taunting (and possibly threatening) Elisha were more likely young adults, since the same word is used for the husbands of Ruth and Orpah (Mahlon and Chilion; Ruth 1:5) and the "young men" that counseled Rehoboam [1 Kings 2:8, 10, 14, 2 Chronicles 10:8, 10, 14) and the word used for "evil" in Isaiah 45:7 also means such things as "calamity", "affliction", and "adversity". Similarly, learn something about the customs and culture of biblical times. Just because Jesus calling his mother "woman" may sound disrespectful to a 21st century person doesn't mean it would to an ancient near east person. And hyperbole was a common literary device for ancient near east cultures.
2) Respect that just because I've come to a different conclusion than you have about God and the bible doesn't mean I haven't made an honest effort to challenge my beliefs. Sure, I wish I had a definitive answer as to the why's and wherefore's of God's actions in the bible, but I think that charges laid against Him by atheists are either false (instances where atheists have used eisegesis to go beyond what the text says) or we don't have enough evidence to conclusively say that He could not have had a sufficiently good reason for doing something.
3) Just because I'm a fundamentalist doesn't mean Falwell or Limbaugh or their ilk represent my views. Or that I'm socially and/or politically conservative just because I'm theologically conservative.
4) For those who claim that Jesus is a copycat savior, don't use vague generalizations such as "virgin birth" (for example, Mithras, rather than being "born", emerged full-grown from boulder/cave, which I suppose was technically a "virgin"), but do a side by side comparison between citations from original sources and verses which that person believes show similarities to it.
2007-08-03 05:51:35 · answer #1 · answered by Deof Movestofca 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It isn't all Christians, just the bad representation
no matter how cliche it is, don't let a single bad apple ruin the bunch
just because a couple popes molested children doesn't mean they all do
just because some Christians are hostile and/or uneducated doesn't mean all of them are
I was reading Amanda L's questions and answers, and I was exremely angry
her take on God's word was very hostile towards atheists and she was a major hypocrite as well
She never listened to the opinons of the atheists she asked the questions to, because she was already under the assumption they were wrong
Just because she is a bad representation of Christians, don't let her represent us as a whole
2007-08-02 14:20:04 · answer #2 · answered by animnafetsreborn 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I simply ask for the same respect I give them. I have no problems with atheists,and I certainly hope they don't have a problem with me.
EDIT: Just to clarify,I am not here to try and convert anyone or to preach to anyone. I'm here to learn and hopefully make some friends. When I answer a question,it is my own personal opinion/beliefs,and is in no way any kind of an attack on anyone.
2007-08-02 14:12:46 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am a Christian and I love all people. They do not have to do anything else other than to be decent human beings (but even when they are not I do not hate them I still love them but just back away)...they only reason or motivation I have for wanting to "convert" anyone is so that I can see them in heaven, But I do not condemn anyone and I walk in Love with all of Gods creation. Hope that helps you understand me anyway.
2007-08-02 14:50:14 · answer #4 · answered by candi_k7 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think people on both sides should be more respectful of each others point of view. It is so counter productive to constantly hurl the insults. Nothing is gained. I am a believer, but do not feel the need to convert anyone. Live and let live.
2007-08-02 14:15:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I get along with the atheists for the most part, I believe, but I really don't like being labeled as uneducated, brainwashed, ignorant, etc. Of course you and the other atheists I like on here and in my actual life don't do that.
2007-08-02 14:59:33 · answer #6 · answered by Purdey EP 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It would be nice if you converted but until then being civil with you is the best option. Avoid bringing up the subject too often and you'll be friends, maybe not bosom buddies, but friends. After all our beliefs kinda define who we are
2007-08-10 08:04:24 · answer #7 · answered by Islandgyul 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great great Great question
Don' t treat all theists like ignorants just because they decided to put faith and more spirituality to their life's, I speak for myself, but i guess most of us consider this a very very important aspect of our lives and don't like it when people joke about it. You don't have to convert, and i already like many many atheists not only here, but outside too!!
Keep asking those though questions though, they are great
Paz de Cristo
2007-08-02 14:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by Emiliano M. 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why should anyone be Hateful{regardless of Religion or Non-Religion
A person does not have to accept Christ in order to be decent, but should respect those around them
2007-08-02 14:13:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
sometimes they do lack tact :oP
they all have very valid points, some answer a little immaturely but that is usually baby Atheists
and some are fundie like in their answers ... my way or the highway type attitude
you did want honesty ? lol
but I have found that as I give respect ... I get respect also
so it is a two way street here
2007-08-02 14:13:38 · answer #10 · answered by ☮ Pangel ☮ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋