why is it that many Atheists and Agnostics think that Christians don't question God?

Question

Or ask Him about the relevence or nature of our faith?
I've read many comments using phrases and words like "blindly follows", "brainwashed", "mindless sheep", "you never question your God", "lemmings", "religious zombies" and many many more.

Do you think we are not curious about God?
Your thoughtful responses please.

:D

dear fireball226: I don't wonder - I question blatantly! LOL

dear MOnica: wow how very stereotypical of you :)
I think if you got to know me better, you would have a much different opinion

dear lina chan: forgive me, I didn't realize I was complaining. I thought it was merely a question.

excellent answers here.
I'm terribly sorry if it sounds as though I'm targeting anyone. Not the case at all.

Answer 1

To be as honest as I can possibly get, I believe there is no right or wrong in this. Though it may be your own observation that Christians (in general) are very questioning, it's more of a question of statistics.

I find it impossible to know at this moment the ratio of blind followers to those who definitely question Christianity. I wouldn't even hazard a guess. But the only truth I can tell you is that there are blind followers out there.

I use the term only to point out that there is closed-mindedness, and not as a form of insult.

I personally have seen more open-minded Christians than Atheists. It seems that there are so many on both sides intent on causing rifts, but I did notice the trend I mention above.

I personally would never (at least not in future) use any of these other insults, as it causes a closed mind to close further, and solves nothing. It may cause an open mind to close, which once again defeats the point. The only way to build bridges and create understanding is through respect and love, and this is how I choose to operate.

Answer 2

I think it's a good question. As a Christian, I can say I did question 'God' and the bible . . . which is why I'm no longer a Christian nor an adherant of any religion. I still question everything because I'm curious about every possibility. I have no answers- no conclusions, and it's much better this way. When I was a Christian, I had many questions and was always discouraged to investigate. I found it very restrictive.

I still question the idea of 'God' and what it is- what it means, how it works, if there's even a god at all . . . etc., but that's what makes me human. It's not a crime to question. It's a crime to blindly accept things without investigating all sides of it, imho.

Answer 3

Don't recall ever using any of those when referring to Christians. But tell me, is it possible to you that god does not exist? That he did not create the universe and everything in it? Is the theory of evolution possibly correct? That the universe is more like 13.75 billion years old as opposed to what the bible teaches? As an atheist, I have always said that anything is possible, even god. How about you, is anything possible? Because if you don't think that anything's possible, then how would you use phrases and words like "blindly follows", "brainwashed", "mindless sheep", "you never question your God", "lemmings", "religious zombies" and many many more?

Answer 4

1: Why do you want him to convert ? You like him as he is. The indoctrination process for Christianity induces psychological effects, why would you want to mess around with someone`s head like that ? Most of us atheists know all about your religion and see it for what it is. A method for applying political control over the flock by using fear and the promise of a post death reward for devout obedience. Christianity has been in a constant state of war for more than 1600 years, most of us do not want to be a part of that. 2: There is absolutely no evidence for any miracles at all. 3: I really do not know anyone that was once an atheist and then converted to any religion and I have grandchildren and live between three countries. Have you ever thought of investigating your religion from an unbiased viewpoint ? It is, I am sure, not as you think it is.

Answer 5

It is pretty obvious that christians do not question god, except in the most irrelevant ways. I agree that brainwashed is a commonly used concept, and I agree with it. I do expect that christians are curious about god, but they are not able to ask meaningful questions, such as where is the evidence for god and why is there no evidence besides faith, why is the bible so contradictory, should they not live and let live and let god handle the punishment of others after death rather than them helping god punish perceived sinners now, etc.

Answer 6

Many christians can read the bible and see it for what it is and what it is not. Others read the bible as if god himself typed every word on his divine PC and sent it directly to the King James translators.

There are intelligent christians (and believers of other faiths) who can rationally view the history of the church and question various beliefs for what they were - a reflection of the people of the time. This does in no way invalidate the core of their beliefs in christianity. Bishop Spong (an episcopalian) has questioned not only the OT accounts but even some of the NT miracles and, yet, he remains a devout christian.

On the other hand, if you think that god was making little Adam mud dolls in 4004 BC then the comments would apply to you.

Answer 7

I guess it shows that nobody is above believing myths and stereotypes. I sometimes think religious people question their faith more than people who don't care. That involves a lot of soul searching. Who said faith is easy? Especially when you're intelligent enough to ask the hard questions.

Answer 8

From what I've experienced, Agnostics do not ask the same questions for the same reason as an Atheist would. An Atheist is already convinced that there is no God, and so ; being lazy and Atheist, they like to think that anyone who believes in God is thoughtless like they are. It keeps them from having to think.

Agnostics, since I used to be one, tend to ask in order to really listen to the answer. I really think that an honest Agnostic will be comforted in knowing that we Christians are just as thoughtful, feeling people as anyone else. We suffer and strive to know what we don't know.

And you asked:
"Do you think we are not curious about God?"
Tell me about it! I have so many questions that I stammer with because I do not want to show a lack of respect by asking them. I realize that some of the questions that I would have for God are based upon something that I just haven't had i9nsight for, and probably know already I am just too stupid to apply in faith.

I think that I should make a list of my questions for God and check the attitude of them to make sure that I am not asking out of stupidity or laziness. I only wish that I could spend all day everyday doing things like that. It gives me something to pray about!

Answer 9

There is considerable historical precedent for the assumption. Christians may ask questions in all earnestness, but religious authorities soon let them know which questions are inappropriate. Eventually loyal Christians learn what rocks the boat and internalize the censorship. There are many subjects where Christians simply don't tread.

Answer 10

I think many Christians are very questioning and inquisitive. It's the ones who aren't that I take issue with. If the answer is always "it says blah blah in the Bible, therefore..." then they aren't using their God given intellect. I just ask people to recognize that he Bible is a very old book that has been at the very least corrupted by men with agendas and that it is allegorical. Those who believe in Jesus and who recognize that this is a belief and not an established fact have my utmost respect.