Why are there so many people criticizing other people's faith?

Question

First of all you should now that I am an Atheist but I don't mind people believing in something as long as it isn't harmful to others.People on yahoo answers and in life as well like to ask provoking questions such as:'why doesn't your God do something?' or 'if you are a Christian then tell me what you think about...'; ...
why are some people so intolerant?

Answer 1

Better than politics!

Answer 2

People form communities, cultures, "tribes," groups, countries, etc. because it's human nature to do so (for security, protection, economy, and many other reasons). In doing so, they develop a kind of paranoia toward those outside of their group and often feel the need to "attack" the outsider or other group as way (however neurotic) to protect their own community and its ideals, ideas, and standards. If you study history--particularly the early history of religion--you will discover that particular cultures always considered their religion or way of life to be the true and appropriate way to live to maintain the "order of the universe" (so that the gods or God wouldn't get pissed and make bad things happen). They thought that people from other cultures were threats because their beliefs appeared to be different. One culture's demon was another culture's god; one culture's religion was another culture's idea of black magic (btw, the ancient Romans were threatened by early Christians and persecuted them because they thought they were magicians who practiced dark, death-related magic--after all Christ was a miracle worker and the symbol Christians adopted was a crucifix, which was a very gruesome symbol of death at that time in history. The Roman had their own religious--and magical--practices that Christians through were abhorrent.) So it goes like that. If you can rise above it, then you are that much more of an intelligent and evolved person.

Answer 3

I think many people on the board are trying to help each other.

Christians ask me how I can't believe in God all the time, I don't find the question intolerant, and I try to explain it to them. They ask this because they think I am headed for hell and torture and mostly are trying to help me.

I on the other hand, am doing the same thing. I ask them how they can believe that a loving God could torture people forever. This might seem intolerant, but it is a genuine question that hopefully helps them rethink the rhetoric that they are fed in church.

I do this because I am trying to help them too. I believe that Religion of all kinds has a history of ending badly for humans. I look at largely secular countries like the Netherlands and Australia and see lower crime rates and less violence than exist in more religious countries. I look at the middle east and can see how religion has cause tremedous pain and suffering for the people there. I don't want that to happen to others and try to help them out of the cyclical thinking created by Christian docrine.

Answer 4

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all get along and not
knock down each others beliefs or non beliefs?
I guess it isn't going to happen for everyone.
Some people make it a hobby knocking down
each other.
What a sad life.
Best Wishes.

Answer 5

that's very good comming from a yahoo athiest. Alot of athiests on here bash people for believing God.
Okay, this is why so many people bash eachothers beliefs:
if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men. James 1:5 . I see alot of questions about the Bible on here and alot of people listen to pastors preach. But really your relationship is suppose to be with God. So ask of Him and him alone. Asking of man is Idolitory. That's why Jesus said they were going to heap teachers to themselves. The Bible says not to lean on your own understanding. So why would you lean on another's understanding? Ask of God.
www.theremnantchurch.com

Answer 6

They are because they fear that we'll become more powerful (I'm christian)

I've always had respect for other faiths and atheists (I respect you because you're complaining about the bashing, not bashing yourself like so many others).

This may not mean much to you, but God bless.

Answer 7

I am confused as to what people think this section is about. Are we not here to answer questions? I answer mostly questions asked to atheists. So, if I answer them honestly, how is that criticizing, bickering or attacking?

atheist

Answer 8

This is pure speculation, but I think it might have something to do with fear of being wrong. The more you can tear down another's beliefs, the more secure you can be that your own faith is the correct one.

Answer 9

We're not being intolerant, if we were we'd demand they change their way of thinking. We are challenging them because their faith is affecting others. They need to figure this out for themselves.

Answer 10

Everyone thinks their brand is the best and the right one. It is faith after all. If you truly believe than you fight for it.

Answer 11

Bordom