an observation .. Christian and Atheist?

Question

ok I have been a year on here now ... long enough to make a few observations
one big one that I have found is
Christians think that Atheists hate them... and Atheists dislike many things about Christianity
this seems to be more relevant to the USA
but what I have also found is that the more tolerant the Christian , the more respectful the Atheist
I do not believe that Atheists hate Christianity
I believe that Atheists are intolerant of the more fundemental aspects of Christianity
you guys can get along.. I have seen that happen many times in here
may I suggest to the more fundamental Christians to take note of this and learn from this ... then we may have some peace around here lol
thoughts please ?

and ((((HUGS)))) to all

(((((Craig))))) someone needs a little extra hug eh ?

agreed Tattie

cozi .. I do realise this and it was hard to word
but as Tattie says , fundamentalists of any religion are the problem
tolerant respectful Christians are just fine by me ... infact some of my best friends are

Answer 1

Will ALL YOU GUYS STOP YELLING AT
EACH OTHER...I CAN'T HEAR THIS
ELVIS CONCERT WITH ALL THE NOISE.

Answer 2

Well said. And all of it concurs with mine.

I'm actively trying to get this issue sorted out, but it's quite difficult to do without imposing on people's beliefs. So far I believe I've done a pretty good job on that score. I don't actually know if I've managed to make any progress though.

I also don't know if it's ever perceived that, by not believing in a God, I'm somehow biased against Christians. If that's the case, I'm probably not going to get anywhere.

I've learned a lot myself, though. There was a time when I was biased, but I'm near enough to the middle now to say I'm unbiased. I have developed a deep love for all people, and I use that as my approach, remembering to show respect in the face of disrespect.

This has had a few surprisingly good results. And I kinda half learned that from YOU, my friend.

On behalf of all R&S regulars:
Thank you for your year of showing people the way forward. It has not gone unnoticed.

((((Pangel))))

May peace and love go with you throughout your life.

Craig R: I'd much rather be hugged than shot. Think about it as a case of hate and intolerance, and you'll see what I mean.
Hugging is love
Arguing is intolerance
Intolerance breeds hate
And someone dies

Answer 3

Unfortunately there is a rather rabid minority here, both atheist ("Christianity is responsible for all the evil in the world") and Christian ("You'll burn in hell if you do not believe what I tell you to believe") and they are very vocal, so they taint the water. There is a less rabid group too - "You have to be missing a brain to be a Christian" or "I really pity you, that God is not in your life" - who are simply irritating. The majority, however, are perfectly rational, tolerant people who are capable of conducting a civilised discussion on the subject, and prepared to respect beliefs that they do not currently hold themselves, but they tend to be shouted down by this minority. But then, what else would you expect on a forum that is open to everyone?

Answer 4

You are right about it being more a USA thing. Most Europeans care little for religion, and the UK has the lowest church attendances in Europe. Although over half of all Brits claim to believe there is a God, fewer than 10% attend church more than once a year for anything other than the usual things. Religion would never be allowed to interfere with politics here. We would accept a politician to say he was a believer. But if a serious candidate said his decisions were GUIDED by God, he can kiss goodbye to his chances of getting elected.

Answer 5

I first came here as a troll. I wasn't the most tolerant, mostly because I grouped the fundamental and non-fundamental Christians together (this is before Darth Cheney).
But, now that I've known some of the people here, I can't go back to my old ways anymore.
As you said, I have a lot of respect for many of the Christians here.

Answer 6

That's not exactly true about the "Christians think Atheists hate them" or the "Atheists dislike many things about Christianty"

Some Atheists can tolerate Christians if the Christians are all so religious-type. Same way goes for Christians to Atheists.

Answer 7

Pangel has it sorted. It should be obvious that the Christians who take a moment to look at the world from an atheist's viewpoint are going to find many atheist friends. And that the Christian that that fact bothers, isn't.

Christianity is, actually, good. But there are an awful lot of people who call themselves Christians whom Christ would have HATED. Anyone voting Republican, for a start. (Or perhaps that should be "George W Sh!thead" in particular. Though it doesn't change the fact that Republicans aren't as Christian as Christ would have them be.)

Peace out. Unless you don't DO peace.

Answer 8

I don't get it either.I think all christians take the brunt of the idiots telling us we're going to hell for not believing in their god.The flip side is "history" says these people kill everybody that doesn't agree with them,puts an atheists on guard.As for me EVERY BODY go to bed to night knowing you are right and don't try to convince the world that your right,just keep it between you and whatever you believe...Unless you are praying to EA or O or the everlasting stars,something predates what you believe,so believe it without trying to get others to believe it.

Answer 9

I hate when religious zealots try to press what they believe onto me. I believe what I want to believe, don't try to convert me, that just makes me mad. Go believe what you want, and I will do the same and we all get along. Easy. Another annoying aspect is when religious people think Atheists are immoral because they don't know the bible... how does that make sense, morality was around before the bible.. its what society thinks is right or wrong, not what a book says. Some of the more moral people I know are Atheist, and some of the more immoral are christian/catholic. Go figure eh?

Answer 10

I absolutely agree. I guess I'd be classed as an atheist (although I don't really like that term) yet I have the utmost respect for anyone who chooses to follow one religion or another. Some people need some sort of faith in their lives in order to be happy, and just because this is not the case for me has no bearing on my opinion of them. I advocate a strict policy of 'live and let live.'

Oh, and thanks for the hug!

Answer 11

I'm so sick of people saying how they are offended when people bash religion and that we should have more respect for it! Why does religion deserve respect? What is it that makes religion so special? A set of beliefs were never carte blanche for receiving respect. Respect people, not what they believe in. Beliefs are subjective, people are what make life worth living.