Whay do some Atheists find it hard to believe...?

Question

that some people who believe in a god or gods (perticularly Christians) used to be Atheist?

I see many Atheists on this forum not accecpting the possibility that it could be true.

Do people of faith not accecpt that many Atheists used to have a faith?

For the Atheists who doubt, what is your reasoning behind your doubt?

Answer 1

It goes both ways:

>>Do people of faith not accecpt [sic] that many
>>Atheists used to have a faith?

Quite often, no they don't. I see those arguments here all the time. "Well you weren't REALLY a Christian" or "Well you weren't REALLY" saved then.

These views from both parties come down to the same idea of "My stance gives me such a clarity about the world, that I can't imagine somebody straying away from this once they 'get it'." In reality though, people have different influences and experiences as they go through life, and even religious convictions can change over time.

I do think there's SOME validity in each of these arguments. There are some that were "Christian" only in the sense that they went along with the motions of their parents religion and didn't actually think much of it. Likewise, there are some that were "atheist" only in the sense that they hated their parents religion and assumed there was one and only one other choice out there. But much more often than not, it's the case of the "no true Scotsman" fallacy.

Answer 2

"Do people of faith not accecpt that many Atheists used to have a faith?"

i'm prepared to take people at face value for the most part, but this skepticism certainly happens in both directions.

Answer 3

I used to be an atheist for 20 years, until God communicated with me in a way I could understand.

I know that many atheists used to have a form of religion, but not necessarily "faith". Faith is an inward thing. Just going to church doesn't bring you into a close personal relationship with your Creator, any more than going to the garage makes you a car.

Answer 4

It seems more like you're trying to rationalize your own beliefs. Agnostics may have doubts about the existence of a supernatural being. Atheists don't entertain the question that there might be a god. And if you think "there are no atheists in foxholes," you're mistaken; that's fear and desperation, not belief in a god being expressed.

Answer 5

Why do you feel it is so important for me to believe in something that cannot be known? Why do you feel that Atheists should not accept the possibility that there is no God? Don't Theists do the same thing? They are afraid to accept the possibility that there is no God. Atheists make their decision on the matter through the use of logic rather than fear.

Answer 6

You wonldnt accept it. I had a faith. So when I come up with a question your faith cant answer, I get a run around or I am a sinner for asking. As if its my fault. Or thats an atrocity. Why do you think? Because faith cant teach.

Answer 7

Conversion is a two way street, but there seems to be a lot more people (particularly adults) going from theist to atheist than the other direction.

Answer 8

I have no doubt that some Atheists may have decided to be Christians. Chances are they weren't strong Atheists to begin with and the believe or burn thing got to them.

What I do doubt is those who post here claiming to be "former" Atheists.

Answer 9

I believe that some people used to be atheists. Usually they attach the label "born again" to themselves. This usually results in the worst kind of Christianity...evangelical. Atheists please stay atheists so this doesn't happen...I hate getting bugged in the parking lot after work.

Answer 10

I don't find it hard to believe at all.

Many Christians seem unable to accept that MOST atheist used to be theist. Further, many Christians can't believe that reading the Bible HELPED many believers become atheist.

I don't doubt god. There is no evidence for god.