Why is it socially acceptable for Christians to bring up Christianity?

Question

But it's not socially acceptable for atheists to bring up atheism?

I live in a community with a high percentage of Christians. Many will bring up their religious beliefs and insert them into everyday conversation. They forward religious emails. They ask me religious question.

I have no problem with Christians, and am happy that they have their faith. However, I do not have that faith, and I'm looking for a way to tell them to back off without coming across as offensive. I told one neighbor that I was an atheist, and she's avoided me ever since.

I'm not offended by Christianity or talk about religion. I find it fascinating, honestly. What I don't understand is why some Christians find it offensive that some of us are atheists.

Answer 1

I appreciate it when atheists take the time to have non-insulting conversations about faith. Nobody has to belittle or rant or scream...Our nation is largely Christian however so you'll eb surrounded by us.

In my opinion it is fine if you bring up atheism as long as you are respectful.(Hint not like some people make jokes or rude comments on YA)

Answer 2

Where I come from all religion is kept on the down low, so I'm not totally sure what to tell you. Your neighbor is not being a Christian very well if she's discriminating against you like that. Jesus didn't discriminate. It's often stereotyped that Christians are all snobs, perfections freaks, or just outdated, but it's not true. I'm glad you have enough integrity to not let some members of a group change your opinion about the whole thing.

Answer 3

No, it truly is not a form of discrimination. What you call an "attack" I call logically questioning the hypocrisies and irrational "truths" of the religion. Christianity has had the run on the proper for years, how are you going to say human beings do not do or say anthing unfavourable about different religions? undergo in techniques the Spanish Crusades? Christians slaughtered 1000's of thousands of non-believers. As Did Bloody Mary the former queen of england. Ivan the undesirable. inspect what Hitler did to the Jews. take a inspect what muslim and Islam followers ought to put up with because of a few radical crazies. i imagine Christianity has had it exceptionally sturdy. yet anybody is getting drained of the nonsense that incorporates it.

Answer 4

I too find the religious emails offensive. When my mother in law gets mad at me, she sends them to me in bucketloads. I finally blocked all of her emails. I listen to stuff from my hubby instead.

I have a deep faith in God and Jesus. My belief is personal. I don't like anyone pushing their beliefs on me. So I do the same in return. The other thing for me is this. If my parents sinned in creating me, then I am the sin. So much for hating the sin and not the sinner. Just being snarky.

As you know in my part time job, I hear it a great deal. Am I doing God's work? When I have doubted myself, the next day I find someone who needs my help in this arena. It reaffirms that I am doing right by those I care about and others who need me.

Answer 5

It's a persecution complex, plain and simple. If you tell someone who is Christian (or Muslim or Jewish, for that matter) you are atheist, you are repudiating their belief system, essentially. It's not the same as if you belong to a different denomination, or a different religion. You are rejecting ALL belief systems, and therefore they feel as if you are attacking theirs, and get defensive. Best way I can see for you to address this is just to say what you said in your last paragraph..."I have no problem with Christians...However, I do not have that faith."

Answer 6

What would you have us do? That's what we're into. I try to respect everyone's feelings. If one of my friends asked me not to send anymore religious material, I would stop (and have in the past)...

Frankly, what boils my rear is the discrimination that seems to accompany anything associated with Christianity. Can you explain why this offends you so?

Answer 7

I beg to differ. I'm a Christian and I think you've got it backwards. Don't you mean why is it socially acceptable for atheist to spout off their beliefs and then be offended when a believer counters with her point of view?

Also, I don't think most atheist are truly atheist, but really God haters who go around wearing their defiant irreverence as if it is some sort of a badge of honer or trendy identity for them.

Answer 8

I have experienced the same. I'm not sure I'm an atheist, but I don't think any kind of religion is beneficial. Christian people I know don't seem to understand this, or be open to it.

Answer 9

I'm an atheist too. I learned you should probably keep quiet about it if you want non-atheist friends.

Though, in your situation, they asked you. So, I would suggest you tell them the truth. If they shun you, it just goes to show how hypocritical Christians are.

Answer 10

Because Christianity is the majority and there are people who just don't realize that others can have a different point of view than them.