Atheists: What motives do you believe Christians who "push their beliefs on others" have?

Question

Do you know the consequences of being wrong are infinite?

Answer 1

Motives: Christians have a very small world view. It has no relationship to the larger universe. It's very anthropocentric. It insists that a magical existence occurs after we die, something for which there is neither evidence nor rationale.

However, within that tiny weltanschauung, they are trying to keep people from drifting into oblivion. The problem with their belief system, however, is that it forces the believer to ignore the greater universe in favor of believing we are not really a part of it. I find that truly abhorrent.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 2

I don't know exactly what the motives are, but even if they have good intentions, it doesn't mean what they're doing is right.

"Do you know the consequences of being wrong are infinite?"

But what if the great Hindu god, Brahma, is the real god? If you don't believe in him and he exists, the consequences of your decision will be infinite. Are you sure you want to take that risk?

Answer 3

I understand the Christian motives: to save us all from eternal damnation and do to the Bible's word in "spreading the good news".

I for one, however, do not appreciate being guilted or scared into believing in one faith. Please no Pascal's Wagers. What makes you so sure the Bible god is the right one over the hundreds of thousands of other ones?

The consequences of being wrong are infinite.

Answer 4

As a Christian, I think that Atheist know what motives Christians have. After all, the motives aren't hidden.

Answer 5

I'm not an atheist, I'm a Christian, but I'm going to answer anyway. Christians are compelled to prosthetylize by the Great Commission: "Go ye therefore "

If our motives as Christians are questioned, it is because of our tactics...not our message.

When I share my faith, I have the mindset that "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."

Historically, there have been those in power in the church who also had great political power...and their mindset seemed to be "You can lead a horse to water and drown him in it if he doesn't choose to drink."

Until we renounce this history...how can we point the finger at Islam for "conversions by the sword?"

Answer 6

I'm not sure, man. I assume that they want everyone to find the happiness they have found. They want to share, I guess.
They do seem a bit misguided--with all the threats of eternal torture, etc.--they must be aware that these 'consequences' mean nothing to an atheist.

Answer 7

same motives that most people have when they
a) want to be around and make friends who have the same interests as them
b) want to appear morally superior and therefore feel good about themselves
c) propagate their own agenda eg homophobia, racism, sexism etc
d) some honestly believe in a divine mission and these are the ones that are really to be avoided because there is no limit to what they will do and justify to accomplish this 'divine' mission

Answer 8

"Atheists: What motives do you believe Christians who "push their beliefs on others" have?

Do you know the consequences of being wrong are infinite?"

... Am I the only one who sees the irony?

Answer 9

I believe some truly think it is their duty to spread the word. I don't think they mean any harm by it and they are honestly trying to help. Unfortunately, a lot of them go overboard and get nasty. I think they take it as a personal insult when people disagree. There are probably some people who do it for political reasons as well.

Answer 10

Cosmic brownie points. How can consequences be infinite, Peanut?