Why are Atheists so angry?

Question

I'm Agnostic, so I find myself having to "spar" with both ends. However I've noticed, that Atheists are quite adamant, and very angry when it comes to their beliefs (or lack thereof).

Yes, the same can be said about Christians, but in their case, they're defending a religious belief (not saying they're justified).

Answer 1

I'm not, I'm pretty easygoing.

Answer 2

Not all of us are particularly angry. I'm not. I do think you have a point. I think where a lot of that anger or vehemence that you're seeing comes from having to defend themselves against some really ridiculous stuff so often. I'm assuming you're in the US here; we're a bit... different, I think, than many other Western countries with our religious beliefs.

At any rate, we live in a country where most people wouldn't vote for an avowed atheist for public office. There's a big tendency to assume atheists must lead sad, meaningless, despairing, and probably hedonistic existences, with no hope or moral code. A lot of people also look down on atheists- you poor things, someday God will show Himself to you and you'll learn, that sort of thing. And people who try to argue with us usually don't use very good arguments- "don't you know you're going to Hell" doesn't work if you don't believe in it, and Pascal's Wager strikes most of us as rather silly. When you're constantly reviled, mistrusted, misunderstood, and looked down upon, and when people are always trying to get you to change your most deeply-held beliefs, you tend to get a bit bitter. Never mind all the nonsense with trying to get rid of the separation of church and state- that should give any sensible person the heebie-jeebies. So, yeah, it's hard. I know the stridency can get annoying, because I'm often annoyed by it and I'm almost an atheist, but there's a good reason for it.

Answer 3

They are angry because they feel defensive. Why do they feel defensive? Many reasons...
They certainly feel attacked and they certainly are in the minority (we do live in a society that has a majority of Christians and a 2000 year old tradition--in western culture).
However, I do agree. I feel the defensiveness of some is over the top. The fact that some are so fierce about what they feel they need to defend, tells me that they feel rather insecure. I see no reason for that. They are entitled to their beliefs, as are we all.
I do not like to participate in most of the discussions, because the venom I detect is too much for me and I would rather just avoid it.

Answer 4

I don't really know, but I would imagine it might be the same thing that makes religious people so frustrated in that, they can't understand some people do not believe the way they believe. I could be wrong...but since you asked what I think.....lol I take a stance that what someone chooses to believe is their own right....as long as they don't try to push their beliefs on me..we will get along fine....I'm not religious, but I am spiritual in many ways. I don't believe in an old man living the clouds, who created man, through Adam and Eve...that just seems to weird to me to think we are all spawn of inbreeding....lol I would probably lean more toward Buddhism beliefs, but I don't practice.

Answer 5

i don't understand you. you say the same can be said for Christians but ... they're defending themselves.

atheists are slandered on this forum constantly by Fundies saying "atheists are immoral" "atheists are hate filled" "atheists are liars" "atheists are always angry" so atheists too are defending themselves.

tho you stick a little caveat in there it still sounds like you think it's okay for Christians to get adamant and angry but it's not okay for atheists.

Answer 6

I'm agnostic too, so I also watch the sparring.

But here is what I find interesting about it:

The two groups, Atheists and Believers, are not as different from each other as they might think. At least on one count:

Both have faith in their beliefs.

The Atheists believe there is no god.

The Believers believe there is.

And both have faith that their respective belief is true.

And neither really know for sure...

Answer 7

probably because when we're "justifying" our lack of belief it's usually while being called evil or with out hope or bascially just villified.

For example - the golden compass movie - some theists have said that it should be banned because it (in their eyes only) promoted atheism to children. Would they have said that about a movie that they percieved as pro jewish or pro muslim - NO because only atheism is considered SO bad that you have shield your children from it.

Answer 8

Neb:

Fundie? Not all Christians are. But way to stereotype and call names. Oh! Also, way to backhandedly use inciteful words to propogandize your anger.

Fundie means 'Fundamentalist', which is a specific type of fervent Christian. Most are not. When you stereotype any Christian this way, you are doing a disservice to those like me who do not evangelize, quote from the Bible, or try to convert you. Those of us who are simply entitled to our beliefs, just like you.

Answer 9

It's the "minority complex". Being a minority, whether it be religious, racial etc. can put someone on the defensive and cause them to feel victimized and angry. Do you know what I mean?

Answer 10

oooo you make me mad I'm just fuming.. lol. No. I don't get angry as you say if you ask me it's not a contest .I like to give my point of view take it or leave it ,it doesn't matter nearly as much as how you live your life .
Peace. May you be well ,may you be happy ,and may you be free from suffering .

Answer 11

Well, when the president says we arn't citizens, I would get mad too!

http://www.holysmoke.org/sdhok/aa011.htm

"No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God." ~George Bush

Atheists deal with many prejudice. Some say they are immoral and sinners doomed to burn in hell. It's insulting.