Why do you think atheists ridicule Christians?

Question

Why is it that atheists aren't content in simply believing as they believe, and leaving others to believe as they will? I constantly hear their mantra of having "Christianity shoved down our throat", but I've never actually seen that here in the United States. Why is Christianity hammered on, when Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and others get a pass? Do Christians really offend atheists more than any other religion asserting the existance of God?

Answer 1

It's a power struggle that is seen in so many other cases that involve the ego. It has to do with human beings having to have the last word. In other words, it has to do with other problems not necessarily related to the question of the existance or non existance of God...It's about the person and personality problems. Reminds me of how I feel about racism...I happen to be Afro- American and I believe that there is no such thing as racism as a belief system. Man has a way of making things he does not understand easier to digest...more palatable. therefore he makes up something he can digest better...like "blacks are lazy" or whites are really "devils". They never believed that. They found a need to invent such a story because they did not know what to do with the misery of their rage. We see acts ascribed to racism that can simply be ascribed to unexplained rage. The color black is not the source of anyone's hate. The hatred has to do with inner rage...not racism. Trust me, if there was no race for these kind of folk to resent and spew out their rage on, they would still have rage and would find other means to blow off. I would go so far to say: take a look at their lives and you will find that that person also has the same kind of rages toward women, children, flowers etc. Sometimes, I think that the black person who seems to detest caucasions and the white person who just can't stand blacks ought to just really love and understand each other; they sure do think alike...but no such luck. They must have an object for their rage. Just watch: The one who seems to be racist also hates women or children or Catholics or Jewish people and treats them with disdain in some way is very abusive toward those persons. It's the same way with atheists. In most cases, you will not find that it is so much that they do not believe in God as it is that they hate the idea of God...just as with Satan who wanted God's position and resented God having the nerve to try to rule over him. In most cases, it's a power struggle...a miserable heart...a sulking soul...full of rage...having a temper tantrum. Every once in a while, you will find one who really does not believe there is a God and who seems to be content and not having to resent Christians nor any one else because they do believe. This is rare indeed.

Answer 2

Well, it sounds like you have not been out in the world, the real world sweetie. Many religious zealots run around trying to "witness" to people that no more need a dose of Christianity as they do a stick in the eye. Also, I lived in Memphis TN, in the bible belt of this great country. I had Christianity pushed upon me and preached to me every day there.
What was so insulting as the assumption that I must be Christian just because I was kind, thoughtful and compassionate to all the people I met. A very "Christlike" thing to do. But I am a pagan. I never had the strength to set them straight on that issue, maybe because I had heard stories that other single moms that confessed they were not only practicing pagans, but witches too, they lost their children.

So, I don't think you are considering how it feels to be non-Christian in an extremely Christian environment, and why would you? You have no idea.

Answer 3

I do not ridicule in real life.

I only come out to debate on Y! Answers. Nobody around me knows that I am an atheist, except for a couple close family members. I do not bang on doors or post fliers about my belief, unlike many Christians. The only issue where I feel compelled to comment on religion is when it is detrimental to societal advancement (especially in science or human rights) or it affects me in a personal way. Christians just happen to be the majority in this country, and there are still laws that prevent atheists from holding public office in seven states. The rise of evangelicals fighting scientific research such as stem cells or the theory of evolution is also quite disturbing. A third of American's don't even recognize that our galaxy is one of billions or that the earth orbits the sun (it's hard to believe, but check out the statistics).

I do get rather satirical and sometimes inconsiderate on Y! Answers, but I usually try to limit my arguments to justifiable criticism. Look at what the religious right is doing to the country -- do you think we should be silent on this issue, or term every divergence of opinion as "ridicule?"

Answer 4

"...but I've never actually seen that here in the United States." - I take it we have different definitions of the United States.

An overwhelming majority of Christians look forward to the day when, by definition, all non-believers will be tortured forever and ever for the finite 'crime' of non-belief.

Islam is no better than Christianity. It combines the absurd theological elements with the possibility of justification of terrorism. In that sense, it is worse than Christianity. However, many atheists in America don't deal with Islam as often as they deal with Christianity, so Christianity will get more attention.

Eastern religions do possess some odd beliefs, but they're not fanatical about them. They don't profess to be the one way to salvation.

Answer 5

I'm a Christian with a lot of atheist friends. I tend to get along with them rather well. But I do know that may atheists get annoyed by chronic proselytizing and evangelization attempts. Some of the more hardline Christians don't seem to be capable of taking "No, thanks" for an answer. Also, in some areas, Christians are attempting to use their religion to get certain legislation passed. If there's one thing that I agree with most atheists on, it's that separation of church and state is a really good idea. And let's not even mention those Christians who get offended at every little ridiculous thing and make public fools of themselves by trying to get books and films banned. As for other religions getting a free pass, I've heard skeptics confronting Hindus, Muslims and Wiccans, too.

Answer 6

Good question, but me not being an atheist I can't answer from their perspective. It may be Christianity that is more ridiculed since it's the dominant religion in Western nations. I see ridicule coming from both sides.

My only explanation is that it comes from the fear/uncertainty of the unknown, also a little bit of rebellion and anger thrown in. Honestly, I have no idea but this is all I can think in terms of why atheists would ridicule Christians.

But certainly not all atheists do this. I've seen some atheists responses that were tolerant of all faiths, including Christian.

Answer 7

Why is it that Christians aren't content in simply believing as they believe, and leaving others to believe as they will? I constantly hear their mantra of having "atheism shoved down our throat", but I've never actually seen that here in the United States. Blah, blah, blah . . .

Answer 8

Great question. Read "Jesus Among Other Gods" they talk about just that. I think Atheists think they know all about Christianity and know nothing about these other religions when in fact they don't take the time to understand what Christians really believe. It's frustrating to hear folks talk about Christianity on tv or radio...etc and they totally misquote or talk like they've studied the bible when they are just guessing and know nothing about what they're saying. Besides, what would they think? "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing" and "the fool says in his heart, there is no God". I think this is also true because it takes more faith to believe that something came out of nothing than an all wise creator made it.

Answer 9

We see comments..like: Aren't you scared about burning in hell
and...
how do you deal with just dying and going nowhere
and
are you ready for the rapture
and, and and..

Yes christians do offend atheists quite a lot, and it causes friction between us.

Why would anyone ask such questions to a person who doesn't believe in a god or a devil or a heaven or a hell, christians know we don't, so yes, they are trying to shove it down our throat most of the time.

Answer 10

Ive asked this before and this is what some people said.

That most of the people here are christian, and that no other religion has tried converting them. And also that the fundementalists are trying to take over the U.S. and teach creatonism instead of evolution.

But honestly, most of us are just here to piss you off. I used to do this but now its just to make my points as to the things I disagree with. Besides, the bible is supposed to have all the answers isnt it? So technically you shouldnt be here either then.

However the reason atheists focus so much on christianity is cause its the most dominant, if it was any other religion we'd focus on that one.