Why do Atheists in general find the idea of an ex-Atheist so much more unlikely than an ex-Christian?

Question

I have heard Christians say "If someone turns away they were never truly saved"

I have heard Atheists propose "If someone went from being "Atheist" to Theist, they were never truly Atheist"

I personaly think they're equally ridiculous claims, but I would just like to ask.

Why is it more always more believable that people turned away from other views than your own?
Is this exclusive to Atheists/Christians? or something much more apparent in all beliefs/non-beliefs?

Answer 1

You are correct they are equally ridiculous. The reality is Christians real Christians can go from being a true bible believing Christian to an atheist or unbeliever or like in my case a pagan. Christianity is a choice and free will rules decisions. That old lame excuse that I was never a Christian to begin with is just o make them feel better because they are not secure in their belief and need to feel that God will force them to stay. the fear that if the have a choice they will choose to leave.

The atheist however I am not sure why the claim that, I have never heard one to do so. It could be they do this to show the Christian how lame it sounds.
BB

Answer 2

I agree with you. Both claims are ridiculous.

I think that when some people become theist after being atheist, and it does not mean their time as an Atheist was not sincere.

But considering that many atheists are formerly religious, I do consider it less likely that people go from atheist to theist, than the other way around. I could be incorrect, and that's fine. I'm just speaking from my personal experience.

Answer 3

the only way i could justify this would be that ( don't quote me) atheist feel that Christianity is a cloud, and that a follower of the the faith will eventually walk out of, still have no answers and just 'give up' , but a atheist will always have doutes and never be a full believer. thus causing them to fall back into the believe of atheism. just like every religion or believe, the true followers always feel that there religion is the truth. which makes it so hard to understand. just open up your minds for a sec and think ... well thats just how 'they' think... theres nothing wrong with that. .. again don't quote me... just what i was thinking about your qestion......
...oks i just wrote this whole thing and basically supported the opposite of your question... mabey i should work on not being illiterate .

Answer 4

Humans are thinking species with an added power to differentiate and discriminate and it's therefore natural for them to keep assimilating more and more information and knowledge,updating ,evaluating,modifying ,altering and even changing their ideas,opinions and beliefs.In that context,religious beliefs are just a part of the whole process and not a sole or predominant player. Most people believe that it's understandable for a man to change himself in ways he prefers except his religious beliefs,an argument which is fallacious and irrational. In what way does change of religious faith or non belief is different than any other attitudinal shifts?But for the traditional views,there is no difference or any thing wrong when a person changes his religious or non religious faith.

Answer 5

I don't think either claim is valid.

For instance, you can have a firm belief in God, but then someone gives you an argument against God that means you can no longer believe in said God. "True" theist to "true" atheist.

Or someone can disbelieve in God, but then have an experience that they feel must be some kind of divine person. "True" atheist to "true" theist.

Just because someone changes their position, it doesn't mean they never held their initial position.

I've noticed it predominantly among Christians, a bit from atheists and Muslims...and nothing from any other groups. Most people acknowledge that you can change your views as you learn and experience new things.

Answer 6

I was truly saved - prayed the prayer, believed the belief, walked the walk. I'm not your 'typical' atheist, but I'm certainly not a traditional Christian anymore either. The idea that you can't change your mind, and your belief, is crap. Coming from either side.
I used to believe in Santa Claus, too. My belief changed. Not saying that santa is equal to religion, just saying that you can change what you believe in.

Answer 7

Atheists have more trouble with Abrahamic religions than they do with other faiths. Other beliefs are generally more open-minded, less regimented, and still accepting of scientific discovery.

People do not often convert from one religion to another, or at least not with the degree that they will convert to Agnosticism or to Atheism. But when an Atheist goes to religion, they have thousands to choose from, Christianity being just one of them.

Answer 8

I started using the "never really an atheist" just to needle the Christians who use the "never truly saved". That's all.

Answer 9

Because I personally know a few ex religious people, but no ex athiests (personally). I know a lot more people who've changed from one religion to another. A lot of former Christians seem to end up as Wiccans in the UK.

Answer 10

I am an atheist in that I don't believe in deities. But if a friend of mine finds religion, I will be happy for him/her. Regardless of whether or not they were truly atheists, if they found something that fulfilled them on a spiritual level (and that is no easy feat) I would rejoice with them.