Atheists, is it enough for someone to say he's a christian to make an impression about him?

Question

Since I've been here, I started having some preconceptions, because most christians I met on R&S were not exactly what I've known from my real life. In my real life I met so less people that were completely sure on their religion, that I could count them on the fingers of one hand. So now, I kinda have this image about christians: not willing to accept other views

How is it for you? Do you make an image of what a person is when he sais he's a christian?

Answer 1

Sure. Knowing someones religious beliefs gives you a window into who they are, although it's a very small window.

I think we have to keep in mind that people are far more willing to say things on here, then in real life. So that effects the content. That's not to say they "don't" feel the way they say they do... it's just that you are probably less likely to know those things about them had you met them in person and they would probably be far more reserved.

So, it's not a good idea to judge a group based on the members here. This is more of an outlet for outlooks, frustrations and some knowledge gathering ~ than it is a place to gauge the mindset of a particular religious group.

I try to keep an open mind when meeting anyone, as I'd hope they would also do when meeting me or in learning that I am an atheist. We are all just trying to find our own way through this life, and while I may feel that someone else's approach is wrong, it shouldn't effect my way or others that I meet along the way. Basically, I try not to be jaded by those I've come across in the past. You never know what great things you can learn from or experience with the next person you meet. No matter their beliefs.

I read something today, that applies to this frame of thought. I'll share it with you all: "Never, never pass up an opportunity to meet new people. Your antennae should be up your whole life." (It's from: Harvey Mackay, Business Expert and Bestselling Author, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty)

Well, off to start preparing Thanksgiving viddles....

Happy Thanksgiving One and All!

Answer 2

I try hard not to pre-judge. I know that in fact Christians are widely different, and many are very nice, not pushy, etc. For example, I had a friend back in California who was an orthodox priest. He gave my husband and I some considerable help when we needed it, even though he knew we were pagans. I asked him at what point accepting his help meant being obligated to convert, or at least to study his religion. He said, "Never."

I also had other priests and ministers and dedicated Christians be kind and helpful to me in my long and weird life, and they were never over-bearing. It's the amateurs -- or the ones who wear the cloak of anonymity granted by the Internet, who are the most annoying.

That and the ones that try to hand out Watchtower or Chick comics, and start by saying something like "Do you need something to read?" Or who go on and on about their church on the (mistaken) assumption that I am a Christian, too.

Answer 3

No. In the R&S section, the main focus is religion, but it's not like that in real life. Most Christians who say stuff about us here would NEVER say those things in real life, cause it's a million times easier to say that crap on the Internet. Of course, not all are that way, I would never turn down a religious argument in real life, NOR on the internet, but most people are just cowards who never mention God or try to save Atheists in real life, and are just normal people. I still see everyone the same in reality.

Answer 4

There are two types of Christians, the fanatics who brag about it and act as missionaries on an attempt to convert everyone else. Then there are believers who quietly do good in the world and to their neighbous without looking for publicity. They do not always go to church.
I am an agnostic. I have respect and understanding for the latter but not for the first group. When they knock on my door with their narrow minded, boring logic re God I suggest they would be better employed doing voluntary work in the community or visiting people in hospital or prison. Especially when they're dragging children around the doors with them.

Answer 5

No, most Christians are not out to change anyone else and are not hard-core about most of the content of the Bible. OK, most Christians have not spent a lot of time studying the Bible, period. So they are not looking for a fight about it. R&S, by its nature, is attractive to the most inquisitive or the most opinionated, so no one should be making generalizations based on the kinds of Atheists or Christians or Jews or Muslims or anyone else they discuss religion with in this topic.

Answer 6

I try very hard not to, but in some aspects, I do.

I know what not to talk about or bring up, and how not to comment, so I can avoid conflict. Enough experience in opening my mouth TO christians has brought me this experience.

I also know some really cool christians though, so I don't judge a person, per say, rather, I take their beliefs into consideration.

Answer 7

Many Christians talk that talk but can't walk that walk, really I get scared or reluctant when a person tells me they are a christian, yes I've been associated with religion at a time and it was religion that sent me back out the door.

Answer 8

I am a Christian, but I would like to answer.
This holds true for any group. it isn't really fair to have preconceived notions about any group.

When someone says he/she is an atheist, a Buddhist, a pagan, Wiccan, or whatever, I don't automatically think a thing.

We are all different. There are wonderful people in every group. There are mean people in every group.

Thank you for asking. I appreciate your kindness and your respectful manner of asking.

Answer 9

Of course I have some preconceived notions but I never let them interfere with the reality of what the person shows me to be.

Anyone who says they do not have any preconceived notions about one group or another is simply lying. When you meet someone who is a convict or a judge there are certain things you think right away. It is not allowing any room to change those ideas that I find to be bigoted and ignorant, not the thought in itself.

Answer 10

People who go to forums like this tend to be more polarized in their views, so naturally they are going to seem less reasonable to you then the everyday Joe you meet on the street.

Unless you're truly here to just learn (haw!) we must admit that if none of us had an ax to grind, we probably wouldn't be here in the first place.