Why do many people on this website seem to assume that if you're not Christian, you must be..?

Question

...an atheist?

I normally don't get involve in religious flame wars, and have no intention here.. this is just a simple question.

Why do I see a pattern of answers here that seem to reflect that the assumption that if you're not Christian, you're an atheist? Is this some automatic conclusion, as though if you're not Christian you automatically don't believe in any god/gods/higher power?

I don't know WHY I'm asking this, I'm probably going to get flamed for it.. and no, I'm not attacking anyone's religious beliefs, nor do I want to hear about how "Christianity is the only true religion". But I guess this is just me thinking about all the Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, New Agers, Pagans, Spiritualists, and any other religions I may have forgotten.

Just because one doesn't practice Christianity doesn't make one an atheist. So why do people assume?

Answer 1

Part of that could also be that since Christians believe in only the one God then, to some, any of the other Gods do not exist.

Using that logic, some people will tend to think that if you don't believe in their God, then you don't believe in any God, thus making you an Atheist in their minds.

It sounds a little backward, but it is the way that some people think.

Answer 2

Also, if you believe in another religion other than the primary Abrahamic religions then you must believe in Satan or demonic beliefs. I know how you feel. It is sad though that even their prophet Jesus told them to be tolerant, befriend your neighbor, and show them the true meaning of love that God had given to them, but yet they don't.
I look at it this way anymore, I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may cause bad Karma and make enemies out of a potential worthwhile friend. I hope that one day people will look beyond the labeling of religion and stereotypes and are able to work together for the common good and peace we all seek. But, I know, it is just a fantasy for now but I can always dream.

Answer 3

Because in the United States Christianity is the majority religion. Those on here like myself who are members of minority religions often find that we have to remind people that not all "believers" are Christian, that God does NOT always equal the God of Abraham, and that not everyone HAS to be a Christian to be a good person.

Answer 4

It is usually the way they answer it. Sometimes it is fairly obvious in their answer that they dont believe in any God. If it isnt obvious then I wouldnt assume it. But most of the time the argument seems to be mostly btwn atheists and christians.

Answer 5

It's the yin and yang of religion.Atheist is the Christian word for a nonbeliever.Religion is a man made path to obtain spirituality.As long as your path leads to spirituality,then its not wrong.I believe that Jesus would agree with this.

Answer 6

Some world views promote a tendency to see everything in black and white. Everything is THIS or THAT, good or evil, way far right or way far left, with us or against us.

In these cases there is little out-of-the-box thinking; they are trained to polarize everything, so the broad spectrum of possibilities does not enter their vision. Everything must be categorized and labeled neatly or it's too troublesome to mess with.

Answer 7

I suspect that someone out there is having a little religious class and pointing out Yahoo!Answers R&S as the place where they can test their evangelizing abilities. Just a thought. Seems to me.

Answer 8

If you are not concern, stop from minding it. Just read and learn to have errors in spelling and grammar.