Question for atheists...?

Question

Can you give me an example of how a Christian has been rude to you. As a Christian I wish to heighten my sensitivity in this area. (totally sincere)

My perspective....Atheists must have solid evidence of all things for those things to be true....Christians take a leap of faith and that firms their belief.

Do you know what Jesus would do with an atheist?? Listen and understand ..FIRST!

Answer 1

Not an atheist, but I know many.
People can express their religion as they please, but they should not attempt to convert everyone they meet all the time.
Perhaps that overall would help this problem.

Answer 2

You mean besides the answers and questions here? Generally in real life, I don't have much contact with rude people of any belief. But the examples that I have are cars with the fish cutting people off, driving obnoxiously slow in the fast lane etc.. Then there are those that when you sit next to them on a plane start talking on and on about the revival they just went to. While I'm happy that they they had a good time, I'm not interested in converting back to Christianity.

Answer 3

If just for once you could as a Christian stop trying to convert me to your way of thinking than I'd be less inclined to feel you're rood. The whole argument over Merry Xmas vs Happy Holidays is an example...If someone wishes me a Merry Xmas & I return the greeting with a Happy Holidays I immediately get the frown from the greeter...the goodwill established initially flies right out the window. He/she just can't take the generic greeting and is insulted that I'd return it that way...PEACE!

Answer 4

I've been told that my eternal soul is in danger of hellfire by strangers (a cab driver) and members of my own family.

I've been told to get out of my mother's house because I had a Harry Potter book in my bag. Another time I was accused of witchcraft because I had a pack of tarot cards with artwork on them (I was probably about fourteen and not quite an atheist yet). I've also been lectured that "Jesus does not approve" of my books. One fundie tried to debate with me and ended up summing up evolution as saying "we came from pigs," and that just insults my intelligence.

As for mere annoyances, I've had visitors preaching their faith at my door, leaving brochures and so forth, though fortunately none of this happens now that I'm at college, and they seem willing to leave without a bother. I keep my atheism a secret with most people, so that's probably why I haven't been bashed so far.

I'm not counting anything that was said to me on Y!A, because let's face it, everyone is involved in mudslinging here and I don't take comments personally. The only truly insulting one I've received on the board was by C.L.Richardson saying that she "does not throw pearls to swine."


P.S. Atheism is a lack of belief in gods. So when there is no evidence to prove that a theistic belief system is correct or that the supernatural exists, atheism is the natural default amid lack of evidence. It's the same reason you might not believe in the claims for Santa Claus or underwear gnomes, to use humor.

Answer 5

Just come and see my oldest sister any time. She insults me and our kid sister outrageously for the least excuse. Once, I said something to someone about Bible history class I took in college. She is jealous because she has less eduction than my other sister and me. My kis sister recently took some Philosophy, and I had almost a major in it with Art. Again, my oldest sister said such awful things that I nealy slapped her. I do not need to mention being an athesit to have her be barbaric. just the fact that i studeied the bible and major world religions in college makes her furious. I told her long ago that it is bettter to try to uplift herself than to tear down other people. All of my relatives are Christians, and i could write books just about their rudeness without looking any further.

Answer 6

I had one kick me out of her house (It was also my friends house that they were sharing) just for asking extremely polite questions about her belief in creationism. It wasn't a huge deal, but I had just gotten out of the Peace Corps and I really didn't have much money or a place to stay.

I've had Christians on here call me stupid just for asking questions (if you take a look at my Q&A's you will see that I always try to be polite). They did not even try to answer the question or tell me what they didn't like about it. All I got was "You're stupid."

I had a group of Christians tell me to get away from their protest in front of my doctor's office. He provides abortions and is one of the nicest people I know. I was just trying to engage them in polite conversation about their beliefs about when a fetus should obtain the rights of human personhood (I believe it should be at 22 weeks).

It is rare to find someone like you who genuinely cares about others. Thank you.


PS, I know not all Christians are like this. Some have been among the nicest people I've encountered (along with Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and atheists).

Answer 7

Most of the rudeness I've encountered from Christians is from those who make assumptions about what atheists believe.

In general, don't assume that since atheists don't believe in Christianity they must be evil people. The fact that you're trying to heighten your sensitivity and not insult atheists means you likely will be willing to educate yourself before making assumptions, and that's a good thing.

Answer 8

I find it hugely offensive when I'm told I need to be saved in order not to burn in Hell while I live a much better and moral life than most Christians I've met. Especially since my values stem from the belief that I can make the world a slightly better place, not because I'm scared of judgement!

Answer 9

When I was younger, especially on college campus, Christians frequently tried to convert me and insisted I would go to hell. Now that I'm older, this is much less frequent. I do not recall any atheist or agnostic attempting to convert me. Does this help?

Answer 10

Let me get this immediately,you are asking questions of atheists and complaining after we reply? Would a while no longer be bigger spent complaining approximately the devout no longer answering whilst you ask questions of them? Religion is backwards. I believe eighteen is your lot roughly

Answer 11

Best example is in the states where they're trying to remove evolutionary teachings from schools. That's not just rude, it's ignorant, and I'm deeply offended.