St.Mike? Kellythetrainer? Dr.G? A question for you, as Christians? Why assume nonbelievers "know better"?

Question

I have seen all three of you, and several others, say things to the effect that atheists and people who follow other religions "really know" that Christianity is the "true" religion, and that we say otherwise just to be contrary, or rebellious, or for some other reason.

Do you REALLY believe this? Are you really unable to accept that people don't all think like you do, so we must be lying when we say we don't?

Or is it just a smart-as* remark in the heat of argument, and we shouldn't take it as indicative of how you think?

Seriously. I want to know. Are some Christians actually incapable of understanding that people genuinely think differently than they do?

I must admit I am still shocked when a Christian says "Atheists don't really exist."

I'm amazed that Kelly and Doc G say they don't understand what I'm asking. I thought I was really clear.

Look, you've written things to the effect that we unbelievers really know that you are right and that we are not telling the truth when we say we don't believe.

It's VERY simple. Did you really mean that? Or were you just making a smart remark in an argument and we shouldn't take it seriously?

Do you really think that in our guts we believe in your religion, and we are saying we don't just to be mean, or to be rebellious, or for some other reason?

These are very clear questions. What possible reason could there be that you won't answer?

By the way, Doc, I wasn't angry when I asked the question. But I will admit that the refusal to answer and the pretense to not understanding makes me angry.

Answer 1

I think that some actually can't understand how people don;t believe what they "know" to be true. To them it's like saying that rain doesn't fall from the clouds even though everyone KNOWS that it does.

Odd for sure but I think they really are incapable of realizing that not everyone shares their beliefs.

Answer 2

Well, since mainstream Christianity holds that belief in Jesus is the determining factor in "saving one's soul" or whathaveyou, there really is little to no difference between an atheist and a non-Christian theist from a theological perspective, since both have rejected Christianity. Oddly, many Christians still say that atheists are somehow "set apart" from non-Christian theists. I can only imagine this results from the various scriptural passages that specifically describe atheists as being foolish and such, as in the oft-quoted Psalm 14:1. (((Frogma))) *Not a Christian, but my two cents*

Answer 3

That's denial. Delusion, denial, and defensiveness - the three Ds of religious faith. Keep those three in mind because one or more of those three words applies to nearly everything they say. They're also the same traits that characterize addiction and schizophrenia.

Remember, these are people who believe what they want to believe, and what they are told to believe, whether it's true or not. Atheists don't have that problem because they won't even consider believing something unless it is supported by evidence.

Answer 4

I don't know why you are angry. You can think whatever you want. When something divine happens to you, then we can have a good conversation about it. Just remember I'm not here to "make" you think the way I do. I'm here to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, our Savior, to no one specific, but to the whole group in general. Its up to you to think about it or throw it away. I do the same with anything I encounter ~ I give it a shot, if it doesn't work out, I abandon it. Its the holidays! Be of good cheer and bless someone today with a smile! =^D

Answer 5

I think that people of ALL faiths (including athiests) suffer from this. Sometimes it is very hard to get into another person's shoes and some people have a hard time realizing that not everyone has the same kind of background and experiences that they do.

Answer 6

Hey... you talking to me? lol...
I am not sure what you are asking, but, i'll try my best.
I understand that you may not think the as me, a Christian, and i don't expect you to because you havent experienced Jesus like i have. I am not a smarty pants or whatever. I am stating my beliefs because i am secure in them. I am not religious or churchy i just love God and wish for everyone to have the experience i have had. Did that answer your question, or did i read it wrong?

kelly

Answer 7

I'm a Christian. Many other people aren't. Millions of other people, in fact. That's their personal choice, and their right. I believe in freedom of religion, and that includes freedom from religion. It doesn't in any way surprise, shock, or offend me that there are people who don't share my religious beliefs. They've made one choice, and I've made another.

Answer 8

I think it is more curiosity than anything else. Christians seem to think that everyone has to believe in something. I don't see any of them in here asking questions too Islamics, Buddhism or any other religions beliefs.
I guess if you actually believe in something it is better than not believing in anything.

We are an easy target for them. We are a few compared to the billions of people who believe in one God or another.

It's our individuality that makes them afraid. They try to convert us or tell us we are going to hell to scare us into believing as they do. In actuality they are the ones who are afraid.

I

Answer 9

It is all spirit- Ati ati--- If you have an Integral Vision of realty, or or theory of everything well understood developped by Ken Wilber and his Institute of Integral Spirittuality you will see clear

Answer 10

I think it's difficult for anyone who is passionate about their beliefs to understand that others sincerely do adhere to other beliefs. When you believe there are eternal consequences for *not* believing as you do it's frightening to consider people suffering that consequence. I chalk it up to a loving heart, for most part ~ even when I disagree ~ even when it irks me, and others.