To Atheists: Why should we demean the beliefs of theists?

Question

If we really are rational thinkers, we should be able to understand how people thinks. For a more rational explanation to this, you may follow http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2002/05/why-bad-beliefs-dont-die.php

To Mark C,

Most of us became an atheist because we cannot prove there is a "god". And most do not prefer to criticize believers. Most just defend our belief the way you do. I hope you guys can also accept that not all people can be believers.

Answer 1

Because they are destructive, both to themselves and to society: the time and resources wasted on religion run into the multiple billions of dollars a year, and pollute the thought process, leading to incorrect conclusions. For much more on this, see:

Answer 2

>If we really are rational thinkers, we should be able to understand how people thinks.

There's a difference between understanding how people think and believing that it's okay for them to think it. I don't believe it's okay for people to think that homosexuals are the scum of the Eart or that global warming doesn't exist or that humans lived alongside dinosaurs, and I don't see any good reason why I should present the ruse that I do think it's okay. How likely am I to educate any theists if I refuse to point out why theism doesn't make sense?

That said, after reading the article you linked to, I do find it quite interesting and insightful. And I think that it's also right, at least to a certain extent. Of course it is necessary to tell the theists that their beliefs are a load of BS. It's also helpful to tell them so in a calm, friendly, rational manner, but that doesn't change the fact that we're still telling them their beliefs are a load of BS.

Answer 3

Thats just it, I don't think being an atheist automatically makes you pick apart the beliefs of others.

I'm a neo-pagan married to an Atheist. I know he thinks my religious beliefs are just fiction, but I also know that he respects the fact I believe them. He doesn't demean my practices, nor the beliefs of our Christian friends. Its understood he doesn't believe them, but we have no need to try and convince him otherwise, and he doesn't try and convince us. Friends of mine who are Atheists follow this as well. We agree to have our own beliefs and respect the other persons.

I don't think belief in something or lack of belief means you have to try and get others to think like you. My own experience shows me that thats a misconception.

Answer 4

The church demeaned the beliefs of the people who discovered that the earth was round, the people who discovered that the sun was at the centre of the solar system, the people who discovered atoms, the people who discovered sub atomic particles, the people who theorised the big bang. Now it's our turn.

Answer 5

i figure that they reached the only conclusion that they could live with, just like me. therefore, i try not to demean them. but i draw the line when my own beliefs are disrespected.

Answer 6

We don't demean their beliefs. We ridicule their silly comments made here about their beliefs.

Answer 7

I only counter attack, sorry.

I'm well familiar with exchristian.net, and know one of the original founders, who's busy with other things now but still an ex christian.

Answer 8

It is a plague that affects this world, especially politically. If these believers would keep their ideology to themselves, I would have no problem with it.

Answer 9

Remember the story about "the king's new cloths", somebody has to point out how funny all these superstitions are.

Answer 10

i never do i just joke around with them