Atheists: Why Are They so Malicious?

[deb1]

On this forum I’ve come across many polite and reasonable atheist who are more then willing to listen to a different opinion. Perhaps this forum draws more intelligent atheists.

In the real world though, I’m often surprised at how rude the atheist that I have met have been toward religious people. Understand, I do not try and evangelize anyone. If you ask me questions I will try my best to answer, but I certainly don’t demand that anyone think as I do.

It has always surprised me that some atheist are every bit as zealous in their attempts to gain converts as are fundamentalist Christians.

 

[whatever]

In the real world though, I’m often surprised at how rude the atheist that I have met have been toward religious people. Understand, I do not try and evangelize anyone.

I’m surprised you know any real-life, out of the closet atheists at all.

 

[deb1]

I’m surprised you know any real-life, out of the closet atheists at all.

My hubby is miltiary so I get the opportunity to meet many people from varied backgrounds. Plus, I’m one of those people who just find almost everyoneinteresting. Also, I have a southern girl’s dislike of hurting anyone’s feelings, so I think that I must seem easy to talk to.

I’ll have to check my bedroom closet much better, I don’t want any of atheists popping out and scaring me in the middle of the night.

By real life I meant the noninternet world, but I probably worded that badly.

 

[QuietTimes]

That would be a legitimate question if it weren’t a straw man. You have to define ‘hate’ and define what it is that’s allegedly being ‘hated’.

I have never encountered a bona fide god-hater, but I won’t contest that they exist. The general statement that (all) atheists hate god is easily falsified and it’s arguable if a god-hater even fits the definition of an atheist.

If you are one of the many theists who equate opposition in any way, shape, or form to religion as 'hateful", then you should qualify what you said accordingly.

Well you may have been offended by my generalization but I do find many atheist that are angry at the notion when confronted with it. Maybe it may not be the case for yourself, but it has been for me. I have been ridiculed and laughed at, in malicious ways, especially at my work. For being Catholic… I know that not every unbeliever is this way. Just like deb1 said I am not trying to evangelize anyone but they try mighty hard to convince me that they are right. I cant say that the attitude they purvey is a loving one. It is more rude and hateful than anything else.
Also it is not uncommon anymore to meet atheists. At least not where I am from. Every belief is acceptable except Jesus Christ. And if you do believe in God alot of people consider themselves agnostics. I am not saying that of everybody that lives in California either. So dont take that and run with it Californians.

 

[whatever]

Well you may have been offended by my generalization

I’m more interested in your definition before taking offense is on my agenda.

but I do find many atheist that are angry at the notion when confronted with it.

And that notion would be? God exists?

Rather than the god-haters, you’ll have an easier time finding atheists who consider the depiction of the Christian god as that of a moral reprobate.

I have been ridiculed and laughed at, in malicious ways, especially at my work. For being Catholic…

Just be aware that atheists are the most despised minority in the U.S.; they rank lower than Jews and Muslims, each of which isn’t exactly a favored minority. In many places in the U.S., outing yourself as an atheist would result in more than ridicule. If atheists have had it with religion, it may be for cause.

I never broach the subject of religion face to face, but when somebody else does I’m as outspoken as they come. I can’t say that this ever resulted in a personal confrontation, but it may also have something to do with the places I live and the company I keep.

Just like deb1 said I am not trying to evangelize anyone but they try mighty hard to convince me that they are right. I cant say that the attitude they purvey is a loving one. It is more rude and hateful than anything else.

I don’t give a ***'s *** about convincing somebody else and I don’t personally know any other atheists who do, particularly in real life. Your mileage may vary.

 

[archangel63]

Atheists: Why are they so malicious?
I had to laugh when I read this thread title.
Isn’t it blatantly obvious??
They don’t have God in their lives. Which means God has left them alone to their reprobate minds full of reprobate thoughts.
Turn your back on God and he’ll do the same to you.

Life minus God = Sin and Death
I really feel sorry for Atheists. They must feel very lonely during dark periods of their lives…and we all have dark periods…

 

[deb1]

I don’t give a ***'s *** about convincing somebody else and I don’t personally know any other atheists who do, particularly in real life. Your mileage may vary.

Perhaps my milage does vary from you. I’ve lived in every section of the country but the northeast and i’ve lieved in a foreign country.So, I might literally have more extensive milage to my background then you.

I’ve met many people and I can tell you that alot of the atheists that I have met in person, as opposed to the debates on the internet, have been very zealous in their attempts to convert others.

that doesn’t mean that there aren’t atheists who are respectful of others’ beliefs, it just means that I happen to have encountered mainly the overly zealous ones.

 

[PurpleViolets]

They all fall into one of two categories: 1) ignorant, 2) malicious

Unfortunately, most of them fit into the latter… otherwise they wouldn’t be as vocal as they are about slinging mud at everybody else.

or 3) just don’t care enough to advertise they are atheists therefore you never really notice them.

I’m an Agnostic/borderline Athiest but I don’t have anything against religious people, let alone rising to the level of maliciousness. I’m also not ignorant and have studied several religions. I was even baptized Mormon at one point.(although I never believed in it)

My mother recently remarried after the death of my father and my new extended family is Catholic, and researching their religion I came across here. I find the mix of viewpoints to be interesting.

 

[deb1]

or 3) just don’t care enough to advertise they are atheists therefore you never really notice them.

I’m an Agnostic/borderline Athiest but I don’t have anything against religious people, let alone rising to the level of maliciousness. I’m also not ignorant and have studied several religions. I was even baptized Mormon at one point.(although I never believed in it)

My mother recently remarried after the death of my father and my new extended family is Catholic, and researching their religion I came across here. I find the mix of viewpoints to be interesting.

WELCOME!!

I like the variety of beliefs on this forum also. Just be prepared fro some heated debate.

 

[PurpleViolets]

WELCOME!!

I like the variety of beliefs on this forum also. Just be prepared fro some heated debate.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

[QuietTimes]

And that notion would be? God exists?

.

Just be aware that atheists are the most despised minority in the U.S.; they rank lower than Jews and Muslims, each of which isn’t exactly a favored minority. In many places in the U.S., outing yourself as an atheist would result in more than ridicule. If atheists have had it with religion, it may be for cause.

I never broach the subject of religion face to face, but when somebody else does I’m as outspoken as they come. I can’t say that this ever resulted in a personal confrontation, but it may also have something to do with the places I live and the company I keep.

I don’t give a ***'s *** about convincing somebody else and I don’t personally know any other atheists who do, particularly in real life. Your mileage may vary.

Yes I do know that it does vary and what you have just presented to me is your encounters with them. Not mine. I have to say that I find it suspect that you being an atheist are here on the forums. Can you tell me for what reason? But anyhow like deb1 said maybe I have just encountered fundamental atheist with attitude problems. Like I said all views are embraced here not so much with Christianity. Are they all like this no but I have yet to find one that is nice and understanding. Maybe your the exception but remember.
The OP did start a thread called Re: Atheists: Why Are They so Malicious?

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

Maybe the theist feels that God wants them to enjoy life here first before going to be with him.

I’m not generalizing. I’m just drawing a conclusion based upon my personal experience. My biggest issue was the deception of the man on youtube. He portrayed himself as kind, and open to having a respectful discussion. I don’t like dishonesty. If he’s going to be nasty, then he should come right out and tell people he’s nasty.

I’ve noticed plenty of unpleasantness from some atheists - & also from some Christians. . I get the impression - which may be entirely wrong - that USA males do often tend to be rather aggressive, regardless of their cause.​

And the WWW is a medium that does not exactly encourage self-restraint. I know I’ve said plenty of things I would not say to anyone face to face.

I think atheists get a bad press, quite unfairly, because some of them say or do mean things - but what group in society doesn’t ? I don’t see how one can generalise about whole groups from a few of their members. I don’t see that atheists are any more obnoxious than any one else - a lot of them are very far from obnoxious.

 

[deb1]

I’ve noticed plenty of unpleasantness from some atheists - & also from some Christians. . I get the impression - which may be entirely wrong - that USA males do often tend to be rather aggressive, regardless of their cause.​

And the WWW is a medium that does not exactly encourage self-restraint. I know I’ve said plenty of things I would not say to anyone face to face.

I think atheists get a bad press, quite unfairly, because some of them say or do mean things - but what group in society doesn’t ? I don’t see how one can generalise about whole groups from a few of their members. I don’t see that atheists are any more obnoxious than any one else - a lot of them are very far from obnoxious.

Perhaps those who are most likely to quickly identify themselves as atheists in person are those most likely to be obnoxious. I think that is possible.

I think the internet can bring out understanding between people. The person that might not want to discuss their atheism for fear of offending can ask and respond to questions on forums like this. That might also be why I find more atheist who seem respectful on the internet then I do in person.

 

[whatever]

I have to say that I find it suspect that you being an atheist are here on the forums. Can you tell me for what reason?

Suspect is a nasty word. Doesn’t simple curiosity suffice? Apropos, did you ask the OP what he was doing on an atheist site? If you ask me, that’s rather suspect.

Maybe your the exception

If I were a betting man, I’d wager you that you could find a few people here who thoroughly dislike me. They are not the people I’d invite to my dinner table and I’m not going to shed any tears about it.

but remember.
The OP did start a thread called Re: Atheists: Why Are They so Malicious?

The OP is a straw man. To say that (all) atheists are malicious is as risible as saying that (all) theists are dumb. You can find braying donkeys on either side of the fence and you’ll have to consult with each one of them to determine what makes them tick.

 

[Grateful4mercy]

I think it has to do with the angle of their argument. They have no absolute proof that there is no God (I know, before you get started, no real proof there is either, hang with me for a minute) so all they can do is attack you personally. They bring what they consider to be ample evidence that there is no God and if you don’t except it you must be totally ignorant. So the only position they can argue from is against your ridiculous (their mind, now) faith and how is it possible that you do not see their irrefutable facts? Their next stronger position is anger, it’s all that is left, logic is not working.

Now our position is not that much stronger as an argument, but our angle is “there is a God, and he loves you”. This is probably going to send them off the deep end. They have no idea how to argue against feelings like love with scientific facts. It just doesn’t work. After a while they get bitter over the endless useless exchanges. Nobody ever wins, all it does is aggravate both parties.

That’s my take anyway.

 

[Suat]

In my experience there are atheists who are ignorant and malicious, as well as religious people who are ignorant and malicious. Strangely, religion or the lack thereof, does not make a person any more moral, educated or nice.

For example, many of the people on this thread have posted ignorant or malicious things about atheists

 

[whatever]

I think it has to do with the angle of their argument. They have no absolute proof that there is no God (I know, before you get started, no real proof there is either, hang with me for a minute) so all they can do is attack you personally. They bring what they consider to be ample evidence that there is no God and if you don’t except it you must be totally ignorant. So the only position they can argue from is against your ridiculous (their mind, now) faith and how is it possible that you do not see their irrefutable facts? Their next stronger position is anger, it’s all that is left, logic is not working.

And the above illustrates why atheists get a bit testy with theists, if not for the reasons the author intended.

Atheists will point out that theists misrepresent what atheists do or do not believe, that they try to shift the burden of proof (and in the above case, admit that such proof is lacking), and that atheists are entitled to decide what evidence is admissible or not.

With minor edits, I could change the subject of the quoted material from atheists to theists. What response do you expect were I to post it on an atheist forum?

Now our position is not that much stronger as an argument, but our angle is “there is a God, and he loves you”. This is probably going to send them off the deep end.

You are right about that, but again not for the reasons you state. I’ll leave it to the reader to figure it out.

 

[deb1]

In my experience there are atheists who are ignorant and malicious, as well as religious people who are ignorant and malicious. Strangely, religion or the lack thereof, does not make a person any more moral, educated or nice.

For example, many of the people on this thread have posted ignorant or malicious things about atheists

I think the word ‘many’ might be an overstatement.

Actually, it would be against my religion to not believe that an atheist can’t be a good human. We are all made in God’s image with his laws written on our hearts. So, it is possible for atheists to be good, moral humans also.

 

[Suat]

I think the word ‘many’ might be an overstatement.

I disagree. After a quick look over the thread*, I count 12 non-atheists/non-agnostics who have posted on this thread. Of those, 7 have posted something that I, as an atheist, would consider either malicious or ignorant regarding atheism. Another 1 has posted stating that he/she agrees with said malicious or ignorant comments. That leaves only 4 of the 12 religious people posting something that is not malicious or ignorant. Not very good odds on your side . However, I do find it very amusing that in a thread regarding an ignorant and malicious atheist, the majority of theists who post show themselves to be no better.

Actually, it would be against my religion to not believe that an atheist can’t be a good human. We are all made in God’s image with his laws written on our hearts. So, it is possible for atheists to be good, moral humans also.

Yes, and it is very likely that you would never suspect that I am an atheist if you met me in person. I rarely discuss religion and tend to take that ‘smile and nod’ approach when being accosted by a religious person and have quite good morals (if I may say so ).

*Numbers may be off by one, I was too lazy to double check.

 

[deb1]

I
Yes, and it is very likely that you would never suspect that I am an atheist if you met me in person. I rarely discuss religion and tend to take that ‘smile and nod’ approach when being accosted by a religious person and have quite good morals (if I may say so ).

*Numbers may be off by one, I was too lazy to double check.

Well, you and I would get along as this is generally my approach to a lot of people. Just smile and nod.