What do you *REALLY* think of Atheists?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Maybe it's not searching, but something else -- enjoying debate, trying to talk people out of beliefs that seem ridiculous, wanting to see how people react to having their beliefs challenged, just an argumentative phase that the nonbelievers are going through, etc.

Sort of like people who find religion and want to tell everyone the good news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Believers that just claim they are without any thought or research? They're a joke.

Believers that have done research and spent time investigating a higher power. Much more respect.

Believers who are just going a long with what the right tells them to. No respect.

Believers who are Believers because they parents were and have never looked into anything else? Disappointing.

OP here. Lots of comments about this one already so I'll go a different direction.

Richard Dawkins asserts that children are not Methodist or <insert whatever parents are>. A child is "a child of Methodist parents" because that child is someone who should get to make their own choice. They should have time to explore, consider options, see what resonates with what they think or feels right to believe and children simply haven't yet had time to do this. When they're ready, they can declare what they are and choose to believe and we would all do well to give them that space. They might choose the same as their parents; they might choose something else.

I like this idea. It feels very respectful.

Yes, exactly. But sadly most parents take the attitude that their children will believe as they do on matters of faith and all other kinds of views as well. It is unfortunately the rare parent who truly allows for, and embraces, independent thinking in their offspring.

I think as long as it's something that the parent approves of, they don't mind independent thinking -- e.g.,, if their child is a brilliant mathematician in a family not know for math talent. But if they reject religion, or have a different sexual identify, it could be a problem for some parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like atheists. I like religious people too. Just don't talk to me about your belief system, or lack of belief. It bores me. I'd rather hear about the weather, politics, your commute, the local sports team, even your colonoscopy. Literally anything but religion/belief/lack of belief.

FYI: atheists don't have a belief "system". They just don't believe in Gods. It's like not collecting stamps is not a hobby.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Is discussing religion "proselytizing"? Asking for evidence?

Proselytizing is trying to convince someone of something. Asking for evidence is just asking for evidence, but can seem like proselytizing to someone who realizes, when asked, that hey have no evidence for their beliefs.

Also, it seems like it's societally acceptable to be rude to a person who does not believe in God, and simply stating that you don't believe in God is considered rude to some people. This is evidenced by the responses to OP. Some people don't care. Others care a lot.

It's also evident by some atheists here who don't want to call themselves atheist. The word has developed a bad rep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why would anyone see you differently for having a different belief? Religion is something which gives you peace, which comes with faith, you can't talk yourself into it. Sometimes it comes if people just start doing the motion or move in religious circles, just like fitness does but those people usually go back to their original weight rather quickly.

Lots of people view atheists differently. And Lots of people talk themselves out of religion -- sometimes because they didn't have a choice, as children, not to believe. Sometimes it happens because the more they think about religious issues the more ridiculous religion seems to them. And for some people, religion never takes, even if they are indoctrinated as children.

Religion also brings some people peace and seems to come naturally to them. I think religion is like so many things -- some people go for it and others don't.

However, in our society, religion is often seen as something that is inherently GOOD and non-religion is seen as inherently BAD. Thus some people who are not religious pretend that they are. And some of the responses on this thread make it clear why they do. Religious people often think it's OK - even good or natural, to disparage people who are not religious.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

[Anonymous]

Semi-observant mainstream Protestant.
Obviously I think you're wrong, of course. And yes, according to my belief system, you are going to Hell if you don't accept Christ. I would pray for you.
But to your face, and when speaking about you to others, I would be polite and pleasant. We can coexist without agreeing, and I would simply not discuss religion with you. But I would expect the same tolerance from you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Semi-observant mainstream Protestant.
Obviously I think you're wrong, of course. And yes, according to my belief system, you are going to Hell if you don't accept Christ. I would pray for you.
But to your face, and when speaking about you to others, I would be polite and pleasant. We can coexist without agreeing, and I would simply not discuss religion with you. But I would expect the same tolerance from you.

Do you pray for Jews and people of other non-Christian religions? According to your belief system, they are going to hell too, because they have not accepted Christ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Is discussing religion "proselytizing"? Asking for evidence?

Proselytizing is trying to convince someone of something. Asking for evidence is just asking for evidence, but can seem like proselytizing to someone who realizes, when asked, that hey have no evidence for their beliefs.

Also, it seems like it's societally acceptable to be rude to a person who does not believe in God, and simply stating that you don't believe in God is considered rude to some people. This is evidenced by the responses to OP. Some people don't care. Others care a lot.

It's also evident by some atheists here who don't want to call themselves atheist. The word has developed a bad rep.

See, it's this sort of dishonest engagement that gives atheists a bad name.
1. Atheist proselytizing goes way beyond "asking for evidence," see #2 below just for starters. The "asking for evidence" question is in fact easy, because every person of faith knows that it's not about evidence, instead it's about faith.
2. You don't mention the atheists (not all atheists) who consider it acceptable to be rude to people of faith. My ILs often sneer about religion and clearly they think that's an acceptable thing to do.
3. Yes, the word "atheist" has developed a bad rep but the blame is shared by both believers and badly-behaving atheists.

Re #3, I'm in upstate New York and just this morning I saw a bumper sticker saying "nice atheist" with a smiley face. It made me laugh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why would anyone see you differently for having a different belief? Religion is something which gives you peace, which comes with faith, you can't talk yourself into it. Sometimes it comes if people just start doing the motion or move in religious circles, just like fitness does but those people usually go back to their original weight rather quickly.

Lots of people view atheists differently. And Lots of people talk themselves out of religion -- sometimes because they didn't have a choice, as children, not to believe. Sometimes it happens because the more they think about religious issues the more ridiculous religion seems to them. And for some people, religion never takes, even if they are indoctrinated as children.

Religion also brings some people peace and seems to come naturally to them. I think religion is like so many things -- some people go for it and others don't.

However, in our society, religion is often seen as something that is inherently GOOD and non-religion is seen as inherently BAD. Thus some people who are not religious pretend that they are. And some of the responses on this thread make it clear why they do. Religious people often think it's OK - even good or natural, to disparage people who are not religious.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

So do I, but I find that in our society it's usually considered OK or even good to put down atheists. To be rude to us.

Yes, I know that there are atheists who are rude to believers, but I also think that "rude" is often defined differently. Some believers think it's rude to even mention that you are an atheist. Even when they ask you, "atheist" is the wrong answer (unless they are considering non-belief themselves). Any religion is the right answer and to say you're secular or agnostic is OK. I hope this changes. It seems ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Is discussing religion "proselytizing"? Asking for evidence?

Proselytizing is trying to convince someone of something. Asking for evidence is just asking for evidence, but can seem like proselytizing to someone who realizes, when asked, that hey have no evidence for their beliefs.

Also, it seems like it's societally acceptable to be rude to a person who does not believe in God, and simply stating that you don't believe in God is considered rude to some people. This is evidenced by the responses to OP. Some people don't care. Others care a lot.

It's also evident by some atheists here who don't want to call themselves atheist. The word has developed a bad rep.

See, it's this sort of dishonest engagement that gives atheists a bad name.
1. Atheist proselytizing goes way beyond "asking for evidence," see #2 below just for starters. The "asking for evidence" question is in fact easy, because every person of faith knows that it's not about evidence, instead it's about faith.
2. You don't mention the atheists (not all atheists) who consider it acceptable to be rude to people of faith. My ILs often sneer about religion and clearly they think that's an acceptable thing to do.
3. Yes, the word "atheist" has developed a bad rep but the blame is shared by both believers and badly-behaving atheists.

Re #3, I'm in upstate New York and just this morning I saw a bumper sticker saying "nice atheist" with a smiley face. It made me laugh.

Also re #3, I agree, but also wonder how you define "badly behaving atheist"? I'm afraid that an atheist stating their position, and if asked, saying why they hold that position, is considered behaving badly - simply because the atheist is acknowledging that they are outside of the mainstream - not believing in God.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Semi-observant mainstream Protestant.
Obviously I think you're wrong, of course. And yes, according to my belief system, you are going to Hell if you don't accept Christ. I would pray for you.
But to your face, and when speaking about you to others, I would be polite and pleasant. We can coexist without agreeing, and I would simply not discuss religion with you. But I would expect the same tolerance from you.

This is what you think. And you admit this. And you think this makes you a good person and your god a good God?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Is discussing religion "proselytizing"? Asking for evidence?

Proselytizing is trying to convince someone of something. Asking for evidence is just asking for evidence, but can seem like proselytizing to someone who realizes, when asked, that hey have no evidence for their beliefs.

Also, it seems like it's societally acceptable to be rude to a person who does not believe in God, and simply stating that you don't believe in God is considered rude to some people. This is evidenced by the responses to OP. Some people don't care. Others care a lot.

It's also evident by some atheists here who don't want to call themselves atheist. The word has developed a bad rep.

See, it's this sort of dishonest engagement that gives atheists a bad name.
1. Atheist proselytizing goes way beyond "asking for evidence," see #2 below just for starters. The "asking for evidence" question is in fact easy, because every person of faith knows that it's not about evidence, instead it's about faith.
2. You don't mention the atheists (not all atheists) who consider it acceptable to be rude to people of faith. My ILs often sneer about religion and clearly they think that's an acceptable thing to do.
3. Yes, the word "atheist" has developed a bad rep but the blame is shared by both believers and badly-behaving atheists.

Re #3, I'm in upstate New York and just this morning I saw a bumper sticker saying "nice atheist" with a smiley face. It made me laugh.

Also re #3, I agree, but also wonder how you define "badly behaving atheist"? I'm afraid that an atheist stating their position, and if asked, saying why they hold that position, is considered behaving badly - simply because the atheist is acknowledging that they are outside of the mainstream - not believing in God.

Several posters here have given examples of atheists deliberately being offensive to people of faith. I've posted about my BIL shaming my Catholic guest.

In the DMV I don't think that stating you're an atheist is considered behaving badly. This may be true in, say, the rural South.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Semi-observant mainstream Protestant.
Obviously I think you're wrong, of course. And yes, according to my belief system, you are going to Hell if you don't accept Christ. I would pray for you.
But to your face, and when speaking about you to others, I would be polite and pleasant. We can coexist without agreeing, and I would simply not discuss religion with you. But I would expect the same tolerance from you.

Do you pray for Jews and people of other non-Christian religions? According to your belief system, they are going to hell too, because they have not accepted Christ.

I’ve always wondered about this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why would anyone see you differently for having a different belief? Religion is something which gives you peace, which comes with faith, you can't talk yourself into it. Sometimes it comes if people just start doing the motion or move in religious circles, just like fitness does but those people usually go back to their original weight rather quickly.

Lots of people view atheists differently. And Lots of people talk themselves out of religion -- sometimes because they didn't have a choice, as children, not to believe. Sometimes it happens because the more they think about religious issues the more ridiculous religion seems to them. And for some people, religion never takes, even if they are indoctrinated as children.

Religion also brings some people peace and seems to come naturally to them. I think religion is like so many things -- some people go for it and others don't.

However, in our society, religion is often seen as something that is inherently GOOD and non-religion is seen as inherently BAD. Thus some people who are not religious pretend that they are. And some of the responses on this thread make it clear why they do. Religious people often think it's OK - even good or natural, to disparage people who are not religious.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

Who set astrophysics in motion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why would anyone see you differently for having a different belief? Religion is something which gives you peace, which comes with faith, you can't talk yourself into it. Sometimes it comes if people just start doing the motion or move in religious circles, just like fitness does but those people usually go back to their original weight rather quickly.

Lots of people view atheists differently. And Lots of people talk themselves out of religion -- sometimes because they didn't have a choice, as children, not to believe. Sometimes it happens because the more they think about religious issues the more ridiculous religion seems to them. And for some people, religion never takes, even if they are indoctrinated as children.

Religion also brings some people peace and seems to come naturally to them. I think religion is like so many things -- some people go for it and others don't.

However, in our society, religion is often seen as something that is inherently GOOD and non-religion is seen as inherently BAD. Thus some people who are not religious pretend that they are. And some of the responses on this thread make it clear why they do. Religious people often think it's OK - even good or natural, to disparage people who are not religious.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

Who set astrophysics in motion?

Who says there is a who?