Posted on May 16, 2015
Why do some people feel the need to be openly antagonistic to Christians?
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Why is it that there are people out there who feel it's their duty to abuse others verbally? I'm asking this in the context of people specifically going on the offensive because they are atheist (think Richard Dawkins, only more abusive), and the other person claims a faith, usually Christianity.
I mean, I know people who have NO beliefs in common with mine, but we can have philosophical discussions all day long without any animosity. Then there's the rather witty and very intelligent people that, once they discover a person is a Christian, flip a switch and become a shark in a feeding frenzy...
I can respect your lack of faith, even though it saddens me. I only ask that you respect mine.
***Editing Note: On 21 May 2015, I removed the tag "Politics." As the OP, I don't intend this question as an antagonistic one nor do I intend it as a political one. I am simply attempting to gain insight into the motivation behind behavior that I have personally witnessed.
I mean, I know people who have NO beliefs in common with mine, but we can have philosophical discussions all day long without any animosity. Then there's the rather witty and very intelligent people that, once they discover a person is a Christian, flip a switch and become a shark in a feeding frenzy...
I can respect your lack of faith, even though it saddens me. I only ask that you respect mine.
***Editing Note: On 21 May 2015, I removed the tag "Politics." As the OP, I don't intend this question as an antagonistic one nor do I intend it as a political one. I am simply attempting to gain insight into the motivation behind behavior that I have personally witnessed.
Religion
Atheism
Christianity
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 74
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Probably the same reason some Christians are antagonistic toward non-Christians. Nobody likes to have others tell them what to believe; that includes atheists not wanting to hear "the Good Word."
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If you are brought up accepting whatever religious ideology you are born into as indisputable fact, exempt from being challenged (believe it because I said so- you just have to have faith), what chance do you have as a child to avoid this brainwashing? What chance does anyone have unless at some point you decide to think critically and start questioning things?
I find it amusing how religious people justify their beliefs by quoting scripture. That's like Wal-Mart hiring someone to say that Wal-Mart is the best place to shop.
I have antagonistic tendencies towards christians when they make open statements under the assumption that their beliefs apply to everyone. Or when there are giant billboards along the interstate that make threatening statements like, you better go to church or you will burn forever. Or a 10-story lit-up cross to make sure you see it from at least 2 miles away, day or night.
I don't care if you need a mental security blanket because you're afraid of what happens to you after death. Party onward if that's what makes you feel good. I'm happy that you considered my happiness too and knocked on my door to invite me along, but don't try to make me feel like I'm a short-bus derpster for wanting to do something else with my free time. I'm concerned about making a good life right now and being good to people because it's the right thing do as a non-sociopath, not because of a falsely promised reward of endless bbq, beer and boobies coupled with the false threat of spending eternal afterlife in the business end of the bbq.
As it pertains to us in the military- how about get rid of religious references in our oath of enlistment? and promotion ceremonies? and PME graduations? and unit parties? and professional organization openings? and... and... etc. How about keep it at the chapel, where it belongs, not in my face at every military function we find ourselves at. Invoking the spirits at these functions does not make them more meaningful- it suggests the military is the armed wing of the church.
Animosity towards christians? How about animosity towards everyone else by christians... Don't like that I don't capitalize those words? I don't have to respect your religion or anything about it. Religion is destructive, divisive mental poison and there's a TON of evidence to support that. However, I respect your freedom to be religious.
I find it amusing how religious people justify their beliefs by quoting scripture. That's like Wal-Mart hiring someone to say that Wal-Mart is the best place to shop.
I have antagonistic tendencies towards christians when they make open statements under the assumption that their beliefs apply to everyone. Or when there are giant billboards along the interstate that make threatening statements like, you better go to church or you will burn forever. Or a 10-story lit-up cross to make sure you see it from at least 2 miles away, day or night.
I don't care if you need a mental security blanket because you're afraid of what happens to you after death. Party onward if that's what makes you feel good. I'm happy that you considered my happiness too and knocked on my door to invite me along, but don't try to make me feel like I'm a short-bus derpster for wanting to do something else with my free time. I'm concerned about making a good life right now and being good to people because it's the right thing do as a non-sociopath, not because of a falsely promised reward of endless bbq, beer and boobies coupled with the false threat of spending eternal afterlife in the business end of the bbq.
As it pertains to us in the military- how about get rid of religious references in our oath of enlistment? and promotion ceremonies? and PME graduations? and unit parties? and professional organization openings? and... and... etc. How about keep it at the chapel, where it belongs, not in my face at every military function we find ourselves at. Invoking the spirits at these functions does not make them more meaningful- it suggests the military is the armed wing of the church.
Animosity towards christians? How about animosity towards everyone else by christians... Don't like that I don't capitalize those words? I don't have to respect your religion or anything about it. Religion is destructive, divisive mental poison and there's a TON of evidence to support that. However, I respect your freedom to be religious.
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SGT Anthony Bussing
"Animosity towards christians? How about animosity towards everyone else by christians... Don't like that I don't capitalize those words? I don't have to respect your religion or anything about it. Religion is destructive, divisive mental poison and there's a TON of evidence to support that. However, I respect your freedom to be religious.".....no more true words have ever been spoken!
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You illustrated it perfectly..."I respect your lack of faith, even though it saddens me." when you quantify "faith" as something tangible that a person can have allot or a little of you elevate yourself above others. This is why there is so much volatile anger involved in conversation between Christians and others. You are taking a position above another because you see them as "lacking". And further more you pitty them by stating how sad you are about their lack of faith, you see that right? Would you have to express that to an opposing fan of a sports team or a vegetarian? further more your "sadness" is only felt because your faith condemns these indivials to eternal hell for their "lack of faith" if it didn't you wouldn't the need the to pitty them...and they know it. I find your statement passive aggressive. I find Christians who evangelize in this way always meet aggression and opposition. I've watched it happened. Jesus didn't use pitty and pretentiousness to gain a following...use him as your example.
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MSgt Michelle Mondia
Consider this scenario, an evangelical is discussing salvation through Jesus Christ with an aboriginal tribesmen and the tribesmen asks would I have gone to hell if I did not know about Jesus Christ? Evangelical says, no of course not! Tribesmen says...then why did you tell me.
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MSgt Michelle Mondia
This is a purely an existential question ment to provoke thought...as it has been explained to me and how I have come to understand it. People who have never heard of Jesus Christ cannot be condemned to hell for not accepting him and being saved because they had no way of knowing. These people would be saved of their own accord. Agreed?
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No clue. I'm a Christian and have friends/coworkers of different faiths or none at all. I realize there are people out there that will disagree with me. I am challenged, a lot, by atheists who ask me how I could believe and I just respond with "Faith". I never ask "Why don't you believe" but they feel it's okay to question my belief. The ONLY time I felt that my religion was an "issue" for someone was when I was asked a question about my job and how I liked it during a meeting. I said I loved what I did and that I blessed with whom I worked with... I was cut off by another senior officer in the room. I suppose I should have used the word "lucky" and they would have felt more comfortable. In the end, regardless, I am truly blessed.
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Col Joseph Lenertz
Interesting that you were cut off for using the word "blessed", referring to yourself. I've looked, but cannot find it among the curse words we shouldn't say publicly. Secular humanists and statisticians can say "lucky" if they want...we should all be free to choose how we characterize our own lives.
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SSG (ret) William Martin
If people are going to be offended especially something of theological differences or a lack of, they shouldn't ask. Once they cross that line, they can't go back when they say they are offended.
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I believe that our society teaches us to respect all religions most people walk on eggshells now a days trying to not offend anyone, except Christian faith no one cares about Christianity anymore heaven forbid you say the crap people say to Christians to another faith. I think it's ridiculious. Freedom of religion ! I believe in Jesus I don't care if my neighbor believes in goats if that's his thing then whatever. Disrespect my religion then I'll disrespect yours .
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CPT Jack Durish
Not to be argumentative but how does our society teach us to respect all religions? Inasmuch as civics classes have all but disappeared from our schools and what passes for civics is taught by ideologically driven teachers, few below the age of 50 have any understanding of what the Establishment Clause is and what it really says. Also, keep in mind that it only precludes government from favoring one form of religion over another. No law exists preventing individuals from showing such preference.
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Maybe its because they are reminded of the emptiness they feel inside that nothing of this world can seem to fill? Or, that those of faith can find a sense of peace knowing that life has a purpose, I can't imagine what it must feel like to live believing that all life is an accident of circumstance without purpose.
I find those that "flip the switch" tend to be more antitheist than atheist.
I find those that "flip the switch" tend to be more antitheist than atheist.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
If someone needs the threat of eternal punishment by a super entity to find purpose in life there may be other issues at play
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SGT Anthony Bussing
PO1 Dustin Adams
im an atheist...and my life is full of content and happiness...I think your theory is wrong...just like not all "religious" people are bible thumping extremists, not all atheists feel the way you are describing...
im an atheist...and my life is full of content and happiness...I think your theory is wrong...just like not all "religious" people are bible thumping extremists, not all atheists feel the way you are describing...
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RallyPoint is the only Internet forum I have found where religion and politics can be discussed without degenerating into a hate-fest. Thank you.
After scanning the various responses to the initial question "Why do some people feel compelled to bash Christians?" I see only a narrow window of opportunity to add something constructive without piling on and echoing that which has already been said so well.
The simple truth is that there has never been a time when religion has been fully and truly "tolerated". Faith is, by definition, unsupported. It is simply accepted on faith. It is difficult to respond rationally when an irrational belief is attacked. (Note: I am not using "irrational" as a pejorative.)
This is why people of similar faiths band together in congregations. They take comfort in associating with people who share rather than attack their faith.
This is why people respond so badly when their children "leave the faith". There is no greater attack on one's beliefs than when their children refuse to share them.
Fortunately, we live in a country (the United States) where all faiths have coexisted more or less peacefully. Yes, there have been exceptions. The Mormons were persecuted unmercifully until they dropped a couple of their basic tenants (notably polygamy). Until Vatican I, relations were strained between Catholics and Protestants (and some still harbor resentments).
Thus, anyone expressing surprise that someone attacks their religious beliefs is almost unbelievable. Really? Be thankful that you don't live within the Islamic Caliphate wherein non-Muslims and even Muslims of different flavors are routinely tortured, mutilated, and murdered. Be thankful that you didn't live through the Inquisition or the Catholic/Protestant wars of Europe. Be thankful that you're Americans and among your many services in the military you have preserved, protected, and defended the Constitution against all enemies including those who would deny you your right to practice or not practice the religion of your choice.
Personally, I thank God for just that every day. You may thank whomever or whatever you like and won't get any objection from me.
After scanning the various responses to the initial question "Why do some people feel compelled to bash Christians?" I see only a narrow window of opportunity to add something constructive without piling on and echoing that which has already been said so well.
The simple truth is that there has never been a time when religion has been fully and truly "tolerated". Faith is, by definition, unsupported. It is simply accepted on faith. It is difficult to respond rationally when an irrational belief is attacked. (Note: I am not using "irrational" as a pejorative.)
This is why people of similar faiths band together in congregations. They take comfort in associating with people who share rather than attack their faith.
This is why people respond so badly when their children "leave the faith". There is no greater attack on one's beliefs than when their children refuse to share them.
Fortunately, we live in a country (the United States) where all faiths have coexisted more or less peacefully. Yes, there have been exceptions. The Mormons were persecuted unmercifully until they dropped a couple of their basic tenants (notably polygamy). Until Vatican I, relations were strained between Catholics and Protestants (and some still harbor resentments).
Thus, anyone expressing surprise that someone attacks their religious beliefs is almost unbelievable. Really? Be thankful that you don't live within the Islamic Caliphate wherein non-Muslims and even Muslims of different flavors are routinely tortured, mutilated, and murdered. Be thankful that you didn't live through the Inquisition or the Catholic/Protestant wars of Europe. Be thankful that you're Americans and among your many services in the military you have preserved, protected, and defended the Constitution against all enemies including those who would deny you your right to practice or not practice the religion of your choice.
Personally, I thank God for just that every day. You may thank whomever or whatever you like and won't get any objection from me.
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Because they are small and picking on Christians is a safe way for people who are unhappy with themselves to elevate their uncomfortably low self-esteems... : )
And besides, Christians tend to roll with the punches and generally don't respond with the same viscious nasty personal insults; they are more apt to turn the other cheek and ignore the insult.
If you're going to piss someone off because you are desperately in need of an ego boost, best to piss off a Christian. You won't get your head cut off and they might even pray for you.
And besides, Christians tend to roll with the punches and generally don't respond with the same viscious nasty personal insults; they are more apt to turn the other cheek and ignore the insult.
If you're going to piss someone off because you are desperately in need of an ego boost, best to piss off a Christian. You won't get your head cut off and they might even pray for you.
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Sir, I share your question and have only surmised these thoughts on it over time:
1. The polarization of American politics pits one against the other. As though only one view can be right. If you are right they are negated. That's a sad thought that atheists have self esteem issues. There should be a support group for that.
2. There are people that legitimately can't conceive of a faith based belief. Even scientists can believe and do.
3. Some have keyed religion due to some negative headline surrounding members of the religious community and their individual impropriety.
4. I'll leave this one open for others to fill in....
1. The polarization of American politics pits one against the other. As though only one view can be right. If you are right they are negated. That's a sad thought that atheists have self esteem issues. There should be a support group for that.
2. There are people that legitimately can't conceive of a faith based belief. Even scientists can believe and do.
3. Some have keyed religion due to some negative headline surrounding members of the religious community and their individual impropriety.
4. I'll leave this one open for others to fill in....
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I can only speak of my experiences, but I come from a family that is deeply religious, and it was shoved down my throat constantly growing up and still to this day. Because of that I formed a sour taste for religion. My mother is a literalist in regards to her interpretation of the Bible. To her the world is 6,000 years old, and science is a lie. It drives me nuts because I find science very interesting and I can't talk to her about it without her throwing a fit and wanting to pray. Because of all of this I have developed a subconscious intolerance of religion in general. I however don't have a problem with religion itself, and I have learned to catch myself from being disrespectful and dismissing someone's beliefs. I think a lot of people haven't developed this mechanism. I may not be a believer but it upsets me to see others bash it like they do. Really, it shouldn't bother them either way, but for some reason it does.
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LT Charles Baird
SFC (Join to see)
I am sorry to hear that it was shoved down your throat. I to believe the world is about 6000 year old; I will not say science is a lie but I also will not say it is 100% as throughout the years scientist have had to come back and change their stance on things they once thought were true and later found they were incorrect at the time.
It is a shame that people develop an intolerance of religion because of people around them whether they are family, friends, co-workers or whoever.
My dad is a minister and I could have easily turned out to be the same way but instead what I did was followed what it says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (study to show thyself approved).
So I began to study, when I say study I don't mean just read, I mean really study, looking at what was written in the bible, dissecting it, looking for historical books about the time and area, seeing if things written in the bible really existed, I did not pick just one verse and say "oh this means such and such" like most Christians do; I read the whole context of what was being spoken of. I continue in this manner today.
For instance; in Acts 10:1 - 11:18 where Peter has a vision of a sheet with all kinds of animals being set down before him three times and God told him to arise, kill and eat and Peter said not so Lord for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean... and the voice tells him what God has cleansed call not thou common... most people think that this is talking about our diet and dietary law changes of the Hebrew Israelites; but if you read into the next chapter and really put them together the vision had nothing to do with the eating diet; what it had to do with was Peter was to go unto the Gentiles (those that were not Hebrew Israelites) who Peter considered unclean, and teach the word unto them.
My belief is; until people want to sit and actually study (not merely read) the bible for themselves and put in the foot work to understand it; they will always fall back on their safe reasons for their non-belief in God. I have even spoken with people that say “I have read the bible from cover to cover and I still don’t believe it; which I have to respond: Exactly you read it, but you really didn’t study it. People don’t like to study because it means they have to put forth an effort, and most people don’t want to put forth an effort they want instant gratification and satisfaction.
I wish you the best with your mother; we love them and sometimes they can be hard.
I am sorry to hear that it was shoved down your throat. I to believe the world is about 6000 year old; I will not say science is a lie but I also will not say it is 100% as throughout the years scientist have had to come back and change their stance on things they once thought were true and later found they were incorrect at the time.
It is a shame that people develop an intolerance of religion because of people around them whether they are family, friends, co-workers or whoever.
My dad is a minister and I could have easily turned out to be the same way but instead what I did was followed what it says in 2 Timothy 2:15 (study to show thyself approved).
So I began to study, when I say study I don't mean just read, I mean really study, looking at what was written in the bible, dissecting it, looking for historical books about the time and area, seeing if things written in the bible really existed, I did not pick just one verse and say "oh this means such and such" like most Christians do; I read the whole context of what was being spoken of. I continue in this manner today.
For instance; in Acts 10:1 - 11:18 where Peter has a vision of a sheet with all kinds of animals being set down before him three times and God told him to arise, kill and eat and Peter said not so Lord for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean... and the voice tells him what God has cleansed call not thou common... most people think that this is talking about our diet and dietary law changes of the Hebrew Israelites; but if you read into the next chapter and really put them together the vision had nothing to do with the eating diet; what it had to do with was Peter was to go unto the Gentiles (those that were not Hebrew Israelites) who Peter considered unclean, and teach the word unto them.
My belief is; until people want to sit and actually study (not merely read) the bible for themselves and put in the foot work to understand it; they will always fall back on their safe reasons for their non-belief in God. I have even spoken with people that say “I have read the bible from cover to cover and I still don’t believe it; which I have to respond: Exactly you read it, but you really didn’t study it. People don’t like to study because it means they have to put forth an effort, and most people don’t want to put forth an effort they want instant gratification and satisfaction.
I wish you the best with your mother; we love them and sometimes they can be hard.
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