Why do some atheists degrade people for believing?

I don't have a problem with them, But I think they have a problem with me. I mean, my uncle is a atheist and he seems to cut me down every day about believing in god. Now I'm not saying that ALL atheists are like this but almost every one I have met has...

something to say about Christianity or Religion. I mean I don't have a problem with them being against Religion or Christianity. But It just feels like a slap in the face when they degrade someone for believing in god. I'm not those kind of Christians who like say your going to hell because you don't believe in god It's pretty much your life, you do what you want with it. But I guess my question is... Why do some Atheists degrade people for believing?

(I Can already smell the hate mail coming)

The same way that believers will degrade non-believers

Yeah... talk about 'Ford vs. Chevy' instead.

Some Christians degrade non-Christians and some Atheists degrade Theists(anyone who believes in something supernatural). The key part to your question is *some* not all.

It's just like any other category of human beings. Why do adults degrade children? Why does one gender degrade the other gender? Why do some races degrade other races? Why does one team degrade a rival team?

I guess it's just human nature to show disdain towards another grouping of people and try to compete over which is better. Going back to my answer on Is religion like fighting over who has the better imaginary friend? - My club is better than your club (essentially isn't that the whole argument?)

xox
Sika

Not All who call themselves Christian understand their claim or duty. . . .

Locked by request.

I think most of you are missing something big. Go back and reread these posts. Often times you'll find atheists criticizing beliefs and statements. Just as often you find believers criticizing atheists.

Don't you see the difference? It's right and necessary that we challenge beliefs and opinions. It's the only way we grow. What's wrong is to cut down people and that's what I continually see: atheists are evil, atheists are stupid, atheists are mean. No matter how you dress it up, that's what most people seem to be saying.

Consider this example:

1) Believers are stupid. This is immoral and false. No one should never use a statement like this.

2) Some people's beliefs are stupid. This is true. Each one of you knows someone who has goofy ideas that they can't justify.

I hope you can all see the difference in these statements and identify how people on both sides are using them. There are guilty parties on each side. Let's all focus on the arguments and stop tearing people apart.

Maybe true. But it takes more faith to believe that there is no God rather than there being a God. Besides what does it hurt you what anyone else believes? Does it affect you personally? Yeah I know the standard answers... There was this guy or whatever and he thumped me with his bible. etc, etc, etc,. However, we Christians are not all like that, just like all people of other faiths, or not, are not the same. As I've said in other questions, there HAS to be a mutual RESPECT of others and their convictions and whether or not we live according to them. Trying to prove either way is like two trains on the same track heading towards each other. Both, at some point will get nowhere. I choose to live as an example of Christianty, in love, to others not berating or bashing, but bold and truthful. I really feel bad for people who yell, scream and carry on about things to the point of nausea.

The bible is really as reliable as a fishing-story heard from an alcoholic at 3:00 am at the local pub...[I] Think it was Ernest Hemingway who put it wonderfully: 'All thinking men are atheists.'

Funny that you'd choose Earnest Hemingway to quote. His drinking was well known to be excessive. in his twenties, Hemingway was scarred for life when--in an alcoholic blackout--he yanked on the cord of an overhead skylight imagining he was flushing the toilet; and such an avid deep-sea fisherman he almost single-handedly put the tiny island of Bimini, in The Bahamas 'on the map' with his adventures in the Gulf Stream and in the bars. His infidelities were legendary; as were his institutional 'stays'. Hemingway was a manic-depressive--a diagnosis not uncommon among the alcoholics of that day whose doctors were unaware of the enormity of their patient's alcohol consumption.

I think the quote is more apropos as All opinionated me are Atheists.

Okay, let me put my two cents in:

Believers dis non-believers for not believing in god.

Non-believers dis Believers for believing in god.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is both sides of the fence argue over their beliefs. I will admit There are Ignorant Christians, Religious people, and Atheists. But theres a few hand full of people who don't let it effect them (me!). But, I guess my uncle is one of those ignorant people. And I know a few of my Friends that are Christian are ignorant too. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Theres always someone who will tell you your wrong no matter what.

look,dear brother in christ, never give up, but keep it up, excuse me to say this: 'all is about persecution'just remember the promise of jesus and continue with the good working that you are doing, every thing shall pass away but the word of god lives for ever.they will one day know the truth and the truth set them free.pray for your UNCLE and I will pray for him too, to be saved

Yes, we atheists DO often take a lot of crap from believers. Look at the posts above. Go on, look. Scriptures stating that we are evil and say evil things. Comments that encourage you to call your uncle a fool and devalue him even further. This is stuff that makes our blood boil

However, this gives no atheist the right to attack another person. I will attack silly beliefs and statements every day of the week. However, I must respect each person and their RIGHT to believe as they choose. When your uncle harrasses you like this, he's being cruel and not doing the atheist community any favors. He may genuinely care about you but he's doing it the wrong way and that's not a good enough excuse.

Rather than act like a jerk by quoting scripture, why not remind him that actions speak louder than words and you'd like to see a positive example of atheism instead of all this negativity. Perhaps that will get him thinking about his morality.

I hope you can resolve this situation. We need more positive dialog between believers and non-believers and it starts in places like this.

Eph 6:10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints

Look for instance, at all those who post continually on this board. The title is religion, and you would expect it to be postive, but, multitudes of comments made here are against, not for. So, what was the point of making this category to begin with, to denigrad... faith?

Faith is a matter of the heart, and is a precious commodity indeed... one that has to be nurtured, and fed, life in general takes its toll on people of faith, so, what happens to a new believer when he/she comes to a board such as this, and most everything he/she reads is mocking the faith that she holds so dear?

People, regardless of their beliefs, tend to tear down and berate others that are different from themselves. Sort of like a kid in a playground gets picked on and made fun of because they wear glasses or are over weight. We, speaking as a Christian, must at all times make every effort to share the gospel of Christ, not ram it down people's throats, as some do. Christians have the priviledge of sharing Christ but also a great responsibility as well. Be bold, but sensitive. Be strong, not overbearing. Be firm, but loving. Above all be truthful, without being accusitory or judgmental. We as Christians are most likely the only bible or Jesus that some will ever see. The question we have to ask then is, Do people like the Jesus they see in me?
Hope it helps.

everyone thinks that he is right,and that his belief is the only way, so in someway they try to convince you with it,sometimes in abad way,tell your uncle that you are convinced with your belief and that you don't want to hear negative thoughts about it ,as he doesn't want someone to tell him that he should believe in god,everyone is free to choose his way.

I frequent a forum that has quite a number of Atheists that seldom miss the opportunity to voice their disdain for those who believe. They differ from your uncle only by small degrees.

Have you noticed your uncle's arguments eventually arrive at the conclusion that there is no God--and He's bad? There's usually do.

Or how 'bout this one: If there was a God why would he permit evil? Def.: If I was God, I'd be a tyrant, and no one wouldn't be allowed free choice. (That's a good reason to thank God for being God if there ever was one.)

My Qs for Atheists are:

if you believe there is no God, wouldn't the debate of His existence is irrelevant to you?

If you believe there is no God, just why spend so much time talking about this nothing?

Why do Atheists sound the same as Jehovah's Witnesses when talking about their belief/unbelief? (At least the Jehovah's admit to trying to convert you to their religion--which is more than any Atheist I've known would do. )

Bottom line: Your beliefs--like your income--are YOUR business, not HIS. Maybe you need to remind him of that.

That's true, some Christians can be very harsh and rude. But you won't have to worry about me forcing my beliefs on you

But I do agree with you, it really does depend on the person.

I've actually found some of the Christians on here to be more disrespectful, rude and aggressive than the non-believers...

but I guess it all really does depend on the person.

I've clearly stated in my question why do some atheists degrade people for believing? But I do see your point sika, many generations people have degraded people for things. I guess I want to know why people are so angry.

Rnealw, Thank you so much for your advice.

It's kinda like when you reach that age and some kids know Santa isn't real but the other ones still believe. Then the older kids make fun of the younger ones for believing in Santa. Similar... but on a different scale of course.

I'm sorry that the majority of the atheists you've known haven't been too tolerable of Christianity. I think everyone should be respectful regardless of religion.

xox
Sika