. . . both rabid Christians and rabid atheists.
What I mean by "rabid" is that they're being derisive toward anyone who believes differently.
Atheists are especially rude -- belittling anyone who believes in God. But I've also seen some supposed Christians get downright hostile towards others.
Why don't people just live and let live, and be content with their own beliefs? If someone believes in God and perhaps follows a certain religion, why isn't that enough for them? And if someone is an atheist, why do they feel the urge to go out of their way to try to convince believers that they're misguided -- and usually do so with mocking, which is an undiplomatic method that will not sway anyone?
Jeez, whenever I post that I believe in God but don't really subscribe to any religion [since I consider religion to mostly be man-made and therefore fallible], I get thumbs down and a fair amount of critical e-mails.
So, why do you think people are like this? Are they egomaniacs?
You ask "why don't people just live and let live" . . . this is the problem many people have with religion -- many "believers" think it's their duty to spread their superstitious claptrap to one and all, in some cases at the point of a sword. Religion divides people, spirituality unites them. We are long on religion in this section, and very, very short on spirituality.
Believe in yourself and you'll believe in the only god you will ever know or hope to know. Just my opinion. Let the thumbs down begin.
It seems that on here the base form of debate is used (except for a few). Argumentative attacks and insults only show ignorance and lack of understanding. You are not going to get a valid debate in this type of forum so if you are looking for one you need to speak in person with someone that can hold their own in a discussion without debasing and insulting.
I never tell believers that they are misguided. I do recall countless Christians telling me that I am destined for hell for my failure to pledge my fealty as specified in John 3:16.
People just like to argue, plain and simple regardless of faith. Faith has just become and easy target to start and arguement. Go to work, odds are you'll see it there too with coworkers giving snide remarks about the Muslim water guy.
Yes they are egomaniacs. What do you expect on the Internet, sane people? The lunacy here just goes with the territory.
I agree..we do need to get our rabies shots.. I never understood the thumbs down..I have said things, where I expected them..got none..I have said totally vapid things and got tons.. I think it just feels good to see the avatar shrink away. (((hugs))) and apologies to anyone I have snapped at.
It's because a topic like that brings out a lot of emotion in people. As a Christian it's very difficult for me to hear someone say something negative about my beliefs and I can see where it would make some people defensive. I can also see the other side of it, when someone doesn't believe in God people tend to attack their intelligence and they feel defensive as well. I do agree with you that we should just live and let live but that's sometimes easier said then done.
Yes, it is mostly pride mixed with bitterness and frustration that causes people to go on the offensive (pun intended) here at R&S.
christians like having their bottom bitten by atheists.
I really think the most basic cause of this is spiritual immaturity. I was raised in church, played the piano in church for MANY years and have a well grounded relationship with God. But, as you say, I do believe that most of the religious "rules" are man-made.
The Bible says to follow God, not man. Only through years of growing and seeking truth out for yourself can you come to the point where you've got to have your own personal relationship and not lean or rely on the teachings and dictates of others. Take all you've learned and test it. Work out your own salvation. (that's in there too)
For years I played church board, trustee, all that. I lastly even went to an MCC (gay) church. If there's one thing I learned from that, it is that church people are church people are church people. Gay or straight, it just doesn't matter. The self-riteous are a dangerous breed indeed.
Unfortunately, the "love of God" does not reigh supreme or rank very high in this Religion & Spirituality catagory. It is full or "church people" and just the opposite, atheists. They are just a variation on the same theme.
Rise above it, Pippi, My Pet! Don't get caught up in the spiritual immaturity shown here. It's tiresome and I'd have to think very displeasing to God him/herself. Does even common sense enter in here at all.......uh.....yeah, I think it does.
Fantastic Question!
Thats nice
<----Rabid Christian, I haven't had my shot yet.
Why is the "common logic" say that, in "polite company" one never speaks about 1-religion, 2-politics and 3-sex? It's because people are VERY PASSIONATE about all three subjects.
One's morals, principles, and beliefs are very personal, and when one is "attacked" most people cannot separate the attack being on the religion (being R&S we will dismiss the other two) and an "ad homenim" attack. So people get upset.
As for the venum that atheists seem to be more prone to, it is just their way of rejecting Christ... again and again, and again, and again... and so on. You see, they have to belittle God and believers, because if they give any "respect" to our religion, that would mean that there is some validity to it. And if there is SOME validity to religion, that would mean their own "dis-belief" system would crumble upon re-evaluation in light of the "validity." So, in order to maintain their atheism they have to, at best, dismiss religion. But many feel an extreme bigotry because they were "once Christians and now know better." That belies that they feel betrayed somehow by their religious beliefs in the past. Betrayal on such a deep level creates great hostility. But if a Christian is a former atheist, "I used to think God didn't exist, but now I know better," Christians don't have that feeling of betrayal... how can one be betrayed by "nothing?" So there is little to no bitterness in a "converted atheist."
Now, as for the issue of "evangelizing," that's a whole 'nuther story! You know about Christ's "Great Commission." We are COMMANDED to spread the Good News (Gospel) to ALL nations! If we don't, we betray our faith and our Lord. We can't do that! NOW... there ARE many different FORMS of evangelism, some more "in your face" than others. .... Oh really... I have so much to add to this paragraph, but really don't wish to bore the rest of you out there who are not already snoring!
I love when you used the term "undiplomatic." It reminds me of a favorite quote from that great conservative thinker, William F. Buckley, Jr .... "The definition of diplomacy is when someone stabs you in the back, you turn around and say, 'Thank you!'"
I try my best to be diplomatic!!!!!!! LOL!
Have a blessed day!
There are many gods that fought for the title to be the " Most High God," what should change now, only it's the little gods still fighting to take home the Oscar. Me, me, me I'm right and you are wrong, wrong, wrong and some of them love to set themselves up as gods warriors, give yourself and us break and let god do he own battling, He is an ace at it. How many times must we beg for this atrocity stop. The bible says beware of those in sheep's clothing. Please Christian's, go look in the mirror and see if you are a sheep or disguised as one. GOD SPARE US, PLEASE.
rebel use the force to bond the divide....or just use the light saber to shed some light & increase the divide
I agree that people are very rude to each other. Being a Christian, I don't condone Atheists' beliefs but I do my best not to judge others. I have no problem with people of other religions trying to convert people as long as they're respectful of every else's beliefs. As for why people aren't 'content with their own beliefs', I try to convert people, and many people do as well because they believe they're helping the person.
2 Timothy 3:1-7
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of YHWH; Having a form of reverence, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
"Atheists are especially rude -- belittling anyone who believes in God. But I've also seen some supposed Christians get downright hostile towards others."
why are we especially rude? because we don't believe your fairy tale? and we don't pretend to?
do you want a more PC term for fairy tale or something?
we dont "subscribe" to your "fanciful fiction story"
We are all human. I have to disagree that atheists are especially rude, though. Just as in other religious forums or Q&A's, I've noticed some pretty arrogant and rude Xians here as well. Just because one considers oneself virtuous, it doesn't mean one actually is. I'm an atheist and try not to be rude. I have, however, noticed that some questions are posed in a clearly confrontation manner, almost daring us to give an expected response so that we can then be chastised by the holier-than-we Xians.
Additionally, why are atheists held to a higher standard than Xians here? I just read a question where almost all of the answers from Xians were "You should read the Bible and at least have a clue what you're talking about before you post idiotic questions like this. You clearly don't have a clue!" Why are they able to reply like that, but atheists aren't?
There are assumptions made on both sides - like Xians assuming that all atheists are pro-abortion, or atheists assuming that all Xians will rejoice when all us heathens burn in Hell for all eternity.
I have noticed that thumbs-downs don't really mean much. I notice sometimes that it seems like someone just thumbs down everyone for no apparent reason (like in the Music section when you're responding to a "what is this song?" question...).
A lot of religions are like this, too....how do you think the Crusades started? Or the modern Jihads? A bunch of people who insist they are so right, they must kill everyone else to prove their point.
I guess you would call me a rabid atheist. There are many Christians here who aren't interested in discussion, debate or learning anything new. They don't believe there is anything new to learn and they believe they already have all the answers. When they dismiss a reply without rebuttal, without reason, simply by quoting yet another random passage from their book, by simply telling me I'm evil, I'm going to hell or I'm an atheist so I must be wrong, then my replies will be on the same level.
There are many questions posted by both Christians and atheists whose sole purpose is to allow people of similar belief to post their attack or dismissal of the others. I often don't read the atheist ones as they are addressed to Christians, but I will click a question that says "Atheists,......" I respond to the question in the same spirit in which it is asked.
They are what they are.
Some are like Dung Beetles, rolling stuff around.
Whew !!
Wait, there is a fresh pile.
LOL
The reason I can't just let "live and let live" is because religion is dangerous. We all know the Bible and the Quran are full of messages of violence, bigotry, xenophobia and misogyny.
Religious folk indoctrinate children into their religion before they even know what religion is and before they get a chance to figure it out for themselves what they believe in. Why should I be said to "renounce my faith" when it's not my faith, it's my parents' faith imposed upon me.
When I tell Christians I don't believe they actually feel sorry for me, which is appalling!! Don't feel sorry for me! I know you think I'm going to Hell but I don't!! The very notion of Hell is TERRORISM!
Christians REJECT the idea of evolution by natural selection for no other reason than it conflicts with there faith. Why? Since when did blind faith get put on the same level as evidence and reason? They have no problem with germ theory or the laws of thermodynamics or operant conditioning, but evolution??? OOOH NO, NOT EVOLUTION!! WE CAN'T HAVE THAT HOW DARE YOU CALL ME A MONKEY!?!?!
If I hear one more person say "It's just a theory" I'm going to hit someone!!! (www.notjustatheory.com).
 What kind of aggressive tropical freshwater fish go together? I want a ghost fish, African cichlids etc?
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