Question:
Why do atheists hate Christians and not other theists?
Apathy
2007-09-08 05:15:35 UTC
Throughout the internet atheists hatefully attack Christians yet never attack Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, etc. Why is this?
48 answers:
Elbowgrease
2007-09-08 11:40:59 UTC
I would not say that all 'atheists' attack Christians. I think the issue is you are perceiving the liberal bias that dominates the internet and other media sources.



Liberals have a deep hatred for Christianity because it forbids their immoral behavior, and America is a Christian nation. If America were a Muslim nation the liberals would hate Muslims.



There is so much hatred because internet is heavily weighted with liberals. Most conservatives stay away from the internet due to the pornography, sodomy and other immoral activity that infiltrates just about every website out there.
2007-09-08 05:33:22 UTC
I have only seen a few instances of 'hate' on the part of atheists. I consider those to be anomolies. Personally, as an atheist, I do not hate anyone or anything that I can think of right now.



However... as a sane, rational human being, I tend to get annoyed when I encounter gullibility, irrationality, willful ignorance, self-delusion, intellectual dishonesty, hypocrisy and drooling stupidity. So, I attack them wherever and whenever I find them. I consider these to be vital threats to the continued existence of humanty. The fact that Christianity encompasses ALL of those things, all wrapped up in a neat little bundle, simply makes the process more efficient. That is YOUR misfortune... it has nothing to do with me, really.



As for why christians get attacked more than "...Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, etc.". Well, it's simple really... Christians make themselves AVAILABLE for attack, moreso than Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, etc.



Have you ever heard the expression "It's the spouting whale that gets harpooned?" Well... Christianity is the spouting whale.



Don't worry... the next time a Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, etc. shows up here, telling me that I'm going to hell if I don't accept (insert applicable delusion here), they'll get harpooned, too. That seems to be exceedingly rare, though.



"A main reason I am not religious is not because I can't love as much as religion wants me to love but I just can't hate as much as religion wants me to hate." ~ DarwinsBulldog



DP

.
Fiona F
2007-09-08 05:27:08 UTC
I don't hate Christians, I hate being preached at with illogical nonsense.

I dont hatefully attack, I raise legitimate questions that might make religious people feel cornered because they cannot answer it properly.

I love it when a happy Christian will defend his or her point and not be insulted because I love a good debate. If you get offended then perhaps R&S is not the place for you.

I'm still waiting for an answer that goes beyond faith - I want to know how a religious person can know for sure that the word of their lord came from their lord.

How can the idea that religion was created to answer questions before science be so offensive?

True Buddists are not religious, they live by a code that in all honesty seems like a good idea although not suited to my self. I've never been preached at by a Jew or a Muslim, they simply have their faith and keep mainly to themselves which I dont understand but I can respect. So long as they dont try to push their ancient ideas into modern society (like Christians do with Creationism in the classrooms) then I dont see how it is my business to pass judgement on them.
2007-09-08 05:32:43 UTC
I'm an atheist, I don't hate Christians, but sometimes, I answer some very questionable posts by christians with disdain. I hope I haven't offended... However, if offence has been taken by any of my answers, then why would the questions be posed in the first place.



So many of the questions in this thread relate to Why don't atheists do something or beleive something...? for goodness sake, take a bigger look at he world and your religion, find out about other religions, take a look at science. If your beliefs are not challenged, at least your questions might be a little more rational and reasoned.
Lucy
2007-09-08 05:46:43 UTC
I am pagan, not atheist, but I believe that it seems so because most Christians try to shove their brand of their God down your throat and condemn you to their version of hell if you do not convert. They are, for the most, part very militant. I live in the Bible belt, where anyone with out very obvious (Christian) church ties is subject to regular attempts at conversion, ranging from polite to rude to the downright Nazi-ish. That is where the notion that atheists HATE Christians comes from. When a God Nazi tries and tries and keeps on trying to convert someone who is not interested that person usually gets to the end of their patience and says some off the wall craziness to get the "converter" to back off. Then the converter publicizes that comment or action, not bothering to add how many times they were rejected. Just for the record, I don't recall atheists being "active recruiters".
2007-09-08 05:26:21 UTC
Short answer:

Do you see how atheists treat Buddhists? That's how we'd treat Christians, if Christians behaved themselves maturely. The ball is in your court, Christians.



Longer answer:

For the most part, because those other religions don't attack us. I wouldn't exclude the Muslims, though - there've been a few here who behaved as badly as the Christians do.



At least a couple of times a day one or another Christian posts this kind of "Why are atheists so bent on attacking us innocent Christians?". Each time, the person deliberately pretends not to have noticed that the Christians on this forum in general come here only to lie about those who do not share their beliefs, notably we atheists. Christians are not the innocent victims here, they're the central source of the problem.



The same is true on the national level. At least here in the United States, Christianity is the main threat to our freedoms.



It would do you some good to sit back and reflect on your behavior in posting that question. This kind of deliberate dishonesty does not reflect well on your character, and someday you're going to wish you hadn't trashed your reputation. It also doesn't do any good for the reputation of Christianity.



Oh, and I don't "hate Christians". I hate liars, particularly those lying about me. On this forum, that happens to be largely co-extensive with "Christians", but that's their fault, not mine.
AtoM
2007-09-08 06:11:26 UTC
As both an atheist and a moderate antitheist and perhaps most importantly a skeptic, it is not so much Christians (or other religious followers) that are "hated" as it is the idea of any religion.



Skeptics/atheists/antitheists/etc generally believe religion to be a danger and detriment to the continuing advancement of society. Thus, most are against not just Christianity, but are also against Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Scientology, etc. These are theistic doctrines (meaning there is a belief in a deity or deities), and possess many inherent creationist beliefs, and other beliefs that are in direct contradiction to quantifiable scientific evidence.



The cause for concern of religion as being dangerous lies in the fact that many people are willing to turn a blind eye to measurable, quantifiable, reliable research, evidence, and fact, in order to preserve religious beliefs. Science and reason are open and accepting to change in the face of new evidence, while most religions are unwilling to compromise in similar fashion.



Belief in science and reason is also frequently in contrast to religious beliefs because it can be difficult or even impossible to "reason" with theists concerning matters which are controversial only because they compromise religious doctrine, e.g. stem cell research, creationism and evolution, global warming, etc.



There are several reasons why it can appear as though only Christians are targets of antitheism. First, Christianity is the world's largest religion, and thus is typically the first target. If you live in an English-speaking country, Christianity is also most likely the predominant religion in your country. If this is the case, then there are more likely to be critics of Christianity because it is primarily Christianity that motivates these critics.



Also, if you are referring specifically to internet atheists, many of the most vocal opinions are also strongly opposed to the Bush administration, which is dangerously close to being a theocracy, and as such, its inherent "Christian" properties inspire the greatest disdain, thus making Christianity appear often as the lone target of antitheism. Lastly, some critics of Christianity fear it is not politically correct to criticize Judaism and Islam, and thus often refrain from doing so.



Also worth noting is Buddhism (a major world religion) is rarely a target of antitheism because it is not a theistic religion.



It is only fair to keep in mind that "internet athesists" are not representative of atheists in as a whole.
Batfish
2007-09-08 05:28:17 UTC
I don't hate christians. But christians are most active in pushing their beliefs on education and politics in my world. I do not hate any religious person. Still I'm not happy with the doctrines many of them believe are true, as I'm a victim in them, not worthy to live and things like that. I'd really appreciate it if those people would see the mythological value of their scriptures, and not try to push their lies on the whole of society.
most important person you know
2007-09-08 05:27:45 UTC
This is really just a matter of percentages. Christians tend to be more vocal and unforgiving in their beliefs. The simple doctrine of "Believe in Christ's divinity or burn in hell forever." is what gets most atheists though.



How arrogant can you be?



Jews, while steadfast in their belief do not typically shove their religion in others face. I have never heard of a Jew trying to "save" anyone.



Buddhists are generally more laid back and confrontation is not usually their cup of tea. Life is suffering enough...



And Muslims, well, given the similarities between christian and Muslim mythologies, I think the reason atheist leave them alone is because they are scared to death of them.
Rai A
2007-09-08 05:55:36 UTC
I defy any of you Fundies to turn the other cheek if you were attacked, belittled & harassed the SAME WAY AS MANY of you Fundies attack the Atheists (& the rest of us Non-Xians).



& the REAL tragidy is that you wreck the reputations of Xians all over the Globe with your little stunts.



.
Bigmouth Strikes Again
2007-09-08 05:24:18 UTC
Jews and Buddhists never bothered me, Muslims rarely bother me. All theists are wrong in my humble opinion, it's just that some are infinitely more annoying than others
***
2007-09-08 05:24:01 UTC
I don't hate Christians. And as far as i know, I'm an atheist. I've never hated anyone because of their religion, and i'm not going to start.
Link strikes back
2007-09-08 05:19:46 UTC
Buddhists aren't Theists just a little note.



I think they are better equipped to argue their point about Christianity because many of them(using this site) had Christian upbringings and are familiar with it tennants.



Also they don't care about arguing with anyone that isn't letting there religion decide how they should vote, and trying to convert people.



Also you only notice the insults that offend you, all of these people maybe with the exeption of Buddhists get just as much **** as the Christians.
Two quarters & a heart down
2007-09-08 05:19:23 UTC
Because the Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, etc don't go around attacking atheists.
2007-09-08 05:18:54 UTC
Oh my.



Thank you for explaning to me that I hate you.



That made sense didn't it?



I don't hate Christians, I hate religions. I hate all of them, I hate what they do to people, and our world. I hate that the Christian 'morals' are destroying this planet. I hate that Muslims feel the need to crash planes into buildings because they hate you AND me. Buddism, hardly even qualifies as religion. It's more like- Organized atheists, living by the teachings of a wise person. Why would that bother me? What has a JEW ever done to me? I've never had a Jew tell me I'm going to hell. I've never had a Jew push their beliefes on me. Jews are generally very nice people- Christians are usually very hateful and spiteful...And ignorant. Jews tend to be, very nice, smart people. I can't honestly say a Buddist has ever bombed an abortion clinic either.
Monk
2007-09-08 05:21:49 UTC
It appears you suffer from selective comprehension. Most of the posts I've seen address not only christians, but all three of the world's major propaganda machines, christian, muslim and jew. While some appear to be hateful to you, most are reasoned arguments that religion is simply unable to answer.
fooles.troupe
2007-09-08 06:53:19 UTC
Perhaps you haven't looked as closely as you think you have.



Some 'theists' just have to attack the beliefs of not only 'non-theists', but 'other-theists' as well, for their own peace of mind. Many 'a-theists' respond to these frequent attacks by ridiculing their persecutors.
2007-09-08 05:23:07 UTC
You, clearly, have very selective perception. We respond to any who ask. Usually, these are so-called Xians with hateful "questions".



For your information, we don't hate theists. We hate morons who try to force their beliefs and practices onto us via legislation and theocracy.



ADDENDUM



"3/4 of the world's population is Christian."



Someone needs to check the figures and/or lose the perception of superiority. Of course, we understand the persecution complex is a permanent part of the Xian psyche.
2007-09-08 05:31:45 UTC
Why do you keep saying atheists hate Xians?

We do not hate - it's childish emotion more conducive to Xians.



Hate is generated by Fear and Fear is generated by Hate and both are generated by religion and the one I'm most familiar with is Xianity.



So I attack you and your childish beliefs more than the others cos y'all affect me more than the others.
2007-09-08 05:22:09 UTC
Fundamentalism has a tendency to foster intolerance. 2 of the three religions you mentioned here foster tolerance, and the third is not that influential in the West.



I think that might be the difference.
©2009
2007-09-08 05:20:14 UTC
The vast majority of atheists do not even concern themselves with hating christians or anyone else for that matter. It is obvious however that most christians spend an inordinate amount of effort attempting to convert others who do not believe as they do and the rest of their time "hating" those who who refuse to agree with them.
Brendan G
2007-09-08 05:25:22 UTC
I think it's simple. R&S is probably front loaded with people from Western cultures that have to deal with the idiocy of Christianity on a daily basis.
hermit
2007-09-08 05:25:48 UTC
Your information is not completely correct. People of all faiths are capable of hating others based upon what others believe, or stand for. I don't hate anyone for what they believe, and I pity the fanatics who would waste their time and energy doing so.
seeker
2007-09-08 05:23:32 UTC
atheists dont have to hate any religion. Those that you are talking about are anti-christains.n That's why.
nobodinoze
2007-09-08 05:19:40 UTC
I'm equally sick of the Muslim and Christian religions.They seem to be the ones' intent on converting everyone.Buddhists and Jews and pagans never bother me nor try to insert their cultures into my laws
Joey ;D
2007-09-08 05:25:38 UTC
Hey Seriously,



How is it threatening? Their not going from door to door trying to convert then say "alright you don't accept my religion burn in lake of lava" I have seen people try to convert but very few. They don't do anything like atheists it seems atheists on forums chat rooms etc. have nothing better to do then attack Christians. I Don't care what religion you believe in, why do atheists?
Imagine No Religion
2007-09-08 05:20:00 UTC
Christians MOST of them have this notion that they have to convert people into their religion because they think by doing so they will save that person.
missingora
2007-09-08 05:27:31 UTC
Unfortunately many Christians alienate people with their "holier than thou" attitude and the way they profess their faith but fail to live it.

As a Christian, I believe my task is to LIVE MY FAITH, not cram it down someone's throat.
atheist
2007-09-08 05:34:49 UTC
I disagree with all people of faith. I don't waste my time hating people of faith. That would be pointless and pathetic.
2007-09-08 05:19:32 UTC
Why do you beat your wife but not your daughter?



The question I asked you is just as loaded as the question you asked us. I do not promote hate of anyone. I feel that hatred is a waste and only promotes negatives. You can not lump all atheists together.
Curious
2007-09-08 05:17:58 UTC
because only christian go around threatening with hell , and the only religion that greatly condemn every other religion no matter how moral someone is , including monks or nuns from other religion.



it's fair for the 33% of religious people who are christian , but not to the 66% of non-christian and another 1billion of atheist



figure it out
2007-09-08 05:27:39 UTC
yes we do , Muslims run away fundi Christians who believe in the literal bible are very very funny
SnakEve
2007-09-08 05:25:44 UTC
So many have said because Christians attack atheists, but they seem to conveiniently forget muslims, where the fundamentalist attack anybody (we certainly have problems with our fundamentalists too.)

The sad thing is that most atheists are apparently unable to accept the fact that a lot of Christians as part of their religion are supposed to convert and a lot of them attempt to use fear (didn't say it made sense but there you go). It seems hypocritical and insecure of atheists to get so angry about people practicing their religions or noisily voicing their opinions of the unenlightened since they do the exact same thing.
The Return Of Sexy Thor
2007-09-08 05:18:48 UTC
Unlike Christians, Atheists don't hate people because of their religion.



Lets not forget the arrogance shown by many Christians or the condemnation of Atheists and other faiths by many more.
Dharma Nature
2007-09-08 05:18:54 UTC
I don't hate christians. I am unwilling to expend that amount of energy on them.



None of the members of these other religions throw their dogma at me or tell me I'm a worthless worm that is going to burn in hell forever.
2007-09-08 05:19:43 UTC
Where are you getting these incorrect facts? I do not hate anyone, I hate the act of deliberate ignorance.
T Leeves
2007-09-08 05:19:17 UTC
sanctimonious evangelism by the Christians
Bella
2007-09-08 05:23:12 UTC
Probably because 3/4 of the world's population is Christian. So we're a much easier and accessible target.
dawnUSA
2007-09-08 05:27:35 UTC
Because the truth hurts?
RayeKaye
2007-09-08 05:23:47 UTC
It does seem that way, doesn't it? Christians are always going to have to deal with that nonsense, I suppose.
2007-09-08 05:19:56 UTC
... because they say I'm going to Hell and they wear a little cross around their neck to prove it.
2007-09-08 05:17:44 UTC
Your persecution complex is showing.
firebyknight
2007-09-08 05:33:26 UTC
Because we are right.
2007-09-08 05:22:37 UTC
Because they would rather someone blow them up (Muslim) than preach to them (Christian).
michael m
2007-09-08 05:21:42 UTC
Because we Christians know that there is only one way to the Creator. You can call it intolerance if you want to, but is trying to show people that there is a better way to a better life really intolerant?
2007-09-08 05:19:59 UTC
LOL...I have been on the Internet since 1998, and it amuses me that athiests all talk the same line, say the same things and even prefer to use the same types of screenames.

They accuse Christians of not being free-thinkers, but I actually see a much greater variety among Christians than among athiests! They seem to be cranked out of some kind of mold!
Jeff C
2007-09-08 05:19:25 UTC
For Jesus said 'If they hate you,remember,they hated Me first'
uidittybop
2007-09-08 05:19:09 UTC
because they fear the truth.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
Loading...