Question:
What is your opinion on those who bash people for believing in something?
🐱
2013-09-26 05:32:11 UTC
Look I'm an Agnostic. An Agnostic who leans more to the idea of there being absolutely nothing after death, then there is of there being an afterlife of some sort. I'm open-minded. Why do some Atheists feel the need to bash people for believing in something? Yes, it's okay to disagree & all, but show some respect. You can get your point across WITHOUT insulting or ridiculing someone.
Thank you
29 answers:
Dennis
2013-09-26 08:33:45 UTC
I find it hypocritical, given much of the argument is villafying those who are religious, that a non-religious person can bash a religious person for being 'controlling, evil, sheep, etc. etc.' with the notion that they are NOT 'controlling, evil, sheep, etc. etc.' and yet they're supporting the same ideas of those they're bashing.



It's like "hey you're *this* because you persecute me" but if the shoe was on the other foot, guess what....then those they accuse will say "hey you're *this* because you persecute me"



What makes it even more interesting is that, given we haven't even begun to really 'leave' this planet and go to other planets, that we've only 'begun' to touch the advancements of technology, and we still haven't even figured out why we can only consciously use 10% of our brain, among other mysteries, we have the audacity to claim we have 'proof' of non-existence of a deity; even though we're still learning.



God is a pretty big claim, a very COMPLEX, AND HUGE mystery, finding out there are other planets out there, galaxies, hell a UNIVERSE in general was a big find, figuring out how to FLY was a pretty big discovery, that the earth was round, that there's an existence of black holes, and even the hodge particle, the clue of how mass came to be....those are PRETTY BIG mysteries being solved/uncovered.



Those were things that 'non-believers' were pretty damn adamant about believing those DIDN'T exist; In fact some people died over it too. So here again the dilemma arises again, and people are pretty damn adamant about it NOT existing. Why would you biasely decide on something that you really have no clue on except vague details about it? I don't see scientists making bias claims on black holes and that 'God' particle (which they hate it being called by the way). Nor about a lot of other theories slowly building into a factual case. So why sit there and be adamant about no God when you certainly know vague info about it?



"Well what about magical fairies, unicorns and the tooth fairy..blah blah." They do exist, from the minds of the authors that created them or from some correlation to things that DO EXIST. Hell UNICORNS possibly spawned from sitings of extinct animals in the past. Narwhals have unicorn-like horns, OBVIOUSLY that could be a clue to something bigger than the pathetic excuse that "oh well are unicorns real? Why not? Cuz you can't see or know about dem durrr?" They may not be the obvious or LITERAL beings as stated, but they correlate to a history of something else that may have existed. The idea of Santa Claus is based off a guy that actually existed...may not have flown on a carriage with reindeer, but it's BASED off an existing person.



I think there's more to God than what the Bible or anyone else claims, has to be...everyone has their reasons for things, I have mine.



But bashing someone on their bias notion or their own 'belief' is hypocritical and foolish. I may not like country to much, but I understand WHY folks like it, and I've learned to like some of the music as well. I won't listen to a lot of it, but I appreciate the understanding of its value. I don't go to country music lovers and go "hey, did you know country music is the number one music genre for the most suicides? It's evil music that only induces suicide, it should be abolished." Because that's a biased opinion, it's stupid, and only makes you look foolish.



my 2 cents.
?
2013-09-26 05:43:28 UTC
"Look I'm an Agnostic. An Agnostic who leans more to the idea of there being absolutely nothing after death, then there is of there being an afterlife of some sort. I'm open-minded. Why do so"me Atheists feel the need to bash people for believing in something? Yes, it's okay to disagree & all, but show some respect. You can get your point across WITHOUT insulting or ridiculing someone."



You have some problems.



You can't grow up and make a decision. Is magic real or not? You haven't been able to figure that out.



And you're a suck-up. These people who you think should be respected are the same people who brainwash children and attack science education. They deserve zero respect.
WackoJacko
2013-09-26 06:55:22 UTC
Well I am atheist, one of the few things I am sure of in life, I think the danger with being an agnostic is the idea that because we don't know we therefore can never know. Also just because someone is an agnostic it doesn't mean to say therefore the likelihood is 50-50.



Religion should be an irrelevance in this day and age, it's served it's purpose but now it's holding us back. I respect your right to have any belief you like but I do not have to respect the belief in itself. Ridiculous ideas deserve ridicule, religion is not exempt from this. Just because you are offended it doesn't mean you are right. Offence is never given, it's taken.



I've got nothing against people believing in God at all. In fact, if it did make you a kinder person, if you only did good things in his name, then great. But there's the rub, it's when I see some of these religious fundamentalists saying that they've told their five-year-old children that if they turn out gay, they will burn in hell. That to me is child abuse. That's nothing to do with religion or spirituality. That's child abuse.



Freedom of speech to me one of the most important things discovered, and I'd fight for that right. And even though I don't believe in God and I treat all religions the same, even though I believe they're wrong (not morally wrong), if someone said, 'We're banning religion,' I'd march to not ban because it's your right to believe what you want, and it's your right to be wrong, and I'll fight for that right.
2013-09-26 06:34:18 UTC
Well to be fair it isn't just atheists that do that. There are some very intolerant and extraordinarily abrasive religious folks out there. I'm not an atheist myself, but there are plenty of atheists I'd sooner discourse with than a good many religious people. For example, if it was a choice between having a cup of coffee with Richard Dawkins or Shirley Phelps-Roper, it would be no contest. I could get through a conversation with Dawkins without any hostility I think. But it wouldn't be likely more than a minute before I'd have to leave the table with Phelps for fear I might choke her to death.
Neolithic Man
2013-09-26 05:52:03 UTC
This is a reasonable question and highlights a common problem.

When I can speak with Atheists and they have the time and are willing to discuss our perspective points of view, we do. Most often our discussion will reach a point whereby we can both see there is an impasse, sometimes we stop because we can both see an argument is about to erupt, as neither of us is willing to compromise or be persuaded by the other. Fair enough. This happens between people when they are passionate about what they believe.

But just a few times, it can become very sinister and very dangerous for me. I mean physically. It's obvious there would be a violent reaction and this can happen suddenly and within a few minutes.

Personally I see this in politics as well. Countries unwilling to compromise and the explosion of violence because of the atheist principle- might makes right.
JSGeare
2013-09-26 05:59:42 UTC
The first thing that jumps into my mind is that the bashers (on ANY side of an issue) are compensating for something psychologically. My second thought is that they are just playing a game and are not really whatever they claim to be (atheist, Christian, etc.) Finally, I try to look through the bashing, and see if there is any actual material worth an answer or comment; if there is, then to respond. If not, then click "next."
y2k
2013-09-26 05:34:42 UTC
I don't really have an opinion on people like that, I just feel like they're wasting their time bashing something they don't believe in. Other than that it doesn't affect me.
Andrew
2013-09-26 05:47:22 UTC
Atheists /ignostix and agnostix should not evangelize their non believer status .



however , do you stil want me to "respect you" if you're a hardline "pastafarian" walking around with a strainer on your head or be a jew with a tiny box fastened on your forehead.... come on now .



I do not insult or ridicule , I simply ignore the "believers" , that's all .



Do you " respect" a 50 year old man still believing in santa claus....I see what you're trying to say though...



I'll bite my tongue next time or use my "oops , I'm late, gotta go " routine.
Keith
2013-09-26 06:20:43 UTC
I agree with you 1000%. I am a Christian. Before I came to faith in God. I was a Roman Catholic. Bible believing Christians view the RCs as a cult. So even in so-called circles where the term Christianity is used loosely-they are not the true believers. The bible says "My people perish for lack of wisdom and knowledge" Anyone who want to understand the Christian belief system can simply talk out aloud to God in the privacy of their bed. Ask Him to send you a sign of Himself. Trust Him He will. I disagree with insulting people although I have a differing opinion. I feel sorry for people who don't believe in the One True God. But if one is a true Christian one has to be careful-because knowledge of God will be a barrier of a lot of so-called Christians not entering God's heaven. Rather the Bible says Judge not. Let God be the Judge. Pray for all men everywhere lifting up holy hands. God sent his son not to condemn the world but by Him the world will be saved. One day you my brother, (because we have the same Heavenly father) I am black, On the Judgment Day, I pray you would have already acknowledged God- if you do not- because of my knowledge of the Word of God-I will be judged more harshly because I know the word of God. Anyone who says they are a Christian and condemns someone who maybe have not arrived at that point-hopefully they will-is very ignorant and does not represent Christian principles. Get the Bible, read it even as an Agnostic. You have nothing to lose and I do respect you although I do not agree with your stance, because I know one day we will see each other face to face at the Judgment seat of God and maybe you will tell God, thanks for your book and showing yourself to me. He said if you seek me with your whole heart then you will find me.
cheesphht
2013-09-26 07:09:09 UTC
Are you kidding me man? You expect God haters to love and be peaceable?!!!



These are the people and wisdom will die with them.



And yet the Bible says simply...



Ps 2:1 ¶ Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.



How can anyone honestly look at what's happening in the world and see the prophecies of the Bible being fulfilled and then saying "no evidence, no evidence!!!" its like in the book of Job ...



(God talking):



Job 39:13 ¶ Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks? or wings and feathers unto the ostrich?

14 Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,

15 And forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild beast may break them.

16 She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers: her labour is in vain without fear;

17 Because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding.



Nothing happens after death?



Luke 16:22 ...the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments,
Rokk
2013-09-26 05:56:14 UTC
Most often when people accuse me of doing this, it's usually the Christians who instigate it. They completely ignore my points and their own points have been refuted a thousand times. Then they start making hell threats because they lost the debate, and then they claim that they're being persecuted.
2013-09-26 05:44:11 UTC
I find if we DARE to disagree with atheists, they really come out swinging,

bashing. I actually have not seen as many Christians being hurtful at all.



I've seen Christians really trying to give good answers, and I just don't

see this with atheists yet they definitely claim superior intelligence.



I guess that means they don't have to answer questions,

being so much smarter, is that the reason?
Major Martin
2013-09-26 05:51:22 UTC
I feel sorry for them. They're so busy claiming the high moral/spiritual/intellectual ground, that they miss the view.

A truly open minded person doesn't set boundaries on the limits of another person's mind.
Rockin' Robin
2013-09-26 05:36:42 UTC
What "believing in something"? You just stated that you pretty much "don't believe" in a afterlife. You never stated anything that you do believe.





But fyi, I only bash, insult, & ridicule when someone bashes, insults, & ridicules first. As for "respect", that is earned. So, show respect to me and I'll show respect to you.
?
2013-09-26 05:43:30 UTC
Respect given when respect is due..



..and that will be when there's no more knocking on my door, religion has nothing to do with politics, I'm no longer informed my disbelief is sending me to hell etc etc



So until then..
2013-09-26 05:41:24 UTC
Now that you have told the atheists off, I wonder when christians would take your advice.

Why is it fair to make threats to good people for not believing in your imaginary world?

You invent a pretend friend, then are willing to bully me because of "him", or it?

The existence of christians is an insult to intelligence.

Any god that needs to be lied for, and has to threaten children is a foul god, and we don't need "him/it".

Say no to drugs and gods. Stay real.
Sarah
2013-09-26 05:46:04 UTC
It happens both ways so don't act like it doesn't.
2013-09-26 05:36:20 UTC
I wish there were lots more atheists/agnostics like you in this respect, kitty kat!



Religion is lots more than the afterlife question, for me, at least, it's basically for the here and now. Peace! ☼
How would I Know
2013-09-26 05:42:31 UTC
At some point you just lose respect for people who believe in silly fairy tales.
Anne Arkey
2013-09-26 05:37:31 UTC
I believe there's a 100 carat diamond buried in my yard. I've dug up more than 1000 holes (haven't filled in any) looking for it. Haven't found it yet, but I plan to go out and do some more digging later. So, do my neighbors have a right to mock me for my irrational belief (it ruins the whole neighborhood, by the way) or do they just smile and "respect" my belief? If we were to respect every crackpot belief -- and religion is no different -- this would be one sorry world.
2013-09-26 05:35:30 UTC
I don't like it, but you are on the internet buddy....what do you expect really?
scott
2013-09-26 05:39:05 UTC
I can picture you in a math class.



Woah teach, harsh off the negative vibes, 2+2= whatever bro, just past the hashish.
2013-09-26 06:06:49 UTC
I like 'em.
Simon T
2013-09-26 05:34:54 UTC
I think that the people who believe, with zero evidence, that some deity is out there, deserve equal respect to the people who believe, with zero evidence, that fairies live at the bottom of their garden.
mt75689
2013-09-26 05:51:59 UTC
I think every time it happens, they are proving the Scriptures to be true.
2013-09-26 05:35:43 UTC
It beats burning them alive for NOT believing
biggalloot2003
2013-09-26 05:35:54 UTC
Sadly, just as there are fundamentalist christians, there are also fundamentalist atheists.



They are two sides of the same coin, their insecurities result in their need to make everyone else agree with them.



I am an atheist, yet I have no need for anyone else to agree.
2013-09-26 05:35:27 UTC
It's insulting. everyone is entitled to their beliefs and no one should be made to feel bad because they worship a deity.
2013-09-26 05:34:18 UTC
Thanks for insulting me.


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