Who is more condescending? Religious people or Atheists?

Question

On Yahoo answers it seems the Atheists are so condescending towards religious people. I am actually an atheist, but I figure if you believe in God and you aren't trying to convert me, then you can believe what you want.

It seems the religious people are more at odds with the other religions but also talk about Atheist like they are some sort of sub-species.

Of course the Atheists have that little thing called science on their side.

So, who do you think is more condescending?

The overly-intellectual robot Atheists...or the brainless sheep religious people?

Answer 1

That depends on the individual.

Answer 2

I think that both sides have their fair share of people who are condescending and snide towards people who don't believe the same as they do.



Some religious people say that they feel sorry for anyone who doesn't follow their religion, and also say things about their God helping them to understand the religion. The latter is condescending because it's basically saying that they're special because God has helped them, and not others. I don't think that's fair at all. And then there are the pat answers, those always drove me up the wall when I wasn't a Christian, and I still try to avoid using them because of that!



And then there are the atheists who claim to have "logic, rationality, and science" on their side, when none of those have anything to do with the supernatural, and the atheists who pride themselves on their "intelligence" and "education", when there are plenty of intelligent, educated theists. It seems to me that there are some atheists who think that they hold a corner on logic, rationality, science, intelligence, and education... but really I think those atheists are trying to compensate for something. If a person is truly intelligent, their religious beliefs or lack thereof have nothing to do with it, and they won't try to convince themselves or others of their intelligence.



Anyway. I'd say both sides are about even, but that atheists will tend to notice the rude religious people more than the nicer religious people, while religious people will tend to notice the snide atheists than the nicer atheists. I think that we should all try a bit harder to only notice the good, rather than the *bad (oops).

Answer 3

Of course we atheists are more condescending. What you seem to be missing is this: we are condescending ON PURPOSE, because we are attempting to demonstrate how condescending the religious are AND THEY DONT EVEN REALIZE IT.



You tell me whats worse - someone who purposely acts condescending in an effort to make a point, or someone who IS condescending, but hides it behind a holier-than-thou attitude?

Answer 4

Oh, mean that's a tough question. About a week ago I would have said Atheists... but then my brother-in-law opened his big mouth, and I don't think I could sound more condescending if I tried.

Answer 5

I think they're both representing a part of the world.

Also they complete eachother.

Where there is light, there is also darkness.

There is also good and bad on this world.



There can be atheism and religious people.

There can be science and spirituality.



The key is to have them balanced, do not say they are better or the other are better, cause then it is when conflict arises.

Answer 6

The truth is, Christians just speak the truth in the bible, and you are free to receive it or not. I'm not sure you mean Christianity or religion, because they are 2 different things. Religious people covers a wide range of religions, but Christianity only covers one. Science cannot prove or disprove the bible, but will continue to try because of the pride of man. Atheists are more condescending because of pride.

Answer 7

How do you NOT be at least a little condescending when trying to talk to people who believe in a book about an invisible man in the sky who, at the same time, vehemently deny and vilify every other person who also believes in an invisible man in the sky...but from a different BOOK?

Answer 8

I don't think that mentality is found predominantly in either - both seem to have that down pretty well in individual instances. Funny we can find those who are high & mighty, judgmental and pious within and without the BELIEVING arena isn't it?

Answer 9

"So, who do you think is more condescending?



The overly-intellectual robot Atheists...or the brainless sheep religious people?"



http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=condescending

Answer 10

people who don't pigeon hole other people usually appear to be the most intelligent.

the people who don't take a side and don't really care either way are less condescending, unless we are being condescending on purpose.

Answer 11

There are people on both sides who can be very condescending, and people on both sides who are not.

Answer 12

Atheists, IMO.



I can get along with Jews and Christians quite well, as long as they respect my beliefs and I theirs. Mutual respect is formed. But you'll only hear atheists say something like "KILL ALL THE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE, TIME TO BRING OUT ZYKLON B".

Answer 13

The brainless sheeps are a thorn in my side. The fundies especially.



I like to wind them up though.

Answer 14

As a whole, neither. Both (all) sides have bitches and bastards who like to stir the pot. There are a few examples posted right now..

Answer 15

I don't know.......'who has the biggest wieners - atheists or Christians?' seems like a more important question.

Answer 16

Agnostics. By claiming they know that things can never be known and trying to remain neutral on pedantic dichotomies.

Answer 17

The people who are really into stereotyping are the ones I find the least likable.

Answer 18

Look, sweetie: I'm not condescending. Let's take a look at what it means together, okay?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condescending

Answer 19

Each side is going to say the other.



Guess which I am? <3

Answer 20

It's a tie. But atheists are more sane and rational, I gotta give them that.

Answer 21

Atheists. They think we are stupid. We simply have faith and wish to share our joy with others.

Peace! ,Nick

Answer 22

both.

You are a good example... But I guess I am too.

Answer 23

It's a draw.

Answer 24

its pretty equal.. but i dont mind it.. we all know who the idiots are in this "debate"