Your Opinions On Atheists

[Sisyphus Fragment]

A few years ago, there was a survey done* that came to the conclusion that atheists were the least trusted minority in America, you can read into this that we are also flat out disliked. I'm attempting to conduct a nonscientific poll to help me understand the major reasons why this is. I've been attempting to get useful replies from general religious forums but their members seem to be more interested in bickering with each other rather than answer some of my questions. Any posts I submit turn into back and forth hate-o-thons.

For those of you who dislike or are of a less than positive opinion of atheists I would like to hear your opinions on the matter. Why do people have such a problem with atheists as an entire group?

For those of you who have no qualms with atheists there is no need for you to respond to defend yourselves, I only need the opinions of people offering criticism. I merely want to better understand why atheists are so negatively viewed. I'm not looking for any fights or anything like that, I'm here to seek genuine opinions and that is all. Thanks ahead of time for any replies.

*http://www.mndaily.com/2009/02/22/survey-us-trust-lowest-atheists

[apothanein kerdos]

To be honest, you're going to have a hard time finding people on this forum who "hate" atheists or have a strong dislike.

Do you mean, "Why do we disagree with you?"

For me - though I'm not sure I qualify - I see two types of atheists. The true, intellectually honest atheists, and the Dawkins/Hitchens type atheist. The first time can hold a rational discussion, respect their opponent's beliefs, and when they realize one of their arguments is invalid, admit it and move on. The latter is rude, abrasive, amateur in both logic and philosophy, and has no sense of civility.

Unfortunately, most Christian's experience with atheists also falls into the latter portion (even my own falls into it - however, I still read the works of Hume, Flew [pre-theism], Nietzsche, and the like), thus the hostile remarks from Christians. I don't believe this leaves Christians justified in such hostile feelings, but this might explain it.

[tango]

Mar 16:15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.


It's hard to go into the world and preach to those who need it most (i.e. those who do not accept Christ) if we're busy distrusting or disliking those who need to hear the message we bear. Many Christians were themselves once atheists, so can understand the viewpoint entirely.

I agree entirely with apothenein kerdos that there are some people who like to discuss with mutual respect from all sides, and others who like to use arguments that boil down to little more than "what a load of silly people, neener neener, therefore God does not exist".

[Slug1]

and when they realize one of their arguments is invalid, admit it and move on. This is a very interesting statement as many Christians have discussed with atheists and reach this point... for me, I smile for when a person I'm talking to does this... they either don't want to face the truth or they don't accept the truth and do all they can to prepare a new angle for the next time. Basicaly this is a retreat (or in military terms... retrograde) and regroup.

With logic and rationel, that wall is kept up between the truth and themselves... at least that is how I undertand it based on my experience. When a corner is taken down by a Christian, a person who is an atheist "is" quick to move on so they can later repair that corner with "their" logic and rationel and their separation between themselves and God is secure... again.

I step back and pray for clarity and that, that wall can be removed. All Jesus has to do is guide me, use me to find the cornerstone and by removing that one stone, the wall comes down and there is only the truth :pray:

All those I have spoken to, do exactly that... they back off, or move on... if I get near that cornerstone.

A few years ago, there was a survey done* that came to the conclusion that atheists were the least trusted minority in America, you can read into this that we are also flat out disliked.

Question for ya since I can't read the link right now... at work (shhhhhh) :lol:

Do you feel that you are not trusted due to your lack of faith?

I'd trust an atheist with my life and I have as many men I faught side by side with in combat had no faith in God. My prayers to the Lord covered them as I prayed for protection for my men as I led them in battle.

Anyway, lack of faith doesn't cause a person to be untrustworthy... doing something that may result in someone to not trust you... is the reason for a person not to be trusted.

[Xel'Naga]

For those of you who dislike or are of a less than positive opinion of atheists I would like to hear your opinions on the matter. Why do people have such a problem with atheists as an entire group?

I'm with apothanein in his comments concerning the 'two types of atheists'. I have no qualms with the first 'group'. The second group, however, can be annoying to no end. Though even though I say annoying, I've still no real issue with them other than their delusional state of mind.

[mcgyver]

Not much I can add to what my 3 brethren have already posted.

I take people as individuals and not as a group...:)

[IamBill]

A few years ago, there was a survey done* that came to the conclusion that atheists were the least trusted minority in America, you can read into this that we are also flat out disliked. I'm attempting to conduct a nonscientific poll to help me understand the major reasons why this is. I've been attempting to get useful replies from general religious forums but their members seem to be more interested in bickering with each other rather than answer some of my questions. Any posts I submit turn into back and forth hate-o-thons.

For those of you who dislike or are of a less than positive opinion of atheists I would like to hear your opinions on the matter. Why do people have such a problem with atheists as an entire group?

For those of you who have no qualms with atheists there is no need for you to respond to defend yourselves, I only need the opinions of people offering criticism. I merely want to better understand why atheists are so negatively viewed. I'm not looking for any fights or anything like that, I'm here to seek genuine opinions and that is all. Thanks ahead of time for any replies.

*http://www.mndaily.com/2009/02/22/survey-us-trust-lowest-atheists

:lol: here is your answer
How can you come up with this ? -
the conclusion that atheists were the least trusted minority in America, you can read into this that we are also flat out disliked.
When the "opinion" is demanded of these -
who dislike or are of a less than positive opinion of atheists
and the "opinion" is EXcluded of these -
who have no qualms with atheists

Isn't that a bit like turning your steering wheel ALL the way to the left ...then wondering why the car went left ?
Then instead of straightening the wheel, continue wondering "Why" it goes left ?

seriously ?

[Scruffy Kid]

Dear Sisyphus Fragment,
Welcome to Bibleforums! :hug:
It's nice to have you here!! :pp :pp :pp

I'm not big into opinions of general groups of people. I find that people are highly various, and those who have some things in common are different from one another in other ways.

Most of the people I was closest to until I was in my mid-20s were atheists, including my dad, whom I adored, and from whom I learned very much of my way of thinking and my ethics. One of my favorite authors was Bertrand Russell -- he's still an important influence I think -- and (while I have many differences) I have found much insight and value in Camus, and even Sartre. But of course, with respect to their atheism I see things quite differently.

There is, though, as some others on the thread have mentioned, a kind of very-aggressive atheism out there these days, which seems to disrespect all who disagree, and to seek to have sole input into public discussion. This is utterly different from the open-minded liberalism (as I should term it) which I learned from my dad -- a no-holds-barred and indeed gracious willingness to listen to every viewpoint whether one agrees or not, and to allow plenty of space to others to express themselves.

Strength to you, as you continue to seek for truth!!
Scruffy Kid

[Sisyphus Fragment]

:lol: here is your answer
How can you come up with this ? -

When the "opinion" is demanded of these -

and the "opinion" is EXcluded of these -


Isn't that a bit like turning your steering wheel ALL the way to the left ...then wondering why the car went left ?
Then instead of straightening the wheel, continue wondering "Why" it goes left ?

seriously ?

I'm here looking for criticism of atheists. I already know it exists, due to the study, so I know the steering wheel turns to the right, I'm trying to understand why it turns left.

[Gulah Papyrus]

I see two types of atheists. The true, intellectually honest atheists, and the Dawkins/Hitchens type atheist. .

A very good atheist friend of mine went to see/hear Richard Dawkins speak at the local 'healing arts center' here in Omaha a couple of weeks ago and said it was downright laughable...and again, this from an atheist. He said there was absolutely no substance and that it was more or less a Christian bashing event as opposed to anything remotely philosophical. Personally I like listening to Hitchens when he is addressing other topics...he plays the scotch-drunken, pompous, dark humored, pseudo-intellectual snob with great precision. But to have he and Dawkins and Bill Maher as the face of modern atheism doesn't lend much credibility.

That makes me wonder, if the Hitchens'iz and Dawkins'iz would be considered the 'Type B' atheists of today, who are the 'Type A's'?

[tayariswife]

I'm here looking for criticism of atheists. I already know it exists, due to the study, so I know the steering wheel turns to the right, I'm trying to understand why it turns left.
OK, well I hope this helps:
I do not dislike atheists, but my qualm is this:
The only atheists I know- I mean truly devoid of any belief whatso ever in a higher power are my family members. The insight on that is that I feel and honestly believe that they are atheist because of a few reasons
#1 They don't want to answer to a higher power for thier choices, the way they treat people, etc...
#2 They have let life beat them down and prefer to by synical pessimists then choose another path.
#3 They are unable to grasp the concept that they do not have total control over thier lives.
#4 They are depressed and have gotten comfortable in thier depression. Not believing in God gives them something else to woe and worry about, "oh there is no hope..."
#5 They are not willing or prepared to do any type of introspection, they would rather take psychotrophic drugs to alter thier moods.

I am not saying that all atheists are this way. I can't imagine that they are. Cone to think of it, I'm sure that I know more atheists then I think I do. But this is my experience with my family....

[DaniHansen]

My opinion of atheists is the same as any other lost person:

You need Jesus.

It doesn't matter what separates you from Him, and so I'm not singling anyone out.

:)

[livingwaters]

My opinion of atheists is the same as any other lost person:

You need Jesus.

It doesn't matter what separates you from Him, and so I'm not singling anyone out.

:)

No criticism poster, just sorrow!!!

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!! JESUS SAVES!!!!:pp:pp:pp

[RedBird777]

As followers of Christ, we are told to love EVERYONE, and not to hate. You'd have a VERY hard time finding a Christian who hates atheists. However, that's not to say that all Christians are sinless...I find that a LOT of Christians suffer[ed] from pride - myself included. It is those with so much pride that they literally look down upon anybody that is a non-believer. There's a cool parable that is probably one of my favorites (I truly do love this parable) about the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector:
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018:9-14&version=31#fen-NIV-25691a)] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' 13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'
14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."


It reminds me, and should remind Christians, to humble ourselves. We not called to hate, but to love.
Please forgive those who may have hated you. In your status, it says that you are seeking Christ, and I am happy that you are seeking Him. Forgive those who have sinned against you, for they are sinners as well.

[IamBill]

I'm here looking for criticism of atheists. I already know it exists, due to the study, so I know the steering wheel turns to the right, I'm trying to understand why it turns left.

;)
Well, Ok, but you have "excluded" more opinions than you may think.

understand why it turns left
For the same reason it turns to the right -people are "people"


anyway.. as an ex-atheist, I am ex-cluded from opinion.

Welcome to the board :)

[bagofseed]

A few years ago, there was a survey done* that came to the conclusion that atheists were the least trusted minority in America, you can read into this that we are also flat out disliked. I'm attempting to conduct a nonscientific poll to help me understand the major reasons why this is. I've been attempting to get useful replies from general religious forums but their members seem to be more interested in bickering with each other rather than answer some of my questions. Any posts I submit turn into back and forth hate-o-thons.

For those of you who dislike or are of a less than positive opinion of atheists I would like to hear your opinions on the matter. Why do people have such a problem with atheists as an entire group?

For those of you who have no qualms with atheists there is no need for you to respond to defend yourselves, I only need the opinions of people offering criticism. I merely want to better understand why atheists are so negatively viewed. I'm not looking for any fights or anything like that, I'm here to seek genuine opinions and that is all. Thanks ahead of time for any replies.

*http://www.mndaily.com/2009/02/22/survey-us-trust-lowest-atheists
First you can love someone and still hate the things they do.
I think you will find your answer in the world view that goes along with being an atheist. Do a top ten on what each group thinks are the worlds problems and solutions.

An atheist is like a shadow boxer who never turns to face the light.

[shepherdsword]

From the link you postedBased on a telephone survey of more than 2,000 households and in-depth interviews with more than 140 people, researchers found that Americans rate atheists below Muslims, recent immigrants, homosexuals and other groups as "sharing their vision of American society." Americans are also least willing to let their children marry atheists.

I guess my question to you is who gave you those "inalienable rights" that the Declaration of Independence is based on? We believe they were endowed on us by the Creator therefore the creator is the only one that can take them away. Since atheists do not acknowledge a creator then they are left to governmental endowment. What the government gives the government can take away. Perhaps that's part of the reason for distrust.
I have noticed that most atheists seem willing to give the government more power than I want to see it with. They also seem to be diametrically opposed to the standard of values and morals that I wish to be engraved into our culture. It's not hate. It is the kind of distrust that comes from the result of being on opposing sides in the ideological war raging in our nation. Let's face it,racism is just about dead. Only the most ignorant are still influenced by it. The new divide(or perhaps the oldest one) between our people is an ideological one.

[Janus]

I know you're looking for answers from Christians and I'm not one (and I'm not an American either), but I think shepherdsword (http://bibleforums.org/forum/member.php?u=33250) raises a good question here: ideology. Everything is ideological, even things that seem deprived of ideology, like cosummerism, just to give an example. That means that in everything you do, you are putting in a little part of your beliefs and your own identity.
And, correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I've learned and read, most groups, when forming around an ideology or identity develop or are prone to develop an "us vs. them mentality". I don't mean it's an agressive mentality, not always. But it does include the pointing out of differences, from both "sides of the fence" alike. And in specific manners, people do not relate to people they consider different the same way they relate to people they consider alike. I do that, everyone does that. So that gives us an idea of how wide the possibilities for actions are when we relate to others.
Like I said, I'm not and American so I can't talk about American society, no more than based on the information we get on the outside. But religion (or personal beliefs, if you like) have an important part in (most) societies, in government and so on. It is a normal reaction to organise life around our own values. And either that reflects in society in general, or it's the other way around, or both. It is merely a set of natural responses to a different set of people.