Atheist Hate

[Rocky32189]

Why do most (not all) heavily religious people hate atheists? What is so wrong about being an atheist?

I am an atheist because I refuse to believe in a god in which there is no proof of existence. I also feel that science provides a much more reasonable explanation for the origins of the universe.

What is wrong with my beliefs and why is there such a hate for atheists among religious people? Why do they think I am a bad person and wrong for believing in what I feel is right?

[BobtheWalrus]

Originally Posted by Rocky32189

Why do most (not all) heavily religious people hate atheists? What is so wrong about being an atheist?

I am an atheist because I refuse to believe in a god in which there is no proof of existence. I also feel that science provides a much more reasonable explanation for the origins of the universe.

What is wrong with my beliefs and why is there such a hate for atheists among religious people? Why do they think I am a bad person and wrong for believing in what I feel is right?

Heavily people

Tend to dislike everyone who is not of their specific religion

I wouldn't call it hate

[Trogdor's lame friend]

I'm sorry you've had some bad run-ins, but you can't accuse an entire group of people for one thing. I myself am Christian, and I have NO hate for athiests. Me being irritable towards someone of a different veiw-point is not going to make them change their minds. Hence, I see no reason in hating anyone.

[Atrocious]

It's because most atheist know more about their religion than they do, and they (the atheist) prove them (religious people) wrong about what they're suppose to "live". So in order for them to not feel like such a hypocrite, they just hate the atheist for owning them at their own beliefs.

[BobtheWalrus]

Originally Posted by Atrocious

It's because most atheist know more about their religion than they do, and they (the atheist) prove them (religious people) wrong about what they're suppose to "live". So in order for them to not feel like such a hypocrite, they just hate the atheist for owning them at their own beliefs.

That's harsh

[Atrocious]

Originally Posted by BobtheWalrus

That's harsh

But it's true.

[EndUnknown]

there isn't hate, at least not in the knowledgeable non -"follow because my parents did" Christians. I find it foolish NOT to have a few differing viewpoint friends.

[Trogdor's lame friend]

Originally Posted by Atrocious

But it's true.

How can you say that's true? You only know one side of the argument.

[EndUnknown]

Originally Posted by Atrocious

It's because most atheist know more about their religion than they do, and they (the atheist) prove them (religious people) wrong about what they're suppose to "live". So in order for them to not feel like such a hypocrite, they just hate the atheist for owning them at their own beliefs.

I have met some of 'cus I don't wanna believe... so there' athiests who refuse to learn ANYTHING about the religions they reject(granted not nearly as many as the other way around)

[Darth Camel]

I wouldn't say MOST religious people hate atheists. I think that the people who do hate atheists are the most radical and therefore are the most vocal. I believe in God, but I also believe in science. The two beliefs are compatible. Rocky32189, you need to realize that. Those people who hate atheists generalize all atheists. You're doing the same thing. I find that people whose beliefs seem to conflict are more alike than they realize. That's pretty much why the political spectrum is less a line than a circle. Once you reach a certain point, "right" and "left" are very similar.

Getting back on topic, I believe that God works through evolution. I believe God created the universe according to certain rules and principles that science uncovers through research and experimentation. There are several constants that dictate the universe. Many are so small we cannot perceive their value. One such constant is the universal gravitational constant, or G, which equals .0000000000667. No one can perceive a value that small. And if these constants were off by an even more unperceivable quantity, then none of us would be here. So, it boils down to this. Either an innumerable amount of coincidences happened causing many of these scientific constants to be perfect right for live to exist, or perhaps there is something pulling the strings in the background. The probability of an innumerable amount of perfectly exact coincidences happening is extremely low, if not impossible. I also believe in Occam's razor, that the best answer is the simplest one. By applying that principal with the remarkable circumstances that are responsible for our existence, I believe there is some deity or being controlling the strings. I like to call it God. The funny thing is, I find that no one has ever been able to refute that argument. Of course, you could believe that there are several parallel universes and we are lucky enough to live in one that we can exist in. That's a possible alternative. But no one even seems to say that, including atheists, even though that could very well be true, and it still doesn't disprove my point because both my position and that position can simultaneously be true. Many just claim science has proven or at least strongly suggests that there is no God. But, I just used science to advocate my position. So, that last point is very weak in my opinion.

I also don't believe God really interferes with the universe, or, if He does, then it is extremely rare. Call me a Deist, which, by the away, arose during the Enlightenment and is based on the beliefs of that time, a time where it was believed that Reason and science can uncover all the truths in nature. So, while there are many religious people who need to more mature and be more understanding, so too must you be mature and dispel a seeming belief that religious people don't or can't believe in science. Now, I'm not perfect, far from it. I also need to grow as a person, but, so do you. Cast off your bitterness. There are many people who seemingly "hate" me, whether it's because I believe in God, I'm Catholic, I'm a Catholic who has renounced the Church's teachings, I'm half Arab in a country where Arab=terrorist for millions of Americans, etc. But am I bitter towards them? No. Do start a thread that reflects at least a little bitterness? No. When I meet people like that, I smile, I laugh, and I tell them that even though I disagree with them and believe they are wrong, they have the right to believe in whatever they want.

If you even want to discuss philosophy or reply to my post directly Rocky32189, then I welcome a civil discussion. Although you seem to believe that religion and science aren't very compatible. If you do believe that, then I suppose your beliefs might not be as fleshed out as mine are. I could be wrong too. Maybe I misconstrued your tone, which, considering the fact we are using text, is very possible.

Perhaps I'm getting a bit too personal here, or I'm just speaking out of my ass like an idiot, but, I think I can tell what point you are at your life. A teenager, probably in either middle or high school. Someone who is at the point of their lives to be able to form their own beliefs but does not have the understanding and aversion to generalizations that come with time.

Oh, and, just so everyone knows, these beliefs are mine and are different than my Muslim father's beliefs or my Catholic mother's beliefs. Very different, to the point my mom called me a disappointment because I don't share the same beliefs as she does, but, that's a different topic for another time.

Oh, and, Atrocious, you may want to read my post. I don't necessarily disprove your position, but, I do offer a more likely alternative. In addition, we are ALL hypocrites. We believe that we have certain beliefs, but, if put in an impossible situation, we all will ignore them and do something that contradicts our beliefs. Do not judge, lest you be judged.

[Atrocious]

Originally Posted by Saline

How can you say that's true? You only know one side of the argument.

I've been on both sides.

Originally Posted by Dark616

I have met some of 'cus I don't wanna believe... so there' athiests who refuse to learn ANYTHING about the religions they reject(granted not nearly as many as the other way around)

I don't blame them, they don't want to complicate their lives.

[Little Horn]

Originally Posted by Darth Camel

I wouldn't say MOST religious people hate atheists. I think that the people who do hate atheists are the most radical and therefore are the most vocal. I believe in God, but I also believe in science. The two beliefs are compatible. Rocky32189, you need to realize that. Those people who hate atheists generalize all atheists. You're doing the same thing. I find that people whose beliefs seem to conflict are more alike than they realize. That's pretty much why the political spectrum is less a line than a circle. Once you reach a certain point, "right" and "left" are very similar.

Getting back on topic, I believe that God works through evolution. I believe God created the universe according to certain rules and principles that science uncovers through research and experimentation. There are several constants that dictate the universe. Many are so small we cannot perceive their value. One such constant is the universal gravitational constant, or G, which equals .0000000000667. No one can perceive a value that small. And if these constants were off by an even more unperceivable quantity, then none of us would be here. So, it boils down to this. Either an innumerable amount of coincidences happened causing many of these scientific constants to be perfect right for live to exist, or perhaps there is something pulling the strings in the background. The probability of an innumerable amount of perfectly exact coincidences happening is extremely low, if not impossible. I also believe in Occam's razor, that the best answer is the simplest one. By applying that principal with the remarkable circumstances that are responsible for our existence, I believe there is some deity or being controlling the strings. I like to call it God. The funny thing is, I find that no one has ever been able to refute that argument. Of course, you could believe that there are several parallel universes and we are lucky enough to live in one that we can exist in. That's a possible alternative. But no one even seems to say that, including atheists, even though that could very well be true, and it still doesn't disprove my point because both my position and that position can simultaneously be true. Many just claim science has proven or at least strongly suggests that there is no God. But, I just used science to advocate my position. So, that last point is very weak in my opinion.

I also don't believe God really interferes with the universe, or, if He does, then it is extremely rare. Call me a Deist, which, by the away, arose during the Enlightenment and is based on the beliefs of that time, a time where it was believed that Reason and science can uncover all the truths in nature. So, while there are many religious people who need to more mature and be more understanding, so too must you be mature and dispel a seeming belief that religious people don't or can't believe in science. Now, I'm not perfect, far from it. I also need to grow as a person, but, so do you. Cast off your bitterness. There are many people who seemingly "hate" me, whether it's because I believe in God, I'm Catholic, I'm a Catholic who has renounced the Church's teachings, I'm half Arab in a country where Arab=terrorist for millions of Americans, etc. But am I bitter towards them? No. Do start a thread that reflects at least a little bitterness? No. When I meet people like that, I smile, I laugh, and I tell them that even though I disagree with them and believe they are wrong, they have the right to believe in whatever they want.

If you even want to discuss philosophy or reply to my post directly Rocky32189, then I welcome a civil discussion. Although you seem to believe that religion and science aren't very compatible. If you do believe that, then I suppose your beliefs might not be as fleshed out as mine are. I could be wrong too. Maybe I misconstrued your tone, which, considering the fact we are using text, is very possible.

Perhaps I'm getting a bit too personal here, or I'm just speaking out of my ass like an idiot, but, I think I can tell what point you are at your life. A teenager, probably in either middle or high school. Someone who is at the point of their lives to be able to form their own beliefs but does not have the understanding and aversion to generalizations that come with time.

Oh, and, just so everyone knows, these beliefs are mine and are different than my Muslim father's beliefs or my Catholic mother's beliefs. Very different, to the point my mom called me a disappointment because I don't share the same beliefs as she does, but, that's a different topic for another time.

Oh, and, Atrocious, you may want to read my post. I don't necessarily disprove your position, but, I do offer a more likely alternative. In addition, we are ALL hypocrites. We believe that we have certain beliefs, but, if put in an impossible situation, we all will ignore them and do something that contradicts our beliefs. Do not judge, lest you be judged.

This is a great post. +rep for you. I'm extraordinarily lazy today and only came on here to see what was going on. I will, respond to this post tomorrow evening most likely (when I'm at work).

[Locke]

My question is the reverse: why do so many athesists hate Christians? Atrocious seems pretty vocal about his opinion on us. He certainly wasn't the first and won't be the last. Who started what is irrelevant, but Christians do feel threatened by atheists. Why? Because they threaten to subvert the Christian way of life. Whoever's right or wrong, atheism has more or less declared war on Christianity. Most Christians have a low opinion of athesists, and most atheists have low opinions of Christians, both for very different reasons. I don't hate either group, but rather the ignorance that seems to characterize both groups as of late. Christians don't realize that they don't have a dominant position in the world anymore and only serve to annoy everyone else. Atheists are all too aware of their dominant position, but abuse that to no end. I'm sick and tired of the arguments thrown by both sides, as they can be boiled to several key points, and rarely deviate.

Christians:
You couldn't possibly understand matters of the spirit
Faith is the only important thing
Science corrupts the minds of children

Atheists:
You are all blind followers of an ancient religion
Religion is counterintuitive to progress
Science is God

Now, both sides have some wrong and hypocritical elements. Faith is important, but so is reason. If someone does not know that they believe, and why, that faith is worthless to them or anyone else. Other people can understand matters of the spirit, otherwise there'd never be any converts to Christianity. Science is not good or evil: science is a method to discover solutions, not fact or truth, mind you. Likewise, not all Christians are blind followers, though I'd say that many Christians in America don't have knowledge of their faith at all, and maybe even show disdain to reason at times. Even atheism is a religion, believe it or not. A better word for religion would be worldview or paradigm: a set of beliefs through which we see the world. Everyone has to make some basic assumptions about life. And science is not nor ever will be a God. Now, this universe may be ordered and logical, but we as humans will never discover truth from science. After all, truth isn't true if it can change, and our view of the physical world changes all the time.

Originally Posted by Atrocious

I don't blame them, they don't want to complicate their lives.

This is a mistake that people from both sides have made. That's a rather selfish statement, isn't it? Just because someone doesn't want to devote the time or effort to know more about the world doesn't mean they shouldn't. Truth is, I will run into athiests, and you will run into Christians, so shouldn't we both make an effort to understand each other? You've basically written of Christianity as worthless, right? Well, believe it or not, your viewpoint is not the only one that exists in the world. If people didn't make an effort to understand each other, we'd be even worse off than we are now; such a stand leads only to conflict instead of discussion, reason, or even civility.

[Atrocious]

Originally Posted by Darth Camel

I wouldn't say MOST religious people hate atheists. I think that the people who do hate atheists are the most radical and therefore are the most vocal. I believe in God, but I also believe in science. The two beliefs are compatible. Rocky32189, you need to realize that. Those people who hate atheists generalize all atheists. You're doing the same thing. I find that people whose beliefs seem to conflict are more alike than they realize. That's pretty much why the political spectrum is less a line than a circle. Once you reach a certain point, "right" and "left" are very similar.

Getting back on topic, I believe that God works through evolution. I believe God created the universe according to certain rules and principles that science uncovers through research and experimentation. There are several constants that dictate the universe. Many are so small we cannot perceive their value. One such constant is the universal gravitational constant, or G, which equals .0000000000667. No one can perceive a value that small. And if these constants were off by an even more unperceivable quantity, then none of us would be here. So, it boils down to this. Either an innumerable amount of coincidences happened causing many of these scientific constants to be perfect right for live to exist, or perhaps there is something pulling the strings in the background. The probability of an innumerable amount of perfectly exact coincidences happening is extremely low, if not impossible. I also believe in Occam's razor, that the best answer is the simplest one. By applying that principal with the remarkable circumstances that are responsible for our existence, I believe there is some deity or being controlling the strings. I like to call it God. The funny thing is, I find that no one has ever been able to refute that argument. Of course, you could believe that there are several parallel universes and we are lucky enough to live in one that we can exist in. That's a possible alternative. But no one even seems to say that, including atheists, even though that could very well be true, and it still doesn't disprove my point because both my position and that position can simultaneously be true. Many just claim science has proven or at least strongly suggests that there is no God. But, I just used science to advocate my position. So, that last point is very weak in my opinion.

I also don't believe God really interferes with the universe, or, if He does, then it is extremely rare. Call me a Deist, which, by the away, arose during the Enlightenment and is based on the beliefs of that time, a time where it was believed that Reason and science can uncover all the truths in nature. So, while there are many religious people who need to more mature and be more understanding, so too must you be mature and dispel a seeming belief that religious people don't or can't believe in science. Now, I'm not perfect, far from it. I also need to grow as a person, but, so do you. Cast off your bitterness. There are many people who seemingly "hate" me, whether it's because I believe in God, I'm Catholic, I'm a Catholic who has renounced the Church's teachings, I'm half Arab in a country where Arab=terrorist for millions of Americans, etc. But am I bitter towards them? No. Do start a thread that reflects at least a little bitterness? No. When I meet people like that, I smile, I laugh, and I tell them that even though I disagree with them and believe they are wrong, they have the right to believe in whatever they want.

If you even want to discuss philosophy or reply to my post directly Rocky32189, then I welcome a civil discussion. Although you seem to believe that religion and science aren't very compatible. If you do believe that, then I suppose your beliefs might not be as fleshed out as mine are. I could be wrong too. Maybe I misconstrued your tone, which, considering the fact we are using text, is very possible.

Perhaps I'm getting a bit too personal here, or I'm just speaking out of my ass like an idiot, but, I think I can tell what point you are at your life. A teenager, probably in either middle or high school. Someone who is at the point of their lives to be able to form their own beliefs but does not have the understanding and aversion to generalizations that come with time.

Oh, and, just so everyone knows, these beliefs are mine and are different than my Muslim father's beliefs or my Catholic mother's beliefs. Very different, to the point my mom called me a disappointment because I don't share the same beliefs as she does, but, that's a different topic for another time.

Oh, and, Atrocious, you may want to read my post. I don't necessarily disprove your position, but, I do offer a more likely alternative. In addition, we are ALL hypocrites. We believe that we have certain beliefs, but, if put in an impossible situation, we all will ignore them and do something that contradicts our beliefs. Do not judge, lest you be judged.

Where you refer to me, *ahem* You're right, we are all hypocrites and I'm well aware of this. It's why I denounced my religion, former Methodist Christian. I wasn't willing to sacrifice my life to something I could see, touch, smell, or hear. Physically. Not spiritually.
I've been on both ends of the rope. About 8 months ago, if you said you were an atheist, I would have been like "You need to be prayed for." or "Do you want to pray with me?", but I just kept feeling empty. Then I just started to think about it, etc etc. Now I'm atheist, and I feel whole.

[MemphisMasenko]

I don't hate athiests at all I just can't stand when some athiests try to make people from other religions feel like they are slaves and have no mind like they are robots and vice versa with everyother religion vs. athiests.
If you are really confident in your own religion you shouldn't have to do that just to make it seem like it is the best choice.