"Religion" and "Atheists"

I think fear and mistrust are the biggest factors. No one wants to be told that they are wrong and no one wants to be told they are evil/stupid/insane. I think the most important challenge for us here is to learn to disagree kindly with one another and be willing to admit we might be wrong.

I think there are several answers to this question.

First, there is a very low level of trust between religious believers and atheists. Many Christians associate atheism with immorality, and many atheists associate religion with immorality. You could actually say it’s a matter of prejudice.

Second, many people loathe the idea of giving up ground during a discussion or admit a change of beliefs, especially on matters like religion that touch nerves and stir emotion. It’s VERY unlikely that most Christians and atheists discuss things with each other and think, “wow that person really brought up a good point. I’m going to re-examine my own views and beliefs in light of this new information.” What’s funny is, we sometimes actually expect the other side to say this, but would never consider saying it ourselves.

Finally, there seems to be an unwillingness to understand why another person might have the views they do. Many atheists simply do not see how a person’s personal experiences could lead them to a belief in God. Many religious believers don’t understand how an atheist could study so much about science and nature and still not believe in God. That lack of understanding results in a lack of common ground, making it virtually impossible to have an honest discussion if that makes any sense.

Semi1900, You made very very good points. I’m assuming that it’s just like racism between the color of skin, but in another way.

I suppose that there will always be a tension, between a believer and a non believer.

The very nature of two different belief systems, make it so.

Because many people of both atheist and Christian beliefs are thick-headed jerks who think people who don’t agree with them are idiots. Making them the idiots.

If you are a true Christian, like I believe myself to be, you do not judge others. I am not going to bash an atheist. They have there own ideas and I have mine. And as far as the forcing of beliefs I don’t think that is what most Christians are trying to do. Some are! But a lot believe that if you are not saved then you will go to hell. So for them it is trying to help people not force them. I would never try to force my way of thinking on someone else but if you ask I would be more than happy to answer. And as a Christian I love all of Gods people. I may not agree with your way of life but I won’t put you down or be mean to you because of it! I hope I helped some! God Bless!

spartan512 - I agree, I think the ‘other-person-bashing’ that goes on sometimes is horrifying. In my opinion, the most educated and open-minded people on either side of the argument can get along. Therefore education and tolerance are essential! I don’t mean tolerance in terms of ‘anything goes’, but in terms of ‘you are a human just like me, and deserve the same respect I would hope for’.

Well, I don’t “force” my beliefs on anyone, not even my own children. To the extent I engage in discussion of religion, it’s merely a reaction to the fact it’s being discussed. It’s true that I believe there are no gods, and that death is the final permanent end of life, but I don’t force the issue.

I will provide reasoning and evidence to support my position, since I consider that to be due diligence, but I will not threaten or otherwise coerce anyone to accept it, nor belittle them if they don’t.

While some people do not force their beliefs. Some do.

exactly, If everyone was like that it would be a much better place.