# Christians: Do you dislike Atheists? why? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 30, 2010, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784 "2010-12-30T03:04:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/21 "2010-12-30T13:00:43Z")
Dawkins just _isn’t_ obnoxious though, really. I used to think he was, but I was conflating him with someone else (Jonathan Miller, I believe) ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/22 "2010-12-30T13:39:46Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Dawkins just _isn’t_ obnoxious though, really. I used to think he was, but I was conflating him with someone else (Jonathan Miller, I believe) Christopher Hitchens? ---
**Author:** ![Owlbow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e95f7d/32.png) [@Owlbow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Owlbow)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/23 "2010-12-30T13:59:27Z")
Shouldn’t this be in the Great Debates section? Peace:confused: ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/24 "2010-12-30T14:04:28Z")
(ETA: To **Gyrate** ) Possibly, but I think it was Miller. I had seen a discussion or debate in which Miller was doing the equivalent of the Gish Gallop - firing aggressive sequential questions at his opponent, with each subsequent question interrupting the opponent’s attempt to answer the previous - the effect of which tends to make the opponent look like a bumbling idiot, regardless of the strength or eloquence of his attempted responses. In my mind, I had somehow mapped Miller’s aggression from this incident onto a mental picture of Dawkins - and (somewhere here on the SDMB, I believe) started to argue that Dawkins was an obnoxious and aggressive character, only to have to withdraw this argument when all of my searches proved him (to me) to be quite mild-mannered in his general approach. ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/25 "2010-12-30T14:11:09Z")
> [@Owlbow](#): > > Shouldn’t this be in the Great Debates section? > > Peace:confused: Why? This is a survey about whether you like/dislike atheists, not a debate about whether their beliefs are correct/incorrect. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/26 "2010-12-30T14:11:39Z")
> [@Owlbow](#): > > Shouldn’t this be in the Great Debates section? > > Peace:confused: Not necessarily, it’s neither witnessing nor a debate. It would go into GD if we were explaining why our religion (either in general or specific branch) is the bestest ever, but we’re not; we’re not arguing with each other “I don’t really care” “yes you do!” - debate and its ugly brother argument have specifically been uninvited; it’s just individual opinions. But if you think it goes better in GD, just report any post on it and explain you think it goes better in GD, and a mod will check it. And hopefully not give me a spankin’ for junior modding 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/27 "2010-12-30T14:30:11Z")
It is possible, however, that some of the opinions and reasoning offered here in the poll thread may raise questions and discussion. What’s the proper etiquette here? Start a companion GD thread (when and if necessary), and link off to it for discussion? ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/28 "2010-12-30T15:45:55Z")
If it’s starting to veer outside the scope of the OP (“Christians: what’s your opinion of atheists - do ya like 'em?”) then, yeah, that would prolly be best. Why? Got somethin’ to say, _punk_?!? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/29 "2010-12-30T15:48:01Z")
Not me, but I may join the party ---
**Author:** ![Owlbow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e95f7d/32.png) [@Owlbow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Owlbow)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/30 "2010-12-30T15:56:25Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Not necessarily, it’s neither witnessing nor a debate. It would go into GD if we were explaining why our religion (either in general or specific branch) is the bestest ever, but we’re not; we’re not arguing with each other “I don’t really care” “yes you do!” - debate and its ugly brother argument have specifically been uninvited; it’s just individual opinions. > > But if you think it goes better in GD, just report any post on it and explain you think it goes better in GD, and a mod will check it. And hopefully not give me a spanking’ for junior modding 🙂 That sounds reasonable. Thanks for the feed back. I’m new here - but this place seems really great & diverse. see ya later! ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/31 "2010-12-30T16:20:06Z")
Pretty much what **Rhiannon** said. Why would I dislike atheists? > [@Rhiannon8404](#): > > **What are your feelings toward Atheists?** In general, I don’t think about them. I like a person or I don’t. It rarely has anything to do with their religion or lack thereof. I’m all in favor of, “You respect my beliefs, I’ll respect yours and we’ll get a long just fine.” > > **Do you find yourself disliking them as a group? If so can you tell me why?** No issues with them as a collective group. > > Have your feelings changed over the years as you get older? Not really. ---
**Author:** ![Ellen\_Cherry](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellen_cherry/32/3600_2.png) [@Ellen\_Cherry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellen_Cherry)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/32 "2010-12-30T16:25:35Z")
As much as I’d like to spank **Nava** … (wait, that sounds naughty! :D) … I think we’re fine here in IMHO. [/mod] I’m Catholic and I don’t dislike atheists. I do think they’re misguided, but if I disliked them, I wouldn’t have hung around Straight Dope since 1999. Reading what atheists have to say helps me better understand people whose opinions differ from mine and breaks down any artificial walls I might raise; ie. knee-jerk atheist hating. I don’t think I’ve had enough coffee; I dont’ seem to be explaining myself well. Let me just say this: growing up I didn’t know what an atheist _was_. It was a scary term, and did indeed evoke some sort of mental association with something like “devil worshipper.” (Sad but I’m being honest here.) On the other hand, I do get rather sad often when I read how atheists on this board characterize people who believe in God; as though we’re all knuckle-dragging fundamentalists who spend no time in analytical thought. ---
**Author:** ![as\_u\_wish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6f9a4e/32.png) [@as\_u\_wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/as_u_wish)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/33 "2010-12-30T18:28:14Z")
I was raised by very agnostic, bordering on atheist parents. I converted to Christianity at 30, and would be classed by most of the SDMB as fundamentalist, although in the circles in which I hang out, I’m regarded as fairly liberal. **What are your feelings toward Atheists?** As a group, I feel compassion, as I see them facing the same struggles as I do, but without the deep assurance and daily peace that come from a vital, growing relationship with the God who created the universe and knows me better than I know myself. As individuals, my feelings run the gamut from enjoyment to irritation, and I have the same feelings about my believing friends, because people are, well, people, don’t ya know? **Do you find yourself disliking them as a group?** Not as a group, at all. I find their views narrow-minded, as I suspect they find mine. So it comes down to whether the particular individual is aggressive about their “faith” or whether they have a live and let live, respectful attitude. Please indulge me as I answer a question you haven’t asked: \*\*“How, if at all, do you interact differently with atheists than with others in your life?” \*\*I love to talk about my faith, for my relationship with God is the single most important thing in my life. With my fellowship of believers, it is a constant topic. When I’m interacting with others–whether they are atheists or those of a different faith or Christians who aren’t currently as “obsessed” as I am, I seek to tone things down and allow them to determine how much (if at all) we talk about God. I may talk about church or about how thankful I am about something, but I drop the subject if they don’t choose to picked it up. I can’t avoid it altogether, any more than a parent can completely avoid talking about the kids–it impacts everything. Sometimes I’ll say things like “This is one of those areas where our worldviews will cause us to see things very differently,” and we’ll laugh and acknowledge the perspective shifts. I guess I just look at it all this way: Why would I insist on talking about football with my knitting group, or knitting with the guys at the bar? Why would I debate creation with the grandkids or talk about Disneyworld with my fellow science geeks? Isn’t it all about enjoying people for who they are, finding common ground, and being respectful, whether you share core ideas about God or not? ---
**Author:** ![Lissla\_Lissar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8491ac/32.png) [@Lissla\_Lissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissla_Lissar)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/34 "2010-12-30T19:50:18Z")
No, I don’t hate atheists. Why would I? I don’t dislike them as a group- I like or dislike them individually. I think they’re incorrect, and they think I’m incorrect. Sometimes it’s fun to argue, but only if everyone manages to be charitable. As I’ve acquired more atheist and agnostic friends, I’ve thought more about the claims of atheism. It’s intellectually interesting. I’m a Roman Catholic convert. ---
**Author:** ![Leon497](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@Leon497](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leon497)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/35 "2010-12-30T20:15:58Z")
I dislike Athiests because they are always trying to stop those who believe from having, using and sharing those beliefs. They do not just “not believe”, they are active proponents of a religion that says there is no god so do whatever you want, including taking from me, along with a huge desire to silence all who believe. They are also as a group much meaner type people and much higher in dishonest actions than Christians. I’d sure rather share the street at night with Christians coming out of church than the others out of their bars and drug dens. I do believe in most science by the way, but get off fast when they add things they cannot do and then say it just happened. Creating life for instance. OK, we know a lot about it now, so let’s see you build me a cell and give it life, using no outside life of any kind. Just like in that magic pond they believe in. Any size you want and does not have to be pretty but it has to be alive and do all the things a simple cell does in nature and stay alive. You will never be able to. ---
**Author:** ![lisalan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/0ea827/32.png) [@lisalan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lisalan)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/36 "2010-12-30T20:27:53Z")
I don’t know any atheists in real life but the ones I have encountered on message boards are mean as heck. ---
**Author:** ![Leon497](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@Leon497](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leon497)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/37 "2010-12-30T20:32:51Z")
I’ll sure second that. Indeed I’ve seen discussions interrupted because they just can’t stand points made that favor the good guys. ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/38 "2010-12-30T20:38:56Z")
> [@Leon497](#): > > I’d sure rather share the street at night with Christians coming out of church than the others out of their bars and drug dens. I thought this sentence was funniest. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/39 "2010-12-30T20:40:12Z")
I think we might be needing that GD thread soon. I’m not an atheist, Leon, but I disagree with nearly everything you said. ---
**Author:** ![Peeta\_Mellark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bc8723/32.png) [@Peeta\_Mellark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peeta_Mellark)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2010, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784/40 "2010-12-30T20:48:52Z")
> [@Sigene](#): > > What are your feelings toward Atheists? Depends on the atheist. There are some raging asshole atheists, but the same can be said of theists. I don’t really have feelings about them in general since they can differ so wildly. There are specific personality types I hate that are often associated with atheists, but that isn’t atheists in general. > [@Sigene](#): > > Do you find yourself disliking them as a group? If so can you tell me why? I don’t really have feelings about them in general since there’s so much variation. Might as well ask me my feelings towards redheads. Some are hot, some are ugly. Some are smart, some are stupid. Some are assholes, some are secular saints. > [@Sigene](#): > > Have your feelings changed over the years as you get older? Not really. My family is nominally Christian, but largely areligious. By the time I even understood atheists existed I’d already absorbed the lesson that a _lot_ of people believe differently from me. I will say that while I have nothing against atheists, the second an atheist says something disparaging about theists in general I start forming a negative opinion of that person. The same is said for a theist disparaging atheists in general. Clinging to overly broad negative generalizations are never a mark of good character. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-do-you-dislike-atheists-why/565784.md?page=3)