Are all atheists this ill-informed about religion?

[RoadRunner79]

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I'm most definitely curious to hear how atheists, in general, don't understand the Bible or religion, when study after study has shown that we tend to understand it better than the religious people know their own material. As has already been pointed out, what is usually happening when we get this complaint, "You don't understand Christianity at all!", is that the particular Christian making the complaint subscribes to a different version of Christian theology than the one we're describing... there are so many, after all. Rather than say, "No, that's what the Calvinists believe" (or whatever), they claim the reason we're wrong about their version  of theology is because we just don't understand Christianity at all.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2...-religious

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/201...s-that-bad

The statement that atheists are typically bad at understanding Christianity reads to me as sheer prejudice and contempt.

Do people make bad arguments against religion here? Of course! There are people making bad arguments FOR religion on religious forums, all the time, and an honest Christian would acknowledge that there are at least as many bitter arguments among the faithful on basic points of doctrine as there are atheists who happen to guess wrong when discussing with a member of a particular denomination, here.

Also, as has been pointed out but bears repeating, many of us are ex-Christians who were quite devout for a number of years, and who have read the Bible while believers and after leaving the faith. To claim that we don't understand the faith we participated in for years is disingenuous, and is just a method of dismissing from your own minds the possibility that we read the same book you did, understood it clearly, and came to a different conclusion about it. Often, objections to our phrasing is based on how we talk about it, post-departure, when we see the ideas we used to cherish in a new light that is not as flattering... you expect us to speak about things in the same accepting and reverent way to which you have become accustomed in your own social/theological circles, and we don't do that, so you write it off as poor understanding. After all, goes the reasoning, if we understood it, we'd be more respectful! It's nonsense, and you should know better.

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I'd agree, that these types of threads usually do not go very far. It's really just empty opinions, and there are always those on both sides who can be cited to show bad arguments. I know... I was kicked out of a Christian forum (which is a long story), but was largely because I would confront and challenge those who made bad arguments. It is actually difficult to show such generalized statements, because one can always show week arguments.

I do normally try to focus on stronger arguments, and ignore the B.S. But some things that I notice, and you (collective) can look for. I find many arguments that sound good on the surface, but do not hold up when analyzed further. Normally when this is occurring, you will see the following. They will try to deflect to another subject which they feel is stronger, when I give in and go along, to start to analyze those claims we switch again. Sometimes the deflection is basic and simply fairly tales or santa clause or other god's are brought up. Other times, when analyzing a theological position, I find that the weaker argument is focused on. Here we often see the many denominations brought up (which is yet another sidetrack tactic). Rather than proceed as the argument is presented, a weaker argument is discussed (usually sunday school theology). And then there is the sophism and distortions. I actually find it difficult to have a discussion, without having someone try to jump to the end, and presume my arguments for me. Similarly I normally find it difficult to discuss a topic through when dealing with atheist.

But this has been my experience, and may vary. I by no means claim my arguments are perfect, nor is my understanding exactly right. It is a result of many discussions, examining my positions, and making corrections. It is the result of study, and looking at the scriptures and commentary and teachers.

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Yup.

"Why aren't you taking the tale of god sending himself down to earth to sacrifice himself to himself in order to save you from himself (thanks, Chad32) seriously?"

As much as Christians like to dance around it, that's the story they want us to treat with respect, if not reverence.  It's laughable.

Do you mean that Jesus lowered Himself, to become like us, so that He could be a substitution for us and pay for our sins.   He was sent by God the Father, and submitted of His own will.  That Jesus suffered and died, to save us from the judgement (yes by God) and the punishment that follows. 

Is your issue that you do not understand the trinity, and that God is three persons in one God.  Or is it, that you do not believe in justice for evil?