everyone (else) seems to be hating on atheists

[jackman]

There are quite a few atheists who do not approve of the confrontational antics of some of the more hardcore Atheists because they rightfully believe it paints a negative image of their views. Instead of showing atheists (well non-spiritual atheists in this instance) as good people who do not need a belief system to tell them how to live a righteous life , it paints a picture of them being as backward and vile as the Evangelicals.

for me, it's not only that it paints a negative view, it's that i'm new to being around other atheists at all, so i'm learning what terms mean and how people communicate their lack of beliefs as well as how theists came to believe what they believe. it's a learning deal for me. once the general convo degrades to solely name-calling, there will be nothing more of value to me and i'll be gone. never was much of a groupie anyway, i do my own thing.