A question for Anti-Theists

[Jenny A]

For those of you who are anti-theists, or anti-religion, what lead you to hold your views? Why did you go one step ahead of atheism? In general, an atheist simply rejects all god claims and doesn't believe in any deities. An anti-theist not only rejects all god claims, but they openly fight against theistic beliefs and label all religion as harmful to society and mankind.

It's been a gradual change for me.

I think I've always been against religious fundamentalism. It leads to wars, anti-science movements, scaring children with hellfire, and any number of other bad things. I don't know how anyone who doesn't believe can possibly think fundamentalism whether Christian or Muslim is not major world problem.

My concern about more moderate beliefs has grown slowly. What I see is people looking inside themselves, coming to a conclusion, and labeling that conclusion god. Once the conclusion is labeled god, all debate is over. That person ceases to think on the subject. That is dangerous. And it's part of what drives extremely divisive issues like abortion, homosexuality, sex education etc.

For me personally, the reason I'm not an anti-theist is because I simply don't care about attacking religion and beliefs. Sure, I'll get involved in debates with theists on this site, but I don't defy and fight theism in real life, nor am I an outspoken atheist. I also don't go looking for religious people to debate or ridicule on the internet.

I'm not likely to ever go door to door arguing with theists. Nor am I likely to barge into theist sites arguing for atheist. But I am becoming much more outspoken. I think atheism needs to be more public. In particular the reasons for atheism need to be more public.

I've read lots of bad experiences people have had because of their beliefs. I consider myself fortunate to have never gone through anything bad as a child in relation to church, Sunday school or religion (well, except for being lead to believe in Jebus). Sorry for rambling, but I'll appreciate any answers from people about why they are anti-theists.

I haven't really had any bad religious experiences. I have fond memories of the church I was raised in even though I never really believed.