The Atheist Obsession with Insulting Christians

[abaris]

Actually what I have found on this forum is that atheists do not get angry because I call myself a Christian, they get angry when I call them something they aren't (and rightfully so).

Pretty much nailed it. And I guess the same goes for every group of people being adressed wrongly.

[rexbeccarox]

King is another example of a Christian member a lot of us respect, and his attitude above is a good indicator of why.

[Catholic_Lady]

I have been fascinated by the phenomenon of the "angry atheist" ever since my arrival here in the forum. I expected and hoped to engage in intelligent discussion of our differences of opinion with the so-called "brights" of our society, but more often than not, I have been the recipient of a lot of misdirected venom.

And I'm not alone, apparently.

In this article posted at Dave Armstrong's blog, Jan Tik describes his own experiences with the angry atheists he has encountered and writes:

The Atheist Obsession with Insulting Christians
by Jan Tik
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davearmstro...tians.html


As I have observed and commented upon in this forum, Tik also notes:


Happily, there are a few members of this forum who do not fall into this pattern, but they are all too few, IMO.

Actually what I have found on this forum is that atheists do not get angry because I call myself a Christian, they get angry when I call them something they aren't (and rightfully so).

I dunno, King... there's been plenty of times where people have been very angry/condescending with me when I've been nothing but respectful and simply answering their questions objectively.

I know that hasn't been your experience, and that's great. 

But I'm not going to pretend there isn't any anti religious people bigotry here amongst some people.

[robvalue]

Becca: Right. We don't get respect very often on here from Christians. I'm glad to say there have been numerous exceptions of late

If you talk to people like an arse hole (I'm not directing this at anyone in particular) and tell them what they believe rather than ask, you shouldn't be too surprised if you don't get niceties in return.

[CapnAwesome]

Personally I save most of my insults for Islam, Christians though bring it on themselves. They hide all their insults through dishonest passive aggressive bullshit, but any reliable survey, say about prejudice against various groups, shows that Christians are waaaaay more biased against Atheists than the other way around. Atheists are just honest.

[CapnAwesome]

Actually what I have found on this forum is that atheists do not get angry because I call myself a Christian, they get angry when I call them something they aren't (and rightfully so).

I dunno, King... there's been plenty of times where people have been very angry/condescending with me when I've been nothing but respectful and simply answering their questions objectively.

I know that hasn't been your experience, and that's great. 

But I'm not going to pretend there isn't any anti religious people bigotry here amongst some people.

To be fair, I think your politeness comes off as an act. Sort of like 'look at me, I'm such a nice person because of Jesus'

[Kingpin]

Actually what I have found on this forum is that atheists do not get angry because I call myself a Christian, they get angry when I call them something they aren't (and rightfully so).

I dunno, King... there's been plenty of times where people have been very angry/condescending with me when I've been nothing but respectful and simply answering their questions objectively.

I know that hasn't been your experience, and that's great. 

But I'm not going to pretend there isn't any anti religious people bigotry here amongst some people.

This is true and I have seen it first hand in respect to you.  I will not pretend that religious bigotry doesn't exist, only that I find the vast majority of atheists on here are not upset that I am a Christian, or fault me for my beliefs.  However, when we are discussing things that strike personal chords with people (IVF, abortion, etc), sometimes emotions get the better of us and what comes across as religious bigotry may well be irrational emotion.  You handle those situations very well and I've seen apologies from some in those discussions.  

Just saying that for the vast majority here, they have only gotten angry with me when my discussions incorrectly categorize them or what they believe, so I'm very careful in my postings.  I like to think before I speak.  

Tone is a difficult thing to measure in this form of asynchronous communication, so it is vital that our intentions are made clear and we respect those we are addressing, regardless if they respect us or our ideas.

[Catholic_Lady]

I dunno, King... there's been plenty of times where people have been very angry/condescending with me when I've been nothing but respectful and simply answering their questions objectively.

I know that hasn't been your experience, and that's great. 

But I'm not going to pretend there isn't any anti religious people bigotry here amongst some people.

This is true and I have seen it first hand in respect to you.  I will not pretend that religious bigotry doesn't exist, only that I find the vast majority of atheists on here are not upset that I am a Christian, or fault me for my beliefs.  However, when we are discussing things that strike personal chords with people (IVF, abortion, etc), sometimes emotions get the better of us and what comes across as religious bigotry may well be irrational emotion.  You handle those situations very well and I've seen apologies from some in those discussions.  

Just saying that for the vast majority here, they have only gotten angry with me when my discussions incorrectly categorize them or what they believe, so I'm very careful in my postings.  I like to think before I speak.  

Tone is a difficult thing to measure in this form of asynchronous communication, so it is vital that are intentions are made clear and we respect those we are addressing, irregardless if they respect us or our ideas.

Yes, I can agree with this. 

[Cyberman]

Tell me you didn't just say "irregardless", kingpin. Please.

[Kingpin]

I dunno, King... there's been plenty of times where people have been very angry/condescending with me when I've been nothing but respectful and simply answering their questions objectively.

I know that hasn't been your experience, and that's great. 

But I'm not going to pretend there isn't any anti religious people bigotry here amongst some people.

To be fair, I think your politeness comes off as an act. Sort of like 'look at me, I'm such a nice person because of Jesus'

I've heard this before.  This is where people see Christians as condescending or the whole "I'm better than you" stereotype.  Ever think that maybe she's she just happy and respectful?  I know perfectly well mannered polite atheists and I've never thought it was because they didn't believe in God.