313 replies to this topic

[Bling]

There are alot of different topics on this forum and throughout society, in which people cast their opinion on something 'unexplained'. I've seen people imply that ghosts, UFO's astral projection and cryptids don't exist, and those who believe in them are wrong or deluded. So when an atheist says to a religious person that they are wrong or deluded, why are they vilified? Why then are they told they are going to hell, deluded, evil, enemies of the faith, so readily by some believers? It seems that some topics are ok to mock but religion is a no no. I think that's unfair. I hate seeing people have their beliefs of UFO's, cryptids and the paranormal cast aside by many and pigeonholed as ridiculous, but yet it happens - not just on this forum but throughout society.
So why is it that when atheists stick up for their beliefs and talk about them, do they often get attacked by believers? Is it ok to mock someone who believes in UFO's but not someone who believes in god? And if so, why?

[Armchair Educated]

theres a polite way to show that you disagree, never see any christians say that your going to hell on this forum. i could copy and post loads of hate against christians but theres not as much hate towards atheists. pls prove me wrong and post all the anti atheist comments you can find.

[OverSword]

So when I explain in a calm logical and uninsulting fashion to alien visitation believers why they are probably not right about it, you miss the part where they get mad and insulting?

[Colonel Rhuairidh]

Bling, on 02 October 2012 - 07:17 PM, said:

So why is it that when atheists stick up for their beliefs and talk about them, do they often get attacked by believers? Is it ok to mock someone who believes in UFO's but not someone who believes in god? And if so, why?

Possibly one contributory factor might be that the more militant (i.e. Dawkinsian) Atheists always seem to want to perpetually point out how they're Rational and have overcome Old fashioned Superstition, and the feeling of intellectual superiority and smugness that this tends to put across. And also, of course, the way that Dawkinisian Atheists invariably seem to be on a crusade to convert the believers, you might say, which is always highly ironic since that's what they always accuse "religious" people of constantly doing. It is, of course, wrong for Religious people to do this, but it's entirely right and indeed, essential for Rational people (i.e. Atheists) to do it. This might be seen by some as hypocritical. If all that they wanted to do was stick up for their beliefs and talk about them, I'm sure no one would have any problem with that at all, but it always feels like you're being shouted at all the time.

[Hasina]

No more then anyone else.

[Bling]

Ever Learning, on 02 October 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

theres a polite way to show that you disagree, never see any christians say that your going to hell on this forum. i could copy and post loads of hate against christians but theres not as much hate towards atheists. pls prove me wrong and post all the anti atheist comments you can find.

I wasn't just talking just about this forum, I am talking about society in general. I really haven't the time to finds quotes to satisfy you, find them yourself. Some christians have preached on here, and in society in general they will critisise an atheist for not believing in something they hold firm. I did when I was a christian.

typo

Edited by Bling, 02 October 2012 - 08:43 PM.

[Bling]

OverSword, on 02 October 2012 - 07:26 PM, said:

So when I explain in a calm logical and uninsulting fashion to alien visitation believers why they are probably not right about it, you miss the part where they get mad and insulting?

Why do you feel the need to say they probably aren't right? Do you know for sure there has been no alien visitation?

[Bling]

Hasina, on 02 October 2012 - 07:34 PM, said:

No more then anyone else.

I agree somewhat. I think christians, or any other faith follower can be treated as a nutter who believes in fairytales - I know I was when I was a christian. They get a hard time too.

[Bling]

747400, on 02 October 2012 - 07:31 PM, said:

Possibly one contributory factor might be that the more militant (i.e. Dawkinsian) Atheists always seem to want to perpetually point out how they're Rational and have overcome Old fashioned Superstition, and the feeling of intellectual superiority and smugness that this tends to put across. And also, of course, the way that Dawkinisian Atheists invariably seem to be on a crusade to convert the believers, you might say, which is always highly ironic since that's what they always accuse "religious" people of constantly doing. It is, of course, wrong for Religious people to do this, but it's entirely right and indeed, essential for Rational people (i.e. Atheists) to do it. This might be seen by some as hypocritical. If all that they wanted to do was stick up for their beliefs and talk about them, I'm sure no one would have any problem with that at all, but it always feels like you're being shouted at all the time.

And what about the none militant atheists? All you've done here is turn my point around. Don't you think being told you are a sinner and going to hell feels just the same as being shouted at?

[Setton]

Possibly because of the supreme ignorance involved in saying someone is deluded. When it comes to gods, no-one knows either way for sure. I wouldn't try to convince you that gods exist and I don't expect you to tell me they don't. So when some atheists say they know there is no god, it is hypocrisy in the extreme. They will rant and rave at believers for saying they know gods exist without concrete evidence then claim to know gods don't exist with equally little to support their position.

As for why any religious position (including atheism) is more readily defended than UFO believers etc. I think it is purely down to numbers. There are more theists than believers in UFOs so people insulting them are more likely to come up against opposition.

[Bling]

Setton, on 02 October 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

Possibly because of the supreme ignorance involved in saying someone is deluded. When it comes to gods, no-one knows either way for sure. I wouldn't try to convince you that gods exist and I don't expect you to tell me they don't. So when some atheists say they know there is no god, it is hypocrisy in the extreme. They will rant and rave at believers for saying they know gods exist without concrete evidence then claim to know gods don't exist with equally little to support their position.

As for why any religious position (including atheism) is more readily defended than UFO believers etc. I think it is purely down to numbers. There are more theists than believers in UFOs so people insulting them are more likely to come up against opposition.

Good points. So some atheists attack believers and some believers attack atheists and we're all equally as bad as each other for doing it?

[Setton]

Bling, on 02 October 2012 - 09:34 PM, said:

Good points. So some atheists attack believers and some believers attack atheists and we're all equally as bad as each other for doing it?

Pretty much Basically, in groups, people tend to be rather stupid.

[HavocWing]

Ever Learning, on 02 October 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

never see any christians say that your going to hell on this forum.

I see it all the time, and no I am not going post every post.

[HavocWing]

Bling, on 02 October 2012 - 08:11 PM, said:

And what about the none militant atheists? All you've done here is turn my point around. Don't you think being told you are a sinner and going to hell feels just the same as being shouted at?

Some do it with so much pomp you want to reach through the internet and slap em.

[Setton]

HavocWing, on 02 October 2012 - 11:06 PM, said:

I see it all the time, and no I am not going post every post.

So how about just 3? Surely you can find that many if you see it all the time

HavocWing, on 02 October 2012 - 11:08 PM, said:

Some do it with so much pomp you want to reach through the internet and slap em.

Good to know it works both ways.