Why Are Atheists Viewed So Negatively?

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SisyphusFragment

Guest
#1
#1
A few years ago, there was a survey done* that came to the conclusion that atheists were the least trusted minority in America, you can read into this that we are also flat out disliked. I'm attempting to conduct a nonscientific poll to help me understand the major reasons why this is. I've been attempting to get useful replies from general religious forums but their members seem to be more interested in bickering with each other rather than answer some of my questions. Any posts I submit turn into back and forth hate-o-thons.

For those of you who dislike or are of a less than positive opinion of atheists I would like to hear your opinions on the matter. Why do people have such a problem with atheists as an entire group?

For those of you who have no qualms with atheists there is no need for you to respond to defend yourselves, I only need the opinions of people offering criticism. I merely want to better understand why atheists are so negatively viewed. I'm not looking for any fights or anything like that, I'm here to seek genuine opinions and that is all. Thanks ahead of time for any replies.

*http://www.mndaily.com/2009/02/22/su...owest-atheists
 
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carpetmanswife

Guest
#2
#2
people probably feel whether justly or unjustly i cannot say, that an athiest must have a lack of morals....havin no god would justify no or low morals..*my opinion*
 
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nanabean

Guest
#3
#3
First, I'd just have to say I think that atheists may be veiwed negatively because we christians may be worried about their salvation...... "whosoever beleiveth in me"; also I agree with CMW and her idea too. But can I ask a question?? How would a person, like me, for example....know who is an atheist, or a christian for that matter, if not told so? I mean, I wouldn't know if the person standing in line before or back of me in the grocery line was a christian or an atheist just by standing there with them, so why would I look askance at them or not?? I mean there would be no negative feelings there...... it's only when an opinion is stated in a way that makes another person feel that their own ideas, beliefs, and moral standards are being challenged or looked askance at, that we become defensive or feel negatively about the other person (and/or their "group"). I do "witness" when I am asked about my beleifs, but this is why I would rather witness by way of my actions, instead of quoting scripture, or spouting sermons...... Just love each other as you would like to be loved by others.....be kind and try to take dissappointments and set backs and make the best of them, and then when the good times come......ENJOY!!!
 
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icilian

Guest
#4
#4
I think that people generally view faith as a character reference of sorts - and those with faith as lacking that. Which is unfortunate, as, in my experience, christians and atheists have equal potential to act in a responsible, friendly, trustworthy and honest manner.

It is equally unfortunate that there are more than a few people who say they are faith, and are thus granted this automatic 'character reference', act in a way that suggests they are no more inherently trustworthy, responsible, friendly or honest than their atheist counter-parts. I have seen enough bad behavior from people presenting themselves as christians to feel a little resentful that people may think less of my character for my atheism - even though the content and quality of it may be more deserving than some of those that get the 'kudos' of faith.
 
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icilian

Guest
#5
#5
For instance, whatever qualities I may have, if I don't have faith - what's the chance of me making office were I an american? Would it be fair to have my chances knocked when I may well be better suited and more trustworthy than someone saying they're christian?


I sincerely hope I've offended no one - and I'd like to know if that ramble made an ounce of sense. ;)

(Sorry for the DP - my internet is messed up, so I have to post long posts this way)
 
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icilian

Guest
#6
#6
carpetmanswife said:
people probably feel whether justly or unjustly i cannot say, that an athiest must have a lack of morals....havin no god would justify no or low morals..*my opinion*
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;) Hehe, I'd say unjustly. Many atheists are compassionate towards other people, which leads to kind treatment and honest decency. I know plenty of these, something probably easier for me to experience as I live in nation with more atheists than america has.

That's not to say that atheists will see, by and large, and reason to go by biblical morals without other reason to, but that doesn't mean that they don't have the ground-work for decency there (if that makes sense) - that being a wish to do and be good.

I think that that is largely a societal thing.
 
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Zerubbabel

Guest
#7
#7
From "The fool says in his heart", there is no God. Atheists do not only deny the existence of God in their hearts but in their confessions to other men.and because most people cannot comprehend how men can say there is no God, their immediate response is contempt for the person which is wrong.
the thign is we see them as so far away from the cross. because they have the
 
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icilian

Guest
#8
#8
I know this is somewhat besides the point, but many atheists don't say that there is no god. Many, like myself, say: "I don't hold a belief in a God", or "I don't believe in God" - That is very different from saying that a God doesn't exist.
 
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Zerubbabel

Guest
#9
#9
Fromthe bible we are told that "The fool says in his heart, there is no God". Atheists do not only deny the existence of God in their hearts but in their confessions to other men.and because most people cannot comprehend how men can say there is no God, their immediate response is contempt for the person which is wrong. the bible tells us to love our neighbour and hate sin. but the hatred such a standpoint can easily lead to contempt for the person. this is why atheist are treated in that light.

Zerubbabel

 
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Grimaldus

Banned
#10
Mar 26, 2009
249
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#10
icilian said:
I know this is somewhat besides the point, but many atheists don't say that there is no god. Many, like myself, say: "I don't hold a belief in a God", or "I don't believe in God" - That is very different from saying that a God doesn't exist.
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Agnosticism is the correct term, I think
 
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valbernados

Guest
#11
#11
As I have joined the Atheistic forum in their site "whywontgodhealamputees.com" I have learned that most of atheists are former theists who may have not really received the Holy Spirit from their Christian infancy.

As I learnded their attitudes towards Christians, they view us as gullible, innocent and even bad people. They blame us for the war in the world and blame us for the fear that we create in people by scaring them into hell.

Maybe some of us view them negatively because of their first response to us.
 
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Grimaldus

Banned
#12
Mar 26, 2009
249
0
0
#12
valbernados said:
As I have joined the Atheistic forum in their site "whywontgodhealamputees.com" I have learned that most of atheists are former theists who may have not really received the Holy Spirit from their Christian infancy.

As I learnded their attitudes towards Christians, they view us as gullible, innocent and even bad people. They blame us for the war in the world and blame us for the fear that we create in people by scaring them into hell.

Maybe some of us view them negatively because of their first response to us.
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"Whywontgodhealamputees.com" doesn't exactly sound like the correct place to find the opinion of intelegant athiests...
 
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southgal

Guest
#13
#13
I DO NOT DISLIKE OR DISTRUST ATHEISTS, BUT I HAVE HAD ATHEIST WHO HAVE INSULTED ME JUST BECAUSE OF MY BELIEFS, AND HAVE TRIED TO START ARGUEMENTS WITH CERTAIN CHRISTIAN FAMILY MEMBERS JUST BECAUSE OF THEIR BELIEFS. THOSE ENCOUNTERS HAVE MADE ME MORE CAUTIOUS AROUND THOSE WHO ARE ATHEISTS BECAUSE I DON'T ENJOY CONFRONTATIONS. BUT IF PUSH COMES TO SHOVE I WILL STAND UP FOR WHAT I BELEIVE IN.
 
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1still_waters

Guest
#14
#14
I don't know if some label someone puts over their heads, really indicates if they are trustworthy.

We've all read stories of 'Christians' who have violated trusts.

Maybe the real lesson is to avoid looking at outward labels and instead look at the person.
 
Shawn1313

Shawn1313

Banned
#15
Jul 3, 2009
69
0
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#15
* I personally have no issue with atheists.

But my hunch is people have a problem with them because they have a different belief, or lack of belief. Some people are upset by others who do not think exactly like them.
 
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Humanista

Guest
#16
#16
Isn't it clear that the vast majority of people believe in God and these are the very people who are lying, cheating, stealing, etc. ? Every person you can point to with low morals, whether in your own acquaintences or those in the news..probably 99.99% of these people believe in God. Now, how many of you actually know an atheist? You say they must not have morals without God yet look at all the believers who are acting immorally!!
I am an atheist. I behave morally. What is interesting to me is that my god-believing husband cheated on me with two very religious god-believing women. I have never cheated on him. Who is more moral in this situation, atheist or Christian?
 
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lovewithinbeauty

Guest
#17
#17
Hmmm well I think atheists are most likely negatively viewed, because the majority of the poulation is religious in some type of way. I also think that many people believe that atheists don't have morals because they don't have some type of definitive right and wrong to base their actions off of. Not saying that some atheists share the same morals and beliefs as christians, but what do these people base their beliefs and morals off of? I'm not that educated about atheists and tend not to associate with them, because I don't really like dealing with very closed minded individuals who don't seek the truth, but instead try to justify their negative actions. I'm one to always listen to people to better understand their view points and become a more well rounded educated individual, but if someone keeps trying to tell me why their beliefs are right and mine are wrong without listening to me, i might as well be talking to a wall. Sorry if I offended anyone in advance, but that's just my take on atheists.
 
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Slepsog4

Guest
#18
#18
Just because a person claims to be a Christian does not necessarily mean it is true.

Consider Titus 1:16

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
 
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Adrianv125

Senior Member
#19
Jan 17, 2011
567
12
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#19
Humanista, of those who claim to be Christian (which is quite a big percentage of people here in the U.S.) only a percentage of those are true followers of Christ. In your life journey of trying to keep yourself living morally without God you will find it impossible to keep your life morally flawless especially in your thoughts and feelings. If you hate someone you commit murder in your mind, look at someone with lust you lay with them in your mind, lying is distorting the truth which is immoral according to federal law, bursts of anger/wrath is immoral because you commit murder in your mind. A true follower of Christ doesn't have to make an effort to live morally because the Holy Spirit in us changes us from the inside out and keeps us that way. In the other hand, atheists and other religions have to make an effort of themselves to keep a moral life. Now ask yourself, what is the reason of why you want to live a moral life that can only be seen externally when you know you fail on the inside? That is true hypocrisy. All of us, even true Christians make mistakes. The difference is that when we repent we have a God that forgives us and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.
 
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Humanista

Guest
#20
#20
lovewithinbeauty said:
Hmmm well I think atheists are most likely negatively viewed, because the majority of the poulation is religious in some type of way.

That sounds rather intolerant and biased. Do you have any real life examples of how atheistd are "bad"?


I also think that many people believe that atheists don't have morals because they don't have some type of definitive right and wrong to base their actions off of.

Not true. Atheists DO have a definitive sense of right and wrong, It's just not based on religion.


Not saying that some atheists share the same morals and beliefs as christians, but what do these people base their beliefs and morals off of?

Common sense, love of their fellow man, compassion, reason. Are you honestly saying that you would not feel it was wrong to hurt other people if the Bible didn't tell you so?


I'm not that educated about atheists and tend not to associate with them, because I don't really like dealing with very closed minded individuals who don't seek the truth, but instead try to justify their negative actions.

What negative actions would that be? And how can you say atheists are closed minded and don't seek truth if you don't know any? I would suggest thaty atheists DO seek the truth, it's just that their truth is not the same as yours. As an atheist, I could just as easily say YOU ae close minded because you refuse to consider any other wowrld view except your own.


I'm one to always listen to people to better understand their view points and become a more well rounded educated individual, but if someone keeps trying to tell me why their beliefs are right and mine are wrong without listening to me, i might as well be talking to a wall. Sorry if I offended anyone in advance, but that's just my take on atheists.
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You know, I find the exact same thing with theists. They keep trying to tell me why their beliefs are right and mine are wrong without listening to me. The ideal is to listen respectfully and admit that others have found a different truth that is just as valid for them.
 
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