Superiority: Atheists trumping Christians

[Guest]

The non-theist group on Kiva.org links to a blog called Atheist Monkey. I noticed the most recent entry provides a graph comparing "atheist" lending with Christian lending on the website. (I place atheist in quotes because not all non-theists are atheists.) I have noticed atheists often spend time comparing themselves to Christians (e.g., morality, intelligence, etc.). This raises a curious question.

Why do (some) atheists feel the need to establish themselves as superior to Christians?

 

[Kyle]

Why do (some) atheists feel the need to establish themselves as superior to Christians?

I think it's rather simple. Athiests observe the joy and fulfillment that Christians have with God. Thus, they have to find another way, outside of religion, to put down Christians. They feel they can do this by proving that they are more intelligent, tolerant, kinder,..etc.

 

[wavy]

Why do (some) atheists feel the need to establish themselves as superior to Christians?

I think it's rather simple. Athiests observe the joy and fulfillment that Christians have with God. Thus, they have to find another way, outside of religion, to put down Christians. They feel they can do this by proving that they are more intelligent, tolerant, kinder,..etc.

This is the most cynical, utterly nonsensical remark I've read about atheists in a good while. You would not like it if I said this baseless generalization of atheists was a tacit concession that Christians observe how smart atheists are, making themselves feel stupid and therefore elicits Christians to insult them in other ways, e.g., saying atheists are envious of Christian joy, would you?

No you wouldn't, because some such invidious comment as that would have no basis in reality.

There is no atheistic agenda to portray themselves as 'superior' to Christians, and definitely not because atheists are jealous of Christian 'joy and fulfillment'.


Thanks,
Eric

 

[Kyle]

Why do (some) atheists feel the need to establish themselves as superior to Christians?

I think it's rather simple. Athiests observe the joy and fulfillment that Christians have with God. Thus, they have to find another way, outside of religion, to put down Christians. They feel they can do this by proving that they are more intelligent, tolerant, kinder,..etc.

This is the most cynical, utterly nonsensical remark I've read about atheists in a good while. You would not like it if I said this baseless generalization of atheists was a tacit concession that Christians observe how smart atheists are, making themselves feel stupid and therefore elicits Christians to insult them in other ways, e.g., saying atheists are envious of Christian joy, would you?

No you wouldn't, because some such invidious comment as that would have no basis in reality.

There is no atheistic agenda to portray themselves as 'superior' to Christians.


Thanks,
Eric

I know it sounds like a personal attack and really didn't mean it that way. Minnesota asked why some atheists try to establish themselves as superior to Christians. I should have also included in my remark the fact that there are many atheists who are good people. My remark was aimed at those who try to put down Christians for their beliefs, by portraying themselves as more enlightened, more caring,..etc.

 

[Lance_Iguana]

I've noticed that the Majority of Atheist that attack Christianity tend to have had bad relationships with the church in general or are teenagers that want to seem rebellious. I've met and talked with Atheists that don't fit either of the two generalizations I mentioned, but it seem the most common are the generalizations.


I think its more of a response to Conservative Fundamental Christianity in politics rather then a full out attack. I have a friend who left the church and became Atheist because no one wanted to get to know him, they just believed the rumors about him. Most of the rumors where untrue or stretched out of context and used to make his life miserable. I still talk to the guy, and remind him that the faith isn't what drove him away, its the people. I do understand his position, even if I don't agree with it.

 

[turnorburn]

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

 

[Lance_Iguana]

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

How dose this relate to atheists? Considering Mathew Chapter 7 was about avoiding hypocrisy and not judging others and seeking the light of God. In context its more of a warning to avoid giving hypocrites an edge rather then non believers.

Though I could be wrong and am willing to listen to others interpretation of chapter 7.

 

[turnorburn]

Its a learned thing, meaning you'll learn the way I did, study Gods word. :yes

 

[Lance_Iguana]

Its a learned thing, meaning you'll learn the way I did, study Gods word. :yes

I have studied God's word, I even have the bible open to the chapter we are discussing. I'm asking why you used that particular quote, for when I read that chapter in its entirety it doesn't seem to have any link to what is being talked about.

 

[turnorburn]

Its like I said, Its a learned thing, meaning you'll learn the way I did, study Gods word. :yes

 

[JoJo]

I think many atheists think Christians are simply foolish.

1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

 

[scootover7]

I have left many churches due to people's self righteous attitude and not wanting to get to know me because I haven' t gone to church as long as them. I almost at one time wanted to become an atheist but then I remember what life was like before I found God it was awful. I feel bad not going to church but then i feel rotten because I can't get along with people. I live my life by the scripture bad company corrupts good character. I try to avoid negative and self righteous people. Where are churches where you find people who are honest about there inperfections and aren't in love with there own self righteous or act so negative.

 

[handy]

Matthew 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

How dose this relate to atheists? Considering Mathew Chapter 7 was about avoiding hypocrisy and not judging others and seeking the light of God. In context its more of a warning to avoid giving hypocrites an edge rather then non believers.

Though I could be wrong and am willing to listen to others interpretation of chapter 7.

My take on 7:6 is that the "dogs" and "swine" doesn't refer to specifically atheists or even hypocritical believers, but rather to those who are just going to use what you give them against you, or to twist it to suit their own purposes or to use it to ridicule. Yes, atheists do this, but hey, look around this forum and you'll see that atheists aren't the only ones who trample all over a truth shared, if it doesn't line up with some preconceptions.

If someone's heart is open to hear truth, even if they don't necessarily agree with one, then I don't classify them as the "dogs" or "swine" referred to in the text.

Here is an example. This is copy/pasted from an atheist discussion forum:

The question is, "Why are we Atheists?" and the OP is this:
What is the reason so many of us are atheists? Is it the lack of evidence? Or some other reason?
I haven't talked to other atheists before and was wondering what your reasons are.

NOTE: the OP was written in 18 pt. bold font. There were a number of folks who answered this question in various ways, some with reasons, some with humor but a lot with sarcasm and reviling.

Here is one answer:
You think we're stupid? If you were an atheist, you wouldn't be asking such a vague question regarding why people in general are atheists. You would already know the answer to that question. You're obviously a troll and think you're so clever coming up with this espionage scheme to gain insight into why we've chosen to forsake our lord and savior, so you can better prepare the pamphlets you will be handing out at the next rock concert. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were bearing false witness....hypocrite

Let me help you out.

1) Get a new screen name
2) Choose 12pt font
3) Introduce yourself as a Christian who wants to have reasoned discussion
4) Present us with some creationist claim, a Bible verse, or an attack on atheism and let us refute it point by point
5) Go **** yourself

OK, I would classify this guy as one of those "dogs" and "swine" that Jesus warned about. There is no chance of reasoned and intelligent discourse with someone like this, whatever you say, he is just going to twist it around to ridicule and revile.

I just use this as an example. Believe me, there have been plenty of conversations around here with supposedly Christian people who respond just as badly to questions. I don't bother with them, except to report them.

And yes, I do think that many Atheists believe that Christians are ignorant fools. Go on any atheist discussion forum and listen to their replies to Christians or about Christianity and you will see, whether they are the type to have reasoned discourse or are simply coarse, they do tend to believe that any belief in God is foolishness, just as Paul stated and JoJo pointed out.

Just don't kid yourself into thinking that Christians can't or don't show the same kind of superior pride.

 

[kenmaynard]

Most atheists I have met seem angry. They like to debate Christians to make themselves feel better. I am pretty much what most would consider agnostic. Meaning I don't have a clue. I went to an atheist meeting in college once. I just had to see what the point was. As it seemed obserd to have a group based around not believing in something. So I asked why have a group around not believing in God, and not one about not believing in Santa Clause? Mostly just angry responses from angry people. Given the vastness of the universe I highly doubt we are the most advanced living things, but I have no idea if I'm right or not.

 

[Tina]

^
1) Ex-Christians who turn Atheists did not get to experience God is tangible ways, hence they end up feeling disillusioned and dejected. Some even eventually begin to hate God.

2) Atheists who have never embraced any religion before think that Christians and other religious people are losers for having to depend on a God for everything.

3) One good friend of mine who's an Atheist has everything going well for her in her life and thinks that she needs no God or religion to help her in anything. She's enjoying great health and wealth.

4) Other Atheists scorn Christians because they think Christians are fake, hypocrites or even fanatics who are only out to convert them and other people. They hate the religious dos and don'ts. They are simply afraid of missing out on "hedonism" they get to enjoy as Atheists .

 

[turnorburn]

You say it right Dora when you say.

OK, I would classify this guy as one of those "dogs" and "swine" that Jesus warned about. There is no chance of reasoned and intelligent discourse with someone like this, whatever you say, he is just going to twist it around to ridicule and revile.

turnorburn

 

[turnorburn]

I like the way Spurgeon puts it.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
This Evening's Meditation
C. H. Spurgeon

"Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for Thou art my strength."â€â€Psalm 31:4.

OUR spiritual foes are of the serpent's brood, a and seek to ensnare us by subtlety. The prayer before us supposes the possibility of the believer being caught like a bird. So deftly does the fowler do his work, that simple ones are soon surrounded by the net. The text asks that even out of Satan's meshes the captive one may be delivered; this is a proper petition, and one which can be granted: from between the jaws of the lion, and out of the belly of hell, can eternal love rescue the saint. It may need a sharp pull to save a soul from the net of temptations, and a mighty pull to extricate a man from the snares of malicious cunning, but the Lord is equal to every emergency, and the most skilfully placed nets of the hunter shall never be able to hold His chosen ones. Woe unto those who are so clever at net laying; they who tempt others shall be destroyed themselves.
"For Thou art my strength." What an inexpressible sweetness is to be found in these few words! How joyfully may we encounter toils, and how cheerfully may we endure sufferings, when we can lay hold upon celestial strength. Divine power will rend asunder all the toils of our enemies, confound their politics, and frustrate their knavish tricks; he is a happy man who has such matchless might engaged upon his side. Our own strength would be of little service when embarrassed in the nets of base cunning, but the Lord's strength is ever available; we have but to invoke it, and we shall find it near at hand. If by faith we are depending alone upon the strength of the mighty God of Israel, we may use our holy reliance as a plea in supplication.
"Lord, evermore Thy face we seek: Tempted we are, and poor, and weak; Keep us with lowly hearts, and meek. Let us not fall. Let us not fall."

 

[Kilomech]

I think that the problem is that you are speaking to a lot of Atheists online. When a person is online they feel a sense on anonymity that just cannot be obtained elsewhere. The vast majority of Christians I have met in real life are actually very nice, well mannered people. They never tell me or other Christians that what we believe is false or stupid, only that they just simply don't believe what we believe. But then again, I respect other peoples beliefs (or lack there of) and don't feel the need to question them further on why they would believe (or not believe) so no argument ensues.

However, I have seen more than one Atheist on other forums speak ill of Christianity or other religions in general. Some are just plain rude but others, I feel, just don't seem to understand why we would choose faith over tangible proof. And I can't blame them, really, it can be a difficult thing to grasp.

 

[JoJo]

You're right, Kilomech. Online anonymity seems to be a sort of "safety mask" giving people the freedom to speak their minds. But that's just it. Atheists (and everyone else) are speaking their minds. What we type, whether more boldly than we would speak person-to-person, is often from the heart.

 

[LostSoul]

Honestly feel the road goes both ways....see both Atheists trumping Christians...and unfortunately a number of Christians doing likewise to Atheists. No one is perfect.....there is no denying that...but sometimes I feel we forget our true calling.