It seems to me that many of the atheists on here are just here because they hate Christianity.

[Reggie Miller]

Am I wrong? Can any of you atheists say anything good about Christianity at all?

 

[Kirran]

If any atheists responding could compliment my religion too, that'd be cool.

 

[Altfish]

You have some nice buildings.
My great auntie loved to go to church and meet her friends there.

 

[Reggie Miller]

You have some nice buildings.
My great auntie loved to go to church and meet her friends there.

You didn't answer my first question. Please do.

 

[Quintessence]

I haven't gotten that impression in my years here. I routinely see a bunch of shallow and inaccurate characterizations of various religious (and irreligious) topics, but I'd say that happens across the board. Part of the point of these forums is to have dialogues about these things to expand our knowledge. One of my missions is to help people recognize how much theological and religious diversity there really is out there.

 

[Satans_Serrated_Edge]

Am I wrong? Can any of you atheists say anything good about Christianity at all?

Yes you are, I don't hate Christianity. I just find it wholely unconvincing.

And

Sure. The Bible, when viewed objectively, provides glimpses into thought, language and culture of antiquity. It also serves as an article of evidence regarding the evolution and symbiosis of mythology manifesting in the Jesus character, which would be far less accessible and available if not for its preservation by the various Christian institutions.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Am I wrong? Can any of you atheists say anything good about Christianity at all?

Yes, you are wrong.
Some atheists DON"T CARE one way or the other about Christianity, except perhaps as it might impact them personally...
Some atheists DON"T CARE about Christianity (or any other religion) at all.
There ARE some who actively dislike Christianity, and/or other religions; 'hate' might be the appropriate term for those.
There are quite a few others who do appreciate some aspects of some religions, but dislike other aspects; calling it "hate" is probably too strong a word.
There are probably a variety of other approaches that could be listed, but this is what I've noticed in my time here.

What you're probably noticing is that some particularly energetic objectors to Christianity are atheists, but really, would you expect people without much negative feeling or with indifference to spend a lot of their time posting about Christianity?

Take me as an example: I used to be Christian, but I've become an agnostic. I dislike and disbelieve many things about Christianity, but I don't need to convince anyone else about it, so for the most part I don't post in threads about Christianity any more. I don't hate it, I'm INDIFFERENT...unless someone is trying to force Christianity on me...

But there are some things I do like: the fellowship of a congregation, gospel music, a few traditional hymns, some modern christian music, a lot of artwork sponsored by or inspired by Christian religion.

 

[Reggie Miller]

Yes, you are wrong.
Some atheists DON"T CARE one way or the other about Christianity, except perhaps as it might impact them personally...
Some atheists DON"T CARE about Christianity (or any other religion) at all.
There ARE some who actively dislike Christianity, and/or other religions; 'hate' might be the appropriate term for those.
There are quite a few others who do appreciate some aspects of some religions, but dislike other aspects; calling it "hate" is probably too strong a word.
There are probably a variety of other approaches that could be listed, but this is what I've noticed in my time here.

What you're probably noticing is that some particularly energetic objectors to Christianity are atheists, but really, would you expect people without much negative feeling or with indifference to spend a lot of their time posting about Christianity?

Take me as an example: I used to be Christian, but I've become an agnostic. I dislike and disbelieve many things about Christianity, but I don't need to convince anyone else about it, so for the most part I don't post in threads about Christianity any more. I don't hate it, I'm INDIFFERENT...unless someone is trying to force Christianity on me...

But there are some things I do like: the fellowship of a congregation, gospel music, a few traditional hymns, some modern christian music, a lot of artwork sponsored by or inspired by Christian religion.

I'm not trying to be rude but if you are not an atheist then the OP was not addressed to you.

 

[Reggie Miller]

Yes you are, I don't hate Christianity. I just find it wholely unconvincing.

And

Sure. The Bible, when viewed objectively, provides glimpses into thought, language and culture of antiquity. It also serves as an article of evidence regarding the evolution and symbiosis of mythology manifesting in the Jesus character, which would be far less accessible and available if not for its preservation by the various Christian institutions.

Forgive me, but I find it hard to accept the opinion of an atheist who is called "Satans..." as objective.

 

[Onyx]

I'm not trying to be rude but if you are not an atheist then the OP was not addressed to you.

I think General Religious Debates is open to everyone, maybe a moderator can move the thread to a more appropriate place if you only want atheists to respond.

Forgive me, but I find it hard to accept the opinion of an atheist who is called "Satans..." as objective.

Many Satanists (if not most) are infact atheists. The term Satan is used symbolically.

 

[Altfish]

You didn't answer my first question. Please do.

No, I don't hate Christianity.
I do however dislike its unfair influence on government.

 

[Laika]

Am I wrong? Can any of you atheists say anything good about Christianity at all?

I'm going with "no, your not wrong" but I can only speak for myself.

Christians on the forum are consistently kind, understanding and willing to put up with alot of "general ignorance" of their beliefs. Generally speaking the way Christianity is debated here is that it is assumed to be fundamentalist and to take literal readings of the bible. That is not representative of christianity or christians as a whole and I am aware there is a rich tradition of natural theology and christian apologetics that I would gladly see more of (notably works by Thomas Aquinas) even if I am not intimately familiar with them.

Christianity is the worlds largest religion and has had a huge impact on the world as it has travelled from the middle east, to europe and beyond, evolving in to a vast constellation of denominations along the way. As such, a large part of the human story is told by references to Christ, the bible and its many interpretations. There is no ignoring its impact or influence and most atheists on here will have had some experience of "cultural christianity", even if that means just celebrating Christmas or singing carols as a kid or being part of the school nativity play. Its hard not to appreciate art, such as stained glass windows and architecture in churches and cathedrals, or some of the beautiful caligraphy in medieval bibles.

All religions and belief systems, including Christianity, reflect their adherents, and the human capacity for good and evil. If Christianity gets a disproportionate amount of attention, its mainly because its the religion most atheists on the forums are familiar with in some way and learned many of religions evils. I think Christianity does get alot of attention for being major world religion on the forums compared to say Taoism, Confucianism or Pagan beliefs because they are less familiar.

I wish I could say many of the criticism were better informed with a wider understanding of its theology and history and showed greater respect for the complexity and diversity of beliefs even in one religion like Christianity. but most atheists here are so based on putting individual aspects of a religion under the microscope than trying to get a bigger picture. I don't imagine that is particuarly helpful for Christians on the forum given how personal this sort of "deconstruction" of beliefs can feel.

 

[Reggie Miller]

I think General Religious Debates is open to everyone, maybe a moderator can move the thread to a more appropriate place if you only want atheists to respond.


Many Satanists (if not most) are infact atheists. The term Satan is used symbolically.

I'm not objecting to the posting I was just making sure the poster understood that the thread OP was not addressed to agnostics.

Thanks for your opinion.

 

[Reggie Miller]

The term Satan is used symbolically.

Why is that? It does make me wonder and implies that your reasoning is incorrect.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Am I wrong? Can any of you atheists say anything good about Christianity at all?

You're wrong. I don't hate Christianity, and several of my closest friends are Christian.
As for saying anything good about it...that's a little tougher, in terms of a simplistic answer. But I would say that within the umbrella term 'Christianity' there are certainly people with beliefs I can respect. How's that?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Why is that? It does make me wonder and implies that your reasoning is incorrect.

'Incorrect'?

One of the nice things about this forum is the diversity, and ability to learn about different groups. One of the reasons I originally came here was to learn a little more about modern Deism, actually.
Why not just ask atheists, and more specifically atheistic Satanists, about their beliefs?

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I wish I could say many of the criticism were better informed with a wider understanding of its theology and history and showed greater respect for the complexity and diversity of beliefs even in one religion like Christianity. but most atheists here are so based on putting individual aspects of a religion under the microscope than trying to get a bigger picture. I don't imagine that is particuarly helpful for Christians on the forum given how personal this sort of "deconstruction" of beliefs can feel.

I'm not convinced it's 'most atheists here' at all.
But perhaps I'm personally biased.

 

[Smart_Guy]

Maybe, maybe not. If it is the case, then I guess it is just by chance.

Atheists have beautiful ladies too, but I guess this is irrelevant..

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Am I wrong? Can any of you atheists say anything good about Christianity at all?

Yes. You are dead wrong, to be blunt. Atheist is an individual who does not believe deity(ies) exist. Everything else is personal definitions, prior experiences, and/or other things that is not atheism in and of itself.

All religious that follow religions that do not believe any deities exist are atheist. Many of which never even heard of Christianity (I know this first hand).

I am an atheist because I do know no deity(ies) exist. I wasn't raised religious at all; and, I wasn't raised atheist. At the time, my wanted to have the perfect family and took us children to church. She never came, so I was the only one that kept going. I wanted to be a nun and just study the Bible.

I left Christianity because of medical reasons. I had brain surgery and clinical depression and dropped my interests. I met a Roman Catholic friend and had been going with her and supporting her in her faith for almost 20 years.

Then I made the jump and became Catholic four years ago as an adult. I was never indoctrinated. What I love about Catholicism/Christianity is it is a highly devotional faith. You have people come in and support you the whole way through your repentance, your relationship with Christ, your involvement in the Church, and helping others. I went to a Catholic retreat one time and we had Mass every morning. The priest was available to talk every day. It was real nice.

When I was confirmed (said, Jesus I want you to be my lord and savior through the Eucharist/communion) every person in the Church stood up and clapped. I got I don't know how many rosaries. When I moved the Church helped me with food, furniture, and even helped me pay my rent.

I cannot say anything bad about the "Body of Christ" because the Body is what the whole Bible is about. The traditions of the Church and sacraments that are in all denominations support being part of that body. Is is a beautiful experience and I wouldn't trade that in for the world.

I didn't become an atheist. I have always been an atheist. I believe in the spirits, my ancestors, and the spirits of our environment: history, land, and humanity. Being a nun (as I mentioned earlier) and studying the Bible is very different than having a full relationship with Christ and knowing that god/deity is real and exists. It is different than taking the sacraments in the spirit of Christ and you dying in Christ instead of Christ dying for you.

I did not know this until I was further into my devotions and that is why I left Christianity. It wasn't because I hate Christianity. It was because I respect Christianity too much to be half-hearted in faith because I know god does not exist and I know jesus is not god. It didn't hit me until later on. I wish I went with the priest's advice to wait before I joined the Church; and, I didn't.

What makes Christianity (the history that makes it up) so horrible is because the Catholic Church (the authoritative/political part not the body of Christ) have killed people in the name of god. Protestants have done the same. The OT is riddled with killings and the Church are the people who put the Bible together and deemed what was inspired and what was not.

I do not believe in killing for whatever reason sacrifice, war, murder, or killing. I do not agree with it. It isn't part of my morals. If we didn't need to kill for food, I'd support living a life without killing animals as well.

So, atheists do not hate Christianity. Some of us know Christianity and have experienced a relationship with Christ.

Just a lot of people hate the indoctrination. A lot of people hate the inequality of not letting people marry in their own Church. A lot of people dislike the way Christians colonoized other religions to where we are practically non existent in our native faiths but many adopted Christiantiy for survival reasons. Many people hate Christianty because of what people do in the name of the religion not the religion itself. Many people hate Christianity because they feel the body of Christ represents Christiantiy (which they do) and when the body of Christ puts down people who are not christian, such as atheist, yes, they harbor sour feelings about it.

A lot of atheist haven't even heard of Christainity and/or never experienced belief in Christ and god personally. So they cannot hate what they know does not exist.

What you say is a huge inappropriate generalization. I don't know if it's based only online conversations or you live in an environment highly anti-christian. Not every part of the world is like that. Many religions accept other religions more than Christianity and Muslim does theirs. It's all politics. Nothing personal.

 

[McBell]

I'm not trying to be rude but if you are not an atheist then the OP was not addressed to you.

Interesting how you would so readily, and easily, dismiss a post that does not meet your preconceived notion of the world.
Certainly brings your sincerity into question.

Yes, there are many atheists, for various reasons, who hate Christianity.
There are many atheists who do not limit their hate to just Christianity.
There are many theists who hate beliefs that differ from theirs.