Why do some atheists have to be so insulting and mean?

[Trailblazer]

So you’re talking about one individual you only know from their on-line presence yet you generalised their actions to attack atheist in general? I’ve also seen another reply on this thread where you threw out the old canard that atheists have no morals which I would call wrong, mean and arrogant. Cast out the beam from your own eye maybe?

No, as I said in more than one post on this thread, I do not generalize from one atheist to all atheists, not anymore than I generalize from one believer to all believers...

All humans are individuals. I was just upset when I posted that and did not know if I wanted to point out that it was just one atheist I was hurt by.

To be clear, atheists can be as moral as believers. The only difference is atheists have no God to answer to so "some" atheists are immoral. However, some believers are also immoral even though they know there is a God to answer to.... It is a mixed bag.

 

[Trailblazer]

I won't be surprised he will get. Once I was a little "not nice", I could have said it nicer to the one being not nice to me. Then I thought "oke, I am curious when I get this karma back". Within 20min "I got my big surprise" [of course I was very happy this happened, kind of proved to me that there is some justice in this crazy world; this happened twice to me]. So I believe now that everyone gets one day what they created to others [though, sometimes I wish they get it as fast as I got it that day]

My feelings exactly... I sure hope it works that way and I would like to see it happen sooner than later.

Sometimes I will think, well maybe he just did not know what he was doing or he did not mean to do it, but if that is so then he should have apologized by now for accusing me falsely and lying about me to everyone on his forum after locking me out from replying... When am I going to stop cutting people so much slack?

 

[HonestJoe]

No, as I said in more than one post on this thread, I do not generalize from one atheist to all atheists, not anymore than I generalize from one believer to all believers...

That may not have been your intention but it’s how your post came across. You apparently had some kind of dispute with a single individual but rather than address that, you decided to associate their actions with one particular characteristic they happen to share with millions of other people. Imagine someone doing the same kind of thing but opening with “Why are blacks..”, “Why are Jews…” or “Why are women…”?

Your dispute was with an individual and while their atheism was clearly relevant to your topic of discussion, it isn’t relevant to the negative manner they apparently behaved towards you. You have absolutely zero justification in associating their actions with even just some atheists any more than you would any of the countless other characteristics they would have.

To be clear, atheists can be as moral as believers. The only difference is atheists have no God to answer to so "some" atheists are immoral. However, some believers are also immoral even though they know there is a God to answer to.... It is a mixed bag.

Having no god to answer to isn’t why some atheists are immoral. Those people would be immoral regardless of whether they believed in a god (and believed they’d have to answer to that god). You also make the presumption that the god believers are answering to is moral themselves. So yes, it’s a mixed bag, to the point that there is literally no practical difference at all.

 

[Revoltingest]

People read the same posts differently according to how they would relate to the same thing that was posted. All people project their own thoughts and feelings onto others but the more self-aware they are the less they do it, because they own their own thoughts and feelings instead of blaming someone else for them.

But I can understand how the OP could have been taken that way... I said "some atheists" but I should have said "an atheist" since it was really only one.

I didn't take your post as an attack upon all atheists.
Just the mean ones. And there are plenty of those.
We could call'm "Westboro Atheists", eh?

 

[Audie]

People read the same posts differently according to how they would relate to the same thing that was posted. All people project their own thoughts and feelings onto others but the more self-aware they are the less they do it, because they own their own thoughts and feelings instead of blaming someone else for them.

But I can understand how the OP could have been taken that way... I said "some atheists" but I should have said "an atheist" since it was really only one.

"Could be taken that way"?

Your words are more than a little plain.

You are not describing one person.

You start with "some atheists", plural.
Then throughout it is "they" and "them". "Atheists",
plural. "Some of them".

Almost like freudian that it is always plural.

" their air of superiority, arrogance, and rude behavior, not to mention dishonesty, lack of self-awareness and unjust treatment of others."

There is no way on (god's) green earth this can be construed as being about one person.

And then you make it my problem that you said what you said.


All people project their own thoughts and feelings onto others but the more self-aware they are the less they do it, because they own their own thoughts and feelings instead of blaming someone else for them.

Right.

 

[BilliardsBall]

Why do some atheists have to be so insulting and mean? I am a believer and I do not ever insult atheists; in fact I tell them their lack of belief is just as rational as my beliefs since nobody can prove there is a God. I never threaten them with hell because I do not even believe in hell.

But I constantly have to defend myself from being call brainwashed and stupid and having dumb arguments, just because I believe in God and have a religion that is different from Christianity, a religion they do not know how to refute. Nobody deserves to be treated this way.

If atheists want to say they need no God for morality then some of them are not doing a very good job of demonstrating that with their air of superiority, arrogance, and rude behavior, not to mention dishonesty, lack of self-awareness and unjust treatment of others.

I am not referring to any atheists in this forum. They have been more than civil and respectful and kind.

I am being called stupid but I am not stupid. I went to college for over 15 years and I have several degrees, two advanced. But I am called stupid because my degrees are not in science subjects, because I do not know a lot about history. So what? What is more important, how much one knows or how they treat their fellow man?

Clearly for some, not all, atheists, they despise people on an intellectual basis while not showing the love of Christ, if you follow me...

 

[stvdv]

but if that is so then he should have apologized by now for accusing me falsely and lying about me to everyone on his forum after locking me out from replying... When am I going to stop cutting people so much slack?

Oh, that is very easy to explain. I discovered I had a narcissistic father, and attracted the same (in)humans around me. They all have 1 specific characteristic "sorry does not exist in their vocabulary". On the other hand, and quite understandingly "lying is their second nature", needed of course to escape to have to say sorry [sometimes they might say sorry, but then it is a lie. The final escape to avoid exposure; but they only do it when no other choice is left]. I spend like 8month on a narcissistic forum. Took me a long time to get that issue cleared out. Now I give narcissists about 5sec slack.

It's good to know and accept that once they are a narcissist that it's one of those rare conditions and exceptions that is incurable [even God is incapable/impotent here; I didn't see my parents for few years because of narcissism]. My master used to say "How to get God to laugh...tell Him your plan", "so He must be laughing His head of now I am telling Him His plan and incapabiltity of curing narcissists.

So I do understand and sympathize with people on the forum who claim "how can God be so rude to allow this", that's why I kind of tickle God [no offense] now and then, just give God a good laugh, I like to laugh, so I just remember and practise what the Bible teaches us "do unto God what you want God to do unto you". And maybe when God laughs in His mercy He might cure a narcissist or 2.

Narcissists normally get it imposed on them by bad parenting [just google the father of Hitler then you get even pity on hitler] already before the age of 4 the experts say. Good to know, so you can forgive them BUT it is essential to forget about them; NOCONTACT is the only and best contact in that case [I know when married to one, it's a tough cookie to find the best solution; I am luckily single]. So when you understand this situation, there is an easy way out. You have it all in your own hands. I only had to learn this principle and put it in practise [took time, but worked miracles]. Good luck.

I don't know if this man you talk about is a narcissist. But this info might be very good to know anyway, because the universe has in the moment quite a few of them walking around [and you seem to me one of their favourite appetizers]. I think USA has one of the biggest [of course KJU will top that IMHO] ruling their country now [I might be wrong, but I see all the signals of narcissism to a T.]. Of course I hope I am wrong, because if it is the case you can be in for stormy ride [as he is himself also]. But I do have a feeling he might be taken out of the picture this year.
[We also have them here, though. That's why I can sympathize with you guys].

 

[bobhikes]

bobhikes,
A very important point that anyone thinking that they are Christian.
One of the very important reasons for Christianity is to learn first, then teach otters about the only way to Salvation. This is one of the most important things that Jesus was sent to earth for, to teach the way to Salvation. Jesus taught the Golden Rule; do to people as you want them to do to you, Matthew 7:12. Christians would be known by the love they show, John 13:34,35. Now, if you know something that would save the life of your neighbor, would it show love, if you just kept quiet and let him die, while you are saved but what you know, or would that be doing to your neighbor what you would want him to do to you?
It is just like back in the Israelite days when they were commanded to teach their children; notice they were to get the things into their own hearts first, then teach their children, Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
The teaching is not a suggestion, it is an order, 1Timothy 4:10-16, 2Timoth 4:1-5.
When reading the Bible, have you noticed, everywhere Jesus went he taught, many when starting to speak to Jesus, started by calling him teacher, or Rabboni, Matthew 5:2, Luke 18:18, John 20:16. All Christians are told that we must follow Jesus’ footsteps 1Peter 2:21.
People sometimes find it hard to teach another person about the Bible, but if you study the Bible regularly, it will become to you, a Categorical Imperitive, you conscience will make you do it. And Nothing can make you happier than for someone to become your brother or sister, in the faith. Called Psychic Income! Agape!!!
,

I have no problem with Christians teaching as I am a Christian. I have problems with Christians complaining about others taking issues with their Christian teachings. Christ said to turn the other cheek. Christ said to forgive your brother 7 times 70. Christ specifically said "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet". Christ never said complain about them, never said keep trying, never said get government involved.

 

[bobhikes]

I was not announcing it. I was just talking about it, on a forum that calls itself a religious forum for BOTH believers and nonbelievers. What a farce. Believers cannot even talk about their beliefs unless they are Christians.

I would never broadcast my religion. I was just "talking" about God on a religious forum run my an atheist, woe betide my error.

Take it from an experienced Forum Debater. Every forum has people that are jerks, in all areas of life not limited to just the Religious and Non-Religious. If this is the only place you are having a hard time stop debating you don't have to. It is your choice. If however it is happening in real-life it needs to be addressed. I read the op as you understood it happens in debate forums but why is happening in real life. I am glad it is not happening to you in real life but suggest you need to get tougher on the internet. People tend to be jerks here because there is no consequence.

 

[stvdv]

Christ specifically said "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet"

Thank you. I tried this to stop them. But didn't work, they found other verses. Very glad I see a Christian quoting this verse in this context.

 

[shmogie]

Why do some atheists have to be so insulting and mean? I am a believer and I do not ever insult atheists; in fact I tell them their lack of belief is just as rational as my beliefs since nobody can prove there is a God. I never threaten them with hell because I do not even believe in hell.

But I constantly have to defend myself from being call brainwashed and stupid and having dumb arguments, just because I believe in God and have a religion that is different from Christianity, a religion they do not know how to refute. Nobody deserves to be treated this way.

If atheists want to say they need no God for morality then some of them are not doing a very good job of demonstrating that with their air of superiority, arrogance, and rude behavior, not to mention dishonesty, lack of self-awareness and unjust treatment of others.

I am not referring to any atheists in this forum. They have been more than civil and respectful and kind.

I am being called stupid but I am not stupid. I went to college for over 15 years and I have several degrees, two advanced. But I am called stupid because my degrees are not in science subjects, because I do not know a lot about history. So what? What is more important, how much one knows or how they treat their fellow man?

Don't you understand ? Because their worldview is so vastly superior to yours, and because they think you are stupidly ignorant, it is within their right to jeer at you, condemn your beliefs in the crudest terms and call you names. It is simply the superior exercising his right against an inferior. In their view, this is just an extension of the "fittest" exercising inherent power over the "unfit".

Don't expect civility from them, because their arguments are so weak, attempted verbal bullying is what substitutes for rational and reasoned argument. Many are driven by nothing more than rage and hate, and they are happy to try and use you as a punching bag. Since their morality is on a sliding scale, so is their civility slides around as well, you deserve none.

If you are going to engage them, expect this. Don't disabuse them of their shoddy behavior, that encourages them. I, when provoked enough, stoop to returning in kind. I have no doubt that you are stronger in Christian self control than I, and wouldn't do that.

I metaphorically try and think of a Missionary amongst barbarians, even cannibals. That makes the engagement a little more palpable.

 

[ChristineM]

A surprise could be taken to mean they will find out there is an afterlife and a God after all. But if they behaved badly they should pay, just as a believer should pay if they behaved badly.

That is justice.

Could mean, not as you indicated, definitely will find. And considering to date, after several thousand years of worshiping many and varied gods none have ever owned up with """I DONE IT""".

In the mean time I'll stick with the evidence.

In anyone behaves badly, they should face justice, you don't need a god belief to understand what is right and what is wrong.

 

[Thermos aquaticus]

I think atheist are more prone to behave this way simply because they have no God to answer to.

To an atheist, this is a pretty arrogant statement.

 

[Milton Platt]

What about when the one calling you stupid owns the forum? This is inexcusable be cause it is against his own rules. But I am done with that forum now.

I would be done with it, too. I agree with you completely.

I do not mind any of that. i just do not like the personal attacks... Even that I can take but I cannot take unjust treatment, lying about me, accusing me falsely and banning me for no good reason... but it is over now.

I would like to see that thread.........

That is why I do not argue about it. I do not claim to have proof that there is a God, only evidence. They do not like my evidence so why discuss it further? They do not like me and I am gone. I do not want to be where I am unwanted or wanted only if they can treat me like a dog on a leash. Sorry, no thanks.

When someone on this board uses the word proof, they actually mean evidence. Different claims require different quantities and qualities of evidence. The more fanciful the claim, the more and stronger the evidence needed. Claiming a god exists is a very fanciful claim, and therefore requires an incredible amount of high quality evidence.

I hope you realize you have started your thread in the section called 'General Religious Debates, so..................

 

[Cary Cook]

Why do some atheists have to be so insulting and mean? I am a believer and I do not ever insult atheists; in fact I tell them their lack of belief is just as rational as my beliefs since nobody can prove there is a God. I never threaten them with hell because I do not even believe in hell.

But I constantly have to defend myself from being call brainwashed and stupid and having dumb arguments, just because I believe in God and have a religion that is different from Christianity, a religion they do not know how to refute. Nobody deserves to be treated this way.

If atheists want to say they need no God for morality then some of them are not doing a very good job of demonstrating that with their air of superiority, arrogance, and rude behavior, not to mention dishonesty, lack of self-awareness and unjust treatment of others.

I am not referring to any atheists in this forum. They have been more than civil and respectful and kind.

I am being called stupid but I am not stupid. I went to college for over 15 years and I have several degrees, two advanced. But I am called stupid because my degrees are not in science subjects, because I do not know a lot about history. So what? What is more important, how much one knows or how they treat their fellow man?

I agree with you, but if you go to online groups that are concerned with discussing true vs. false, you will necessarily attract discourtesy if you don't learn critical thinking. Even then you will attract discourtesy, but you won't care about it as much.

 

[Sunstone]

What is more important, how much one knows or how they treat their fellow man?

As Malcom S. Forbes is reported to have said, “You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." You cannot, however, as reliably judge the character of a person by how intelligent or knowledgeable they are.

Having said that, even the best people sometimes show frustration at views they find absurd or dangerous. That's no excuse, but human nature is what it is.

 

[Sunstone]

Some people are just mean.

You've been talking to my ex-wives about me, again. I can tell, Jesster!

 

[stvdv]

You've been talking to my ex-wives about me, again. I can tell, Jesster!

Aha finally I understand "Religion: Erotic Dancing Girls", I think

 

[Truly Enlightened]

Why do some atheists have to be so insulting and mean? I am a believer and I do not ever insult atheists; in fact I tell them their lack of belief is just as rational as my beliefs since nobody can prove there is a God. I never threaten them with hell because I do not even believe in hell.

But I constantly have to defend myself from being call brainwashed and stupid and having dumb arguments, just because I believe in God and have a religion that is different from Christianity, a religion they do not know how to refute. Nobody deserves to be treated this way.

If atheists want to say they need no God for morality then some of them are not doing a very good job of demonstrating that with their air of superiority, arrogance, and rude behavior, not to mention dishonesty, lack of self-awareness and unjust treatment of others.

I am not referring to any atheists in this forum. They have been more than civil and respectful and kind.

I am being called stupid but I am not stupid. I went to college for over 15 years and I have several degrees, two advanced. But I am called stupid because my degrees are not in science subjects, because I do not know a lot about history. So what? What is more important, how much one knows or how they treat their fellow man?

Maybe frustration and lack of patiences by non-believers, occur when non-believers are talking about apples, and believers are talking about oranges. Maybe it's because non-believers are sensitive to being told that their position on Religion, is only just another religious belief in disguise(another fallacy). Maybe it's because non-believers do not like being told that they are sinful, immoral, or that they just hate God. Maybe it's because non-believers must suffer through every fallacious argument, believers use to support their position, except "I believe because I just want to believe". Maybe it's because of the threats of personal damnation, or the implied claim that righteousness and moral behavior are exclusive only to those of faith. Maybe it's because of suffering through believers rote learned, distorted, and incomplete knowledge of even the most basic of scientific principles. Finally, the shear unmasked avoidances and denials, whenever believers are asked to present evidence to support their non-testimonial claims, or the blatant shifting of their burden of responsibility. All these might extend the bounds of human endurance and patience.

Atheist don't say they don't need any god(s).They simple don't believe that there is any proof that any exist. If there was even one ounce of proof, then there would be zero Atheists in the world today. Even someone as well credentialed as you must know, that intellectual maturity is not immune to the effects of cognitive dissonance or other psychological needs. Even very smart people can be fooled and manipulated, if given the right encouragement. Atheist are simply the people that believe, that the "king is not wearing any clothes". I think the idea of a personal belief and a personal God, should be kept that way.

 

[Audie]

Maybe frustration and lack of patiences by non-believers, occur when non-believers are talking about apples, and believers are talking about oranges. Maybe it's because non-believers are sensitive to being told that their position on Religion, is only just another religious belief in disguise(another fallacy). Maybe it's because non-believers do not like being told that they are sinful, immoral, or that they just hate God. Maybe it's because non-believers must suffer through every fallacious argument, believers use to support their position, except "I believe because I just want to believe". Maybe it's because of the threats of personal damnation, or the implied claim that righteousness and moral behavior are exclusive only to those of faith. Maybe it's because of suffering through believers rote learned, distorted, and incomplete knowledge of even the most basic of scientific principles. Finally, the shear unmasked avoidances and denials, whenever believers are asked to present evidence to support their non-testimonial claims, or the blatant shifting of their burden of responsibility. All these might extend the bounds of human endurance and patience.

Atheist don't say they don't need any god(s).They simple don't believe that there is any proof that any exist. If there was even one ounce of proof, then there would be zero Atheists in the world today. Even someone as well credentialed as you must know, that intellectual maturity is not immune to the effects of cognitive dissonance or other psychological needs. Even very smart people can be fooled and manipulated, if given the right encouragement. Atheist are simply the people that believe, that the "king is not wearing any clothes". I think the idea of a personal belief and a personal God, should be kept that way.

None of that is about or calls for being "insulting or mean" to believers.

In the event- it is said anyway-, that the whole post
was just about one jerk, who was also a self proclaimed
'atheist" tho he sounds more like a recovering Christian
who is botching the job.

It doesnt have a freakin' thing to do with "science".