NationStates Jolt Archive

*EDIT* I'm sorry some of you Christians were offended but I didn't mean it that way. What I meant to ask is...Is it that way else where in the country, so when I move from Oklahoma I will be prepared.
I asked you guys not to take this the wrong way. I was trying to be respectfull.
I wans't TRYING to offend anyone but there were some so called 'Christians' that were purpousefully offensive. And you call your selves Christians!!! SHAME!!!
And for the record I'm NOT athiest!!! I'm agnostic.
*END EDIT*

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.

My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person... they are actually are afraid that I'm going to steal from them or hurt them just because I don't believe the way they do. They either fear me or shun me to the point of being rude.

I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.

PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!! I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why?
No, not generally. There are always the extremists. Unfortunately they are often the loudest.
Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?
Once again, no. Some of the strongest convictions I've ever seen have been in atheists. I know a girl, whom is very atheist, who often is a better christian that I.

Yes you are a bad person and condemmed to burn in hellfire unless you come to Jesus.;)

First of all, if you mean ONLY Christians, and not other religions, don't say "and other religions" in your first paragraph. Just a tip.

Second of all, you seem to carry quite a demeaning tone yourself, for somebody that doesn't want others to start hurting feelings. You start this out by painting a poor picture of Christians as a whole, even though that title is in no way representative of how vastly broad the different denominations are. You're coming off as quite condescending, and for the record I am offended by that, simply because you don't bother trying to fix it, but you expect all others to "play nice".

I live in Kansas, which I daresay is just as active in the "dreaded Bible Belt" and I've never known anybody to be "shunned" because of their lack of faith in God, until the point that they start verbally assaulting Christians for their beliefs. Same goes for our vacation home in Arkansas, which is one of the most fundamentally religious states in the USA, from my personal experience. Unless you got screwed with all the whackjobs in OK, I'd say either your view is skewed or you're running with the wrong types.

For the record, my understanding (though it could be wrong) is that much of Oklahoma is Baptist, and usually Baptists are far less forgiving of non-belief than most of the rest of us much-reviled Christians. Get over it. They think you're wrong, you probably think they're wrong for thinking that of you. Agree to disagree and next time, don't bring faith into it.

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?
They do view you as amoral and potentially criminal. I have been quite openly informed that my morality is not on a solid footing, and therefore I am capable of anything. :(

They do view you as amoral and potentially criminal. I have been quite openly informed that my morality is not on a solid footing, and therefore I am capable of anything. :(

Yeah because an ancient book full of contradictions is solid moral footing!

Burn in damnation, heretic!

Actually, I'm not fussed about them. If you want to convert, come tell me and I'll talk but otherwise it's your choice.

Yeah because an ancient book full of contradictions is solid moral footing!
Well, they honestly believe it is. :confused:

When I asked my best mate that question (he is christian), he said he thought I'd be alright is god was lenient... :p

i believe that people that dont beleve in jesus or god shouild be shot on sight

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?
it depends on what you mean by "bad" and what you mean by "right and wrong"......clarify and then I can answer better.

I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person...

Okie? hmm. I live in Oklahoma, I didn't get much crap from people when I used to think I was a satanist, maybe you should try that, although I suppose where in Oklahoma makes a difference. I wouldn't try it out by Weatherford or anything, but you know, whatever.

i believe that people that dont beleve in jesus or god shouild be shot on sight
So you can tell, on sight, who does or doesnt' believe? Because I promise, you'd be wrong most of the time. I don't look like the quintessential Catholic, so would you shoot me?

Closed-minded n00b

Well, they honestly believe it is. :confused:

Correctness is rarely the aim of belief.

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.

My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person... they are actually are afraid that I'm going to steal from them or hurt them just because I don't believe the way they do. They either fear me or shun me to the point of being rude.

I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.

PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!! I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!

So this is basically an athiest saying about how those evil Christian fanatics think (s)he is sub-human.

For m Asatru, Heathen religion, you can be Athiest if you want doesn't concern us to much.

It's those Wiccans that bother me personally *shutter* kidding.

We at the First United Church of Kamsaki condone Atheism in reasonable portions. You can be an atheist as long as you give your ideas the occasional challenge every now and then.

You are in no way a bad person, nor have you ever been. You are beautiful, wonderful, a child of my Father, a sibling of mine, a creature of goodness, an inheritor of the Earth, the very image of God.

I am only sad that you do not see yourself the way I see you, and know our Father as I know him. That will come in time, I hope.

In the meantime, please, keep asking questions. :)

Simonist']So you can tell, on sight, who does or doesnt' believe? Because I promise, you'd be wrong most of the time. I don't look like the quintessential Catholic, so would you shoot me?

Closed-minded n00b

you dont shout them until you now ther athiests

Correctness is rarely the aim of belief.
True. I mean, I know myself, and I must disagree when I am told that my understanding of right and wrong is built on shifting sands.

you dont shout them until you now ther athiests
And what's to keep them from lying just to live, and thereby keep undermining your imperfect system, oh Apex of Grammar and Spelling?

You are in no way a bad person, nor have you ever been. You are beautiful, wonderful, a child of my Father, a sibling of mine, a creature of goodness, an inheritor of the Earth, the very image of God.

I am only sad that you do not see yourself the way I see you, and know our Father as I know him. That will come in time, I hope.

In the meantime, please, keep asking questions.

So, because I am a Heathen, does that mean i am your sibling as well. Besides, I don't seem to know you so I don't think we can have the same father.

i believe that people that dont beleve in jesus or god shouild be shot on sightEveryone should be shot on sight.
Especially people favouring shooting people on sight.
Except me. I should be made supreme ruler of the world.

So, because I am a Heathen, does that mean i am your sibling as well. Besides, I don't seem to know you so I don't think we can have the same father.

Yes. Everyone is my sibling. Whether he wants to be or not. :p

It's just they're the majority there, so yeah there may be that type of thinking.
I am a Christian living in an atheist dominated place and when people find out I'm christian they usually think I'm a bad person who wants to kill people and stuff like that or that I'm brainwashed. It's all quite comical really.
What wasn't so comical was when my friend told me he wanted to see me dead for being Christian.:( But that's just the way majorities tend to be.

Simonist']And what's to keep them from lying just to live, and thereby keep undermining your imperfect system, oh Apex of Grammar and Spelling?

I vote we bring back the witch trials, we tie up suspected atheists and throw them in the river. If they sink and drown then they are innocent and go to heaven and if they float they're witches and we can burn them.

Oh wait, I am an atheist, damn. *runs for the hills*

i believe that people that dont beleve in jesus or god shouild be shot on sight
now is that both or just one?

can I believe in God but not Jesus? or Jesus and not God? or how does that work?

oh, and what do we get to do to people who desecrate Jesus' name by spelling it with the little "j"?

I know predestination is a VERY unpopular view, but let me explain why it helps things.

Lets just say you're not a Christian. I am, but I believe in predestination. Because of that, I feel no pressure to FORCE you to believe. If you come to faith, it's because God changed you so you would. If you don't, it's because he didn't. Either way, I'm not responsible for the condition of your soul. God is. You are. But I'm not.

This way, I can trust God to be God, and do the God thing, and if I talk to you, it's because you want to talk, I want to talk, and there's no pressure on either of us.

As to whether I think you're a bad person or not... well, yes, in the sense that we're all bad people. I mean, you're not perfect, nor am I. I'd think we'd be used to that by now. But you're not an exceptionally bad person - you're not any worse than I am. *shrug* Does that bother you?

Everyone should be shot on sight.
Especially people favouring shooting people on sight.
Except me. I should be made supreme ruler of the world.

<makes Damor supreme ruler of the world, mostly out of curiosity>

Everyone should be shot on sight.
Especially people favouring shooting people on sight.
Except me. I should be made supreme ruler of the world.
But then you'd have nobody to rule. We'd all have been shot on sight.

Silly agnostic!

Don't you understand how there can be no understanding of right and wrong unless you live in perpetual fear of eternal damnation?

I mean, how would you possibly understand the inherent undesirability of not killing your neighbour and raping his children uless it is written in this one particular book?

Oh sure, so maybe it might be brought up in other books (like - say - legal texts with specific, non-eternal penalties imposed), but do those books have the lengevity on the bestsellers list like good old Gideon? I think not.... no, the danger is that your adherence to such notions might just be a fad. In musical terms, the worry is that you are just going through a brief entanglement with Britney Spears as compared to the lifelong understanding of the supremacy of Elvis. And no-one wants to be around when you suddenly wake up and notice that Britney sucks and you find yourself casting about without a musical (or moral) compass to guide you.

Nor is it comprehensible that you might have just come up with the basic notion that doing something to someone that you wouldn't want done to you would make you a bad person!

No. Clearly you have no way of formulating a decent framework of right and wrong outside that framework imposed by the Bible.






It just couldn't be done.

[QUOTE=Evenrue]Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

[QUOTE]
Bible belt here too. I have no problems with anyone but athiest (but I don't really bug them about it) Only one reason: how did this get here if there isn't a God?

Most people in my area (The Kenn Tenn border) do not think you are evil unless you are a satanist or a magic believer (do not like the wiccan witch generalization) Which means I'm evil and must keep what I truely believe hidden from everyone.

YAY!

I think some of them could understand right or wrong without the bible, but you have to learn it from somewhere or someone.

People take the bible way too literaly.

How did I get on this rant? Feel free to skip it.

Like one of my friends and me thought where it said he created the world what if we were in his imagination and that when we die he's forgotten us or feels homicidal and when you die you go poof! (I don't believe that. I believe in sopmething else)

Oh and I was a christian


If you've read this far good for you if you haven't well your choice.

Yes. Everyone is my sibling. Whether he wants to be or not.

Just checking.

Also, I thought we should replace the atheists and put the Wicca instead. That would be so cool.

I vote we bring back the witch trials, we tie up suspected atheists and throw them in the river. If they sink and drown then they are innocent and go to heaven and if they float they're witches and we can burn them.

Oh wait, I am an atheist, damn. *runs for the hills*
Well in your case, just because I like you, I'll make sure there are people down below the water to tie your bindings and fix you with a breathing apparatus. Then you can simply go into hiding.

But only 'cause you're a thinker. I like thinkers.

Simonist']First of all, if you mean ONLY Christians, and not other religions, don't say "and other religions" in your first paragraph. Just a tip.

Second of all, you seem to carry quite a demeaning tone yourself, for somebody that doesn't want others to start hurting feelings. You start this out by painting a poor picture of Christians as a whole, even though that title is in no way representative of how vastly broad the different denominations are. You're coming off as quite condescending, and for the record I am offended by that, simply because you don't bother trying to fix it, but you expect all others to "play nice".

I live in Kansas, which I daresay is just as active in the "dreaded Bible Belt" and I've never known anybody to be "shunned" because of their lack of faith in God, until the point that they start verbally assaulting Christians for their beliefs. Same goes for our vacation home in Arkansas, which is one of the most fundamentally religious states in the USA, from my personal experience. Unless you got screwed with all the whackjobs in OK, I'd say either your view is skewed or you're running with the wrong types.

For the record, my understanding (though it could be wrong) is that much of Oklahoma is Baptist, and usually Baptists are far less forgiving of non-belief than most of the rest of us much-reviled Christians. Get over it. They think you're wrong, you probably think they're wrong for thinking that of you. Agree to disagree and next time, don't bring faith into it.


as far as ive seen most christians are not like that. And as far as the baptist coment i am very offended by that. It is very unfair to generlize about one group of people and also there are different types of baptist there is southern baptist and american baptists...they are differnt. I am an american baptist and i am offended by your comment about baptists

But as a heathen I need to ask you athiest guys one question?

What about the gods that are of a animal or sea or nature kind of religion. What about Hinduism and stuff like that. The gods are there you can see them, what about that?

Lets just say you're not a Christian. I am, but I believe in predestination. Because of that, I feel no pressure to FORCE you to believe. If you come to faith, it's because God changed you so you would. If you don't, it's because he didn't. Either way, I'm not responsible for the condition of your soul. God is. You are. But I'm not.
To believe that is to believe God didn't make necessary changes to keep him alive. I find that inconsolable with a God of Love, as do many Christians, in fact.

as far as ive seen most christians are not like that. And as far as the baptist coment i am very offended by that. It is very unfair to generlize about one group of people and also there are different types of baptist there is southern baptist and american baptists...they are differnt. I am an american baptist and i am offended by your comment about baptists
can I be offended by your implication that Southern Baptists are some how worse than American Baptists? or were you trying to imply that we weren't American?

oh, I am Southern Baptist btw.

as far as ive seen most christians are not like that. And as far as the baptist coment i am very offended by that. It is very unfair to generlize about one group of people and also there are different types of baptist there is southern baptist and american baptists...they are differnt. I am an american baptist and i am offended by your comment about baptists
Tough cookies. It's my personal experience. I've personally never met a Baptist who's completely down with anybody else's choice to be a non-Christian. I've got Baptist friends who absolutely refuse to consort with many of my other friends, or even my boyfriend, simply because they either left the Church or are of a differing religion. Perhaps you're just the exception to what seems to be the norm, because unlike most people, I'm judging off of Baptists that I know from all over the country, not just my hometown.

Edit: Okay, I correct myself, I met one. And that's just because I just now learned that Smunkee is a Baptist.

Simonist']But then you'd have nobody to rule. We'd all have been shot on sight.Well, no. It's a general law of the world that that which should be isn't, and that which is oughtn't. ;)
Hence, if we establish everyone should be miserable and die, they will live happily ever after. Hurray!

Simonist']Like I said, didn't know you were Baptist :p I knew you were Christian, I just didn't know which flavour you opted for. To your credit, you cast a much more positive light on the rest of my Baptist-esque experiences.
oh, I thought everyone knew, I have had so many times on here that people get all mad at me because I am Southern Baptist (current leadership is a little wacky I agree) but yeah. I get TG's every so often that are not very nice. ;)

oh, I thought everyone knew, I have had so many times on here that people get all mad at me because I am Southern Baptist (current leadership is a little wacky I agree) but yeah. I get TG's every so often that are not very nice. ;)
Hmmm. Maybe I don't pay enough attention to you. Not that I intend to fix that, but....duly noted.

Annoying people are annoying people no matter what church they attend. That isn't the church's fault, or the denomination's fault.

Yes there are Christians who believe in only associating with other Christians. Christ spent his adult life surrounded by prostitutes and tax collectors. Not behaving much like Christ, are they? Perfect example of the log in the eye, from a Biblical perspective. But that's neither here nor there.

If they'd been raised Muslim or Jewish or atheist, they'd be looking down on people who didn't agree with them just the same. It's nothing to do with Christianity.

Only one reason: how did this get here if there isn't a God?How did God get here if there isn't a super-god?
Hence, if God can exist for no reason, so can the Universe.

How did God get here if there isn't a super-god?
Hence, if God can exist for no reason, so can the Universe.
I know this but I think it is like we're a video game "God" plays like we play the SIMS except his is SIMS Universe.

Sort of like a universe in a universe in a universe typ of thing. It is a never ending circle.

I think Branin explained it quite well. I for one as a Christian don't go around judging people. You're right in saying that being judgemental isn't right, and Christians shouldn't be. The problem is that the term 'Christian' is just so general that it causes problems. Some churches that claim to be 'Christian' aren't.

Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

If that were the case then society would be in absolute anarchy. There are good non-Christians, just like there are bad Christians, we're all human after all. People have their own personal sense of right and wrong and different cultures have different values. I find that there are always 'good' people, regardless of religion or upbringing. But the main question isn't about right and wrong. Everyone does wrong, and no matter how many times we do so we're condemned to the same fate. This may seem very morose, and believe me I don't want to start a fire-in-brimstone argument, but Christians (I'm not forcing my opinion on anyone) believe that the Bible, but more importantly Jesus are the 'right' way.

My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

You obviously haven't had good experiences. Either that or you've had a limited one. Even people I know who think they know all the answers about Christians will ask me questions and get answers they weren't expecting. People who don't believe in God are not 'non-persons'! Far from it! Christians weren't born Christians so if you apply that logic then all Christians were non-people at one stage... And if Christians didn't care about anyone but themselves then they would no longer exist (yes I know you can argue that they're a dying religion, but I really don't want to go there).

I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.

Unfortunately that is often the case on these boards. And have you ever wondered why it is specifically Christians targeted? How many Christians start threads? I tend to not be agreement with starting them anyway, because usually they're asking for it...


I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.

PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!!
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!

I admire your maturity in not flaming or trying to put down Christians. And also the fact that you haven't generalised. That happens all too often.

i believe that people that dont beleve in jesus or god shouild be shot on sight

Then you're not a Christian. Guess where you're going after death?

Then you're not a Christian. Guess where you're going after death?

Manchester *shudders*

Then you're not a Christian. Guess where you're going after death?
Same place as everyone else.

Memory.

Then you're not a Christian. Guess where you're going after death?Las vegas?

Simonist']Well in your case, just because I like you, I'll make sure there are people down below the water to tie your bindings and fix you with a breathing apparatus. Then you can simply go into hiding.

But only 'cause you're a thinker. I like thinkers.

I always thought that the sinking test was a bit counter-productive anyway, if you're about to burn someone do you really want to douse them in water? How are you meant to set fire to them if they're soaked through?

*goes into hiding gratefully*

Same place as everyone else.

Memory.
No, Disneyland.

Good bye So long everyone. Feel free to send me a message on nationstates

I'll talk to you later

When I die, I'll return to my last save point and continue..
Or maybe I'll start a new game instead.

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.

My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person... they are actually are afraid that I'm going to steal from them or hurt them just because I don't believe the way they do. They either fear me or shun me to the point of being rude.

I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.

PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!! I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!


No, I don't think you're a bad person just because you don't believe what I believe, or you do things that I don't do (or don't do things that I do).

I'm not supposed to judge you.

I've just realised that in every post I've made in this thread so far I've included an action in the middle of a pair of asterisks so I'm making this post to prove that I don't always.

Good bye So long everyone. Feel free to send me a message on nationstates

I'll talk to you later

Wow, you've even less posts than me! Welcome to the forums by the way! Bye!

Simonist']No, Disneyland.
*Has visual image of huge swathes of dead bodies covering the road during the Disney parades and some fat guy in a Donald costume comically tripping up over them*

I've just realised that in every post I've made in this thread so far I've included an action in the middle of a pair of asterisks so I'm making this post to prove that I don't always.
Awww, I was hoping for some white text there.
*Was hoping for some...what? GAH! NO!*

That shit's contagious, man.

Simonist']Awww, I was hoping for some white text there.
*Was hoping for some...what? GAH! NO!*

That shit's contagious, man.

I considered it but I thought that'd be too predictable, I like to keep you on your toes.

i am a christian and i have no personal problems with people of other religions or non religions. i do find most people who dont believe in a higher power naive. since we havent figured out how to make matter or energy out of thin air and pretty sure we wont be able to in the future, then where the heck did our universe come from? unless one day all matter and energy just decided to appear. even if u dont believe in God or Jesus you should believe in some form of higher being, which for all i know could be some type of alien lifeforms. but after all God could be considered an alien. :)

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.

My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person... they are actually are afraid that I'm going to steal from them or hurt them just because I don't believe the way they do. They either fear me or shun me to the point of being rude.

I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.

PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!! I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!

It depends on the "piety" (sp?) of said individual.
Sadly in my experience, most "Christians" are nothing more than right-wing nut jobs, brought up by right-wing nut jobs, who don't know doctrine and disagree with anyone who doesn't think exactly the way they do, especially other Christians. According to a certain research group, most of these "Christians" don't even know the point of Christianity. These are the people who are overly legalistic and will shun "nonbelievers".

Personally, I think that's because these people are so secure in tradition and so insecure in their true faith that they believe that any outside influence whatsoever will corrupt the entire system.
And, generally, that's what happens with a tradition-based system...

The true Christian should not (and in some Calvinist circles, psychologically cannot) shun unbelievers. In fact, the New Testament makes it very clear that the point of the church (not Christianity, but the christian church as an organization) is to get out into the world and spread the message, which naturally means socializing, fratrenizing, working with, and caring for everyone else (as confirmed by the New Testament).

My opinion?
Just because I think that you're wrong doesn't mean that I don't like you.
If anything, I'd want to get closer to you in order to convince you of the truth, not become a separatist perfectionist.

Too true, The Tronian Republic, too true. That's what I meantwhen I said that many 'Christians' aren't really Christians. You put it way better than I could.

The true Christian should not (and in some Calvinist circles, psychologically cannot) shun unbelievers.

I guess that explains why Calvin and his followers in Switzerland killed so many people for not believing.

Too true, The Tronian Republic, too true. That's what I meant to say when I meant that many 'Christians' aren't really Christians. You put it way better than I could.
I'd agree based simply on blind stereotype, but in reality I've never met too many "right wing nut-job" Christians, and I know about four right-leaning families in my Church up here (none of which are really "nut-jobs" in any fashion), so as one of the Christians you both try to valiantly to describe, I'd have to say you're a little bit off.

--Do Christians think that atheists are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

I'm a Christian, born and raised in the bible belt. I believe that everyone has the potential to be a good person. Just because one belongs to a particular religion, nationality, or any group, doesn't define what kind of person they are, just what kind of person they perscribe to be. All people understand right and wrong, but they develop their own sense of it because of pride and various influences.

--My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

I will not claim that all Christians are perfect, nor that any are. I do believe that the way of life commanded by God will lead one to become the best possible person they can be. That belief CAN be mulled over to an unhealthy extreme, leading people to think that everyone who is not 100% good is 100% bad, but there is no one on earth that fits into either category. All people are created by God, and nothing God made was sub-par.

--I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?

"Judgmental" is a hard word to discuss. I believe you'd be a fool not to judge people by their actions, but to judge improperly causes people to be unkind.

One of the greatest problems Christians have is that so many of us do not act like we should. Becoming a Christian means "dying to self," or making it so that we are no longer the focal point of our own lives. Too many of us are crude, disrespectful, and selfish, which puts forth the image of us as being hypocritical. God's word doesn't tell us to avoid contact with athiests, but it actually says to avoid contact with those of us who profess to be Christians but don't live such a life.

I'm not ashamed of being a follower of God, but I'm often ashamed of how his followers act.

I'm a Catholic, and I most certainly DO NOT think in ANY way less of a person for their beliefs.

In fact, I embrace such diversity.

Gosh, people think a lot of silly things.

For instance, after signing the Japanese away into camps, Franklin Roosevelt, that paragon of the Democratic Party pantheon of Gods, wrote in 1943 regarding concerns of German and Italian Americans that they too would share in the fate of the interned Japanese Americans, noting that "no collective evacuation of German and Italian aliens is contemplated at this time."

Despite this assertion, Roosevelt did exhibit his personal fears about Italian and German Americans, and in his typical racist form he used an ethnic stereotype to make his point. Expressing about his position on German and Italian Americans during World War II, Roosevelt stated “I don’t care so much about the Italians, they are a lot of opera singers, but the Germans are different. They may be dangerous.”

It's just they're the majority there, so yeah there may be that type of thinking.
I am a Christian living in an atheist dominated place and when people find out I'm christian they usually think I'm a bad person who wants to kill people and stuff like that or that I'm brainwashed. It's all quite comical really.
What wasn't so comical was when my friend told me he wanted to see me dead for being Christian.:( But that's just the way majorities tend to be.


It's to be expected. To bad though.

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

Christians dont think that Athiests are bad people, but we do believe that our concept of morality is linked to God. It doesnt mean that you have to believe in God to be moral. What it means is that we consider humans to be made in the image of God. Part of that image is our morality, our conception of right from wrong. All people have that sense, Athiest and Chrsitian.

Yes. Everyone is my sibling. Whether he wants to be or not. :p

So does that make your gf/bf... ewwwww ;)

I'm a Catholic and have to deal with this a lot. People tend to assume that I'll get all agressive and start arguing abouot it when they tell me "there is no god." That's their belief and it doesn't make them bad. I believe that how you lead your life has more to do with your getting into heaven than your actually worshipping God. The reason I don't argue with them is that i know they won't change their position, and they don't really expect me to change mine, they're just looking for an argument about religion with "Jesus Boy." Yes, I have been called that before. I cracked up on the spot.

Well technically speaking, all humans are evil from a Biblical standard :/. And the Bible never says Christians become less evil when we are saved, just that our sins are payed for in full, and just because we are freed from sin doesn't make us immune to commiting it by any means. So I certainly wouldn't say that Christians are better than anyone else morality wise, especially when im not supposed to judge people anyway, and even more especially since I know abundently well that I sin on a constant basis, even though I hate it, that's still more than enough to prove that Christians do not automatically become suddenly more moral than Atheists or anyone else...at least it proves it to me.

Yeah, I can't remember where I've heard this before, but it was probably a religious gathering of some kind.
"Judge not, lest ye be judged in turn."

Yeah, I can't remember where I've heard this before, but it was probably a religious gathering of some kind.
"Judge not, lest ye be judged in turn."

Aye, that be Matthew 7:1 :)

The problem is that humans identify with their own group, and prefer their own group, including skin color, religion, all of that. This can sometimes grow into racism or shunning of aithiests or other religions - that's what you've been a victim of. But the thing is, not everyone is like that. There are many people who (bless em all) accept everyone, without the slightest bit of prejudice, no matter what their age, race, color, religion, beleifs, spirituality, preferences, or whatever are. These are the people you should seek as friends. Trust me. :D

I'm a Catholic and have to deal with this a lot. People tend to assume that I'll get all agressive and start arguing abouot it when they tell me "there is no god." That's their belief and it doesn't make them bad. Zigactly. I don't think they're evil because they don't believe everything I do... Indeed, I'd rather deal with an atheist than a radical of any religion, because at least they might have the ability to think. If they just want to argue I don't care because that's obviously not going anywhere. :p

On the other hand, if the person happens to be female and good looking, It's an asset to not have any morals! :D

[QUOTE=Evenrue]Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

[QUOTE]
Bible belt here too. I have no problems with anyone but athiest (but I don't really bug them about it) Only one reason: how did this get here if there isn't a God?

Most people in my area (The Kenn Tenn border) do not think you are evil unless you are a satanist or a magic believer (do not like the wiccan witch generalization) Which means I'm evil and must keep what I truely believe hidden from everyone.

YAY!

I think some of them could understand right or wrong without the bible, but you have to learn it from somewhere or someone.

People take the bible way too literaly.

How did I get on this rant? Feel free to skip it.

Like one of my friends and me thought where it said he created the world what if we were in his imagination and that when we die he's forgotten us or feels homicidal and when you die you go poof! (I don't believe that. I believe in sopmething else)

Oh and I was a christian


If you've read this far good for you if you haven't well your choice.
How didn't we get here if God was here?

[QUOTE=Armistria]I think Branin explained it quite well. I for one as a Christian don't go around judging people. You're right in saying that being judgemental isn't right, and Christians shouldn't be. The problem is that the term 'Christian' is just so general that it causes problems. Some churches that claim to be 'Christian' aren't.

-snip-QUOTE]
Check this (http://www.destinychurch.org.nz/) out

well, here in the UK, no 1 cares weather your a christian or an atheist,
im an atheist and peaple say,
'is it true that you dont have a middle name'
and i say yeah,

they only care if you have dark skin, or are a bhuddist, hindu or muslim,

and they get abused through varius names, most comonly 'paki'
and the term 'jew' has been adopted as an insult aswell

which is sad since there is no such thing a british,
the WELSH where the orginal englanders,
and evry1 calls them sheep shaggers

i mean, even our ROYAL FAMILY is german!!!!

so, in general there is alot of raceism in britain, but more against peaple that DO BELIVE in something DIFRENT, atheists are normaly the good guys, sinse they have no reasen to be an extreamist

Mantaray9992000']
i mean, even our ROYAL FAMILY is german!!!!


Umm..I could be wrong, but, arent the Winsdors direct descdendants of Victoria?
If so, Kaiser Willhelm was her descendant as well, as well as The Romanoffs of Russia.

I wouldnt think that qualifies them as German.

well, actualy, there not windsors, they have been re-named form
sax-couborg-gotha
queen viki was english but prince albert was german hence how we get 'sax-couborg-gotha' and viki's decendant (lizzy2) had herself renamed to windsors,

and there u go, the most recent history of th brittis throne,

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?

I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.

My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.

I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person... they are actually are afraid that I'm going to steal from them or hurt them just because I don't believe the way they do. They either fear me or shun me to the point of being rude.

I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.

PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!! I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!me, personally, I think that everyone has the right to choose their religion or even if they want a religion. But that choice is a personal one. sure everyone has to put up with everyone else selling their beliefs or lack of beliefs. but like commercials, you gotta bear with it.

to try and pass laws to shut anyone up is wrong, you just excercise your choice in not listening and those speaking has to respect the listener's wishes.

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people ...

I don't, and according to the bible we are not suppose to judge others (though some unfortunately do but they are wrong to do this)



Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?



the bible helps



I say Christians just because that is whom I have to deal with. I’m not really bothered by other religions, ONLY Christians.


understandable, I have experienced some who think they are all knowing and think they are better than others etc etc. IT is unfortunate since the bible points out that the pharisees treated Jesus the same way.


My personal experience is that Christians tend to think that people who don't believe in God or Jesus that they are a bad person or even worse... a non-person.


Unfortunately that happens a lot. Followers of Christ are suppose to realize that all humans are equal in the eyes of God and ALL sin. Furthermore it is only the Holy Spirit that convicts someone of the truth, not humans. Therefore they should only be presenting you with information in a non-biased way for you to learn more about God on your own (or with others if you so wish but ONLY if you so wish).


I live in Oklahoma, USA that is part of the DREADED bible belt of America.
When people around here find out I'm agnostic they suddenly think that I'm a bad person... they are actually are afraid that I'm going to steal from them or hurt them just because I don't believe the way they do. They either fear me or shun me to the point of being rude.


That is wrong. They are not living the example of love found in the bible. They are judging (which the bible states they should not do - Matt 7:1)...

I have many friends who are agnostic as well as well as other religions. I love to discuss matters of faith with them since I learn more about their belief structure and why they think the way they do. Unfortunately some people believe that they are just to convert people and that is all, however being someone's friend is more important. I am not being a friend to non-Christians just to convert them either. I dig hanging with people. Now it would be nice if I could have a positive effect on someone so they do choose Christ as their role model, however if they do not I will still be their friend (one of my best friends for the last 18 years is agnostic - I never bother him about his beliefs. If he has questions about mine I answer them but never to convert him, that is God's job, not mine. My job is to be loving to all humankind and to provide information to people (and to provide this information in a loving way, not a condescending way)).


I'm not saying they all do that...only a few do, but it happens a lot.



and you're correct unfortunately.


PLEASE, don't take this the wrong way!!! I really am asking if it is a general belief or is it individuals being bad, judgmental people (which I believe is a sin in most religions...)?
Please don't start flaming!!! Everyone play nice and don't offend people intentionally!!!

I consider myself to be someone who seeks to follow Christ. I sin like all others and therefore do not hold myself to be higher than anyone else. However I still do my best to be a good citizen in the world. Your accusations are correct in my opinion and the reason they are is some people read the bible and get the rules part down but totally miss the LOVE part of the bible which is more important than anything else (1 Cor. 13).

Love is actions not just words and is being nice to people, treating people kindly etc etc. If people are not doing that towards you then they are not living Christ's example.

[QUOTE=Hobovillia][QUOTE=Tanasitenka][QUOTE=Evenrue]Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?QUOTE]
NO!! The people who are atheist or agnostics aren't bad. It is what they do. You can love and care for some one, but not like what they do.
Yes, Christians could understand the meaning of right and wrong with out a Bible. The Holy Spirit lives within us and God talks to us through that. I know that there have been times in my life where the Bible didn't give a clear answer, but prayer did. And everyone can understand basic right and wrong. God created all people in his image, whether you are a Christian or not, and this means that we all know the difference between right and wrong. Has anyone seen End of the Spear? Well, the part of about the tribe believing that killing was good is wrong. They knew it was, but the killed people from outside because they thought that they were cannibles.

Do Christians, or other religions, think that atheists or agnostics are bad people and why? Do you think that they could not understand the meaning of right or wrong even without the example of the bible?
NO!! The people who are atheist or agnostics aren't bad. It is what they do. You can love and care for some one, but not like what they do.
Yes, Christians could understand the meaning of right and wrong with out a Bible. The Holy Spirit lives within us and God talks to us through that. I know that there have been times in my life where the Bible didn't give a clear answer, but prayer did. And everyone can understand basic right and wrong. God created all people in his image, whether you are a Christian or not, and this means that we all know the difference between right and wrong. Has anyone seen End of the Spear? Well, the part of about the tribe believing that killing was good is wrong. They knew it was, but the killed people from outside because they thought that they were cannibles.

Thank you for all those people that helped alleviates my fears about moving away in a year. I'm moving out of Oklahoma and hoping to move to Denver, Colorado.

I was afraid that I would be badgered there as much as I do here.

For the most part I can ignore the Christians that keep pressuring me to join their church. It is irritating but doesn't really hurt me.

What I can't ignore are the Christians (not necessarily Baptists) that shrink back from me in horror when they are the ones that asked about my religion in the first place.

They've even gone so far as to spread rumors about me! And I am NOT in high school!!! I'm in college!!! What are they? 3?!?!?

I KNOW that only a few do this but I wanted to know is it this bad else where in the country?

I'm a very un-confrontational person and I like to keep the peace. When people start treating me like this it is a real shock.

I personally live by the golden rule...
Treat others as you would like to be treated.

So I respect everyone I meet until they give me a reason not to.

I learned that NOT from the bible but from where you should learn it firstly. My parents. My parents made me a good person without the help of the bible.
For others if reading and living by the bible makes you a good person then more power to you! What ever you need to do to live a good, honest life then GREAT!!!

Most of my friends are Christian and that is why I had to ask. They treat me like I treat them. Like a good Christian should.

I wanted to know for sure wither or not these other 'Christians' were the exception or the rule.
They are the exception, thank GOD!!!
At least He gets through to most...

And to those few so called 'Christians' that sent me a nasty reply... SHAME! What would God say?
I was trying to be as respectful as possible but you seemed to refuse to see that. You do realize it is hard to send tone of voice in text?
You are obviously not as good a Christian as you think.

And to all the good people that sent me respectful replies to my questions... THANK YOU!!!! :fluffle:
I really do appreciate it!!!
God Bless!
P.S. Please ignore all bad spelling please... (bad spellers UNTIE!!!)

NO!! The people who are atheist or agnostics aren't bad. It is what they do. You can love and care for some one, but not like what they do.
Yes, Christians could understand the meaning of right and wrong with out a Bible. The Holy Spirit lives within us and God talks to us through that. I know that there have been times in my life where the Bible didn't give a clear answer, but prayer did. And everyone can understand basic right and wrong. God created all people in his image, whether you are a Christian or not, and this means that we all know the difference between right and wrong. Has anyone seen End of the Spear? Well, the part of about the tribe believing that killing was good is wrong. They knew it was, but the killed people from outside because they thought that they were cannibles.
How can you make such a claim? Just because your parents took you to some religious schooling/church when you were a very little kid who believe in every other myth they told doesn't make anything you said right. That belief was accepted and not questioned, and then when you got older, you still did not question it. I have never had a conversation with God. But, of course, you have. What has God said to you? How about to Pat Robertson and Jerry Fallwell? I am sure they claim the same thing, that God talks through them. How can you say "The people who are atheist or agnostics aren't bad. It is what they do. You can love and care for some one, but not like what they do."?What do athiests and agnostics do so bad? Isn't it much worse to believe that 90% of the world is going to hell? Or, wait, those stupid agnostics/athiests are the stupid evil ones who refuse to believe in stuff with no proof whatsoever.