Why do atheists...

I think that if people were largely "live and let live" regarding personal beliefs, many atheists who are 'passionate' would not be so. Apathy (or at least mutual respect) would be the order of the day.

But I really think that in many -- even most -- cases, passionate atheists have become so in retaliation to passionate religious people. As has already been mentioned in this thread, the discrimination, the looks, the slander, and even open terrorism have accomplished the exact opposite of the sole purpose of evangelism, if you can even call it that.

I've spoken with more people than I can recall who have walked away from God, not because of Him, but because of those who claim to be His. We are in a culture now that refuses to tolerate such misled and perverted efforts of conversion, and rightfully so in my opinion.

The misunderstood of this reality, however, are those who are so passionate about their fellow man, that their evangelistic efforts are rooted in desparation rather than confidence, yet those whom they target see it as overbearing and manipulative. The wrong method, even with the best of reasons and motivations, still can result in animosity.

Not that I'm advocating ending evangelistic efforts -- not at all! I'm a big supporter of open sharing of thoughts, beliefs, philosophies and even civilized debate. I think that's the only way to get past the spirit of fear and defensiveness that often breeds amongst differences in beliefs. I believe in letting doctrines stand on their own merits, and see what cream rises to the top. Anger doesn't make anything more or less true.

 

It is all part of the culture war that has been going on since the 1960s. Some groups want to change the nature of America and do that they will use any means. Breaking down religion is a way to help break down traditional morality.

I think many issues are used by people who have this agenda. Take PETA for example. I like animals and do not want to see any mistreated or forced to suffer unneccissarily but I could never support PETA. I think that they do not really care about animals. They merely want to use people who do care to affect the sort of social change they want. When you have a group like NOW that turns a blind eye to a guy like Bill Clinton even though he was the epitome of the things they sought to end then you can see they have an agenda that is deeper than the stated goal of protecting women's rights.

The short answer is that it is all political. The impetus behind atheists who make so much noise is all politically driven.

 

Well, Brain, it turns out you don't even have to go to NOTD.

 

Wow. Just wow.

 

Thelt must have alot of tinfoil

 

But what is the underlying motivation?

 

could it be......... satan?

 

Superflu, I'm trying to ask Thelt a question.

 

good luck with that. while my post was partly in jest, it was what i understand the christian rationale for why somebody wouldn't want to accept jesus and his teachings -- namely, that satan has influenced them in some way. perhaps thelt will answer for himself, so i'll surrender the floor to him.

 

Well, I'm pursuing the issue to both to confirm a suspicion of mine and correct what I expect to be erroneous information.

Strict traditionalists seem to focus their views of modern society in terms of "pre-60s" and "post-'60s." They build this outlook on a romanticized version of the post-WWII era modeled after wholesome TV sitcoms of the time, where the man of the house always knew best, no one ever cursed - not even the bad guys - and all teens saved themselves for marriage. All Americans were Christians by default, and this alone was the sole reason for their harmonious prosperity. Of course the '60s are seen as the end of paradise, where Elvis and the Beatles ruined everything.

When asked about the motives of those who oppose this outlook, it's common to hear things like "they oppose God and morality because they hate the idea of morals and stanards." This is yet another oversimplification, kind of like drawing a stick-figure and calling it a portrait. Having lived both sides, I can say that's not where the "opposition" is coming from at all.

Secularists, even the ones that go overboard, pursue the goals they do because they don't want to see the abuses of the past happen anymore. Easy, older examples of these abuses are the Inquisitions and witch-hunts that claimed the lives of millions over the centuries. More modern examples are book-burnings, censorship, and smaller-scale instances of harassment, abuse and persecution of individuals who don't go along with traditional religion.

If you live in a city or even a large town, this might come across as silly. Full-on bigotry and discrimination have largely died out in places like that. But it's alive and well out in the "sticks." I should know. So it doesn't shock me at all to see people vehemently oppose the teachings of the old time religion. Go to any small town and you'll find bored, restless young people looking for any way they can to "get out." These are the refugees that move to bigger cities where they can be who they are without taking crap about it from the intolerant local yokels of their hometowns.