To go back to the original topic, I'll use a quote I made in another topic so I won't have to retype a lot of the same thing.
teddy564339 said:
However, I've also done my very best to look at these issues from all angles and realize that it extends beyond just me...there are people who refer to themselves as Christians who believe very differently than I do, and sometimes when people use the label Christian they are referring to these other people, not really to me. So I've learned that sometimes you shouldn't take what other people say personally, even though that's a natural reaction. I would of course also offer the same advice to an atheist, too.
I think one big thing you have to understand is how much religion plays into politics and affects everyone. If Christianity did not affect political situations and issues in any way shape or form, I do think that a lot of atheists would be less frustrated with it. But as it stands, they can't avoid it.
The other thing that is really important to note is that atheists are in the minority. It doesn't feel like it on a site like ADISC, but in real life (at least in the US), it's true. Being in the minority is always extremely frustrating, especially if you feel like you can't relate to anyone or that no one understands you. In addition, it's almost like being gay or being a *B/DL...you can't be who you are and say what you really think without people's opinions of you dropping.
You mentioned that sometimes you've felt attacked on here...and that can be a valid feeling, whether or not there was an intentional attack or not. The thing is...my guess is that a lot of atheists feel that way in real life the majority of the time. And I would imagine that would be a lot more difficult than feeling the same way on a website.
So a place like Adisc is a great way for atheists to express what they really feel. A lot of times it's aimed at people they know or just the whole entity of a religion, not specific Christians on Adisc.
I really think these things account for the attitudes of atheists that you're observing. And to me these are very logical reasons.
I get the impression that the original post was concerned with attitudes seen at Adisc, even though that was never stated. If that's the case, then I think certain parts of this quote do apply.
I do agree with the point that just because Christians are in the majority it does not mean that it should be acceptable to have prejudice towards them....though I do believe that it makes them more likely to be targeted at a place like Adisc.
The other thing to keep in mind is (and this refers to a statement made about any group of people, not just Christians) that unless someone says "All Christians" then they aren't necessarily referring to every person who uses the label Christian...just some of them. I would prefer that people say "some Christians" instead of just "Christians"...but I've come to interpret it automatically, especially somewhere like here.
I will say that if one just says "Christians do this..." and is not referring to all Christians, then they should not be offended or claim stereotypes when someone says something like:
"Gay people are feminine".
Because again, the person making this statement may just be referring to some gay people, not all of them.
So I say you have to give the same treatment, no matter what the group is.
BabyWolf said:
Even though I consider myself a strong Christian, I have issues with some leaders because many simply spout rhetoric. Believe it or not, it's perfectly acceptable for a Christian to question things. It's expected, even. Only through questioning do we gain understanding. Anyone can parrot an answer, but to truly understand something, one must question it.
Mako said:
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Perhaps BabyWolf was referring to the type of questioning that you're referring to Mako...but when I read his post I had a different interpretation.
I do believe that the Bible teaches Christians to have faith in Jesus and His commandments without having doubts that they are right (though I don't think the verse you pointed out is an example of this...that one situation dealt specifically with Thomas' lack of faith concerning Jesus' resurrection, which he had prophesied...Jesus statement was aimed at a particular situation. It is up to personal interpretation to what extent it is extended to faith in general).
However, I believe there is a difference in questioning and having doubt. Questions don't have to be on what to trust and what not to trust...they can also be used to refine and find the details of one's belief. I believe Christians should and often do ask questions concerning situations in their own lives and their own actions.
I guess one way to put it is...a Christian wouldn't question the validity of the Bible, but a Christian would question various interpretations of it...especially if they seemed to conflict with other parts of the Bible.
I got the impression that BabyWolf was saying that a Christian doesn't have to just do what their pastor says blindly...a Christian shouldn't be a mindless sheep in that regard. A Christian can still evaluate something that they hear and determine whether or not it aligns with the Bible and the various verses in it.
Of course, I can't speak for BabyWolf...but I do think it is possible to live by putting faith in some things and using reasoning in others, and I don't think that Christianity teaches against that.
