Why do Atheists take such a defensive position when I mention God?

Question

I mean you no harm. Just talking about what i know and love. Can't we agree to disagree?

Answer 1

If your Q&As weren't private I could tell you why...

Answer 2

I don't care if you mention God. But most of the time that people mention god is when they're mentioning him in an attempt to change my OPINION on religion, or to have an excuse call me an idiot because I don't believe in what they believe in.

Answer 3

I don't know what you are talking about

I don't think the concept of God offends any atheist.

Answer 4

The only thing we can do is hope they change their ways and pray for them.

Answer 5

because atheism is merely a title for living a life of contradiction.

they base all their beliefs and opinions opposing the God created by christianity, but at the same time they are acknowledging the possibility of Gods existence. I'm not an atheist, nor am i a christian, but i do get annoyed by people constantly mentioning religion in small talk. save it for bible study, close friends, and family. to agree to disagree, both parties must rest their case.. which means u too.

Answer 6

For the same reason some believers take offense when atheists deny the existence of God.....

Those who become offended are usually not completely rooted in their own doctrines.  Christians and atheists alike who are comfortable with their faith (or lack thereof) are not moved by someone else's opinion, whether it conflicts with their own or not.

Those who harbor shreds of doubt (Christians who doubt their salvation or their doctrines/atheists who struggle with a conflict in their soul) are more likely to become offended because they feel threatened in some way.  Our belief system is central to who we are...when that comes under attack, watch out.  Inner doubt is the reason most people argue passionately for what they believe (whether it has to do with religion, politics, or sexual orientation)....they're trying to convince themselves as well as the rest of us.

There is safety in numbers for those who are not sure....

Answer 7

You're beating a dead horse.



Even though i totally agree with you.

Answer 8

I agree with Lilith, in my experience it is the other way around, as soon as someone finds out I don't share their faith they tense up and act as though I'm an escaped convict or something like that...

Answer 9

Because a lot of people use God as a weapon!  I don't blame non-believers for behaving defensively when someone expresses a belief in God around them...if they are older than about 12, they have already been beaten up (emotionally or worse) by at least one person that claimed to be doing the will of God!

As much as they might not believe in God, it isn't exactly a fun time to listen to another person condemn you as scum because you don't share their beliefs...and I'd be willing to bet that every atheist on here (perhaps everywhere) has been treated like cra* by a "believer" at least once in their life.  

Imagine if every time you encountered a police officer (or a teacher or whatever), he or she treated you like a criminal (or a troublemaker) or whatever...would you respond at least a bit defensively if you encountered someone who was a police officer (or teacher).  

I've seen an interesting example of this the last four or five times I met someone who was a lawyer...when I first asked what they did for a living, their answer was obviously defensive in some way (some said it like they were daring me to react negatively, some said it almost apologetically like they wanted me to know they understood the negative reaction they expected me to have).  

Simple fact...as long as people use God's name to beat up on people, at least some people that don't believe will react defensively to hearing his name...and a defensive reaction is normal under those circumstances wouldn't you say???

Answer 10

Sadly, I think it's become a reflex.  When a person is repeatedly told they are evil because they don't believe in God/don't believe what the attackers believe, then the conditioned response to all mentions of those beliefs is to immediately counter-attack.

Answer 11

Really now? Normally its the other way around.

Answer 12

LOL. i know, it's funny. right?!?!?! LOL. i think their just a little touchy.  

Answer 13

Some of them might think you're trying to convert them. I admit that can set me a little on edge.

Answer 14

Its like vampires and light. It just burns their eyes.

BLAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Answer 15

We're sick of hearing from stupid people who allow themselves to be led like sheep.

Answer 16

Because they are unsure whether what they think they know (there's no God) is true.  A confident atheist can agree to disagree.  

Answer 17

All I said was "Where are you getting your info?"

Answer 18

Okay, I'm weird. I like it when people talk about God and their religion. I love seeing how diverse peoples beliefs are and how happy it makes them. Go ahead, chat it up. =)

Answer 19

If you were more specific, I may be able to give you an informative answer.  

Answer 20

It isn't all Atheists. Certain things aggravate people as they do you. Ignorance is loud.

Answer 21

Many christians tend to attack atheism (especially on Yahoo Answers).

Answer 22

Because it shows arrogance to them.

Answer 23

We don't wanna get the God stench on us.

Answer 24

i just poke holes... if you think it's a defensive move, that's not my problem.

Answer 25

I only get defensive when they claim that atheists are inferior and deserving of eternal torment.  

Answer 26

Sure. God, God, God, God, God. See?

Answer 27

How do you define a "defensive position"?

edit: why is asking for more info worth a thumbs down?  Now who's being defensive?

Answer 28

I guess it's just about where they stand. They say they have now beliefs. But they believe God isn't real. They believe a lot of lies about Christians. And maybe they are jealous. They feel they can't have that same relationship we have with Jesus. But they can. They have to learn to be vulnerable. Many people refuse to do that. But if they only truly knew who God was they would.  

Answer 29

Soo... when you hear naturalistic and secular things, you don't get defensive... at all? Whatever!