curious about atheists?

Most of the time it's simply to get an understanding of how the thought processes of a believer work. Whenever i ask a question it's never meant in a mocking way, but it is usually taken as such simply because it doesn't conform with the answerer's specific understanding of the world. I've always found it interesting how so many people can believe such things that really have no basis in reality. Looking back on my life i realized that i never really believed the whole god idea. It always seemed too fanciful to be true, even as young as 6 or 7. As I've gotten older and more educated the idea makes even less sense to me. It's an interesting subject and one i will probably never tire of probing.

"And by ask I mean insult religions (Christianity for the most part)?"

Yeah, because that wasn't insulting at all.

Atheists are still allowed to be interested and well read in religious matters. They can still challenge beliefs and gain insight into how others worship.

Christians don't have a monopoly on religion.

You are doing the same thing so ask yourself. You are not an atheist but are asking questions about them just as you claim they do about Christians. Some are asking or answering to provoke a reaction. Isn't that what you just did? You do mean to be condescending but an atheist will do that and not lie about it. Do you understand that? You are insulting atheists by what you say just as you claim they do about Christians. We as atheists are as strong in our convictions as you. You say, "go" we say "stop". Or vice versa. These controversies will go on forever. Atheists get tired of being told what we are supposed to believe in just like you. See how it works both ways? We don't believe in one thing, a god. You believe in all kinds of weird ancient fairy tales that are so laughable and question our integrity and values. It's like the Pepsi/Coke thing or the Republican/Democrat thing or the.....

Well, mostly because some atheists really DO want answers to the questions that Christians (and other believers) have refused to answer or have dodged with preachy apologetics.

Some atheists are trolls, and they're making the rest of us look bad.

Some are just trying to spark critical thought and doubt. Nothing wrong with that.

Why do religionists keep asking this question? Religion, spirituality and philosophy are fascinating subjects but there is also an element of combatting religious fundamentalist crap. Some people who come here are perhaps young and naive and seeking answers and I don't see why they should be subjected to religious propaganda without it being challenged. I don't insult (usually)- I challenge misguided dogma using logic and reason.

what can't they ask question of things they don't understand?

by the way, who said you have to believe in a god or have a religion to discuss things here?

i think if you look in the mirror, you will see where the hatred is coming from -- people like you who automatically choose to exclude others. that's what's wrong with this country.

They're free to do as they please.

They may need to vent. Or they may be actually curious.

You never know. They may be giving religion a chance and trying to see how they answer certain questions.

In the end, you can't be sure... but it's their right to do it, if they wish it.

Atheism's religion, too... just like white is a color.

- 16 yo Pagan

"And by ask I mean insult religions (Christianity for the most part)?"

An abstract concept isn't capable of feeling insulted, I don't think. I don't know why you feel a need to be insulted in it's place. Reevaluate your priorities.

all of your curiosity questions start off the same way. "why are you people here"---it's called freedom of speech. you get your religion we get the right to question it.

"I'm not trying to come off as condescending"---yes you are, or you wouldn't be asking this question. tell it like it is. you don't understand because you don't think for yourself, you are a follower. you will never understand what else is new.

have a very peaceful day :)

unlike you I don't care if you're offended my by answer. don't ask, don't tell

Jesus loves you all!

The Bible does say:

John 3:19-21

19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."