Why the tension between Atheist and christians?

they cant fathom the fact that everyones not a christian.

Dear P.Ryan:

Most theologians will argue with you and try to convince you to lean toward their belief, but as a person who is very spiritual, I believe that we all come through this path call earth for a purpose. What our purpose is becomes very difficult to define. Perhaps it is the purpose of an atheist to argue against the existence of God? In The Teachings of Buddha," .. everyone has a pure clean mind, but it is usually covered by the defilement and dust of worldly desires which have arisen from one's circumstances. [The] defiled mind is not of the essence of one's nature: something has been added, like an intruder or even a guest in a home, but not its hosts..." (134). To answer your question, No, it is not too difficult to believe that you are serving your purpose by denying the existence of God. I have great difficulty comprehending and accepting The Trinity. In terms of the tension between the Christians and the Atheist, well I can only say, remember the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch trails and all the people who have been sacrificed in the name of Christianity. Peace!!!

Your question assumes the tension is entirely due to Christians. I think any tension that may exist is due to numerous reasons including:

1. Arrogance ("we athiests are the only ones who think or are logical" or "I'm better than you because I'm a Christian")

2. Strident belief that their way is the only true way or is the best way ("you need to grow up and quit believing in fairy tails" or "if you don't believe you will go to hell")

3. All sorts of logical fallacies and perpetual ad hominems and straw men ("religion breeds wars" or "athiests believe we came from monkeys")

I'm sure there are more reasons but that's all I've got so far. Interesting question!

Also, as an adjunct, some Christians DO indeed believe that you are doing exactly what you are meant to be doing.

Maybe some Christians and some Atheists are just jerks. Admittedly, lately I have been exploring the idea of becoming a Christian. And, as I've read the posts on this website, I have been irritated at a lot of the atheist posts that mock Christians. It has made me feel sympathy for the Christians.

Maybe some of the Christians mock the atheists too. It isn't right if it happens.

As for you, if you want to be an atheist, that doesn't bother me any. I hope it brings you happiness.

@ Rachel R writes: ". . . remember the Spanish Inquisition, the Salem Witch trails and all the people who have been sacrificed in the name of Christianity." This implies that Christianity is to blame for bad acts done in the name of Christianity. It seems to me that this is not a fair attribution of blame. If it were, then Jodie Foster would be to blame for John Hinkley's shooting of Ronald Reagan. (If you recall, John Hinkley shot Reagan in the name of Jodie Foster).

For an atheist, you use 'God' a lot.

The basic difference, is the Atheist says "There is no God", while the Christian says "There is a One true God".

The Christian will base his argument on the Bible, while the Atheist will base his on Scientific Theories.

However, both cannot be right at the same time, can they? If you say there is no God, and Christians say there is a God, then who is right? Is there a God or not? It is a matter of truth, not belief.

If u are an atheist, then how is it that u believe that u are simply doing what God wants u to do? that doesn't make sense. maybe u aren't an atheist, but u r just searching for what u really believe and know...

as for the "tension" between the two... I don't see it as tension, just a difference of opinion and belief...or lack of belief......that's all.

What God wants from EVERYONE is the same: to turn from their sin, give their hearts and lives to Him, be saved and do His will. We were ALL designed in His image and for the purpose of having fellowship (relationship) with God. Otherwise we're just puppets.

I wonder if what you are referring to here is the idea that God has a plan for everyone's life...? In that case, you are saying that being an atheist must therefore be God's plan for you, since that is what you are doing. But that cannot be the case, since we have free will. You could have chosen to be a satanist just as easily. YOU choose to call yourself an atheist and to live that life. HE didn't chose it for you. What He wants for you is nowhere close to that.

People who are too deep into any religion can't fathom anything beyond it. For example, when I try to have a debate about religion with my mom, I try to tell her to stop thinking of the world as a muslim, so you don't have biased views during the debate. But she's always like "Why shouldn't I look at it like that if Islam is right!?!

The xians can't fathom that. Perhaps, if their deity is in fact the "ONE TRUE GOD" (man I wish we could use italics in this forum) then he created atheists as a way to strengthen their faith.

**for the person that asked why atheists are in this forum, spirituality has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WHATSOEVER to do with religion. Very spiritual people can be atheists. Very religious people can be without spirituality. Get over it. You don't own that particular market.

theres tension between every religon and belief, some poeple in religon hate the fact that they just might be wrong so they try and get other people to belief the same. This is not all though. The people your talking about obviously dont have enough faith in their own belief. Belief want you want to know one can change what you feel is right.

If Christians are right, then atheists will have to face God as judge after they die.

If atheists are right, Christians have nothing to fear after death.

Christians are concerned about the eternal destiny of atheists.

Atheists are upset that Christians keep "pushing" their view on them.

As far as the rest of your question, Christians believe that we make our own choices about what we will believe, and Christians are desparately trying to change people's minds so they would not have to face judgement.

Christians are not better than non-christians, just forgiven and better off concerning their eternal destiny.