Why do people think atheists are "devil worshipers"?

As with all people, the best way to convince yourself that someone is wrong is to mentally make them into someone they are not.

Nazis convinced themselves that Jews were power-hungry people who conspired to take over the world and enslave non-Jews. So how has that been going for the Jews?

Some Christians have convinced themselves that Atheists follow Satan. If you say it enough, you'll believe it.

But to be fair to you, since you are open-minded, many of us Atheists have convinced ourselves that you are all mentally retarded, inbred, and scared of science.

So you see, we all make those stupid mistakes.

I don't know, since the definition of "atheist" is non-belief in dieties. Which means that they wouldn't worship anything. I would assume that they would think this simply because of ignorance of that fact. I also come from a small mostly Southern Baptist town, and I don't think that I had ever even met an atheist before...well, I don't think I've EVER met an atheist. I've met people who don't believe in God, necessarily, but they DO believe in something higher...I count that as agnostic.

The answer is very simple; most religions teach "What is not of God, must be of Evil". Literalistic Christians tend to think in this "black and white" model; it is the same blind logic that makes them believe they are righteous while condemning the beliefs of others.

This teaching is how religions use fear to keep their congregations in line, and why many faiths do not allow ideas outside of their own doctrine - It is a survival tactic.

Tell your friend not fear atheists, most of us are naturalists who enjoy life, love, family, friends, knowledge and science. We reject Satan as much or more than God.

Here in the UK we don't have that problem which is ironic considering that you have a separation of church and state and we don't. The only time I have been called anything like a satanist is on here by the christians (only some, not all). Otherwise, nobody in my "real life" gives two hoots whether or not I say I am an atheist.

I think you just have to be firm in your conviction and not be bowed by bible bashers so that eventually you will have acceptance as we in the UK have.

Your 'logic' is undesirable. If the devil can cite Scripture for his purpose...and.. Jesus can cite Scripture for his purpose (same tale, suitable) then logically no longer something follows. IF A and not A are B C is an A or a no longer A Then !!! rapid, call the logic Ambulance.

I'm well aware of the difference.

However, I do not, for a minute, think they are usually ambivalent on matters of faith. As anyone can see from their contributions on this forum. They are not ambivalent. They are intensely interested in convincing people that a higher power does not exist.

I have no problem with this, but their claims of "we just don't believe in a god" is rubbish. That would be a passive mindset; the very fact that atheists come out here to "discuss the non-existence of gods" shows their position is * quite * active on the matter.

Beyond Ignorance, I genuinely don't know.

I only say ignorance because they obviously haven't taken the time to learn that Atheists don't believe in ANY form of supernatural being.

As far as I know, Atheists do not believe in the Devil, almost by definition. I guess in theory you could have someone who believes in the Devil but does not believe in God, but that would be one dumb atheist :)

Because there is only the light and the dark. You are either one or the other. Many worship that which they no little or nothing of. Many worship evil in the form of good unwittingly. In the past many thought the world was flat, did that in turn mean the world was flat? No. You may believe what you worship is not evil but that does not make it so.

Unfortunately, some people are taught to believe that anyone who differs from them will be spending eternity with the devil. I would say for the most part, they have either been misinformed or are just plain ignorant. Hopefully, going to college will broaden horizons for them.

It would be impossible for atheists to be devil worshipers because they don't believe in supernatural beings. The only reason a person would think that would be because they are ignorant.