Why do some atheists make sweeping generalizations about Christians?

Question

I know for a fact that atheists are a diverse group of individuals. They may have some commonality, or they may not. The one element that unites them is a belief that there is no God or gods. 

So why is it that some atheists generalize Christians? It isn't very logical at all. Christians are viewed in a negative light by some people. It is said that we are all homophobic bigots. It's claimed that we hate logic. We are accused of halting scientific progress or loathing science. We are denounced because it is alleged that we lack critical thinking skills. We are often viewed as being intellectually deficient. These are just a few examples of generalizations that people make about believers. There are many other assumptions made about believers that are even more flawed than the above. 

I love gays in a friendly way. I love logic. I love science. I cherish pedagogy. I am a proponent of critical thinking. Although I am a skeptic, I approach science with respect, humility before the facts, and an insatiable curiosity about the world we occupy. 

So why is it that some atheists generalize Christians- isn't it quite clear that we are an enormously diverse group of individuals?

cougargirl_123 · Accepted Answer

Wouldn't you know that none of them would have a legitimate answer, instead they just reverse the damn question. That's why most christians don't even want to talk to them or try to have a sensible debate, they are incapable of giving a direct answer but very good at being evasive.

? · Answer

Because they are fighting with the people who do not understand the essence of religion, and both sides are making harsh and general accusations about the other. You know as well as I that few christians are true christians. However, I have seen some atheists who also understand that this is a senseless fight talk down to other atheists for being so arrogant and ignorant of what they speak of. So both sides also have people who would ask these kinds of questions.

? · Answer

You advise, interior the comparable way which you only made a sweeping generalisation approximately "all christians"? Tit for tat, and all that. Sweeping generalisations are made whilst somebody would not make an effort to learn the object of their declarations.

Anonymous · Answer

By saying that atheists generalize Christians, you are generalizing atheists.  I am an atheist, but I do not generalize.  I KNOW that you are not ALL homophobic southerners who know no science.  There are many Christians in my Mensa group.  The majority claim to be atheistic, but there are Christians among us.  Nothing separates religions in an intellectual group.

Anonymous · Answer

Well, occasionally I try to add some variety by making sweeping generalizations about the Jains or the Yezidis, but people tend to just say "okay" and look slightly confused.

torpex2002 · Answer

If we were to tot up the percentages of theists vs atheists and which one does the more generalizing, you'd soon see who was by far the least likely group to resort to it.

punch · Answer

The same reason Christians make sweeping generalizations about atheists. You really think you're the only one? Oh, grow up.

Anonymous · Answer

"Why do some atheists make sweeping generalizations about Christians?"

Why do Christians make sweeping generalizations about some Atheists?

You're not above having your words twisted, bro.

Anonymous · Answer

Good point. However, those Christians who make the news or who knock on my door are,unfortunately, not of your ilk. And, I think if you hang out here at R&S, you'll find that most Christians here are not like you.

Anonymous · Answer

Same reason some christians generalize us. 

Usually, the ones that do speak to us are the ones arguing with us.

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Why do some atheists make sweeping generalizations about Christians?

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