Do most atheists want to convert theists to atheism? Or do they love believers?

I get on well with just about everyone, religious or not.

I put forward my views on religious beliefs and I read those of others. I know that those with deeply held religious beliefs aren't going to change, and it isn't my intention to get them to change. However, it does show that there are other views.

I sometimes explain how I came from being a devout Catholic to realising that faith was based upon nothing but itself, that science explained nature satisfactorily without needing supernatural beings, and that religious beliefs were no different to those of ancient beliefs in gods and goddesses.

I try to answer based on my knowledge of scripture, theology, mythology and religion. And I sometimes try to trace religious beliefs, and Bible stories, back to the earlier myths from which they derive.

I think I do so in a neutral manner most of the time, although I might express an opinion concerning actions of a few religious people or organisations that adversely affect freedom of choice and civil and human rights, such as the infamous, and now failed, Proposition 8 in California.

I'm pretty sure the atheists you've seen in videos and debates represent a small number of those who wish to "convert" theists to atheism. I know other atheists, and they certainly don't give a crap if someone has a religion or not, just as long as views are kept to ones self. It also goes the same way with a small number of people in a religion trying to convert. You're taking what small group is being represented and interpreting it as everyone acts this way, when that is false.

Also, the "I'm better than you" attitude has been present in religion, too. So you're basically saying that those who believe in the same religion as you are off-putting and obnoxious as well, meaning you're off-putting and obnoxious. It works both ways, buddy.

I don't want to "convert" theists to atheism. I want theists to engage in critical thinking instead of superstition. Atheism in and of itself doesn't hold any merit. Skepticism does. If someone is an atheist because of some other superstition or hoax (like the "Zeitgeist" believers) then they've got nothing on religious people.

I think people benefit from critical thinking. I know I did. I'm glad there were people to persuade me to think about the things I was trying not to, in a forum similar to this.

I have no wish to convert anyone. I just wish theist would understand that I have just as much right for my non-belief as they do for their beliefs. And that I'm not evil, morales, working for Satan, loving my sins or any other outdated stupid beliefs dealing with atheism. I love other people, my parents and animals. I follow the law, I give to charities. I'm just as human and good as they are. And posts like this piss me off because it just feeds the stereotype. Maybe you should take a look at posts from believers about atheists. Its not a one wat street.

When asked to describe my thoughts on GOD and Religion my train of thought led me right to gravity. . .

You can’t see gravity, You can’t taste it, I just know one thing for certain, that it exists.

The mystery's of faith an GOD are beyond human comprehension

Faith concerns questions which cannot be settled by evidence.

I feel bad that if someone does not have faith they would want others to agree with them!

How can the universe create itself out of nothingness? Given the fact that the universe began to exist, it must have had a “cause” that originated it.Doesn't it make more sense to assume the existence of a Creation. The question is tricky because it sneaks in the false assumption that GOD came from somewhere and then asks where that might be. The answer is that the question does not even make sense. It is like asking, “What does blue smell like?” Blue is not in the category of things that have a smell, so the question itself is flawed. In the same way, GOD is not in the category of things that are created or caused. GOD is uncaused and uncreated—He simply exists.

We know that from nothing, nothing comes. So, if there were ever a time when there was absolutely nothing in existence, then nothing would have ever come into existence. But things do exist. Therefore, since there could never have been absolutely nothing, something had to have always been in existence. That ever-existing being is what we call GOD ,GOD is the un-caused Being that caused everything else to come into existence. God is the uncreated Creator who created the universe and everything in it.

The universe requires a cause because it had a beginning, GOD unlike the universe, had no beginning, so he doesn’t need a cause. Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which has much experimental support, shows that time is linked to matter and space. So time itself would have begun along with matter and space. Since GOD is the creator of the whole universe, he is the creator of time. Therefore He is not limited by the time dimension He created..@

Life without GOD is like an un- sharpened pencil it has no point..

You can't see the wind, but you know it is there because you can see what the wind is doing. You can know that the wind is there because you can feel it.GOD is like the wind, you can't see him

I have no interest whatsoever in converting anyone to anything. I don't think it is my job, nor do I feel it is right to force someone to believe what they do not wish to.

I find faith fascinating.

I don't feel I am better than anyone else.

Buddhist Atheist.

I think you have a good point. It's a good question. They claim they want everyone to be atheist like themselves, because religion is harmful and a waste of time, but they act as if they are superior. Also, generally atheists get this sort of question deleted right quick!!

I really don't care if theists convert or not, the streets are a lot clearer on Sunday mornings right now :)

You can't have atheists if their were no theists. You have to have the damed if there are any saved. This is as common and necessary as there can't be buyers without someone selling, or sellers if nobody is buying

I'd love to live in a world in which everyone was an atheist, but I'm not going out of my way to convince people that I'm right, unless if I'm being provoked.

However, I wish that all my loved ones and friends would break free from delusion and hurtful doctrine. Just because I feel so free without religion, and I wish that everyone could experience that.