Why do many athiests ask questions  about religion then insist that Christians not answer their questions?
445836
It's funny when we Christians respond to a question be it from an athiest or any other religion, the answers as we know them are called preaching. Our answers are based on what Jesus has taught, what He has said. Through our own research and studying we believe them to be acuurate facts or truths. Answering a question is not preaching, it simply answering a question in an open forum. It is sharing what we have learned, we do not expect everyone to believe or think the way we do, that is everyone's choice. The beliefs we have, have with stood the test of time, we see things that many others do not. We try to share what we have seen with others to bring comfort, and hope, to want them to see and experience the things we have, so that they can see what we do, for it is sheer joy and relief from things that we all suffer through. The only time I know a Christian will say something is wrong is when there is a question about behavior or the bible has been misinterpreted about a certain subject either due to not having the knowledge or on purpose. That is our place as Christians is to teach and share about God. I leave the preaching to the "preachers" whom are called by God to do so.  *****SPECIAL NOTE TO JONATHON***** Ask for proof? You got it. When my husband and I began dating he was diagnosed with Hepititis C. The medication that is given to put the virus to sleep is a cocktail of drugs, and very powerful. They affect people like chemo and radiation treatment do. Over the years, we have lost six or seven pregnancies, all but one were conceived during the time he was not on the medications. It is strongly advised against pregnancy while on the medication because of severe birth defects and the pregnancies have such a rare chance of going full term. We had miscarried time and again. The ever lasting affects of the medication complied with the length of time it seemed to stay in his body, coupled with our ages and the fact that with each miscarrage we were told it would be harder and harder to not only concieve but carry to full term. Now sitting here, after many heartbreaks, counseling suggesting either I get my tubes tied or husband a vesectomy to avoid getting our hearts ripped out yet again, I am seven and a half months pregnant, looking at turning 39 years old in September, husband 41, with a very healthy baby girl growing inside. Then amnio test comfirmed this. The laws of proabability were strongly against us, as were the laws of nature. Our pregnancy occured the old fashion way, no drugs, no invitro, no nothing from my OBGYN. My baby is indeed my husbands, and no chance of anyone eles's, I love him way to much to ever do that to him. My husband is a blessing from God, and now I am blessed with his baby. This child is our miracle. All done by God, we didnt do anything different that we had not done before, execpt stop being angry, worried and wanting, in prayer I turned over my desire for a baby to God, I told him that if it were His will for us to have a child together then so be it, if it wasn't then I would except it and move on. This answer to my prayer took six and half years to be answered. I learned through all this patience, God moves in his time, not mine. He knows more then I do, I had to trust him, and I couldn't do that being angry at him. When I learned the patience lesson and to trust beyond basic faith, I grew closer to Him and learned that He has good things in store for me but I wait for Him in His time, that He knows my future better then I do. We just bought a new house. I became pregnant in September, we closed on our new house in November. We had just started looking in September. Don't give up hope Jonathon. There is still some to be had. I know, I have been there.
582054
I Agree 100%!...Also I might add..folks should stop asking religious questions if they don't believe!!
659793
It's because religious fanatics are trying to brainwash us. They are single-minded,  believing that they will "save" us if they push their beliefs onto us.  It is their mission to witness to us.  I grew up in a Baptist church, so, am very familiar with beliefs and ways.  Freaky!\n\nAlso,  there are many people such as myself,  who are so irritated with the Bible thumpers,  that we present off-the-wall religious questions to push their buttons.  It's amusing!
1165577
I don't know exactly which people you are talking about who are intolerant, and I don't doubt that there are some - even many - in every religion. In fact, I find that to be the case in particular among so-called atheists and agnostics, as evidenced by several of the answers you have received to this question. They seem to have this core belief that all Christians want to force Christianity down their throats, and are intolerant of their choice not to believe in God. But for the most part I don't believe that is the case. The truth is that most believing Christians believe that their faith expresses an absolute truth, and they would be happy to share it with others, but if the others choose not to believe it, they accept that (even if it may sadden them). On the flip side, it generally tends to be the atheists and agnostics who cannot stand to have someone believe that there is an absolute truth and that they possess it. They tend to want to force believing Christians to abandon their idea that there is such an absolute truth, and that what they believe is one of any number of possibilities.\n\nSo in the end, who are the intolerant ones?
363802
I agree completely; I hate when people ask questions not for the answers, but to make a point (although, that means I don't really like your question either, but hey).\n\nIt's also a logical fallacy. As a Christian, I'm called to spread my beliefs to others in hopes that they might receive eternal life. An Atheist, however, has no such obligation. What's the point of spreading Atheism? All you're doing is wasting your breath. What does it matter if I'm religious and you're not, if you're truly holding true to your Atheist beliefs?\n\nBut you see, they don't hold true to their Atheist beliefs. They spread their beliefs out of pride, pride being a recognition of an absolute better and worse between two people and the spreading being an attempt to gain the upperhand in this absolute struggle. Thus, by admitting the existence of the absolute comparison, they're admitting that there is, in fact, that there's a greater measure of equality. But why would an Atheist believe in anything greater? That would defy the definition of Atheism.\n\nThe truth? As a Christian, I find a source of self-worth in that God, the God of the entire universe, desires to know me personally. An Atheist has no such sense of self-worth, so they have to manufacture it; but in manufacturing it, they're admitting the existence of a greater feeling of self-worth... meaning that we get into the above spiral.
753074
No.  I ask the questions to which I want to know the answer.  I ask them once.  My questions have nothing to do with my own faith/religion or lack thereof.  They mostly have to do with my ignorance of other religions.
162450
Sometimes it is because they really want to know how others can respond to it.  A lot of questions are loaded, but that is because sometimes people have so much that they think on a subject, and that is reflected in their question.  \n\nSometimes someone does it to try to prove a point.  Sometimes it is a rhetorical question meant to bring up a point of weakness in a faith.\n\nThe answerers can shed light on the topic however to all who would read the question.  Perhaps the one asking will not listen to an objective answer, but other readers might.\n\nI think that most questions asked in this forum are sincere, and people are really seeking answers, or seeking to know how other people may answer the same question.
177758
haha I asked the same question but about fundalmental christians.  For someone trying to figure out my own sprituality I find both sides rather annoying and superfical.  I think the reason both Atheists and Fundalmentals are on here so much is because their point of view is very simple to give a easy answer.  Beleive and don't question for the fundalmentals and don't beleive at all for the Atheists.  To answer many of the deep questions posted on here a lot of thought has to go into those answers.  Even with lots of thought, a good answer is hard to communicate.  Whole books have been written to answer some of these questions.  So it only appears to be narrow minded people in the population but in fact its just easier for them to give their narrow minded answers because to them everything is black and white
765273
You certainly may, very polite question, so I will give you a very polite answer.\nI know as an atheist that I have more understanding of relgion than most religious folks do, (no intention of boasting here)!\nMy motive in asking a religious question here is not to find the answer,( because I already know the answer), my motive is to try and point out to whatever religious group that their answers all differ, some are so far out that its unbelievable.\nJust as an example, ask a Christian "What must you believe to be called a Christian"?  Simple enough question isnt it? How many know the answer? So my motive is to hope they all see the different answers and a few may realize something is amiss here. ( It hasnt worked yet)\nMy aim is not to try and get people to agree with me that  there is no God, my aim is to prove that there is no need for religious groups, by all means pray and worship whatever you choose, you just do not require teachers and leaders to do it, or to tell you that other religions are sinful etc.\n.
186142
I think it's a matter of choice.  We Christians choose to turn any question and give an answer that will somehow reflect our belief in Christ.  Your choice is to read the answers and decide whether or not you like the answer.  What you choose will not offend us; but we believe that every action that every single person in this world makes, is written in a big book in Heaven.  And we want to make every opportunity count by telling people about God in one way/shape/form or another.  If you want to be preached at, go to church.  We are simply giving our God and Bible based opinions.
853772
Although I, myself, do not claim Atheism, I am an Agnostic with an Athiest Dad.\n\nI understand what you are trying to get across and no offense is taken.  I only ask you do not take offense to my answer, I mean no offense.\n\nI think the reason is because Athiest come into contact with "direct" Christianity through Christians. And, like with all beliefs of non beliefs, there are those people who are "overtly critical".  By that I mean, there are some people out there who go out and attack others for not having the same thought processes.  In some cases, it's a poor way to defend oneself.  In other cases, it is just pig headed antagonism.\n\nThis is the same answer I would give to an Athiest who asked why Christians seem to attack Athiest, not Atheism.\n\nOk, so I don't go off on an incomprehensible rant, I think I should stop typing before I confuse myself lol\n\nFeel free to contact me though if you need a more precise answer.
994874
well.. i suppose you're referring to us atheists.. \n\nwhy be in this category? why spend so much time? because the questions and answers in this category are often tickling my curiosity, and if it hits the right spot - i'll answer.\n\nboth christian and atheist questions are very interesting to read or answer\n\nusually, it's about the need of expressing yourselves. atheisme is not about disbelief, it's about rejection of organized religion and their hidden agendas - it's about the need not to be controlled and the celebration of free will.\n\nwhich is why Q & A's from closed-minded, robotic, conceited religious fanatics always drew a great amount of interest from the atheists\n\nif there is a category called non-religion and non-spirituality, do you think the die-hard christians will not show up there? they will.
167680
Sometimes people ask for their own curiosity...just to know.\n\nMANY ask because they seek the TRUTH...sensing that something is amis in their own beliefs. Many are justified in doing this; because, false teaching and prophets are PLENTIFUL in these LAST days. Of course Jesus warned of this long ago.. \n2Pe 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth no\n\nand also\n(2Ti 3:1)  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.\n(2Ti 3:2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,\n(2Ti 3:3)  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,\n(2Ti 3:4)  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;\n(2Ti 3:5)  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.\n(2Ti 3:6)  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,\n(2Ti 3:7)  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.\n\nIs it any wonder that so many seek and don't seem to find the TRUTH.\n\nThey are looking in the wrong place...they need to search the BIBLE.....\n\n(Rom 3:3)  For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?\n(Rom 3:4)  God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.\n\nThe "Church" that Christ is the HEAD of is not a literal (carnal) building....it is a spiritual temple...\n\nMat 21:42  Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? \nAND\nHeb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. \nand\nHeb 9:11  But Christ being come a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; \n\nI hope this helps, Lord willing,\nKen Sisk\nksisk35@cableone.net\n\nPS You can learn a great deal more from the Bible and my friend's website below than any of the so called (money loving) big time preachers of this day.....the truth is a very PRECIOUS commodity.
347116
We don't believe in God. Therefore we also don't believe in heaven or hell.\n\nSome of us were brought up in non-religious households, some turned away from religion for whatever personal reason. There are many, many reasons why people are atheist - as many reasons as people are religous. I am atheist because the thought that there is a god who tests peoples faith and judges them on how well they worship him appalls me. I hope other athiests will tell you why they don't believe.\n\nI do, however, respect people's religious beliefs and believe that we each have the right to our own faith. I would not want to deny anyone the right to their beliefs.\n\nSome people think that atheists are ignorant, arrogant or just plain stubborn, that we have no morals - sometimes these are people who claim their religion preaches tolerance and respect. Atheists don't feel that we need God's guidance to tell us what is right or wrong - that comes down to common sense and a desire to protect and continue humanity.\n\nMost of us have reached our belief through a lot of thought, and that decision doesn't come lightly - it takes courage to stand up and say that you don't believe in God. \n\nI hope this has helped.
675564
Some people really dont know what religion is. Sometimes you just have to break it down, cause if someone told you about something and you didnt understand, and then they said something to describe then you would say ok yes that place. In some part of the world, people dont believe in that and talk about it. And i am not one to judge to say whether i believe the person is a christian.
812069
No. Christians just need to display the tolerance they are supposed to have. And if they get offended by a question then they should avail themselves of the opportunity to not answer and find one they like better.
211579
I think most people ask questions with a sincere desire to find answers to their unresolved problems.  Some ask to be reassured, some to ridicule and some have a preconceived viewpoint and want to be vindicated.  Those people do not consider another point of view and are rather insulting to those who have a different belief.