Why are christians so desperate to deny those who became Atheists were ever christians? [Spirituality & Religion]

I used to be a devout christian but, after seriously studying the bible and examining my faith, determined it was all BS. I found the bible to be nothing more than a jumble of myths and superstitions taken from various older belief systems and frequently contradictory. As a result of my studies, I became an Atheist.

Now I find some christians are desperate to deny I was ever a christian. They just can't accept the fact that a christian could ever break away from "the truth" (as they like to call their beliefs) to become an Atheist. The idea is so alien to them they deny it's even possible. They even claim to know what the person experienced better than that person knows. Another claim is that I couldn't have studied the bible "properly" and that I should ask (their) "god" for help. What are they so scared of?

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Capt11 · 46-50, M

I want to say a few things in response. It is very important that you know I think a person should be able to represent feel believe whatever they would like. Even if I do not agree I can respect a person and see them for more than just one dimension of their personality and character. I would like to look at this as a human thing not a Christian thing. It is human nature when someone is part of a group that has deep beliefs rituals traditions and they later decide to exit that group. The people that remain in the group are going to feel betrayed and angry. They feel like they shared something significant with a person who no longer values what they value. As humans when we are hurt or disappointed what do we do? We attempt to minimize the person that hurt our feelings. By making them the problem or their actions less significant it allows humans, the people still left in a group to focus on everything other than the reason the person truly left the group. So to sum it up the people you once practiced your faith with feel betrayed and abandoned so they are going to mistreat you, attack your character. The deeper question that you should ask is why does it matter what people think of you? What makes you seek acceptance from the people you choose to separate yourself from? It is OK for you to believe whatever you want however it is very wrong and unreasonable for you to expect people to be happy with your new choice. They are truly behaving like any human being would if they felt those same feelings.

suzie1960 · 61-69, F

@Capt11 [quote]The deeper question that you should ask is why does it matter what people think of you? What makes you seek acceptance from the people you choose to separate yourself from? [/quote]
It doesn't and I don't. I couldn't care less what they think of me, their opinion of me is irrelevant. I just find their desperation amusing.

Your explanation makes a lot of sense.

Capt11 · 46-50, M

@suzie1960 I thank you for taking the time to reply. I wish that all people could just respect and find the good in each other. Please enjoy your time on the site.

kodiac · 22-25, M

@Capt11 Isn't it just as unreasonable for them to condemn me simply because i don't accept their version as the only one?

Capt11 · 46-50, M

@kodiac It is truly wrong for anyone to be mistreated simply because of their beliefs or their lifestyle. However I do understand the people that think differently usually do not choose to accept those that are a threat to their way of life. When you do not believe in Christianity you are attacking something that is deep extremely important and to most a sensitive area. So to answer your question no you should not be.

I always try to offer a different perspective so I hope you take the time to read what I am going to write. It used to be OK that if you were not Christian you could exist just being respectful and reverent. For example if you were invited to a dinner and at the dinner table someone said the prayer. People who were nonbelievers would simply be quiet reverent and respectful. That is not the case anymore. Now it is not The Choice of people to be quiet to be reverent to be respectful. They not only have to be heard but they also want to take away the freedom and ability of the person that want to say the prayer. They feel it is their responsibility and job to convert that person to their point of view. This is when the fight starts this is when the anger is provoked and this is when everything goes bad.

We all know that certain religions try to convert you more than others. One of the reasons that I moved into a gated community I did not want those random knocks on my door by people who wanted to convert me. I pay a great deal of money every year to live in a place where I do not get those knocks on my door. I have never been rude to those people. I never try to convert them to a different view point or belief system. I can exist in the world with them I just choose not to participate. In return I am respected and they are also. This is where most people are different if you are taking the time to try to convert a Christian from their point of view you are only going to create a contentious situation that is going to start a fight. You have to be a better individual and you have to understand what your place is in the world and with people individually. Some people you can talk about religion with and some you cannot. If you have an individual that you can have a sincere 2 way conversation with them about religion then by all means share your point of view. Unfortunately many people who are passionate about something that they believe think it is their sole mission to convert every person. This is wrong and I think if people could just be reverent respectful and know what was appropriate at what time the world would be a better place.

I thank you for taking the time to listen to my point of view. We may not see eye to eye but I hope we can respect each other. I think we can learn from each other I have grown to be more tolerant of those that do not share my opinions or points of view. I also understand that to be truly tolerant of all their means you have to be tolerant of people that are not like you. I hope you have an amazing day.

kodiac · 22-25, M

@Capt11 Thank you for not just blowing me off. I agree with what you say and i do try to live that way ,for me the problem is even if i say i believe in a higher power ,i'm treated the same as if i said i don't by the truly devout .All i ask is the same things you said in your post.I am respectful and reverent when i'm in rl .I don't get the same in return. Especially here on the site ,example - a person asked for prayers ,i responded i'll pray for you ,a person i debate religion with responds oh now you believe huh ? Mocking me . The person asking feels prayer will help why wouldn't i Do that for them? Wanting to give a gift of belief does not mean you should force it on the person .

suzie1960 · 61-69, F

@Capt11 [quote]It used to be OK that if you were not Christian you could exist just being respectful and reverent. For example if you were invited to a dinner and at the dinner table someone said the prayer. People who were nonbelievers would simply be quiet reverent and respectful. That is not the case anymore.[/quote]
That has not been the case for a long while if you simply replace "christian" with another religion (e.g. Pagan) in your first sentence.

I have some Pagan friends who have faced strong objections from christians when they attempt to manifest their beliefs. They don't try to convert others, they just want to practice their religion in peace. I find christians complain about others' intolerance but they tend to be the least tolerant of other religions.

kodiac · 22-25, M

@suzie1960 👍️

Capt11 · 46-50, M

@kodiac I agree with you I want to gain I cannot speak for all of those who behave poorly. I hope that you will always understand that I will never treat you that way. Have a great day

Capt11 · 46-50, M

@suzie1960 I want to be very clear I cannot speak for the behaviors of others I can only tell you what I understand or what I don't understand. I do not know where you live or how old you are so I am not sure what you have experienced. I can only speak from what I have experienced. Sometimes we get so caught up or wanting to debate and prove our point that we do not take time to understand the intent and motivation of a message. I think if you read any post that I have posted regarding this subject I have never judged I have never pointed the finger and I have never been disrespectful. You do not know what my religious affiliation is. I am simply stating what I have observed.

I wish to understand the motivation behind your comment. Are you trying to prove that some people have been unfair cruel or not polite? We already established that. When you take a quote from somebody and then you say that is not the case it almost seems like you are attacking their statement. Then you say let's change one word. It does not make sense what you are trying to say.

I understand that most people want to categorize others and put them in a group. I am not trying to do that I realize tha people act poorly not just a certain group of people. By putting that title or categorizing them it almost seems like you make the whole entire group a certain way. So in conclusion is someone acted poorly towards friends of yours that is unfortunate. It should not be tolerated and it was disrespectful. I am still curious how that makes my statement or my previous post not valid or true?