Calling all Christians. Do any of you hate atheists?

1. 48

   Ericdierkerposted 8 years ago

   Calling all Christians. Do any of you hate atheists?
   
   I just read a question that asked "why do Christians hate atheists?" In looking at the answers I notice a complete lack of any Christian who admitted or claimed or otherwise suggested that they hate atheists. I don't know any who do -- do you? I would like to find one Christian who hates atheists, so I can understand this question.

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   daydreamer13posted 8 years ago

   Absolutely not! I'm very interested to see what answers you get here. Although, you may get a few Atheists determined enough to pose as "haters".
   I agree, I have yet to see any real "hating" coming from Christians. It seems to be more of a paranoia than a reality.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I do this thing, daily, where I confess my transgressions. I am not perfect. I have faults, I sin. And so if I hated someone I would have to confess it. I don't think people hate others for their beliefs.

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      daydreamer13posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. I too do not think people hate others for their beliefs.

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3. 67

   lawrence01posted 8 years ago

   Simple answer NO!
   Fact is I do have strong beliefs and tend to defend them 'vigorously' so I tend to get involved in debating things but I've actually learned quite a bit from those exchanges and want to say thank you to those who challenged me in that area.
   I don't accept all that those debating have said but the learning.has been good!

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   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I am looking Lawrence but I have little hope of finding one. Maybe anger and dislike. I hate Lima beans -- there I said it and I stand by it. Surely if there is a Christian hater they will come forth with reason. (I was forced to eat them as a child)

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   2. 67

      lawrence01posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Eric
      I followed the link on this question to the other and I think it's a case of those calling themselves 'christian' but not producing the fruit! I think that's why Jesus said "By their fuits you'll know them" my thoughts anyway

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   3. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Guide me friend I found no Christian saying that they hate Atheists. I will chase down any lead.

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   4. 67

      lawrence01posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Eric
      Neither did I, I did find some trying to give examples like Russ Limbaugh. My reply was look to what they do! (The fruit) that's how we know who really is!

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   5. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I saw that funny list by Austin. Apparently Austin believes that anyone who does not like an Atheistic position hates atheists. Good for Austin. Note this question does not ask "hate atheism" but rather "hate Atheists" big difference.

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4. 86

   iggy7117posted 8 years ago

   The christian religion is about forgiveness and love, To hate another for their beliefs would be wrong. It goes against what a christian should be.

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   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Well said and worthy of note. But I try and fail at being what I should all the time. There must be one Christian out there that will confess this.

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5. 60

   Pour Grammarposted 8 years ago

   Definitely not. I certainly don't understand them but a Christian that studies scripture and aims to live a righteous life like God wants, wouldn't.   If somebody claims to be Christian and says that they hate atheist, then they are just picking and choosing the parts of Christianity that they like.  Or they're ignorant to what the Bible teaches.  They'd be doing nothing more than contaminating the title of being 'A Christian'.   Love thy enemies right?!  It gets me so worked up,  goodness! 

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   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      But couldn't they just be wayward sinners that have an issue and hate? Maybe they are even asking to have the hate lifted. I am sure there is a forthright Christian that will confess this transgression.

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      Pour Grammarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That's true but still not okay. Turning to God for help would be the wisest choice but telling somebody that you hate them will never be okay, atheist or not. Admittedly, that's simply my opinion and nothing more.

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   3. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I agree it is not okay.

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   ValKarasposted 8 years ago

   Admittedly, and pretty obvious through all this exchange of hot arguments  -  Christians are ONLY HUMANS, bound to have a complete spectre of human emotions, which include intolerance and hate. In many instances it was actually surprising that some found in their "loving" vocabulary quite some harsh words for atheists  - regardless whether deserved or not.
   So, from a simple observation I think it would be fair to say that there are not those among Christians who hate atheists and those who don't, but by a large number -  those who admit it and those who don't.
   
   It has been already admitted by one of the loudest HP proponents of Christianity that many church-goers are not really true followers of Christian teachings. So, let us be a little honest here, and not put all of them in the same bag labelled "innocent and loving", Just like I won't make the same mistake here to label "all" Christians as haters. Some of you I honestly respect as believers. (I don't have to be a believer to respect one.)
   
   So, we could easily say that the question above could pass for a rhetorical one, since it suggests that a Christian CAN'T say he "hates"  -  so he WON'T.
   But then, there is another question in all this, and that is  -  why would it matter to atheists whether they are hated by Christians? Since they, by definition don't believe, why would they see in believers some authorities whose love they would want to deserve? As if some mini-sam-harris  is now sighing with a relief : "Oh, now I feel much better that I am not hated!"
   
   No, I am not putting Christians down, so don't jump the gun. We are ALL only humans, and to me it's like someone is questioning if all those with blue eyes hate those with brown eyes. How is that significant if those folks with one mindset hate folks with a different one?
   
   There are some Hubbers that I simply admire as wonderful human beings, and to most (if not all) of them I expressed that admiration. I didn't ask them if they "happened to be Christians or atheists", and they didn't ask me that either. On that most important human level we don't wear labels  -  although I must admit that even at this age of 71 I find it somehow easier to compliment female Hubbers. (If I believed one word of what Freud had to say I would ask him "why is that so"  -  but let it stay a mystery.
   
   So, why does it matter whether the "noble ones" hate heretics or not? Who really cares  - because the truth will stay buried - just like my complimenting female Hubbers.

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   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      As always, delightful and entertaining with some good truth thrown in for measure. I had to stop and ponder this idea of the human condition naturally hating. I have to think it is all learned unlike love which is natural. If taught ???

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   2. 0

      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Eric  -  There are only two inherent emotions - love and fear, and all others are derivatives from them two, including hate. As we get psychologically more complex from birth on, so do derivatives of love and fear. They get "specialized", not learned

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   3. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting school of thought. That hate coming from a fear turned outward. Survival mode and then nurtured. Clearly this holds some truth.

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      daydreamer13posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Vladimir, I once was told that the opposite of love is fear, not hate. I must confess, I don't quite understand this. Maybe it would be good idea for a hub.

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      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Daydreamer - I may write a hub on this topic in the next few days.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It would be good of you to write more on the subject. I don't really see hate as anything but a taught emotion/feeling. I have four outstanding children and I ask them about this and they have no hate. Maybe my cooking. But that was learned behavior.

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      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Eric  - You are so lucky that your kids openly talk about their emotions. Many other kids would not dare to say that they have a hate to their preacher father. To them it would be like shaming everything that their father stands for. Lucky indeed.

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   8. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Oh Val, do not be discouraged. They do not hate me. But they have very direct opposing views on my positions. It is cause for rancor and hugs. We agree to oppose each other on certain matters. Dang liberals and crazy Conservatives - life is good!

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   9. 0

      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Eric  -. You misread. It was about kids feeling hate and not saying it to their father  - not "hating their father". What's "discouragement" to do with any of it? Sometimes you think on a strange wave length, and my antenna can't pick up your station

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   10. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That my friend is because you are looking for antennae instead of what is straight spoken. Some of us just are. And there is no wave length to gather from. Look straight into it instead of around the edges for a wave.

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   11. 0

       jonnycomelatelyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I have no problem with a christian person vehemently disliking me or my sexual orientation.  Only when that dislike becomes hate and threatens my livelihood in any way...then I am liable to confront.

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       Sam Shepardsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       thanks, great and insightful read!

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       Dwight Phoenixposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Vladimir:
       Who is the  "loudest HP proponents of Christianity"?

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7. 0

   LoliHeyposted 8 years ago

   As I already said, I do not hate atheists.  I have loved some of them and prayed for them.  I even pray for those I do not like and/or do not know.

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   1. 48

      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Lolita, that is where I come from. Even if I don't want to ;-)

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      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Lolitta, Could any normal person "hate" someone that they don't even know? We are all strangers here, family people, not doing any harm to each other, atheists or not. And who should really be concerned if Christians "hate" anybody or not?

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8. 59

   WithMettaposted 8 years ago

   Atheist here, answering anyway.
   
   Perceptions of hate between atheists and Christians often stem from the problem of identity. Christians identify AS Christian; they believe their faith is an integral part of who they are. Outspoken atheists, on the other hand, explain why they don't beleve in, and even oppose, Christian faith claims. Since Christians identify with the tenets being criticized and debunked, they naturally interpret these debunkings as personal attacks. And sometimes these feelings of persecution are so strong, Christians call it "hatred."
   
   Sometimes atheists make the mistake of personally identifying with beliefs too, and hate ends up travelling in both directions, but it's far more common and intense from Christians and Muslims.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      What an interesting perspective. It does indeed, if it is actual, seem to be a reaction of sorts. I have to conclude that if it exists it is a visceral learned response of fear. Even then I see it probably being shortlived and a reaction.

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      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Metta. I like your answer. However, does anybody here realize that "hate" is ridiculously strong word to describe some simple disagreements? Folks, we don't even know each other. Come on, how could we "hate", is anybody here under 5 years old?

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9. 88

   Faith Reaperposted 8 years ago

   Of course NOT!  My goodness, we are called to love as Christ loves, not hate anyone really.  Why would I hate atheists?  There does seem to be a lot of that presumption from atheists that Christians hate them, but I love them just as I love all others.  If one is a true Christian, then there is no hate in one's heart towards anyone, and that includes atheists. I pray for them everyday as I do others ...because I love them.
   
   Great question, Eric.  Thank you for asking.

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Faith you wonderful woman, thank you for bringing your personal feelings here. It is important for the concept to have that full range of reality. I am still looking for that whoever that hates atheists. I still have not found them. Maybe not!

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      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Faith  -  It's refreshing to hear that you, a human being, are not humanly capable of hating, and there is only love in your heart  -  just because Jesus didn't hate anyone. Maybe I could  play piano because Liberace was a piano virtuoso..

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      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hahaha Vlad, there's the sarcasm.  Yes, I am indeed a mere human and Jesus the only perfect one. There are many who are hard to love in this life just because of their actions, so we may not love their actions but we are to love them anyway.

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      ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Faith  -  If you knew me better, it was not sarcasm, just some innocent humor. I understand, some folks are  not lovable but if we generate love, then it's our eyes that make everything look lovable.

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      Faith Reaperposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Vlad, that's for the clarification.  Yes, it is difficult to love some people, but with the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are able to do so.  God bless.

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10. 86

    tsmogposted 8 years ago

    I plead for me understanding hate is it is not an emotion using Plutchiks Wheel of Emotions. That uses science familiar to some atheists stance. Hate does appear on it. Love does being synergy between two legs with base emotions ecstasy and admiration and its branches.
    
    One may speculate in that case hate is not a psychological need of least considered by his theory through study. In that manner the opposite of Love is remorse with its two legs. The base emotions are loathing and grief. I easily can understand that while Hate is much harder for me realize.
    
    I use that wheel for understanding emotion providing for guidance. They arrive as result of experiencing pleasantry - good, bad, and neutral. That considers those types are not the sense of morality and are healthy feelings experienced then expressed as emotion.
    
    For me apathy is the closest alternative meaning for hate. So, to hate an atheist means I simply do not care for that person, hence am without caring. So, if I offer care even if through debate with emotion there is not hate. In fact that wheel says if I have any admiration melding with some measure of serenity even if a result of friendly debate then that is love through synergy. Therefore, I do not hate that person.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Cool answer. It makes a lot of sense. Caring what another thinks is still caring.

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       tsmogposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I just reread  and must apologize to all. There is a typo at "Hate does appear on it.". It should read, "Hate does NOT appear on it"! Ooops . . . :-)

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11. 88

    Jodahposted 8 years ago

    No I don't hate atheists at all, or believers of any other religion for that matter. They are all human beings and entitled to their beliefs or non beliefs. If I was to use the word hate for a certain group of people I would say that I hate hypocrites. Those who pretend to be something or promote a view but don't practice what they preach..be they atheist, Christian, Muslim, Cabbage Patch Doll whatever.

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    1. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Well I certainly agree with you. I do in fact just hate hypocritical Cabbage Patch Dolls always telling me what to do and doing something else - rascals!

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       John  -  You hit the bull's eye here, preaching one thing but doing something else. That's why I could never be a preacher  - I constantly upgrade and refine my philosophy, acting out something that was recently my heresy. Clean conscience.

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    candyhippieposted 8 years ago

    Trouble is, Abrahamic religious teachings and texts depend upon belief in God and are naturally hateful toward atheists. Christians who don't treat atheists hatefully are at odds with some of their religion's own teachings. And I'm glad they are! But you can't blame the rest of us for being a bit apprehensive.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting notion. I don't know how that squares with the New Testament. There is that belief that the New Testament basically supersedes the old. And in that case there would be no call for hatred. I think.

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       candyhippieposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       There are a lot of interpretations. It's a wild ride.  But I bet most of the Christians who say the New supersedes the Old still believe in the ten commandments. So who decides which parts of the Old still count, on what basis? It's complicated.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I have a simple rule of thumb in determining what of the old to keep and what to discard. If it speaks of anything but love for thy neighbors and enemies it is old and to be remaining in the past. No confusion here.

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       SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Hate has never been part of the Christian religion.

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       candyhippieposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       When disagreements like this come up, back-and-forth is often futile. I think this sort of thing is best explored on one's own. So I'll just leave these here:
       For Eric -- http://bit.ly/1N4lTZ8
       For Fardmir -- http://www.evilbible.com/

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       SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       The person who wrote this is not taking into account the context in which the Old Testament was written. All of this was an acceptable thing to do in those times, not just in the Jewish community.

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    7. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Friend, I appreciate history but do not live in it. The New Testament has so much in it that I cannot possibly also follow the old. Do you have a hatred?

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       SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Is that addressed to me or Candy Hippie?

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    9. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Really?

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        SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

        Yes. I'm serious. Please answer

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    11. 48

        Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

        Of course it was addressed to you. Pretty plainly I might add. Are you alright?

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        ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

        Candy -  Christians are only humans, with no amputated amygdala from their brains, which makes them perfectly capable of hating with passion. They may suppress it, they may deny it, but that is also a part of being human.

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        SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

        Certainly not. I do have frustration sometimes, though. But, as Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself"

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    14. 48

        Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

        Or Candy Most Christians might have gotten over hate and moved on. Through self discipline one can over come the entanglement of hate. Of course God can also intervene. That is the best.Christians are not called to hate.

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13. 83

    tamarawilhiteposted 8 years ago

    I do not hate atheists.
    I despise the ones who threatened my son's Christian school from threats to kill the principal to blow up the building because they declined to admit a lesbian's daughter.
    They did so in order to teach their traditional views without the child coming home asking "The priest said you're sinning just for being with Mama X, why?", creating conflict at home. And they were standing up for their right to teach as they had for years, preventing "my child is offended, stop teaching it."
    Instead of respecting the religious organization's right to teach what it chose and avoid conflict by admitting that child, the school principal, administrators and teachers received threats of violence and bad publicity. While the school was bashed for refusing to admit the child on national media, there was hardly local reporting of the threats to burn down a private religious school with 200 kids.
    It reminds me of the TED talk on Christine Sacorro, where she was fired from her job and hate mobbed online for trying to make a bad joke on the disparate racial impact of AIDS. The people who online said she should be raped and given AIDS weren't criticized but cheerleaded.
    The left in general has a problem calling all dissenting viewpoints "hate" and then giving its members permission to pour out vitriol and threaten violence in the name of tolerance.
    And I do hate that hypocrisy of illiberal liberals. Their permission to "hate the haters", denying that any opposing view even has a rational basis. They deny the right to even express opposing views in public, while giving themselves permission to enter conservative events and churches and disrupt.
    I hate the loss of freedom, when events are cancelled because the illiberal left threatens violence, and no one who threatened the violence is punished. The "Everyone draw Mohammed" contest was attacked in Garland, and the liberals blame the organizers for bothering Muslims instead of defending the cartoonists, mere months after Charlie Hebdo.
    I mourn the lack of civility, where anything other than lock step agreement with an ever changing far left check list of ideas is shouted down. Look at feminist icons torn apart for criticizing Jenner getting a woman's award or pointing out the cover-up of rapes by Muslims while crying about white men looking at women. 
    The left is seemingly immune to discussion of its hypocrisy of its intolerance in the name of tolerance. I hate the fascism this creates, but not them.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Wow you got my juices flowing there. But I did not see one persons face only a movement. I contend we can, but I am not fully convinced that we can hate an idea and not those that proffer it. Hate actions not people. Very cool response, thank you

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    Dana Tateposted 8 years ago

    No- I don't hate atheists. What I do hate is anyone who feels they have the right to be cruel to anyone based on their beliefs.  I feel that any religion has the right to worship the same way atheist's have the right not to. I feel it's ironic that non-believers can bash people of faith but people of faith are considered the hypocrites. In other words, people of non-faith can bash religion but if we bashed people of non-faith we are considered "ungodly" I know people who will say to me "I don't believe in God but I admire your passion for what you believe in" I don't believe (" to be religious or not be religious")  is the problem, but the disrespecting of others right to choose that is the problem. Great question by the way.

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    1. 48

       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Sometimes I don't like my faith handcuffs, it just is not fair. But that is what my faith has chosen for my heart to follow and my intellect to remain true to.
       I wonder about getting mad versus hate. They are not the same. Thank you for the thought.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Dana  -  Do you realize that in these Q&A it was Christians who used derogatory names for atheists  -  "like "Satan", "hypocrite", and alike? Why? Only because atheists had audacity to challenge their faith with some legit questions. Who is "crue

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Vlad you are talking about one wingnut. I can tell by the words you use. Really one crazy and you use that as an example? Norine is different. And you know it, Have compassion.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Eric - Of course I know, I was responding to the word "cruelty", and one example will do, as opposed to no mentioned examples of atheists calling believers any "cruel" names. Remember, I am not a believer, so I can afford not to show compassion, LOL

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Glad you caught my humor. Life is good and special people add a spice.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Eric  -  Agreed.

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    Paul K Francisposted 8 years ago

    As soon as you begin to hate, you cease being a Christian, so that is why Christians cannot hate atheists. I would like to add that atheists may be just as incapable of hatred as a Christian but for different, perhaps more humanistic, reasons. We all can become angry and stubborn at times while professing or defending our faiths or life philosophies, and I have seen some discussions on these matters become quite unfriendly. But that is not hate. True hate only exists when there is some real malice behind it, and most of the time it is only the 'hater' who knows whether or not this malice is present. Long live love! Have a nice day.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you Paul, you have an interesting perspective. The ceasing of being Christian is one way to look at it.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Come on, Paul, be a little logical here. There are more than billion Christians, and if they didn't hate anybody, this planet would be a Garden of Eden. When are you going to be ordained as a saint, so I can attend the ceremony?

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    SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years ago

    "Love your neighbor as you love yourself"
    
    Enough said.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Fardmir  -  What if you don't love yourself? Most people of this world don't. If they did, they would respect their lives and their relationships. So, poor neighbors, no one loves them. Why should they, because neighbors don't love themselves either.

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       SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       You don't love yourself? I pity you. Are you uncomfortable with yourself? I would find it hard to love anyone else if I didn't love myself.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Fardmir - Make some sense, first you ask me if I don't love myself, but you don't wait for my answer and rush to say how you pity me. You know why I love myself? Because I have enough brains to see a nonsense. These Q&A. are truly entertaining.

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       SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       You love yourself because you can see nonsense? Hmm...okay.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Fardmir - I only have 200 characters, and my reasons for loving myself are a much longer story that this space could accommodate. But why do you care? My reasons would not be valid for your loving yourself, so you can't benefit by knowing them.

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       SonOfSkyrim201posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Suit yourself.

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17. 83

    gmwilliamsposted 8 years ago

    
    
    Not all Christians hate atheists.  To believe such is an illogical, even inane thought.  Christians aren't monolithic in scope.  Christians are varied as individuals are.  There are many enlightened, modernistic, liberal, & progressive Christians who believe that each person has the right to believe in any ethical, moral, religious, or spiritual belief as h/she choose as long as it doesn't infringe upon the rights of others.  Many more liberal Christians staunchly avow that each person is where h/she is supposed to be regarding his/her ethical/moral/religious/spiritual beliefs.  They maintain that there are different paths, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Pagan, Wiccan, New Age, or atheist as no one belief is superior to the other.  They see the atheist is having his/her individual belief as they have.
    
    The more conservative, dogmatic, fanatical, fundamentalist, & traditional Christian may or may not hate atheists.  However, they feel that atheism is an aberration.  They maintain that somehow that atheists are missing the boat.  They see that atheists are somewhat amiss regarding their relationship w/God.  They feel that atheists refuse to acknowledge that there is a Universal Being.  They view atheists as being arrogant because the latter don't believe in God.  They also don't understand how people cannot perceive that there is a God. 
    
    The more extreme conservative, dogmatic, fanatical, fundamentalist, & traditional Christian may feel that the atheist is lost, even damned because the latter refuse to see the religious light so to speak.  They are not above using the psychological bait & switch of HELL in order to make atheists really see God.  A few of them may hate atheists because in their eyes, the latter is beyond the religious pale.  They may even demonize atheists, viewing them as irreproachable, even damnable because of the latter's different beliefs.  They contend that perhaps atheists are unworthy because the latter won't believe in God.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       so do you know any of these ones " conservative, dogmatic, fanatical, fundamentalist, & traditional Christian" that actually hate atheists? I am still looking for a single one.

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    ambassadorbutler7posted 8 years ago

    No hate and only comedy truth medicine from me to point the way to the light of Jesus Christ Lord and Savior. The best medicine for all souls that are living on the earth on February 21, 2016 A.D. 6:48am and forever. It's time to take your two pills of comedy truth medicine to see the light of Jesus Christ. Your two comedy truth medicine label is John 14:6. Read it and take two pills and see Jesus Christ in the morning.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting.

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    Angele Parrisposted 8 years ago

    I think it should be very difficult to find a Christian who hates atheists. 
    The commandment of Christ is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Therefore, it is difficult for Christians to hate. Even if Christians hate, it would not be atheists. Christians teach people about Jesus, and atheists are better to preach to than those of other religions. So let us eliminate the word “hate” and use the words “disagree with” instead.
    I am going to refer to two types of people:
    1.    Those who when all is going well, believe in a God, and when all is not well question if there is a God.
    2.    There are others who when all is going well ignore God, but when all is not going well, turn to God.
    It is not that atheists cannot relate to a God, they cannot relate to the message Christians preach.  Thus, they might say things like, how could a good God permit so much suffering; the God of the bible is evil; the bible contradicts itself, thus God is not perfect and all-knowing.
    I was given the book of Galatians to read. In the book of Galatians, Paul is telling the newly converted Gentiles that circumcision is not necessary.  The Galatians were being pressured to get circumcised because it is a part of the Abrahamic covenant. Paul as Jew was circumcised. In the book of Galatians Paul argues with Peter about eating with the Gentiles, he also writes that he went to Arabia after his conversion, and he mentions the enmity between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.  This is confusing in and of itself.  Thus the Galatians who accepted Paul’s gospel had to be those who all were not going well, and needed something to believe in.
    Atheism is not believing in a God, and Christianity is simply telling others about Jesus Christ.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Very nicely done response with much to think about. Thank you for this.

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    jtraderposted 8 years ago

    Why would a Christian hate anybody? Even a young Christian who is just learning to leave old ways of thinking behind would understand that their aim is to love as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       jtrader, I think you are right. I think the responses to the question here has debunked a suggestion by non-believers.

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    faith-hope-loveposted 8 years ago

    I, personally, have never met any member of "Christianity" that had Hate for ahteists. I, too, am confused on the Question and why it would even be asked. As for me, I think and believe that "Hate is a waste of Energy. Hate will consume the Hater more than the Hated.  Hate is a very destructive Force and will eventually rob us of our peace of mind and our sanity. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME IN THE PRACTICE OF HATRED. don't let hate rule your life.....

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       John, I am still waiting for someone to confess they hate. Someone here says we all do so get over it. I disagree. I have yet to find a Christian that even claims to have hated an atheist in the past. I believe it is a fiction, made up for argument.

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       daydreamer13posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Some of it is a fear caused by media.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       daydreamer13 I certainly see your point. The media climate is not favorable for many these days.

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    CassandraCaeposted 8 years ago

    a question for a question.
    
    Do you really think a Christian is going to admit to hate?  Even if they, as humans, feel it?
    
    
    Yeah that will be a cold day you know where.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Well that is a real problem then because no one else would know. And yes I think they would. Confession is good and it is not like it would be a mortal sin. I think if I would have said "dislike" we would already have some positive responses.

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Cassandra  -  Do you mean "hell"? Just say it, it's a very popular and much advertised word, next to "boogie-man", "Satan", "demons", and the whole happy company.

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       Sherry Thornburgposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Good point Eric,  I could say I dislike the negativity I feel from some Atheists. I could say I dislike the belittling and activist attacks on church schools and programs.  Hate is a much harsher term that doesn't inter into my responses. dislike,yes

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23. 73

    Kathleen Cochranposted 8 years ago

    Unfortunately, sometimes we Christians judge others so harshly our love ceases to show through.  It is not our job to judge or condemn those who live their lives differently from us.  It is our job to live our faith and pray others see a a loving God in us.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Agreed and I think most if not all Christians know this.

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    jackclee lmposted 8 years ago

    Eric, you nailed it. Christians don't hate atheists. Some atheists definitely hate christians and wants to pick a fight when none exist. Some atheists also believe religion is the cause of many ills of our society. They point to Islamic extremists and christian extremist groups as example. The problem is, they are the exception. The vast majority of people of faith have done tremendous good by way of charity... I think it comes down to judgement. Atheists do not want to be judged for their personal behavior. The problem is, they don't understand that Christians do not judge. It is their own miss understanding of religion and Christians that cause them to think that way. They need to look within themselves and ask, what drive their hatred?

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Well spoken. Exceptions to the rule do not prove a rule. And of course note we did not say "hated". This is a current discussion not an historic one. I still cannot find a Christian that hates Atheists.

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    Ericdierkerposted 8 years ago

    This has been interesting. There are those that think all people hate no matter what. That it is just a human/animalistic truth. I think it is an emotion that can be overcome and dismissed through a spiritual life. Self reflection can also be a path to overcoming though I do not know any presently who have done so.
    There are also those that think that no Christian would come forward and confess therefor there must be some out there. Interesting logic.
    I have no doubt that one could find some Old Testament language that would support hatred against those opposed to God. So I think if there are any hater Christians out there they would stand up for their feelings as justified. But no one has to date.
    I think the whole concept of Christians hating atheist is a straw man argument. Kind of like this "I asked the question WHY do Christians hate atheists so therefor they must". When the obvious  answer is that they don't. No one can say what is in another's heart. Even statements that would appear to be hate generated can have 100 different reasons for being made. Most people cuss because they cannot find better words to express their thoughts. Indeed not all people are gifted with the use of words that show how they really feel. And so their words can be misconstrued. Then again there are folks who intentionally misconstrue words in order to support their argument.
    I recently was arguing with a gentleman who derided going to church as some type of heresy. I gave a litany of things that I do aside from going to church to strengthen my faith. To show that people who attend church are not necessarily "sheeple" who blindly follow. The response was that I was a braggart, totally and intentionally misconstruing what I said and why I said it. This can be done in any intense discussion.
    Someone says something mean to another does not mean they hate them. I means they said something mean. Pop psychologist amateur would tell you a hundred hidden meanings behind it. But sometimes a frog is just a frog and not a prince in waiting.
    
    So there being no examples or confessions of hate here I have to conclude that it does not exist except in the minds of certain atheists.

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       jlparkposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I think that hate could be the wrong word to get people to admit to. They may not see it as hate, but more following the word of God and conclude it cannot be hateful if it is of God. Which isn't true - it can definately be hateful. My 2 cents anyway

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Sad but true. I expected someone to step forward and say that they hate atheists because God commands it. There is OT support for such a thought. But apparently Christians are not buying into that and choose NT of no hate. Interesting isn't it.

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       jlparkposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thats the thing tho - there are those who use NT verses to back their discriminatory positions on certain groups - it can't be said that the NT isn't lacking in dislike. Paul disliked some groups A LOT. So it can be used in hatred or to defend it.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Really -- Paul hated certain groups? Where did that come from? If Paul hated then it would basically be OK to hate. I am scratching my head on this one. OK I note your said disliked. Fair enough.

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       CCgirlposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       As a true Christian, you do not hate any one group of people based on their beliefs or lack there of.  Professing your love of Christ and then with the same breath saying you hate anyone is the worst form of hypocrisy.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That certainly seems to be the consensus.

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       jlparkposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       like I said - hate isn't the word. the verses around Corinth/Romans + Paul - these are used by modern followers as Clobber Verses - verses out of context used to back discriminatory behaviour against other groups. Not hate per say, but hateful behav.

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26. 83

    The Stages Of MEposted 8 years ago

    No, of course not, for If I hate anyone I only need to point the finger back to myself. To judge is not my position for only one has this call and I am surely not even close. I would rather prefer to love the sinner hate the sin, both in myself and others.The world is loud in its vocal indignation of grouping and or labels. I feel blessed that God takes all of us where we are at and He is working a beautiful work through our faith struggles, and ambiguous faith walks. There but by His grace which is sufficient go I, and thus, I will choose to love as best I can, in all circumstances one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. God Bless

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       What a nice response, thank you.

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       Sherry Thornburgposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Its not possible to judge someone who has such a radically different philosophy to your own. Dislike, disagree, yes, but not judge. Judging requires a common set of principles that another is not adhering to.  Atheists don't follow Christian rules.

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27. 0

    cy10posted 8 years ago

    I do not hate atheists.
    
    Why? Because I'm a Christian, and it would be going against my religion ("love your neighbor as yourself").
    
    Furthermore, I wouldn't hate a person just because they don't believe in the same thing as I do, just like I wouldn't want someone to hate me because I'm a Christian.
    
    Doing so is called called RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION. People have the right to believe what they want to believe.
    
    I, generally, find that atheists act the same as Christians, with a few exceptions, of course. They are nice and open, and even though they disagree with us, they still respect us. At least, from my personal experiences.
    
    I don't mean any offense to any person, but one belief of the Christians around me is that - God blinded the eyes and hardened the hearts of His people so He could heal them.
    
    We also believe that what happens is what God meant to happen, so why hate a person because of it?
    
    Again, I don't mean to start preaching Christianity to everyone, and this is only what the Christians I know believe.
    
    I do not HATE - I do disagree with certain people and I certainly do get annoyed with people who talk bad about Christianity, or people who swear "Oh my god!" and "Jesus Christ!", but I do not hate atheists in general.
    
    "Hate" to an atheist seems more of an exaggeration of "dislike" or "disagreement" to me. Every person is entitled to his own opinion, and I respect it.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       A nice point of view. I hope  the majority hold at least something close to it.

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    Daniel Fensonposted 8 years ago

    1 John 4:20 - Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
    
    I hate no one, because I do love God. If I did neither, I would no longer be worthy of being called Christian.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I think a whole bunch of people view it this way.

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29. 81

    geekinbluejeansposted 8 years ago

    I'm a Christian Catholic.  And my answer is "No".
    
    Whether they believe God or not, we love them.
    
    Because I personally believe that Christianity is all about loving people and not imposing belief into somebody.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for this affirmation. It is good to hear from you.

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30. 79

    emgeposted 8 years ago

    I am not a Christian, but I don't hate any atheist. Sometimes I also am an atheist, but I get over it fast.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Well that is an interesting comment.

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31. 55

    Gabe Stretchenposted 8 years ago

    Good afternoon Mr. Eric!
    
    That's an excellent question. Technically, Christians are charged with the objective to love unconditionally. This includes, race, gender, religion, creed, beliefs and anything else I missed; therefore, It is "supposedly" contradicting to say, "I am a Christian" but I hate the Atheists. I, too, would also like to read and understand this question into more depth!

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Gabe I think we are getting a pretty clear picture that this inquiry shows a big no from Christians. I think it is not a true question but a bait tactic.

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32. 72

    MVKilgoreposted 8 years ago

    The common phrase, "hate the sin, not the sinner" applies here.
    Biblically speaking, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, so there is much sin for ALL of us to "hate" within ourselves and others, that only Jesus Christ and His salvation can correct.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       I see your point but I am not even satisfied that Christians hate the sin in others. Disapprove yes but hate -- no.

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33. 59

    Kiss andTalesposted 8 years ago

    Eric you have a wonderful question here. When we meet people we approach them as already most of the time liking people in general, this is why we say hello, good morning,  have a good day, good night, complement people in the good taste of clothing,  food,  talents,
    Personal issues of a person's choice of religion or none religion choices are just not always known from the start .
    Also we may not know why a person has made this personal choice.
    We can share later why we have made our own.
    As a forum people really just express their reasons behind a computer screen , most likely it is very truthful.
    But I do not think hating another person who does not believe as you do is normal  mental action , it's like saying  I hate people who eat steak all the time, or who
    Laugh, cry, smoke, have children, who are rich, who are poor.
    You see it just does not sound right or is right.
    Hate is a, strong word even to apply to the subject and belief in God.
    There are some wonderful people out there in this world , and many on HP as well, even though we may not agree on the same subject as a believer I will love
    What my God loves, respect what he allows , and learn to be a good example of what he wants us to be in his personality,  which there is no place to hate another
    And say we love our God.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       This is really cool. I hadn't thought about it but I guess I like people. I like to argue too. But I generally like the people I argue with or I would not care. You wrote well and it gives me much to ponder. Thank you.

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       Kiss andTalesposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you Eric,  you provided a good question, which is vital
       To HP.

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34. 60

    danctasticposted 8 years ago

    Chistians means follower of Christ and if you are then we can't hate anyone.  Just like Christ he loved all regarless who they were, were they were, or what they did.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Seems the consensus

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       Happylovejoyposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       My thoughts exactly.. Hate is not a core value in the religion. However, you can't control the human factor to hate something that goes against your principles and opinions.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Isn't that one of the cool things about being Christian. Hey we all have the feelings but in Christ we can overcome and change them into the positive. I confess I hate Lima beans.

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35. 74

    Oztinatoposted 8 years ago

    No I do not hate atheists. In fact I have a hub defending ethical atheism. What I do dislike is non ethical atheists who have a majority of hubs expressing total religious intolerance which crosses the line on what is acceptable ethics. Constant offensive anti religious hubs are actually against official HPs rules.

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36. 61

    Skulduggery Jonesposted 8 years ago

    I am a Christian but I do not hate atheists. I would never hate anyone because of their beliefs unless they tried to discourage the beliefs of others.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for leaving an answer.

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37. 0

    ahorsebackposted 8 years ago

    The greatest beauty  of Christianity is that of faith !  Faith ,is  the one , exclusive  requirement of  Christianity !  It's the only cost , the only requirement  , the only "Idol " .   No, my friend TRUE   Christians hate no one .  However,  it is the latest politically correct  cause of extremist   "atheists "  to put all the blame of the world on those who practice the simplest  for of theism . Christianity!
    
    But then  , I suspect that a real atheist  hates no one either , it is merely the pseudo - non-believer who decides to swallow  all that PC hypocrisy, lock stock and barrel .  it is these haters alone that hate anyone .

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       There are haters. It makes me sad. But there are some people that just hate.
       I would hope being a Christian would make that extremely uncomfortable,. I suppose there are some that just cannot have faith. But they can hate.

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    L Ringposted 8 years ago

    Absolutely not.
    
    On the contrary--I love atheists enough to give them the Gospel, hoping to pull them out of the fire.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Good for you!

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39. 52

    laurarileyposted 8 years ago

    Hi Eric.
    
    My feelings towards Atheists is not hate. It's disagreement. There is definitely a God. Jesus Christ is our Lord and always has been and always will be. We should not hate nor judge anyone. We may not always agree with others, but that's ok. It's ok to agree to disagree.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       It most assuredly is OK to agree to disagree.

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       Jackson2121posted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Couldn't have been better said.

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40. 74

    leakeemposted 8 years ago

    No. I don't hate atheists. I believe in allowing them to be as they want them to be. I wouldn't force them to be Christians either. I'd influence them, try to convince but still I'd allow them to choose for themselves.
    
    What I do hate is when they force their belief into others. I hate the act but not them as a person.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Leakeem, it surely appears that this is the normal and common belief. There are those that are different but they are not the norm.

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    Jackson2121posted 8 years ago

    I don't hate atheist. I believe people have the right to opinions and beliefs. In the Bible it says "love your enemies" this is a direct quote God.

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    Happylovejoyposted 8 years ago

    No, I do not hate atheists..
    
    Hate is such a strong word - naturally there will be disagreements and difference in opinions between Christians and Atheists but I don't think the word 'hate' should be used to generalize the relationship between Christians and Atheists.
    
    Hate is not part of the core beliefs in  Christianity, and not for most religions I believe. It's the people who make religion look bad at times, when they try to impose ideas to others and use religion as an excuse to do the wrong things - instead of trying to positively influence and help others to understand their beliefs.

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    lewis121212posted 8 years ago

    I don't know why some people hate atheists but I am a Christian and my best friend and will always be is an atheist.

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    Besarienposted 8 years ago

    I belong to those Christians who set stock not in whatever is taught in Christian churches at the moment by other fallible Christians but by what Jesus did, which for me is an ideal model for how to live in this world. I believe in helping and defending the poor, the sick, and the weak. As to the question, of course not! I love atheists, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Wiccans, Vodounists, and Satanists, too. I love all the people following religions that I didn't mention and may never even have yet heard about. I love believers and non-believers alike.
    
    In my opinion, Christians are tasked with loving other people who don't believe as we do. It should be easier for us too, since Christians do not believe even as Jesus did, given that Jesus was a Jew, not a Christian. I doubt there are many Christians out there who will not admit to loving Jesus.
    
    As a Christian, I am meant to love my enemies as well as my friends (and no, you are not my enemy just because you believe something other than what I do. If however you kick me in the face on purpose, then you become my enemy. Still, I will struggle to love you, as best I can. Obviously, if I knock you down and kick you in the face, I am failing as a Christian.)
    
    The natural state of mankind is not hate, but fear of that which we do not understand. Religions in general are an attempt to make sense of the world. Some people turn that fear of the unknown into hate. Some will seek to find understanding. A Christian is tasked with finding a way to turn fear into understanding and then ultimately into love. Are Christians perfect at doing this, heck no, none of us are! We still can do our very best, which is probably going to yield better results than not trying at all.
    
    In this quest for understanding, science is our very best tool, in my opinion. Do all Christians see science as our best tool for understanding or even love as our ultimate mission- no. For me, personally, this is "true Christianity." It is not the truth for other Christians.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Cool answer. I rest easy reading this kind of declaration of faith. It is nice to hear from folks with a similar view. Thank you

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       ValKarasposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Besarien  -  It's for the noble hearts and fine minds like yours that I regret having said some harsh things about believers. As for some others, I only regret my decision to stop saying them.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Vladimir that is a cool comment.

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    Rev. Akinsposted 8 years ago

    I do not mean to hate anyone. I may act in a way that if people are looking for me to hate them, they will see it. I try to live my life in a way that reflects love and grace. I am human, so I often fail. But over all I do not hate atheists. I find some people, religious or not, to be more willing to argue over simple, little details. Sometimes those "discussions" become quite hateful.
    I know there are Christians out there who have very strong beliefs and because of those will hate anyone different. They will explain they "hate the sin but not the sinner" or something like that. They may even say that they hate anyone who does not follow Christ. I would guess one of them would come forward and explain why the Bible says we, as Christians, must all hate "fill in the blank including atheists".
    Sorry, I try to love each person for who they are, and appreciate their perspective.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Rev. That is what has me scratching my balding head. There are those who could justify hate in some fashion. But apparently no one really does. A fun note - assuming they are out there, but are too ashamed to admit it. That is also better. Hope.

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    MysteriousVposted 8 years ago

    No, love the sinners,  hate the sin. God says love thy neighbor. God says forgive. You should love everyone, gay, straight, male, female, black, white, purple, or orange. EVERYONE! That is why Christians today have a bad reputation, us and Christians need to understand that we are suppose to love everyone, as humans yes it's hard but it is what God calls us to do. Love everyone so much that you want to help Jesus save them.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Interesting way of putting the calling.

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       MysteriousVposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       That's part of the problem in today's world everyone is so focused on hating each other there is no love anywhere. Us as Christians need to step up!

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       There is plenty of love my friend it just gets overshadowed by those who scream hate the loudest. Even right here on HP I get the love constantly from my friends.

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       MysteriousVposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Well maybe that is why God sent me here, To see the love being drowned by hate

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47. 95

    Markeliposted 8 years ago

    How could I ? I used to be myself an atheist...

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Well that would make it difficult.

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    ePetNationposted 8 years ago

    Hate is a strong word. You may not find any Christians that will admittedly use the hate word. This is probably the main reason why you have not gotten the answer you are seeking. Perhaps secretly there are Christians that do hate atheists, they just will not openly admit to the hate. They will use terms like "dislike" and others instead. I do not hate atheiests. I pray for them. Something has brought about the feelings and beliefs that atheists feel. No true Christian should hate another, nor should they or anyone pass judgement on another. We need to practice more compassion towards our brothers and sisters. We should explore our own beliefs and practices and start at home before making judements against anyone else. I am sure I have ruffled a few feathers. I live a "live and let live" life. I worry about my own self and thoughts and concerns and I do not waste my life worrying about what others are doing or not doing. Practice giving, and prayer for others.
    
    I hope you do find the answer you are seeking. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to express my opinion.

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       Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       Very nice response. Thank you

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