Why do Atheists mock and ridicule Christians?

I had a conversation with someone recently, he's not a believer, which to me is a non-issue, I never considered it my business to discuss faith with him or debate with him or try to get him to see things the way I see them. Why? Cause I'm related to him. I love him. I enjoy his company and his conversation. We can talk for hours and laugh. That is until the topic of "religion" comes up.
He's pretty hostile about it. I shy away from discussing it, not out of fear, but to keep my own lid on. I think that if my own can of worms gets opened around him, it's sure to escalate. For now, I just prefer to lay low. I like to listen to his point of view on things, and it's educational for me to hear his opinions on why God simply cannot exist. Even though I disagree (and know he's wrong), still, I listen intently and try to see where he's coming from. I respect him and I show it. (no, I'm not talking about my father.)
He, however, has yet to master the art of giving the same in return to me. It's ok.
So in dealing with him, I've gotten a better perspective of where atheists are coming from. I understand. I also know that from a sensible human standpoint, the atheist point of view makes perfect sense. But I also have come to realize, they simply have yet to experience the spiritual.
This is something I brought up with my relative. He's really knowledgable in financial things, investing, the stock market, etc etc. This is a bermuda triangle area in my life. I have very little interest, knowledge, and understanding when it comes to finances. To me, it's as basic as this: go to work. Earn paycheck. Deposit in bank. Spend some. Save some. Period.
I suppose this is why I am nearing 40 years old and still have the mindset of a teenager when it comes to money. I'm smart enough to realize, it's due to my own ignorance. I pointed this out to my relative. I said, I have a feeling that if someone would have taken me by the hand and walked me through the ins and outs of money and investing and what-not, and taught me how to be successful with it, and maybe even enjoy it, and let me experience first-hand the rewards of making a profit- maybe then I would embrace it and want to learn more. But as it stands, I'm an outsider in that realm. I'm inept, I've tried and failed to get ahead financially. So I gave up, and I get by on the bare minimum.
He just stared at me and wondered why I was saying this.
I told him, I have a feeling this is how you are when it comes to believing in God. You simply haven't experienced the spiritual, or witnessed any miracles first-hand. You don't know Him. Your sensible mind can't fit Him into your own understanding, so you dismiss the whole thing.
I honestly feel that this is what's going on, big-picture, with atheists. They don't get it, so they throw the baby out with the bathwater- to hell with it all, it makes no sense!
After we had this conversation, the ridiculing tones from him ceased. But it really got me to thinking about it. Why are atheists so quick to mock and ridicule us? Does it make them feel superior? Do they think it actually helps their case?
I just want to let it be known that it's hurtful, and unnecessary. There's a way to debate and conversate without putting the other person down. If you really want someone to hear you out, watch your tone and treat them with respect.
I see this growing debate between atheists and believers, it seems to have gotten pretty nasty. I wonder if all the stress from the economy is making us all a bit tense.
I got some good insight from the guy I was talking with- he was raised in a legalistic, religious kind of way, grew up in a small town. He grew up and moved on, and I think he's associating God with his sheltered upbringing. I get it. I understand why he views believing in God as small-minded and ignorant. The problem is, he's quick to make others who believe feel the same way.
All I'm saying is, I think it's time to start listening just a little bit more.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Atheist
• Atheists vs. Christians
• heated debates
• blabbering
• simmer down now
• chill out and listen
• listen to the lady
• put a cork in it

[skepticoz]

...(I'm going to stick my neck out here and say irrational) beliefs, then we all become terribly protective and terribly defensive and say 'No, we don't attack that; that's an irrational belief but no, we respect it'.

—Douglas Adams

If theists were not pushing their worldview as anything other than opinion and were not proselytizing 'witnessing' and otherwise seeking convert, and if their views were not promoting cultural division, they might have less cause for criticism, ridicule or vitriol.

[MrDylaneric]

For the most part when I see an atheist (here on youtube) they attack someone who had made an irrational argument or flat out lied to either justify their god, or to belittle those who don't believe in his/her god.

As for real life:

I'm the only person in my family who doesn't believe.

I was told: "You are literally too smart for your own good." That kind of put me up on my pedestal. especially from people who use the word "Brain" as an insult.

"Original sin lies in the fruit knowledge."

[Snakepliskinist]

If a deer waltzes into my living-room, grabs a gun, and shoots itself, could I be said to have hunted it? Likewise, if Christians go around making outlandish claims that fly in the face of even the simplest logic and knowledge of how reality operates, can atheists really be said to mock them? I mean the Christians do all the heavy lifting, mock-wise. Atheists just kinda recite the obvious.

[RubberToadstools]

Because Christians mock and ridicule Atheists.

They both mock and ridicule each other, and both sides some how think that they don't mock and ridicule the other side.

[red666111]

in a crowded room filled with people who don't want to listen, a shout has a better chance of being heard than a whisper. We've tried the rational approach and gotten nowhere. Religious people simply do not want to hear what we have to say. Debate and discussion is all well and good, but when that gets you nowhere, sometimes you have to take a stand and make people hear you weather they want to or not. Often times a letter of protest will get you nowhere, but a strike will get you heard.

[TekaMae]

Put yourself in an Atheist's shoes. You're expected to say the pledge of allegiance... Sit awkwardly at friends tables as they pray before meals with no clue how to behave. You're expected to attend church functions such as weddings and funerals with keeping your mouth shut. A minority of Atheists are loud-mouthed about their beliefs, but most of us suffer in a Religious world in silence. Do you realize that a Muslim has a better chance of being elected president of the US than an Atheist?

[Mee551able]

You must have no brain or able to think for your self.

[XxAdamJxX]

Yes I know, I made a typo. So what? I'm human, I make mistakes just like everyone else. 

[XxAdamJxX]

@LeBaronDePropane Jesus WAS NOT born on December 25th. A lot of people know this.

[XxAdamJxX]

friends about a certain event that may have happened to them that day. Well your friends are human just like these people that have testimonies about Jesus Christ and God. Sure, some may be lying.....but if a believer was smart enough, they'd KNOW that Father dislikes false witnessing. So most testimonies must be true, if that Christian holds firm to their belief. You just choose not to believe. But like I said, it can not be forced upon you. Take care and God bless <3

[XxAdamJxX]

"The bible is just a fairy tale." Really? What did you want people to do? Make a video documentary of the years that passed without possessing the technology? In the end, EVERY PERSON will BOW before the King of Kings. Whether you like it or not. Whether you believe in him or not. Don't even try arguing with me because I WILL NOT respond. But you are held without excuse, because you have been warned. People have testimonies yet you won't believe them. I'm sure you trust stories from (cont.)