How come Atheists have to pick on Christians and Christianity?

Perhaps they feel threatened or overwhelmed in some way. I am sure they also have resentment that the celebration of Christmas is so prevalent and outward that no one can ignore it. Ignoring Christianity is what they most likely prefer to do all of the time.

It seems some people on all sides just insist their thinking is the only thinking.

For example, I'm Christian, but if I lived in an area with Buddhists, I would have no problem if there were displays for Buddhist holidays or festivals. Some Christians would be very upset at the very sight of a Buddha or other religious symbol. Some Protestants are very upset at the sight of a Catholic Crucifix or statue of a saint. Others are not.

Some Christians get very upset if non-Christians celebrate Christmas with trees or exchanging presents, but without the religious aspect. I understand why they don't like this, but it does not hurt me. Others, if they don't celebrate Christmas, it's like "What's wrong with them"?

If somebody puts up a Christmas tree or even a Nativity scene, I don't know why non-Christians, whether they are Jewish, Muslims, or atheists or agnostics have a problem. As long as they have freedom of their religion, and should have, they should not have a problem. Me showing my religion is not infringing on their rights, unless their whole religion is about 'Only my way is right and everybody else is wrong."

If a town puts up a Nativity Scene in a public park or town square, with tax payer money, that might be violating church and state. I understand why that is a problem.

Okay, this is all coming from a Christian, and a relatively devout one at that.

1. "Normal kids". So children have to be Christian to be "normal" now? What about Jewish children? Muslim children? Hindu children? Are they not normal? If not, why aren't Atheist children "normal".

2. "Jealousy". You think Atheists are jealous that they can't have Christmas trees? I know atheists who have Christmas trees. And even the ones who don't obviously don't by choice. I'm sure if they wanted one, they would get one...

3. "Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ". Yeah, RIGHT. Christmas has nothing to do with Jesus, especially for the aforementioned children. Christmas has become the embodiment of all that is unChristian. It's a celebration of materialism, gluttony, sloth and greed.

The trouble is that minorities often are most vocal, and majority traditions, such as Christmas, get marginalised due to pressure.

I readily admit that much of the expression of the Christmas season is crass, commercialistic and has nothing to do with Jesus at all. It is this expression that atheists mostly support.

I, as a Christian, am also fully aware that this celebration date was appropriated by the early church, but this argument is tired: the original celebration purpose of this date is lost.

Religion is the opiate of the masses, so a wise man noted. I think religious belief is the antithesis of modern day life in the 21st century. It seems rather outdated to have those medieval beliefs. There is nothing wrong in believing in yourself or a mystic spirit but not to be so certain that there is such a thing as God because no one knows. Religious people are pretty backward culturally, socially, intellectually and are obsessed in their righteousness and always are either defensive or prostheletize. If people kept religion to themselves it would be a more peaceful world. Most wars are fought because of religion.

This is an addendum but I always think of Sarah Palin when you mention religon. She is the ultimate cult personality of the evangelical Christian community. She has sex appeal which is how she sells her view of the world (as screwy as it is) like one of those women revivalist preachers of the 1920s going around the Bible belt preaching salvation etc.

i don't know where you live but i have never had any atheist pick on me for believing in God nor do I say anything to them about their choice. And just about every atheist I know, does celebrate Christmas. My dad was one then became a believer before his death and my brother is one currently. My fathers favorite holiday was Christmas. As for the christmas tree thing, there are many christians who don't even put up one because they say it is a false idol. I have a question for you also, how come some christians are bible thumpers always trying to force their religion onto you?

Some atheists have been alienated by churches, and feel resentment towards those who believe in religion. Other atheists take the point of view of the critical thinker, and haven't taken the time to empathize with Christians. The rest, and I assume the majority, are just normal people like the answerer here, who go about their daily lives without thinking very much about the existence of a higher being.

What what what?

Slow down.

First. how come Christians have to pick on Atheists? I dont know where you live, but I live in Italy...and almost every christian who discovers that i'm not baptized, either yells me 'i'm a satanist' or tells me,or better, orders me to go and get baptized...

Atheists are usually 'against' christians..or better..catholics..because they tend to convert us...and try to change us..and we do not do that to christians..ok?

Second. What???? the christmas tree is really linked somehow to christians? are you kidding me? why dont you tell me that santa claus is christmas..i dont think jesus had a christmas tree....or else he must had santa claus too..

Third. Your sentence has no sense. If an Atheist doesnt believe in a god, he doesnt believe all the stuff related to this god..and HE.DOESNT.CARE. right? so why the hell must i feel bad on christmas time because everyone is celebrating the birth of j. when i, atheist, do not even believe in j....because for me he didnt exist???

why should i feel bad for a thing in which i dont believe,huh?

PS. running and shopping for some presents for people we probably dont even care about is celebrating christmas? nuying and exchanging presents IS celebrating the birth of jesus??? REALLY???

What you call "picking on christians" is nothing more than self defense . Atheists are not only "picked on by christians , they are sometimes abused and persecuted . When was the last time you had an atheist actually come to your door and try to convert you ? We"atheists and agnostics" do not hate christians or pick on them . We do however have a right to defend ourselves from the attacks upon us by the self righteous and ignorant .

Oh yes , and when was the last time an Atheist came to your door and told you that you were going to hell for your beleifs?

Same reason the Christians pick on and persecuted Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Pagans, and every other religion, people who are convinced of their own infallibility take offense at being questioned.

Actually, you have it backwards. Its the religious fanatics who pick on the Atheists and Deists, like myself. I've had fanatics yell and scream at me in my face, telling me that I'm going to hell and all the silliness. And I just stand there, completely composed, saying' Yeah, whatever'. Totally freaks them out everytime.