The Perception of Atheism Among Religious Individuals: More Than Just Jealousy

While I follow and am followed by many Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Hindus on Quora, there's a noticeable spectrum of reactions among them. Some find my views a bit 'odd,' yet they value the effort I make to understand their perspectives. What truly is significant is the extent to which some theists find atheism and atheists incomprehensible, and even see it as evidence of evil, often rooted in a closed mindset and cultural conditioning. This article delves into this intricate relationship and explores the underlying reasons for these perceptions.

Why Do Some Theists Object to Atheists?

When theism is fundamentally based on the belief in a deity, the objections to atheists can run deep. For example, if everything we believe is suddenly deemed incorrect by an atheist, it's not hard to see how this could feel like a personal affront:

"According to this infidel everything we believe most profoundly is incorrect wait a minute in effect he’s saying that we’re full of shit! Crusade! Jihad! Bring the Mohel and let’s cut off this goy’s schmeckle!"

While some hostility is understandable, the intensity of the reaction can sometimes stem from a fear that their religious beliefs are under threat. Believers who feel secure in their faith may view coherent arguments from educated atheists as a significant threat, as these arguments can clash with their hope for an afterlife:

"The undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns" is the undeniably fearful void that immortality ideology aims to shield oneself from. Imagine those clinging to their faith uneasily, and this 'godless monster' of an atheist showing up and disrupting their eternal peace!

The Immortality Ideology

Ernest Becker, in his book Denial of Death, suggests that religion is an 'Immortality Ideology'—a belief in some form of afterlife or rebirth that alleviates the fear of death. This perspective provides a framework in which the importance of religious beliefs can be better understood. Some find themselves in a position where these fears are heightened, making them even more defensive against secular arguments:

Seeing the world through the lens of immortality makes death, and the doubts and fears surrounding it, more palpable, and the atheist's arguments a much more pressing concern.

The Significance of Power and Authority

Moreover, some theists who derive their power and authority from their religious positions, such as scholars and clerics, can be particularly hostile. This is evident in my personal experience, where a Mullah in Iran sneered at me after I negatively responded to his question about whether I was a Muslim:

"That sneer said it all! He clearly disapproved of me questioning his belief system."

The Fear of Scapegoating

The idea that religion could be replaced by something worse, as suggested by thinkers like Nietzsche, adds weight to the theist's reservations. The fear of heresy and the potential for society to break down without a 'grand narrative' can create an intense reaction against atheism:

"We've killed God: No stop clapping and cheering! There aren’t enough Ubermenschen to take His place and the ones who might ‘think’ that they’re Ubermensch are nothing of the sort!"

This sense of irreplaceable and essential order can make atheism seem like a dire threat to some—the very fabric of society itself.

Challenging the Theist’s Worldview

Theists are indeed entitled to object to atheism, not necessarily out of hostility or violence, but rather as intellectual adversaries. While I have softened my stance on anti-theism, I still see my existence as an atheist as a significant challenge to believers. The ability to defend my ideas and live comfortably in a universe devoid of a deity presents a formidable challenge that can't be ignored.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, the objection to atheism by theists is complex and multifaceted, often stemming from the immortality ideology, personal power, and the fear of societal breakdown. While these perspectives are valid, it is important for both sides to engage in respectful and thoughtful dialogue to better understand each other's viewpoints.