Recent Christian complaints about atheists who are insufficiently respectful and tolerant of their religion ring very hollow when we consider Christians' historic aversion to tolerating and respecting other religions — an aversion which is often very contemporary, not just a line in a history text. Believers in the ancient Greek gods still exist and are sincere in their faith, for example, but they have had a tough time because of the power of the Greek Orthodox Church — an institution which has played a role in keeping Greek polytheists from enjoying political and social equality.

"They are a handful of miserable resuscitators of a degenerate dead religion who wish to return to the monstrous dark delusions of the past," said Father Efstathios Kollas, the President of Greek Clergymen.

Source: BBC

It will be difficult for atheists not to find this story ironic and perhaps sadly amusing. Christianity isn't any more reasonable and rational, any less superstitious or deluded, than ancient Greek polytheism. As individuals, Christians may be no less reasonable and rational, no more superstitious and deluded, than the average non-Christian, but that says nothing in defense of their religion. Here, however, we have a Christian leader tossing out derogatory statements about another religion when atheists tend to be chastised for making similar statements about Christianity.

So, where are the Christians complaining about "militant Orthodox Christians" and "fundamentalist Orthodox Christians"? Perhaps statements like the above are irrelevant to the average American Christian, but if anyone who complains about atheists will have to reach the same conclusions about at least some Greek Orthodox leaders if they are to maintain intellectual and moral consistency. If atheists are "intolerant" for saying negative things about Christianity, just how much more intolerant are Greek Orthodox leaders like Efstathios Kollas,?

Let us also not forget the fact the current dominance of Christianity in Greece was not achieved peacefully:

About 97 percent of native born Greeks are baptized Orthodox Christian, and the church regards ancient religious practices as pagan. Representatives of the church in the past have not attended flame ceremonies at Olympia because reference is made to Apollo, the ancient god of music and light.

Christianity took hold in Greece in the 4th century after Roman Emperor Constantine's conversion. Emperor Theodosius wiped out the last vestige of the Olympian gods when he abolished the Olympic Games in 394 A.D. The modern revival of the Olympiad maintains a slender link to ancient ceremonies.

"Christianity did not prevail without bloodshed," said Peppa, a novelist and historical writer. "After 16 centuries of negativity toward us, we've gotten something in our favor."

Source: KUTV

In the past, the religious rituals of these polytheistic groups have been performed in secret and adherents have been denied access to ancient temple sites. Recently, though, they were granted permission to perform a ceremony at the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, and they intend to keep pushing for more. These people are completely serious and sincerely believe that the twelve Olympian gods really exist — they aren't talking about metaphors or anything like that. For Christians, that sounds like a lot of hooey and they aren't afraid to say so. Why are atheists told that it's impolite to say the same thing about Christianity?