Atheists vs. Christians; Atheism vs. Christianity
An essential element of Christianity, one which goes back to the origins of Christianity, is the belief that Christians will necessarily be persecuted for their faith. This was true of early Christians, but many today think that this is a permanent condition and must be the case for all 'true' Christians now. Thus they seek out examples of persecution where none exist and it's popular to claim that atheists are trying to oppress or marginalize Christians in America.
Myth: Atheists Want to Impose their Secular Religion on America & Christians
There is a popular belief with America's Christian Right that secularism is really an atheistic conspiracy and, in essence, an attempt by atheists to impose a secular religion on America. This would undermine Christians' religious liberty and force them to conform atheists' secular, possibly communist, vision for America. None of this is even remotely correct: most atheists are not religious and secularism by definition cannot be a religion.
There is a popular belief with America's Christian Right that secularism is really an atheistic conspiracy and, in essence, an attempt by atheists to impose a secular religion on America. This would undermine Christians' religious liberty and force them to conform atheists' secular, possibly communist, vision for America. None of this is even remotely correct: most atheists are not religious and secularism by definition cannot be a religion.
Myth: All Atheists are Anti-Christian, Hate Christianity, Oppose Christians
Although this is by no means true of all atheists or atheism itself, there is some validity behind this perception and it should be taken seriously. There is no ignoring the fact that many atheist web sites and atheist books spend a great deal of time with the doctrines and beliefs which are specific to Christianity or, at the very least, to traditional forms of Western monotheism while at the same time ignoring other religions and more general theistic beliefs. Why is that?
Although this is by no means true of all atheists or atheism itself, there is some validity behind this perception and it should be taken seriously. There is no ignoring the fact that many atheist web sites and atheist books spend a great deal of time with the doctrines and beliefs which are specific to Christianity or, at the very least, to traditional forms of Western monotheism while at the same time ignoring other religions and more general theistic beliefs. Why is that?
Myth: All Atheists are Bigoted Against Christians, Hate Christianity
This myth is similar to the claim that atheists are anti-Christian because of the time they spend on critiquing Christianity; it is, however, a more general assertion and merits being addressed separately. Is it a legitimate complaint that atheists are bigoted against Christians? That is to say, are atheists intolerant of Christianity, Christian beliefs, Christian institutions, etc.? Even if this is true, what impact if any does this have on atheism and atheists' critiques of Christianity?
This myth is similar to the claim that atheists are anti-Christian because of the time they spend on critiquing Christianity; it is, however, a more general assertion and merits being addressed separately. Is it a legitimate complaint that atheists are bigoted against Christians? That is to say, are atheists intolerant of Christianity, Christian beliefs, Christian institutions, etc.? Even if this is true, what impact if any does this have on atheism and atheists' critiques of Christianity?
Myth: Militant Atheists Demonize Christians as anti-Science, anti-Intellectual
Atheists today are no less vocal or sharp in their criticisms of theism and religion than they were last year or ten years ago; however, there have been a few very high-profiles books and criticisms which appear to have set some religious theists on edge. They are not accustomed to such pointed, direct attempts to refute or undermine their beliefs and feel they are being demonized by irreligious atheists. Disagreeing with someone and saying they are wrong is not demonization, however.
Atheists today are no less vocal or sharp in their criticisms of theism and religion than they were last year or ten years ago; however, there have been a few very high-profiles books and criticisms which appear to have set some religious theists on edge. They are not accustomed to such pointed, direct attempts to refute or undermine their beliefs and feel they are being demonized by irreligious atheists. Disagreeing with someone and saying they are wrong is not demonization, however.
Myth: Militant Atheists Trying to Marginalize Christianity, Christians
Atheists are not only a small minority with little power or influence, but they are also the most despised and distrusted minority in America. This makes them unlikely oppressors of Christians, a majority standing behind the levers of power in society, but this is what many Christians believe. They insist that there is a cabal of godless atheist secularists trying to marginalize Christians and Christianity. These feelings of alienation are genuine, but their target for blame is inaccurate.
Atheists are not only a small minority with little power or influence, but they are also the most despised and distrusted minority in America. This makes them unlikely oppressors of Christians, a majority standing behind the levers of power in society, but this is what many Christians believe. They insist that there is a cabal of godless atheist secularists trying to marginalize Christians and Christianity. These feelings of alienation are genuine, but their target for blame is inaccurate.