I think a lot of the irate, rude comments you hear from atheists (including those that go beyond what I would say or endorse myself) are return insults. They’re told by much of the surrounding culture, at least in most of the United States, that they deserve eternal torment forever. Worst. Insult. Ever. So they try to lash out with something worse.
But there is nothing worse.
There is nothing worse.
There isn’t.
What is a worse insult than telling someone, however “politely,” that they’re going to spend eternity in hell because they deserve it — and then worshiping a being you made up who is in charge of that judgment?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Try to think of something. Just try. I don’t think you can.
Any Christian who talks about how insulting atheists are has to understand this first. No, I won’t endorse or stand behind all personal insults atheists throw. But I will insist they be understood in context.
And if your response is, “You don’t believe it, why should it bother you?”
Well…do you believe the insult thrown at you was a true statement about you? No? Then why does it bother you?
Because I think that offensive thing about you is true and you don’t?
Wow…isn’t it amazing how people become geniuses when it comes to themselves? Quit playing dumb.
When it comes to this insulting business, the Christian’s hell started it, not atheists. It’s been around longer, it’s more entrenched in cultural thinking, and it’s so normalized that most people are under the illusion that you can talk politely about your belief that people deserve to burn in hell forever and if anyone protests against the belief it’s THEM who are the rude ones.
Maybe stop believing that, if you do. And if you have to leave Christianity to do that, so be it.
Otherwise…maybe rethink whether complaining about insults or a lack of “respect” should really be your game plan.
Perhaps focus a little bit less on how much we “respect” your judgmental imaginary friend, and a bit more on whether we’re right.