Is There Tolerance Between Atheists and Christians

Photo of the cross atop
St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN,
taken by Mary Katherine May.

Do Atheists Demonstrate Tolerance Toward Christians?

An opinion commentary by Mary Katherine May.

 

 
    Before my commentary on this blogpost, I am offering several definitions upon which my opinions are based.  Although my remarks are presented from a general point of view, please remember that they do not apply to all who claim to be atheists, but rather to those who participate in the removal of all aspects of Christianity from public life in the United States of America. 

    ...Mary Katherine May

Q: Is atheism a religion? 
A: By definition number 4, yes, it is.  See below.

religion  n. from TheFreeDictionary.com

1. a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.  b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.  2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.  3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.  4. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Q: What is the definition of tolerance
A: tolerance  n. 1. The capacity for or the practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs or practices of others.

Q: What does it mean to be an atheist?
A: atheism n. 1. Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods.  2. The doctrine that there is no God or gods.

Does it seem to you as it does to me that those who practice the atheist religion are determined to remove every aspect of Christianity from view?  Do atheists appear to have a skewed view of what separation of church and state means?  Do the words that you hear from atheists sound as though they believe that they are on a righteous path for all? 

When I hear on the news about the new targets public Christianity chosen by atheists to be removed from public view, I just don't get it.  How do these things pose a threat to them or society?  Their behavior displays anger and fear, and complete INtolerance against those who think differently than they do. 

What should these very vocal atheists do?  To begin with, perhaps if they don't believe in Christ, then not a single one of them should take part in any CHRISTmas traditions or celebrations.  If the cross which became a symbol of the Christian faith so long ago has no meaning for them, then why does it bother them so much?  What is going on in their minds and hearts spiritually?

Separation of church and state to those who wrote the first documents for the United States of America were about keeping the government from turning into a form of government other than the democracy practiced in the U.S.A. (link to types of government), not about its citizens living out their faith in their public and private lives.

Tolerance that respects differences in lifestyle choices and faith practices does NOT include exempting the choices and practices of those with whom we disagree. 

Examples

I don't agree with the practices of Islam but I don't expect Muslim women to quit wearing the Burqa.  

I eat meat but I don't expect vegetarian restaurants to serve me meat if I go there.

I find a lot of the music played over the loud speakers in stores, restaurants and malls painfully offensive to my ears yet I don't make a big stink about it until it's removed.

I am opposed to celebrating Christmas without Christ and though I think it quite sad I don't expect those who do so to stop.

I am none of the initials that make up LGBT but I believe those whom the LGBT represents are entitled to all of the rights that I have.

I really wonder what is so threatening in the Christian faith that makes those who practice the atheist religion so set on removing every remnant of Christianity from public view. I don't hate atheists.
    
It seems to me that if atheists could have their way completely Christians would be back to praying in catacombs. While crimes against Christians are escalating in other parts of the world we think it won't happen here. But it could. Because of this rampage against Christians in public. The behavior of atheists shows no tolerance at all, but it does show that the God in whom they don't believe bothers them quite a lot.

What then should be the Christian response?  I have some thoughts about what not to do, but as for the solution I cannot say for certain.  It is not appropriate for Christians to act out behavior based on emotion.  It is appropriate for Christians to respond according to biblical teaching.  Prayer, kindness, and respectful speech should be on the to do list.  Turning the other cheek is about forgiveness but not necessarily silence. God is the one who must be directing any action, and not our hurt feelings.

Is God systematically being removed from American culture? Yes.
When God is removed does Evil takes its place? Yes.

 

If we Christians, however, demonstrate the same INtolerance  toward others who are not Christians as those who are not Christian demonstrate toward us, then we are doing that with which we disagree.  We are not doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Matthew 7:12). 

Before responding toward those of the atheist religion who are demonstrating intolerance toward Christians, pray, think logically and not out of emotion, and then practice respectful behavior.  If it doesn't work and very often in these current times it won't, then leave the situation in the hands of God who never fails those who believe in him.