Communicating atheism to others

[Matataur]

Sure, religion is absurd and all-too-easy to make fun of, but is it really necessary to polarize religion and atheism by making jokes and getting into pointless arguments?

I see why some would want to persuade others away from organized religion, but there are too many road blocks in the form of immature atheists.

You know who I'm talking about. That one person who feels superior as an atheist, who thinks atheism is an exclusive "club" that is only for the cool kids, that idiot who instead of presenting a more rational way of life, teases and mocks religious people and only succeeds in making them hold on tighter to their beliefs.

I'm NOT talking about those who are loud and proud of their atheism, who fight politically for atheists, or those who make atheism part of their identity, I mean those who believe religious people are inferior intellectually to atheists.

Simply put, are there enough atheists who can patiently and empathetically communicate the value of atheism to the public?  

[Superior Jazz]

Are there? I think there are. They're all just in hiding, to avoid the persecution that open atheism presents, exactly because of those juveniles who poke fun at religion for the sake of doing it.
Now, I do do that. But only if I am attacked first. So it is a defensive measure.
If asked nicely, then I shall be nice.  

[ProjectOmicron88]

I think most atheists who really know what it means to live a life free of false belief don't bother trying to convert people, because all the evidence is present anyway. If an intellectual observer can piece together all the clues, so much the better.  

[Levis Pennae]

I never try to convert people or argue religion, unless it's a formal debate, or they are trying to convert me.  

[Matataur]

Superior Jazz

Are there? I think there are. They're all just in hiding, to avoid the persecution that open atheism presents, exactly because of those juveniles who poke fun at religion for the sake of doing it.
Now, I do do that. But only if I am attacked first. So it is a defensive measure.
If asked nicely, then I shall be nice.

Unfortunately, as a religious minority, you need to have more patience and tact than the theistic majority, or else they'll spin your words and hold on even more firmly to their beliefs.  

[Kharybuce]

Matataur

...I mean those who believe religious people are inferior intellectually to atheists.

mrgreen That's me.

Not that I'd ever say it to the face of any theist, unless they asked for it both literally and figuratively. But I'd be a liar if I didn't say that I do feel there is a connection between one's ability to use logic and reason and one's spirituality. Sure theists can make good grades, think citically, and be vary creative, but like a physics genius who thinks breaking a mirror will give you seven years bad luck, they're really just gifted fools. As I said, I don't go around saying this to theists, but I don't think it a rash or stereotypical conclusion.  

[Arios V]

I've tried talking to people about atheism and the evils, contradictions and inconsistencies of organized religion intelligently. However, I never do it to convert people, I've only done it as part of a debate or when the other person was smack talking me and after numerous kind words to please stop, they wouldn't.

Of course, most of the time, my words fall on deaf ears and they don't listen to a word I have to say (even though I listened to them) and just repeat the same stuff over and over again.  

[Athesta]

I think that most of us atheists probably should be subtle about our philosophies. I'm anti-theistic and atheist, just new at it so bear with me. I do think that having a corrosive attitude towards those who practice religions would be detrimental to the education of atheism as we already have a bad image on us.
I most certainly don't like theists trying to shove their ideas down my throat so I would say the same for atheists. I think that most people have an image of an atheist being cold, cocky and arrogant amongst some other things and that stereotype hurts us.

Athesta  

[Superior Jazz]

Matataur

Superior Jazz

Are there? I think there are. They're all just in hiding, to avoid the persecution that open atheism presents, exactly because of those juveniles who poke fun at religion for the sake of doing it.
Now, I do do that. But only if I am attacked first. So it is a defensive measure.
If asked nicely, then I shall be nice.

Unfortunately, as a religious minority, you need to have more patience and tact than the theistic majority, or else they'll spin your words and hold on even more firmly to their beliefs.

I'm usually very tactful in my assaults... I mean... words... ninja