Why are atheists so hated and feared?
Because, with all the religions fighting over which one is right, “none of the above” is a most damaging concept.
Our mere existence is a huge blow to their ego. The fact that a lot of us are fairly proficient at making compelling arguments just makes things worse.
Because people naturally trust. We trust other’s opinions, as much as or more than our own. When our beliefs are validated, we feel more confident that we are right. When others challenge our beliefs, we feel that confidence shaking.
What makes it especially dangerous to shake a religious person’s belief, is that his belief protects him / her from death itself. Practically all religions promise immortality, in some way, shape, or form. Threatening that which protects you from death is felt as almost the same as threatening death itself.
And not just regular death. But immortal death. And not only death, but losing your qualification for eternal life by rejecting a (supposedly) loving persona, who was perfectly willing to protect you from death, if only you loved and Him and remained loyal. A wholly preventable death. A useless death.
By threatening to kill the True Believer’s belief, you are inviting them to die, and destroying that which ultimately makes them feel worthy of life and love.
It’s brutal. No wonder they hate.
The fact that we exist at all makes them confront their own doubts, and that’s very uncomfortable. It’s much easier to vilify us, accuse us of undermining them and discount us.
source: reddit.org
