I've noticed that, too. I have also noticed that those who believe in God can dish it out at the drop of a hat, too. I think - being a Christian - that part of being Christ-like is showing patience and tolerance no matter who it is. Not saying that I am as Christ-like as I WISH I could be, but still - what a wonderful way to stay in practice :).

I'm relatively new here, but from what I can see there are roughly three different kinds of question: Objective, subjective and opinion. A question with an objective answer would be "What is 2+2?", and I would downrate someone who didn't answer 4, unless it was obviously a joke. There's a definite right answer to these questions. Subjective questions and answers are all the questions about faith, like "Do you believe in God?" - people believe that they're right and others are wrong, but there's a lot of controversy over it, and in the end it's down to personal expression. Here I'd mark someone up for answering the question well, regardless of the position they took, and I'd only consider marking down if the answer was gibberish, but not if it was only subjectively wrong, from my perspective. The last are questions wanting people's opinions on random stuff, and while there can be unhelpful answers, I don't think there can be an answer that's actually wrong. I think what people are doing are treating the subjective answers as objective, and giving points based on that. It's hard to do, especially if your beliefs are firm about a topic, but it's the tactful and respectful thing to do. For example, to me, evolution is objectively true: I understand it, I've seen and evaluated the evidence for and against, and I consider it the best explanation we currently have. I realise that other people disagree, though, and that being hostile about it is unhelpful, and so I answer and give points appropriately.

Because you are supposed to agree with them or you will be punished.

Good question. There are good fools for God and bad fools for God, just like in anything. Personally TV evangelists make me sick, and I think as soon as you share your belief in God with some people, this is how they categorize you.

being a non believer i also get this (not just on AB) that people that do believe in god see it fit to push their views onto me, and they dont understand when i say i really dont want to hear it

I think we need to make some distinctions here. My observation is that the Answerbag community is generally OK with people believing in the God of their choice. What we object to is people trying to shove that God down our collective throats, or invoking "God's word" to justify prejudicial and hateful behavior. Yes, there are a few vociferous anti-religion zealots here, just as there are few "God hates f*gs" zealots. But if you keep your religion a private relationship between you and your God, few here will have a problem with it. . . .

I don't believe in the existence of a personal god, as usually presented from various churches. However, - I never downrate. - I don't consider my postings hateful (but, of course, that is my opinion). So I don't think this applies to me; but of course, you could question this.

then there will be alot off people wishing they had bet on the other horse Just for the record I agee God haters and Obama supporters seem to be quick to downrate just cuz you don't agree with there opinion

I see it from the other side. When I question the existence of God, or a point in the Bible, *I* get the downrates. I also get preached at, hateful answers, and such. I don't downrate people for their beliefs. But I also don't like being mocked for mine.

i never downrate or give hateful remarks to people for thier beliefs, i just dont answer the question, i have my own beliefs and dont push them onto anybody. everybody has a right to believe in what they want to.:-)

Actually I've noticed alot of Christian activity of downrating people who don't believe in God. And many hot tempered Christians who will talk down to athiests. It goes both ways...I think your general feeling of athiests reacting hatefully is an issue inside your own head. By the way, I believe in God.

Because those people are morons, the reverse is also true believe me, and those people are morons as well. Morons happen.

I wish my state would do what SC considered. The vanity plates with the phrase 'I believe', and the little cross in the corner. I'd buy one in a heartbeat!!! As for the downrating, I try my best not to participate in that aspect of this site. How can someone find your opinion as 'not helpful'. They're just looking for people to agree with them. I think they're called haters.

It happens both ways, people those who believe are quick to down rate and be hateful to those who don't believe and vice versa. Why not everyone is going to get along with each other, they could respect each other. Don't blame just one side of the problem though.

It goes both ways, from both sides. You could be right, we will find out eventually.

I've found it to mostly be the other way around. I am a Theist, but I do not believe in the Abrahamic deity, Yahweh. This translates to quite a lot of downrating for me. At this point, I'm pretty used to it, and even find it validating. I will debate with people, but I don't consider any of my responses hateful. I don't downrate based on religious belief (there are many Christians here who will back me up on this), but I will downrate based upon bigotry or inaccuracy. It is pretty rare, though. As you can see in my profile, 95% of the ratings I give are positive. I rate others positively far more often than others rate me positively.

I'm a skeptic, so I'm not pro-god or anti-god. I reserve my judgement on the matter (as with all matters) until there is certain evidence. It may be that you are right for being "a fool for God". I can't deny that possibility. But I also can't deny the possibility that you're wrong. If a being like God existed, I would hope it would value intellectual honesty, and that means only believing when there is certain evidence, and until then, neither believing nor disbelieving. God would have given us reason for a purpose, I would think, and not to intentionally ignore the use of it when it comes to questions about God. I can say, though, that I find the opposite is often true. I have never downrated anyone for their opinion, as long as they were actually answering the question. On the other hand, when I have provided answers wherein I expressed my skepticism and lack of belief or disbelief, I have often been downrated, and generally not even been given the "privilege" of a hateful response (so that at least I would have an idea who downrated me, and why). I can only assume that this is because people of faith are passionate about their beliefs, whereas skeptics, with no beliefs, have none of these passions that can cloud proper intellectual discourse. What a lot of "believers" forget is how many things COULD exist that either don't have evidence to support them, or can't EVER have evidence to support them. Of course, there is the Christian God. Then there's the Jewish God, that is the same as the Christian one, except that he never sent down a messiah. Then there's the Muslim God, who did mostly what is attributed to the Jewish and Christian gods, except that Jesus was only a prophet, and that "God" sent Gabriel to be his speakerphone to dictate the Koran to Mohammed in a cave. And then there are all the gods of Hinduism. And all the gods of the ancient religions - Zeus, Jupiter, Ares, Mars, Persephone, Pluto, Hades, Athena, Minerva, Thor, Odin, etc. There are things besides gods that are unproven or unprovable: there is Richard Dawkins's sarcastically imagined "Flying Spaghetti Monster", and there are invisible fairies that are the "true mediators" of chemical reactions and magnetism. I'm not trying to be offensive. But if one thing is accepted without sufficient evidence, than why not other things, or everything, or nothing, or the opposite of that thing? I would argue the same thing to a "strong" atheist. Atheism in general means "lacking a belief in a god or gods". But "strong" atheists go further, and actively believe that there is no god or gods. They, also, as far as I know, have insufficient evidence for their negating belief. Agnostics, also, as defined by philosophers, are unjustified in their belief - they believe that knowing whether a god or gods exists is impossible. This belief is based on the logical fallacy that assumes something is impossible because we haven't seen it yet - just because we don't have proof now, doesn't mean we can NEVER have proof. Only a skeptic, who makes no statements, and has no belief nor disbelief, can claim intellectual honesty. I just don't know. It might be possible to know. Hell, some people might already know. A lot of other people might have happened to guess right. But I, personally, don't know. Until I really do know, I can't lie to myself or others and say I believe or know anything, including whether God exists. I'll only know once certain proof is attained. That may be never, or it may not. I make no claims about that either. As someone making no claims, I also have nothing to defend. I can't say the same for "believers", strong atheists, and agnostics.

Think of what is in them that they would downrate and respond hatefully to one who is a lover of the LORD and believes in HIM. If they are anti-CHRIST...that spirit that dwelleth in them is that of the enemy. The hate that comes from one who is against CHRIST is the same as the hate that the enemy has toward us who love JESUS. I have downrated people who use profanity in describing my LORD or in any way speak of HIM with disrespect. If I don't believe as another does I don't attack..but I decide whether it's worth the effort to further discuss.

I think the way you phrased your question -using the term "anti-God" reveals a little lack of respect for atheists and agnostics. I know plenty of people who fall into those categories and they never refer to themselves as "anti-God". I'm sure we'd all love to believe in a loving and just god. I know I would find comfort in believing in that. But the truth is we just don't know what lies beyond this physical life. Most atheists and agnostics are just trying to be honest and realistic about their beliefs. I don't put people down for believing in a God, but I do have a problem with people who pray to- and credit- God for solving their problems. Usually when a life is saved or something incredible or heroic is achieved it is because of the strength and determinism of ourselves and our fellow humans that made that possible.... not someone's "god". And if you are right and there is a God , then I'm sure that he will welcome those of us who didn't pretend to believe , but who followed our hearts, were good to others and led the very best lives we could.

anti-god? devils? I am an atheist and I would ask questions on the existence of God but would not outright respond with hatred.

I don't. I never have. I support you as a fellow believer.

from what I have seen its the right winged bible bashers that go into say for example the GLBT section every chance they get and spew hate filled Q&A's and how they(we) are all going to hell...blah, blah, blah or attack Atheists, so when this happens yes they do get D/R'd and for good reason ... now if they don't like it then don't go into these sections in the first place and they won't get D/R'd ..BUT they just can't help themselves and continue to go there and I for one will NOT sit back and be slapped in the face by these hypocrites. I have never had any problems at all with personal faith ...my bugbear is organised religion and all the hate it stands for and the double standards it lives by and of course the hypocrites that hide behind it

It's a matter of perspective. It seems that way as you are looking at those who attack God-lovers while turning a blind eye to the equal number of people bashing us non-believers (Atheists and Agnostics), and usually doing so rather rudely. This question could easily be turned around to read, "Why is it acceptable to belittle non-religious ABers?". On a more personal note, as an Agnostic I allow for the possibility that you MAY be right, and as an adult I am willing to accept the consequences if I am wrong.

I believe in GOD, but i hate the religious who decide that they are right and everyone esle is wrong with there thoughts or ways to live. It's a free world, that's how god made it. let people make there own decisions in life, how they live, and don't be critical and ram relegion down peoples throats. I find that christians are very intolable to others and are the most judgemental people around. After living both sides, I can honestly say that.

God, through the Bible, assures us that the world will come against us. Those of us who are true Christians approach others with love and understanding. People of the world approach others without love and with suspicion. When we speak to those people, they get angry and hateful. Often the anger comes from being convicted by God of their sins. It is better that we get a negative reaction from them than no reaction at all! If you continue speaking with these people, often you can talk them through the conviction to salvation. Don't be turned off by a negative reaction. Those people ARE LISTENING to you! Don't stop!!

It goes both ways - definitely. I'll admit to downrating and responding angrily at times (not hatefully). The angry responses are typically aimed at those who will spread deliberate falsehoods about various things, in the name of their god, then be incredibly smug or miffed or even hateful when those mistakes/falsehoods are pointed out.

How odd, I have found it to be exactly the opposite. Every time I answer a question by indicating that I do not believe in God, I get downrated. I wonder why?

I``ve found this on AB too...in real life most of the atheists or people who don`t believe in god I meet don`t push their views on me...i guess on ab people just want to get back at all the people who have wanted to converted them...it`s sad though because i`ve never tried to convert or preach to anyone..

Welcome to the internet. Don't expect people to be nice to you, or even reasonable.

Amen sister I am with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, :( We need to expect answers such as these because they do not understand. All we can do is pray for them hoping that the Lord comes into their lives. Then leave it on the alter. So, unfortunately one must brush the dust from their sandals, and walk away. This is hard I know, but the world is separated and it is up to the Lord to determine who is saved and who is not.

Your question is the typical Christian knee-jerk response, "I'm being persecuted and ridiculed for my beliefs!!" You're just seeing what you want to see. Take a look at some "anti-God" questions and comments and you'll see that they're just as downrated as the "pro-God" ones. As far as your choice to "be a fool for God", that's possibly one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. I always thought He wanted you to use your brain. He gave it to you for a reason, right? Why do you think making a fool of yourself "for God" would be better than making a shining example of yourself "for God"? Seriously, Christians these days. Sheesh.

Could it be that it was God's will that you got DRed? ***Down rating does not, by any form, mean that they are disrespecting your views, it means they do not agree with your views. If you ask questions in a public forum, you will get answers and comments from others that do not agree with you. Maybe you should go to a christian site, then you wont feel so abused, becuase you got DRed and someone disagrees with you.

I don't know what you've experienced but I know that when I state my case against there being a god I get more DR's than on any other topic. . +6

You know, it's funny how that works. Because those of you who are pro-god are mighty quick to down rate those of us who are anti-god. You also don't waste any time quoting Bible scripture which is really offensive to our intelligence. I call that an eye for eye but I believe you call that 'persecution'

hmmm, i find it quite the other way around.

Maybe I am wrong , but how others interpret is also important. Some think that the questions are pointing or accusing them -even though it may be general and the questioner does not know these people personally. But many who are capable of seeing different perspective will be able to 'hear' without getting personally involved..or start attacking others who have different views. There are always different opinions whether we like it or not. Arguement could turn ugly when someone starts attacking on grammar, spelling just because he/she knows that the questioner may be new and so is unable to hurt them in their ratings. This is my own observation but again I may be wrong.

Because a number of those of you who "choose to believe in Him" cannot for the life of you keep your religion to yourself. Despite popular belief, religion is not sacred or off-limits to criticism.

I have to say I see things quite the other way round. I never get so DR'd as when I say something Christians don't like here. The only group that comes close is conservative anti-Obama people. A group that would seem to overlap - interesting... . As for "what if you're right"? That's fine with me. The only argument you get from me on that is if you want to teach/preach to my kids, spend tax money on your faith, or pass laws forcing your morality on everyone. Because after all - What if you're wrong? :-) . Cheers and +6

Many are called but few are choosen. There are so many false religions out there and so many ateiest agnostics and the like that they want to see all of go through the anguish they will suffer. Satin is here on Earth, and misery...Satin..loves company!

Bwaa haa...Anti-god...Gotta love these people and labels they slap on those who don't subscribe to their brand of mental illness! As for the Down Rate button, yeah, I think that you should look within your own flock for the quick finger on that trigger And, just for shit and giggles, since you chose to label us as 'anti-god,' would it be fair if we refer to you as 'anti-intelligence' or 'anti-reason'?

I don't downrate people on their beliefs, religious or not but I will if people are arrogant and disrespectful of others. I've DRed both religious and non-religious alike for that alone. I've also posi-trolled the aswers pro and con when I saw the DR process happening.

Some people downrate everything. We have some members whose plus ratings are 7%..that means that 93% of the time they downrate people. Not all of those downrates have to do with religion, so I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think religious views or political views are necessarily the only targets of these people. Some very very benign, harmless questions/answers get downrated. That's simply why they're here and what they do. You can't take such people seriously! Happy Monday! :)

You invoke Pascal's Wager, and admit you are a "fool for God" - that about says it all...

I would say that its about equal when it comes to those quick to downrate for both the theists and the atheists. Regardless of the content of a particular worldview, alot of people just cannot stand to hear anything that may contradict or undermine their personal core beliefs.

One of the main reasons for some people to respond so hatefully is because of what Jesus said in chapter 17 of John--- John 17:14 "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." Although this is the main reason that unbelievers respond hatefully, it isn't the only reason. Some Christians do tend to get obnoxious as well but not too many. We simply praye for them and move on to the next question.

I believe in God. And I respect others opinions about the nature of God, whether they are believers or not. However, I am regularly downrated or reported not by non-believers, but by the right-wing Christianists (I refuse to call them Christians. They're not) who disagree with my views on their bigoted attitudes and methods for "spreading the good news."

Stupid is as stupid does

I don't have to to respect your opinions and you don't have to respect mine. Nobody said that opinions have to be respected. What if you're right? Can you say Pascals Wager? You just may be heading for a Hindu hell. Believing as an insurance policy is never a good reason to believe anything.

Thank you

great question.

Look at my record. Silly religious people are worse than atheists could try to be

one mistake, your not being a fool. your smarter then most people on here.

Your perspective, I tend to notice the hateful religious views more. But I will downrate atheists, agnostics as well as muslims, christians, buddhists who offend me. Besides this I have rarely felt the need to downgrade as I don't often take exception to opinion. However I sometimes find overly religious people offensive to my intelligence. Faith is not an excuse to be ignorant, nothing is. If your right about god, I will go willingly to hell. Just like if hinduism is right I will willingly go into a goat. Or if Jainism is right I will repent for every fly or insect I killed and every animal I ate, obviously at this stage probably a tad too late.

Wow what a generalization, I could easily say the same thing about Xtians that I deal with on here and Yahoo Answers. I for one don't respond "hatefully" but yeah more than likely I'll down rate if it's the typical answers I see on these things. No point in talking about it because it happens both ways.

How can you be? I guess people should be courteous, but not "respectful" in the sense that we should not "respect" absurdity. Would you "respect" a racist? a Nazi? not that all religious viewpoints are like that, but one cannot respect things that dont' merit it. I can't respect a viewpoint that says, for example, 2+2 = 5, or that objects fall UP when released from my hand.

You are right buddy,Christ is God.

I think you're just seeing the opposition while missing your support. I know how easy it is to neglect those green pluses, and yet get hung up on the red minuses. Simply put, it's a very divisive issue, and no side is often civil in the matter. Even if you are right and it could be proven, I wouldn't change my practices. I'm glad theism makes you happy, but I simply could never submit to what I see as subjugation, by either an immoral church or an immoral god.

I downrate stupidity, lazy thinking, bigotry and smug ignorance. Unfortunately a lot of believers here demonstrate those very properties.

I never DR even if people believe in fairy tales like God

im athiest never have done that and never will i respect other peoples beliefs i dont dr someone purely for having different views than me the only things i downrate are random bull like an offensive answer that has literally nothing to do with the question

Religion is VERY private and I don't understand why people want to make it public. I find it very pretentious to broadcast the love of God. I don't down-rate people that choose God, although I really don't think it is right to impose your beliefs on others. If people want to believe in God they can do it without anyone encouraging them. Believe what you want and keep it to yourself!!

Have fun rotting in the ground......oh...with 'God' of course

If you want to be a fool for God that's your life. But why does being a fool require that we have to kiss your ass?

What if suicidal bombers are right about the virgins they get in heaven? dangerous people talking bullshit should be addressed, a.k.a. religious people.

Well it really is the other way around, you don't see atheist telling you in public places what to believe. Atheist don't bother you when you are eating dinner by coming to you door to tell you to believe. The only time when you really hear atheist is when a religious person questions them from a point of few that he is right. If you want to believe (couse that really is what it is) in something that does not even have the slightest prove, please do. But let us be, and if you attack us we will share our mind with you and if that feels treatning to your believe, maby you should question if you are really a believer after all? David

Honestly I respect the religius view my best friend is Christian and on this site I feel like it's the other way around I wish people would respect my opinion just like I respect theirs. I am open minded and through experience I can see not many are but judging from the question you asked you seem open minded as well :)

personally, i've seen just as much hatred coming from atheists as i've seen from theists. to judge a group by the actions of a few extremists is really ignorant in my opinion.

I wonder whatever happened to "turn the other cheeck" Did that bible rule suddenly disapear. I have seen the same amount biggotry from both sides. Its only fools who downrate for no reason that they think is foolish.

If you asked why SOME of those on AB that are anti God are so quick to downrate ..., I wouldn't have answered your question. But since you didn't, you think that ALL of those on AB that are anti God are so quick to downrate. Which makes me ask, why ALL of those on AB that are anti atheist are so quick to downrate. Which is not true either. Stop generalizing.

You must be on a different AB then I am on that is for sure. If only I was just DRd. I have been called such awful things with such foul language from people who claim to align themselves with god. I have never Drd (based on religious beliefs) or used bad language to anyone on this site . I have been the most foully treated in the religious section! Much of which was flagged and removed. Even in politics it isn't as bad with all the differing opinions. I have found the bigger the religious zealot, the more the hate for anyone who doesn't agree with them.

I disagree with your generalization. I am a firm believer in I dont know what happens when you die, there may or may not be a god or gods. But I do not downrate people who believe in god and I do not see it happening very often, just because something happened to you once does not mean it happens every time. You have atheiests who are ignorant just like you have relegious people who are. As for my beliefs in God I do believe in A GOD, not this holy trinity stuff, not any kind of 3 gods in one, I believe in one, very smart, very logical god. one who does not have a CHOOSEN people or choice in any kind of people, because according to our DNA we are all the same.

I don't believe in God. I have no problem with those who do. I do have a problem with those who say, "My way is right and all others are wrong!" In my opinion (and mark this... it is only "my opinion"), stating personal opinions as facts has no place in this forum. Anyone who says, "In my opinion..." or "I believe..." will never have a problem from me. But those who say, "Christians make the best parents." or "Allah is the one true God" or any other declarative statements that promote their beliefs as FACT, will always receive grief from me. 'Cause that's the way I roll. Hope this helps.

probably has something to do with how the question was written and the comments you gave; if you come off like a condescending, favorite verse spouting, religion nazi; nobody likes a showoff, and thats what some of you are doing, your showing off your beliefs and getting confrontational when someone else asks a rationalized question

Really don't care one way or the other - not lack of respect, just indifference. +5

You said it!!! I totally agree with the fact that you are a fool. Anyone who believes in all the rediculous god rubbish is a total fool.

We're returning the favor. I choose to be intelligent. What if I'm right?

I haven't looked at your percentage but you should see the percentages of so-called Christians on AB. It's quite an incite. I don't think anyone would bother them if they didn't try to proselytise and judge those who didn't believe the same as them. Not everyone who claims to be Christian is of good intentions.

there are plenty of fools that dr for no good reason on BOTH sides of the fence. as a nonbeliever (pantheist) i've been dr'd for simply providing my opinion. the point is, we shouldn't judge an entire group based on the actions of a few idiots.

Then so be if you want to believe that there is a good and the bible is relevant then you are entitled to your own views. I don't critisize others for there beliefs and traditions if there different from mine as long as it dosen't become a factor in my beliefs.

The very same could be said on the opposite side of that coin: any question or answer questioning the existence of God and/or the credibility of religion is bound to get needlessly downrated by some religious users. === About your second question: You REALLY don't want to invoke Pascal's Wager - even most Christians don't use that anymore, because of its many logical holes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal's_Wager#Criticisms