"Why are you so angry?"

[Xamonas Chegwé]

Isn't this just the worst and most patronising thing that a theist can say when you challenge their beliefs? Personally, it makes me cringe!!!!1!!

They can blather on forever about their imaginary friends and their irrational faith BUT as soon as you (calmly and politely) ask them why they believe in such complete and utter bollocks, you are accused of being "angry", "nasty" or "militant."

Personally, I have decided to turn the tables and to respond to any theist that (knowing I am an atheist) tries to question that atheism in any way whatsoever with a super-calm and bewildered, "Why are you so angry?" Of course, I am prepared to back that up with a swift kick in the bollocks or, if all else fails, rational argument, should that turn out to be insufficient.

[Gawdzilla Sama]

"I'm angry and you're intelligent."

[Feck]

Because the stupid hurts !

[nellikin]

Try "I'm sick and tired of people expecting me to 'respect' their irrationality by holding my tongue". My new approach to "woo-ers" of any sort is to acknowledge their right to believe in whatever they want, as long as they acknowledge it's irrationality. I have had one small victory with this approach to date - not convincing anyone of something, merely getting them to acknowledge their illogical stance (and having the pleasure of explaining how science works and why it is such a robust method of examining the world).

[Gawdzilla Sama]

"Tell you what, let's talk about this after we're both dead."

[Trolldor]

Somene in class today - a good friend - noticed someone wearing odd socks and said "It's goodluck".

I replied "So is getting shat on."

[Xamonas Chegwé]

Somene in class today - a good friend - noticed someone wearing odd socks and said "It's goodluck".

I replied "So is getting shat on."

German porn - based on luck.

[Hermit]

Isn't this just the worst and most patronising thing that a theist can say when you challenge their beliefs?

If any theist directed that question at me, I'd just acknowledge that, yes, I am angry about the drivel they spout, especially when they are a citizen of supposedly advanced societies. So, no, I don't regard it as patronising. I can also think of many things they can say that are worse than asking me that question.

[Thinking Aloud]

Another response to the question would be a calm, "Why are you so scared?"

[Pappa]

Another response to the question would be a calm, "Why are you so scared?"

[Robert_S]

Another response to the question would be a calm, "Why are you so scared?"

Seconded.

[Hermit]

Another response to the question would be a calm, "Why are you so scared?"

Likely answers to that:

(a) I am not scared!
(b) Angry people are scary. Look at the muslim tearists.
(c) Good grief! Now you are creepy as well. *Backs off slowly*

[Pappa]

My limited reading of Creationist books has given me the distinct impression that it's a belief rooted in fear. Without God there is no meaning or purpose to life, and that scares the shit out of them.

[mistermack]

I am angry. I'm angry at being indoctrinated for ten years with the most ludicrous superstitious bollocks imaginable. I had better things to do at the time, like falling out of trees, or scratching my ass and smelling my finger, or making spears to stab other kids with.
They robbed me of my childhood, and I'm angry that they're still doing it to innocent children, who would rather be trying to burn ants with a magnifying glass.
.

[Pappa]

I am angry. I'm angry at being indoctrinated for ten years with the most ludicrous superstitious bollocks imaginable. I had better things to do at the time, like falling out of trees, or scratching my ass and smelling my finger, or making spears to stab other kids with.
They robbed me of my childhood, and I'm angry that they're still doing it to innocent children, who would rather be trying to burn ants with a magnifying glass.
.

What you need is a gun.