Why do atheists argue so much?
After reading Seeker's thread (that was closed before I could post in it) it seems that a lot of religious people think that atheists are just a bunch of jerks who get a happy from smashing down other's beliefs. I would like to point out that this is not the case.
1) This is the R/S forum, the point of this forum is to debate and discuss topics about spirituality and religion.
2) As Sam Harris has said on numerous occasions-religion for the most part has a free pass when it comes to speaking candidly about it and not questioning it or pointing out the ridiculousness of many of it's claims (one word to quell the argument that none of their claims are ridiculous: Transubstantiation). This, I think, is a large contributor to theists thinking we're a bunch of jerks, because outside of cyberspace it is taboo to ask a Christian: "Don't you think that belief is a little far-fetched?"
3) Atheists feeling superior and thinking they know everything comes up a lot too. I think this ties in with the topic question. Well versed atheists who know a good deal of the bible, know a decent amount of science, and have a basic knowledge of other religions, can for the most part tear apart any theist argument based on empirical evidence. Because theists depend on faith. The debates usually come down to the two sides: Do you believe something without sufficient evidence, or don't you?
Now I'm not speaking for all atheists, this is my feelings personified to the whole of atheism and speaking in general terms. I'm not out to smash people's beliefs into nothing. I am out for two goal though (besides the fact that I highly enjoy debates) one being to try to get theists to think about their beliefs. If they've honestly questioned them and still choose to believe them (as opposed to the indoctrination and brainwashing I received up till I turned 17) then that's fine. I don't get it, and I'll still make topics about how aspects of it doesn't make any sense and ask theists to defend their position. But I don't think any less of the person or think they are stupid. There is a small sense of superiority, just as theists have a sense of superiority because they have god and I'm going to hell. This is unavoidable and irrelevant.
The other goal is to see if there are any theological answers or arguments that I haven't heard yet that may be convincing.
We (speaking generally of R/S atheists) are out for honest debate and discussion when we post a topic meant for atheist/theist debate and on occasion that leads to anger (as usually does when you question cherished believes) and cussing and ad-hominems. That's life.
Sometimes we make posts that are just for our fellow atheists, such as my god is bi-polar thread. Once again, we can go back to the FOR ATHEISTS or such in the tag lines, but I think any theist should be able to handle the valid criticism that was underlying the topic and, if enjoying debates, post a good reply of why I was wrong.
We aren't out for theist misery; just as theists don't want to cause us misery and see us burn in hell.