Atheists/Agnostics: Why do you think Christians are so closed minded?

Because they BELIEVE. As much as you believe that we breathe oxygen, they believe that there is an all powerful being in control of our lives. So, they HAVE to stay closed minded. They can't open their mind up to the possibility of there not being a GOD, because then they couldn't BELIEVE. Beliefs are tricky things. Just let them have their beliefs. Most Christians are harmless. Some... some bother me. But, I have many Christian friends, and I love them.

So, that's my answer.

Christians aren't all closed minded. Some are, some aren't. Just like any other group. Sadly, the closed minded ones tend to be louder and more obnoxious.

For them, I doubt they will ever see anyone else's point of view because they are so wrapped up in their own. As for the rest, I think many, when presented with the truth, will either accept it or look into it more, then make an educated decision.

I don't think they will give up their religious beliefs, but perhaps misconceptions about other people.

1. Considering that we don't see from their view point and completely reject all of their teachings and beliefs, why should they lend us an ear and listen to what what we have to say about our beliefs and explanations?

It's a two way street: If you want someone to do something for you, you're expected to show them the same courtesy. If you want to be heard, cut your pride and listen to them.

2. Do you think it's impossible for us to see what they see? In the eyes of a Christian, they see their one true God as the creator of the universe and much more, why should they have any reason to believe that he doesn't exist, or that he isn't around to help them? It completely defeats the point of their beliefs.

Let each person believe what they believe, because it's no fair to deliberately try and change someone. If they see the evolutionary truth, than that's absolutely wonderful for them, but if they refuse to accept it, why try and push the bullet?

"Do you think it's impossible for a Christian to see what you see?"

Many Atheists were once Theists and then opened their eyes for some reason - it doesn't apply to me; I was about seven when I first heard the concept of the InvisibleSkyPixie and I was amazed that adults could pretend that there was an InvisibleSkyPixie watching everything the did, think and say 24/7.

Some of are wired to see and hear the InvisibleSkyPixie and some of us are more realistic and realise that if an InvisibleSkyPixie really did get involved in EarthlyAffairs there'd be no children suffering starvation and or abuse.

To me, they seem close minded because I tend to believe in that which has solid evidence, factual proof, and is logically sound. Christianity is solely based on faith.

When I try to explain things rationally to them, they say things that go against the rationality I introduced in the conversation in order to "escape" the obvious contradiction/flaw that I brought up from their doctrine.

As for the latter part of your question, really, as long as they declare I am going to Hell for what is inconceivable to me, I don't think they can see from my viewpoint. I have met Christians that are very understanding, open-minded, and loving. My advice to Christians to truly attempt to understand the atheistic stance.

I only call them close-minded when they call me close-minded. It's basically the same reasoning.

It's difficult to express that.. Christians.. Can't.. They.. They don't try. I don't tell them what to think or believe, like you said, but we do offer a lot of arguments and they just shoot it down with: scripture, absurd evidence, or just faith.

It's troubling to consider that most Christians disagree with the Theory of Evolution, which has been proven scientifically! ("No, it's just a theory!") It is a theory, but not JUST a theory. Things like misunderstandings about what atheists think, what atheists are, and what atheists mean. It just gets difficult. They don't try to understand.

And you have to admit: this isn't the best forum for volleying arguments back and forth..

It is the same with atheists...If you have a firm belief in something, absolute faith, then nothing and no one is going to sway you from your belief. Christians and atheist both may as well slam their head into a brick wall, for all the good they are doing in trying to convert people to their viewpoint. The ones that are easily swayed, well, are they really worth having on your side, anyway?

Religious belief is a result of imprinting at the critical age in childhood. The human brain actually gets rewired during this period. Once a brain is imprinted only a person with exceptional intelligence can overcome it and only after a lot of reflection. Proof of imprinting is that most religious people are the same religion as their parents.

Frankly this isn't a problem I encoutner often. If I am discussing my religious beliefs (or lack thereof) with someone it is because they asked.

But as to how to help a christian see my viewpoint..well all I can do is try and explain it to them if they want to know.

"If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong.

Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view.

Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly.

Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.

I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.

I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring, your friend, or your colleague. If you will allow me any of my own wants, or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right -- for me. To put up with me is the first step to understanding me. Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness. And in understanding me you might come to prize my differences from you, and, far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences." Source(s) If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.

Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. —Henry David Thoreau