The only thing that has changed is how they say it.  Christians so easily forget that atheists are people too.  We laugh, love, and live our lives the same as everyone else.  So why do you get angry that we dare to exist?  (I have seen this sentiment expressed by Christians when atheists aren't around.)  Why get up in our faces and tell us how we're going to hell because we're not like you?
You write about how much better Christians should be treating each other than they are.  How much more should you extend that same treament to those who judge Christianity by your every word and deed?"

Let me be the first to pop this little bubble before we can all think to ourselves "Yay, we just redeemed ourselves in the eyes of this poor little atheist! +50 get into heaven points!"  Let me be the first to point out that we, as Christians, aren't the only judgmental ones. We just get hammered for it more often.

As Christians, our first reaction to an atheist is to bring them to Christ, some way, some how. And as we all know, Atheists aren't there to be preached to: more often than not, that's what made them shy away from Christ. So when they respond badly to our efforts to make them see "the light", we as Christians are discouraged and sometimes hurt, which might explain some of the bitterness we feel towards Atheists.

I, personally, have realized it's none of my damn business whether or not an Atheist becomes a Christian. If they do, I'll celebrate it with them, if they don't, that doesn't mean they won't later on in life. Instead of preaching "You'll go to hell!" or "But Jesus loves you! Don't you understand?!" I ask them what they think. I tell them what I think, making damn sure that they realize what I'm saying is what I believe, not what they should believe. If I'm lucky, I'll get a fun, religious debate out of the conversation (and that's what I'm all about :3) It's not up to me whether or not they become a Christian based on what I've said, but I've said it, and if nothing else they may walk away realizing not all Christians are pricks.

Then there're the Atheists who're just looking for a fight. The hurt they've been dealt by life, God, or the church is still so fresh in their minds, they want to take down any Christian they can. It's taken me many years and many battle wounds to learn how to spot these people. When I'm looking for a religious debate, they're looking for validation, and as such, they play dirty. They're judgmental, rude, and hurtful people, and the best thing to do for me is to stay away from them.

So let's bring this back to the front. Yes, we can all go "Poor little Atheist, you've been so hurt haven't you?" and more often than not, it'll be true: they have been hurt. But that doesn't mean they get off scotch free; atheists can be just as viciously judgmental. In my experience, most Christian's animosity towards Atheist's has come from a past injury from an Atheist looking for a fight. Yes, some of it does come from a misplaced sense of self-righteousness, but once again I could say the same thing about Atheists.

I am in no way condoning being a judgmental Christian. Before anyone can walk away from this blog saying "She's right, those Atheists are pricks!", let me remind them very clearly of all the hurt they've been dealt by other Christians. We are just as capable of being complete assholes; I had my own experience with the church when I was younger that almost made me leave the church entirely. If you can't think of something off the top of your head, think a little harder. I'm sure you'll find something: maybe it was something you said.

Everyone is capable of being judgmental assholes. Just don't let it get into your head that you're innocent of it.

s and Os,
Liz