Atheists often have the same enthusiasm and arrogance that hyper-conservative Christians do.  They appear to become very smug with their belief-system and view “non-believers” with disdain.  It is really kind of comical.  This is best seen in Carolyn Brigg’s description of her visit to an atheist convention in Iowa several months ago.  I provide the link here:

http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/culture/5283/waiting_for_lightning_to_strike%3A_a_wobbly_agnostic_among_the_atheists/

(You will probably have to copy-and-paste this to your address bar.  I haven’t learned yet how to import a link!)

Persons of faith can learn from reading Briggs’ report.  Her report illustrates how any belief system can become an end in itself, how that it can be used to make persons feel really good about themselves, so much so that they become smug.  I believe in feeling good about ourselves but we should not need a crutch to accomplish this.

One of the most prominent atheists of our day is Bill Maher.  And, I love Bill Maher!  But at times he is just too disdainful toward those who choose to believe.  And Christopher Hitches can be outright arrogant.  He was brutal in his treatment of Mother Teresa who honestly acknowledged the profound doubt that haunted her deep faith.

Obnoxious atheists, just like obnoxious Christians, need to get a life.  They need to follow the advice, “Get over yourself.”