I don’t think this kind of reaction is troubling. If you start to feel the same way about professional colleagues with supernatural beliefs then it’s an issue but this seems to be just the normal human anger.dissapointment at not being able to find an appropriate social community.
Atheists, and rationalists more generally, find it very hard to feel at home in most churchs and even things like book clubs. This isn’t prejudice, it’s just the fact that psychologically you won’t feel comfortable if you have to always hide your true feelings about the main focus of the event. Watch the way people behave at a party. No one is comfortable talking about subjects they feel they need to hide their opinions to avoid giving offense. The natural (and appropriate) response is to change the subject and talk about something else. But it just isn’t possible to change the topic of church away from the supernatural or change the topic of book clubs away from giving arguments (often rationalists give arguments or voice standards that others don’t relate to).
So yah, this guy’s supernatural inclinations took over the meeting and effectively denied you the chance to feel comfortable and a member of the community. It would be surprising if this didn’t annoy you.
If you start feeling the same way in situations where there is no real community (many workplaces) or where the topic can be easily avoided then it’s an issue.
I don’t think this kind of reaction is troubling. If you start to feel the same way about professional colleagues with supernatural beliefs then it’s an issue but this seems to be just the normal human anger.dissapointment at not being able to find an appropriate social community.
Atheists, and rationalists more generally, find it very hard to feel at home in most churchs and even things like book clubs. This isn’t prejudice, it’s just the fact that psychologically you won’t feel comfortable if you have to always hide your true feelings about the main focus of the event. Watch the way people behave at a party. No one is comfortable talking about subjects they feel they need to hide their opinions to avoid giving offense. The natural (and appropriate) response is to change the subject and talk about something else. But it just isn’t possible to change the topic of church away from the supernatural or change the topic of book clubs away from giving arguments (often rationalists give arguments or voice standards that others don’t relate to).
So yah, this guy’s supernatural inclinations took over the meeting and effectively denied you the chance to feel comfortable and a member of the community. It would be surprising if this didn’t annoy you.
If you start feeling the same way in situations where there is no real community (many workplaces) or where the topic can be easily avoided then it’s an issue.