That title might seem more than a little oxymoronic but that does not mean there is not some sad truth in it in a certain kind of way. There can be little doubt how many people become atheist. They, after deep reflection and objective thought, have come to the conclusion that there is no evidence that points to the existence of good. Even the most fundamental Christian should have no problem accepting that and just let the person be, they are beyond “saving.” There is, however, an entirely different subgroup of Atheist that came to the conclusion that god, with the current evidence, does not exist for other reasons. How did they get here?
Most religions teach, by and large, teach that god is a god of love. Moreover, they teach that he wants us to be happy, get married, live in the suburbs and have 2.3 children, a dog, and a white picket fence. Further more you will get that as long as you follow a few simple rules like “don’t murder the guy that cut you off in traffic” and “don’t sleep with your neighbor’s, or anyone else’s, wife.” That seems like a pretty sweet deal but not without flaws.
Most religious people are basically good at heart, even the one that might come off a little heavy handed with their zeal. Too often, though, zeal turns people pious and being pious leads to vengefulness. No longer is it “you should go to church”, it becomes “you must go to church.” In time that becomes “if you don’t go to church your hair will fall out and you will burn in a lake of fire forever..” Somewhere along the way the message of “god is a god of love” got lost. When this happens the seeds of rebellion are sown, especially in younger minds. Is there any surprise they turn to Atheism.
Every one’s belief are their own and that is fine. You can choose to believe in god, not believe in god or even believe that the whole universe is really the yolk of an egg laid buy a HUGE chicken. It should, however, be your belief and not a reaction to someone else’s.