It's worrying how many atheists and agnostics allow religious people to rule their actions and sometimes even thoughts. The only thing that makes atheists " militant" is that they offend religious sensibilities. Religious people should be offended at all possible moments. Why should it be my responsibility to indulge their delusions?

If the shoe were on the other foot and atheists acted like Christians then I think the militant label would be warranted. I'm Chuckling thinking about walking up to someone's door, knocking on it and handing them a anti-religious tract and explaining to them the fallacy of their religious beliefs.

I am not interested in being evangelical about my lack of religion, because I absolutely hate to be evangelized. I think confrontational atheists don't accomplish very much in the social sphere. Those who make interesting talk show guests and write thought-provoking books are in a different category than just those of us who harangue our neighbors and family members.

Ok. To be more clear, by millitant I mean confrontational. But not necessarily rude or anything.

I think many of us get really hung up on the semantics.
"Militant" can mean different things to different people.
To some, it means actually taking up arms.
To others, it means being more vocal and vigorous in support of their cause.
I think only the individual can define their positions for themselves.
Atheists do not believe in gods.
Anti-theists are opposed to the belief in gods.
How they personally choose to conduct themselves within the context of their
own lives is where I think we tend to see the clash.
We can barely agree on the definitions of terms. It's small wonder we don't
agree on the exercise of those terms.

Militant bothers me. If you are confident in your beliefs you don't have to shove them down people's throats. I like Teddy Roosevelt's "speak softly but carry a big stick" and only use the big stick if you are in danger. Or how about this one, " you can catch more flys with sugar than you can with vinegar" or the infamous RBG, "never yell, you can get your point across better by talking"

Depends on what you mean by "militant"? Militant to me means taking up arms. If you mean "outspoken", then that's not militant.

I feel like they are the atheist equivalent of born again christians. The level of aggressiveness gives those of us out here just trying to live our lives a bad name.

I agree, it is counter-productive, and I've run into them here on the site. I understand a lot of this attitude comes from the harm religion has done to these folks on a personal level, and the harm it seems to do in general. There is a real feeling to fight the harm, even I feel it. But it's difficult to fight theists directly, and counter-productive especially in regards to their children, as the parents can use it to bolster their indoctrination by instilling a persecution complex.

It is far better not to go on the attack, not directly with theists. If we can focus on secular causes, or organizations dedicated to secular causes, I think we can be more effective.

Finally, everyone is far better off if non-theists can be regarded in a better light; of being welcoming and open when those who are questioning their faith start reaching for answers outside of that faith, religion, or church. The less welcoming we're perceived, the longer it will probably take for those questioning folks to start reaching out to us.

There are moments when I'm probably guilty of being one. The idea of being a silent, passive, turn the cheek atheist when accosted by people over sharing their theism doesn't sit well with me. Explain what you mean by "more militant".

I tend to agree with you on that.

Same here in general. In personal relationships and day to day life it’s probably counter productive, but when it comes to activism and politics we could use a few jolts of militant action yet.