Because now is the time to persecute atheists. It's not easy being one. I was for a good long while, and it's really difficult to be open with your beliefs, or even honest about them, to a society that is so closed the concept. Most people find the notion that someone can NOT believe in god so appalling that the instantly dislike you for it. I remember one of my first times driving i had a friend in the car and we passed someone who's plates said Atheist with a bumper sticker saying the same thing. He reached out the window and flipped them off. Three people behind me did the same thing, one of the honking, and another rolling down his window to yell at the girl.
As for people on here being bitter and rude, I think it's two fold. First and foremost it takes a lot to leave the faith you were brought up in, and like they say, converts are the most zealous. I've only known two people who were actually raised atheist, and I knew them both for years before it ever came up. They're secure with it and have nothing to prove. Many on here are still fighting against the views of the parents and of society. I think it's just a stage in the process. Not that the belief is a stage, but rather the need to hate those who believe.
Second, have you read some of the Christian posts on here? A question asked about Wicca Spells and how to find them and a responses of evangelicals telling them to read the Bible. It comes from all sides, but seriously, sometimes it's appropriate, sometimes it has no place as the answer to the question.
Also keep in mind that this is the Internet. People are more brazen, they're more opinionated, and above all more rude. Most true atheists are probably quite content with their beliefs and their lives.
It seem that Athiest have no room for being happy. I am not putting them down. They usually play an important role in our society. They seem very serious; but simply not happy.
If atheism is so liberating, why are most atheists bitter?
