What are certain things that make theists look bad when trying to spread their message even if it's a pleasant one?

For many years I was an agnostic and in time I turned to athiesm. I thought of myself as a man of fact and science and couldn't bring myself to believe in any form of God. My family, however, was made up almost entirely of Christians and growing up in the southern United States, Christianity was and is by far the most popular belief system. I wanted to believe in more but the thing that turned me off Christianity were Christians themselves. I've since found my faith and have become a Christian, however, I still find myself disgusted at the overwhelming judgement of self touted "Christians". When I was not of the faith I always felt judged and look down upon by those of faith. I was beaten over the head with their ideas and when I questioned their basis of faith, I was scorned or ridiculed for honestly wanting to understand their viewpoint and that in turn soured me. So, in answer to your question, I would say that many theists, even those with good intentions, often deliver their messages from a position of superiority without knowing or even trying to see the viewpoints and value systems of those outside their own religion. If each religion and/or religious person would take the time to study and question not only their own religion but other religions or non-religions as well, I think they would be well served. It's a shame when a small group of theists can ruin a person's view of an entire religion with their ignorance and judgement. I have a strong belief in my religion but not in many of my fellows who claim to share it. I have friends of all faiths and I love them as a Christian should, without judgement and without trying to force my beliefs upon them. I hope that in living a Christian lifestyle and accepting them for who they are they'll in turn see my peace and ask me how I attained it. When they do, I only hope they can come to share it as well

I am going to go along with the crowd and echo that the most frustrating thing I find is the judgement and the holier than thou attitude. I enjoy studying religion and I have many friends of many faiths. I have found these attitudes to be present regardless of the religion the Theist conforms to (I have found them also in atheists). Some religions seem to contain more judgemental and holier than thou people than others, and that is unfortunate because it clouds the message they are trying to spread. Everyone has a right to believe what they want. Friendly discussion of faith can strengthen ties between people, even if there isn't agreement of beliefs. Respect for others is necessary and knowing that you can understand someone else's beliefs, without having to believe them. Turning to anger and name calling when someone disagrees with you, is never, ever going to endear your message to them.

About 15 years ago a church moved into our area and started to make itself known. It was known for being pushy and aggressive. They went door to door and refused to take no for an answer, they often bullied there way into homes. We had them come to our door and I did what I always do, I politely thanked them for their time but explained I wasn't interested and wished them a good day. They continued to argue so I just wished them a good day again and shut the door. For the next ten minutes they stood on my driveway yelling at us that we were damned. Any aggressive pushy arrogance just brings out my stubborn streak.

I'd agree with your description in part.I have had some overzealous people try to 'save' me.I think my worst experience was in San Francisco.I was stationed on Treasure Island while in the USMC.We went to pier 39 where the Eagle Cafe was,or still is i hope.At the bottom of the stairs there was a group of young adults,in their early 20's i'd say.They saw our uniforms and began to tell us how much God hated the fact that we exsisted.We should join them and strip ourselves of mans hold on our minds.We tried to walk away but they followed us,yelling and telling us we would burn in hell if we didnt listen to them.We actually had to flag a cab down to get away from them.

As I said to a JW at my door, "Why are my deeply held beliefs not equal to your deeply held beliefs?" He ran away.

"It's not your place to punish yourself, it's God's" Someone said that to me in Christian school. Something like that. I think I was nine. Within the Christian bubble, that doesn't really seem like a bad thing to say. I mean, I didn't realize it until years later. To non-Christians or less zealous Christians, however, it doesn't look good.

Getting caught doing EXACTLY what they preach against... http://religiouschildabuse.blogspot.com/