What I don't understand about atheists is why they care if someone believes in God. I certainly don't care if someone professes to be an atheist (I personally don't believe in them). I don't believe in gambling but I don't want to shut down all the bingo halls in town. Just makes you wonder what really goes on in their minds.
"What I don't understand about atheists is why they care if someone believes in God. "
For the most part, we don't. The only time it comes up is when someone decides that it is their mission to convince us that some deity exists. This thread is a good example. The premise of the original post is that Christians must engage atheists and convince them of the Christian position.
Some of us object to that, you see. I have other things to do, and don't enjoy someone proselytizing at me. I suspect that most Christians wouldn't enjoy it if a follower of another religion attempted to convert them, either.
It's really pretty simple. Yes, I have a tagline that identifies me as an atheist. It simplifies some discussions, since there's no question about where I'm coming from in discussions that turn to religion.
But, I don't mind if you're a Christian. I don't mind if you're a Buddhist, either. It doesn't affect me...at least not until you take it upon yourself to argue with me and tell me that I'm doomed or a liar or have no morals. That bothers me. Your Christianity or other religious belief affects me not at all.
For the same reason that Christians care if someone believes in God: people have a tendency to convert others to their ideology.
Because some people are confrontational and thrust their beliefs or disbeliefs into the public arena for whatever reason. I don't believe in God, but I have no problem with churches, not even a problem with churches not paying taxes. That's fine. In the end, churches will use the money to help others, either through low cost housing (Habitat for Humanity,) feeding and clothing the homeless, or doing other Good things for humanity.
People think they have the right to not be offended. They are wrong. Having the Ten Commandments hanging in a courtroom is perfectly ok with me. It's the basis for our morality, and by some extension the legal system. Wish me a Merry Christmas, and I'm fine with that. I'll even join in on Christmas carols, just because I enjoy singing. ;)