As an Atheist I really like this post and hearing about Penn Jillette's experience. For me I really don't mind listening to Christians share their faith. My best friend of 15 years is deeply religious (her father's a minster) and different beliefs has never affected our close friendship. I might not believe certain things but if the person is kind and accepting of me then I enjoy hearing their perspective about things. I find religion to be a beautiful thing in the hands of good people. One of the reasons I became an atheist was because of the behavior of Christians who abused me by forcing their views on me and treating me like I was a horrible person for questioning the faith. The world needs all the kindness and understanding it can get. No one should punish another person for having their own mind and thinking differently than others.
Oh @marxrab thanks for sharing!
I've questioned my faith many times. Questioning the faith doesn't make you horrible, in fact, I think it means you actually care. I'm so thankful that God can handle all of my questions and doubt. In the end, I've found that it's a supernatural truth and faith I can't explain. (Sorry if that sounds weird, I'm really not. haha)
I'm sorry to hear that you've been abused and hurt by Christians. I hate that.
Saint Augustine once said, "Never judge a philosophy by its abuse." Thank you for respecting the Christian faith in spite of the actions of others.