Sometimes, just stating one's position as an atheist and confidently responding to poor arguments against atheism can get you the criticism of being smug or superior. So, the question is based on an assumption of what someone might consider "superior" to mean. So, I have a problem with the premise of the question. Atheists vary with the nature of their personalities. Some have a more direct approach. But a true atheist, in my view, believes doubt is a healthy byproduct of a healthy mind, and everything should always be questioned. I don't think that acting "superior".

There are atheists who act superior just like there are religious people who act superior. One thing I’ve noticed is that religious people will think I’m being arrogant by proclaiming my love for free thought on my car or my body (in the standard form of jewelry and shirts), but they don’t seem to recognize that they do the same thing. It’s kind of a double standard for some people. I get all kinds of dirty looks (and road ragers... Is that a word?) when I’m driving, but I don’t care. I just smile and sing at the top of my lungs because I am finally free, and I want everyone to see that you don’t need religion to be happy.

If a religious person accuses me of acting superior, smug, or arrogant just because I’m an atheist, I’ll usually remind them that I’m the one admitting that I don’t have the answers and I’m open to new information and evidence. They are the ones claiming to know everything.

You don't have to deal with them, walk away. I personally don't care what anyone thinks or believes. I am confident in my beliefs. I don't need to advertise. I don't get all butt hurt when my Assembly of God family talk the bible, I walk away. I don't have useless energy to spare debating god. It's a NO win situation..

(to your 1st question) Yes.. For some mysterious reason ..certain folks have acquired a combination of integrity, inquisitiveness and daring that allows them to experience life beyond superstitious restrictions.

Younger, I’d hang on their every word! Later, I’d attend meetings at which they’d lead a discussion ..or listen to them answer questions on a radio program.. Older, I now consider them as Madalyn Murray O’Hair described them: “The intellectual elite.” And I’ll add, courageous ~

These are the kinds of 'atheists' who remind me of the people who flee the high taxes and high crime in places like LA, Chicago, and New York to places like Texas or Arizona, only to turn around and vote in support of politicians who want to turn those prosperous places into parasite infested bergs like the ones they fled!

It is why I make a distinction between being atheist and being an Atheist. No sooner do people categorize themselves with a 'noun' label then manipulative opportunists start appointing themselves experts or authorities. They license themselves in their own elitist eyes as superiors, to dictate criteria for who is and isn't a real Atheist or good Atheist. They are the non-believing equivalents of theological orthodoxies and sects overseen by, usually, sexually sick old men.

Being atheist is defined in simple terms when applied as an adjective. It describes a state of mind that rejects deities, fairly expanded to theologies with gods. THAT'S IT!

I too appreciate science and what has done and can do for humanity. What many of the 'science as our saviour' proselytes miss is that even science has flaws; many of them. For all of their feigned superiority, they forget that science is in it's infancy in the broad span of human existence. It is thought by them that science validates what is good sense. Human beings were here first and good sense is our property. It is sense that validates what is good science.

I too am tired of priggish attitudes from people I also hold in high esteem; like Dawkins. The 'science crowd' is far more often correct in evaluations of phenomena in our reality, but they are not infallible. There is too much Popery among them and they have no right nor preeminence to set criteria for just who is and isn't intelligent, based on their effete self-images.

Rant over! We seem to deeply agree.

There are those of all stripes who feel superior and is not limited to just one group or another.

I am only concerned with teaching those who wish to learn. It is they that are prepared to listen and consider and adjust their world view based on new information. If one does not wish to learn they can not learn. I am willing to learn from anyone willing to teach.

Can I know if you are an atheist or agnostic or theist?

I think it's pretty obvious that Atheists are smarter and better looking than religious people, it's not our fault, we're just born that way.

Superior?No.

Yes

Some are so obsessed they are almost religious about there none belief.

I am not sure it is an “atheist” problem per se. it is a human problem that some people seem to excel at. I have meet many people with the same, my belief is right and you are wrong attitude. I just let them know that we have no common ground for a discussion and we agree to disagree. Life is too short for entrenched / intractable opinions.

I wouldn't bother reasoning with folks like that, just ignore them.

You’re correct on both counts. Arrogance is to effective persuasion as bad hygiene is to dating.

There's a lot of Christian bashing in this room - I am an atheist but I respect Christians. Some of the finest people I know are Christians.
To answer your question - some atheists feel they have discovered the truth about their existence and want everyone to believe what they believe.

I agree, and have run into folks who act childish like you described above.

They exist in every group, and while sometimes they can help, this is not usually the case.

@FoundMyNietzche

The problem with your thinking is that you think that truth can be personalized into an impression, or some other misperception. It cannot because once reasoning starts from an impression, every "therefore" creates more and more dissonance.

So yes, these Atheists are being massive a@#holes, maybe are being irrational, and maybe are often incorrect, but that doesn't mean that everything they say is bad, or wrong, or should be treated in those ways; a mature person has to be able to conduct their behavior with conscious consideration of things.

Yes, our perception of reality is contentious because its influenced by our beliefs, sensory peculiarities, and such. However, such a belief still has diminishing returns, because not all points of reference are equally reliable. So if someone tells you "apple", don't comprehend "pear" and such. That is not only a way to make people think you lack intelligence, but it is also a way to ignore an obvious problem with attention.

Now, as far as your complaints about other people acting superior goes, it appears that you have externalized how you take things, into a physical, unthinking, biological reaction. You are displaying a highly personal view of how other people behave around you, and to you, and it's a sign of something serious.

This is akin to being stuck in a whirpool, and deciding to pet the fish in the water. Don't do that, just swim.

Now, have I run into these types of Atheists? Sure, but why would anyone in their right mind translate a heated argument into a personal attack? This is not mature behavior.

If someone is actually intelligence as you said, why do they worship a all knowing god all powerful that watching kids get rape like a child pornography and not stop it? How is that a humane and kind when someone actually worship such thing? I am not superior to anyone. But I can not let stupid ideas that people live with that would harm so many people and themselves. Do learn a bit more about The Christian Bible.