(1) If we were never true Christians, as they claim, then they can still convert us, for real this time.

(2) They need to be out there refuting what we say. They know that other doubters are reading us, and they feel such doubters need to know that we are wrong.

My guess is that believers feel that agnostics are still win-able.

Hmm, I think in many cases your assessment may be nearer the truth. Especially within church communities.

Once you say you don’t believe in God, many Christians feel there is nothing they can do for you anymore.

But that still doesn’t explain why they won’t leave us alone. Randall Rauser has made several posts about atheist and atheism, all quite disparaging. It seems our existence really troubles him. He can’t deny the existence of atheists, so he seems to want to make us look like idiots.

I suspect atheism scares them, especially when they see us making arguments on the Internet, campaigning for an end to religious privilege, etc.

My guess is believers feel that agnostics can be more easily ignored;

My guess is that believers feel that agnostics are still win-able. Denying the existence of God is the ultimate sin that many equate to the unpardonable sin of blasphemy. Once you say you don’t believe in God, many Christians feel there is nothing they can do for you anymore. You’re hell’s fuel for all they know.

Atheists care about this issue in part because it is their own beliefs being discussed and their rationality questioned. I think it’s important that atheism is understood by all and not allowed to become the subject of unchallenged ridicule and demonisation.

Seeking to understand our fellow man is what we should be doing instead of bickering over evidence. Evidence can always be ignored (and has by many) but how can we ignore those who we actively seek to understand?