Comedian Norm Macdonald found himself in atheists' cross-hairs on Monday night after he sent a series of tweets affirming his belief in God and scripture. Non-believers, clearly appalled that he joins the majority in embracing the notion of a higher power, quickly responded to his religiosity with angst and annoyance.

Comedian Norm MacDonald speaks onstage at The Comedy Awards 2012 at Hammerstein Ballroom on April 28, 2012 in New York City. Credit: Getty Images

Macdonald, who was once a cast member on "Saturday Night Live," inevitably deleted the exchanges he had on Twitter, but not before Twitchy documented some of the back-and-forth.

The situation began when on Sunday when the comedian responded to a tweet about the PGA and bible scripture.

"Is the PGA tour becoming the bible club of pro sports norm? Cuz this guy just said on Nat. TV he read scriptures today! Wtf?," wrote Twitter user sypher1960.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/sypher1960/status/313410469480235008"]

Macdonald responded, "What's surprising about that? Don't most people study the scriptures?" and later added, "I think most people study the scriptures. Most people seem smart to me."

Some atheists, non-believers -- and others who rejected these words -- responded. Here's a sampling of a few of the tweets that Macdonald received (caution: language).

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/dickyboy13/status/313410037622140928"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/Blooeybird/status/313412155565297665"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/PARecSpecs/status/313414346715824128"]

As for the latter message, Macdonald responded, writing, "That's about as stupid a comment as I've ever heard." But at least one other critic of religion got in on the mix, writing, "Religion has also caused more human deaths than any one thing ever."

Macdonald was less-than-persuaded, responding that heart disease is naturally a bigger killer.

"You cannot be that stupid. It is impossible," the comedian added. "Must be joking."

Colin Quinn, from left, Chevy Chase and Norm Macdonald appear onstage at The 2012 Comedy Awards in New York, Saturday, April 28, 2012. Credit: AP 

Inevitably, Macdonald ended up removing the posts (perhaps to end the debate that came to fruition). Big Hollywood said that the comedian was "bullied into silence for being religious," although we can't be quite sure why he removed the messages (or even if he feels the need to be silent).

Regardless, there are still some tweets in his feed from this month that do, indeed, mention religious themes. In fact, he wrote a message about Pope Francis on March 13 and again on the 16th:

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/normmacdonald/status/312072406602764288"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/normmacdonald/status/312845637366460417"]

Despite detractors, in the end, the comedian also had his share of supporters. As always, it's interesting -- and disheartening -- to see someone take heat simply for saying he or she is religious.

But, as a public figure, Macdonald's stance gives him more attention and influence than the average citizen -- something non-believers likely lament.

(H/T: Big Hollywood)

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