Atheism

[Daski]

Let me start this off by saying I am fully respectful and tolerant of anyone's religious beliefs.

Atheists, why do many of you (not all but a good amount) feel the need to tell everyone you're an atheist? I see comments everywhere online of people bringing up their atheism, saying "God's not real" wherever they can get it off. Someone says something trivial "Oh my god ...." The response is "God doesn't exist. Its in twitter bios, facebook profiles, all over.

I don't understand the need for many Atheists to try to relate everything to their atheism. I don't play golf, but i don't feel the need to put it in bios and bring up how much I don't play golf in every scenario where golf is mentioned. (Neil deGrasse Tyson said something to the extent of that). Just trying to hear others thoughts on this, and why Atheists are now trying to "evangelize" the same way many religious people try to recruit people to their religion.

Sorry for the shitstorm that may or may not happen because of this, just trying to ask a question

 

[John18_6]

Coping with death as an athiest vs. coping with death with belief in an afterlife.

I would much rather have a strong faith that is wrong than believe that nothing exists past that point. That being said I don't know what I want to believe in but I want to at least have something.

both athiests and religious people can be outgoingly annoying. Opinions are like dicks, everyone has one but don't go around shoving it down the throats of others.

 

[S.J.W]

Coping with death as an athiest vs. coping with death with belief in an afterlife.

I would much rather have a strong faith that is wrong than believe that nothing exists past that point. That being said I don't know what I want to believe in but I want to at least have something.

both athiests and religious people can be outgoingly annoying. Opinions are like dicks, everyone has one but don't go around shoving it down the throats of others.

I'd rather cope with death as an athiest. Imagine sitting on your death bead thinking about all the fucked up things you've done in your life. You'd be thinking, ahh fuck God isn't happy with me. What if I put my faith in the wrong God? What if that one time I kissed a boy because I was drunk will send me to hell? Compare that to an athiest who will just be chilling.

 

[shotvet]

I'd rather cope with death as an athiest. Imagine sitting on your death bead thinking about all the fucked up things you've done in your life. You'd be thinking, ahh fuck God isn't happy with me. What if I put my faith in the wrong God? What if that one time I kissed a boy because I was drunk will send me to hell? Compare that to an athiest who will just be chilling.

But say there is a God and an afterlife for a moment. That atheist may being just chilling during the dying process, but what happens after that? Perhaps a literal hell that I have to assume is far worse than the anxiety of a spiritual person on their deathbed. Just a thought from a Christianity standpoint. I don't know enough about other afterlives to make a comparison :0

 

[Titus69]

Well why does every really religous person relate stuff to their life "oh shes gods match for me" "god called to me saying ill become a priest"

Im an Atheist, I dont have a single belief theres a god, it just doesnt make sense to me, I respect peoples views but on either side of belief or non belief people that shove beliefs down others throats is just an ass. The only thing I really believe in when it comes to afterlife or whatever is the existence of ghosts since I have experienced them before. OP the atheist vs believers goes both ways, some will relate everything to say "hes fake" then the otherside will say "god made me do this"

 

[deleted5]

Few things first I don't tell people im an atheist unless somebody is super religious, and then I do it just to piss them off. milkman Frenchy roady

Religion plays a much bigger role in society than I think you realize, and someone who doesn't believe in it and still has to follow the rules probably makes people pretty upset. That would just be my guess why atheist's are so proud about it, but I really couldn't say.

 

[S.J.W]

But say there is a God and an afterlife for a moment. That atheist may being just chilling during the dying process, but what happens after that? Perhaps a literal hell that I have to assume is far worse than the anxiety of a spiritual person on their deathbed. Just a thought from a Christianity standpoint. I don't know enough about other afterlives to make a comparison :0

If there is an afterlife, then I'll hapilly chill with the devil. The Bible is Gods book. The devil hasn't put out a book. So what if God is just really childish and tarnishes the devil? And what if Hell is just really cool where you do is party and fuck bad bitches because all that fun sinful behaviour. While everyone in heavan are just living boring lives by doing nothing.

 

[deleted5]

But say there is a God and an afterlife for a moment. That atheist may being just chilling during the dying process, but what happens after that? Perhaps a literal hell that I have to assume is far worse than the anxiety of a spiritual person on their deathbed. Just a thought from a Christianity standpoint. I don't know enough about other afterlives to make a comparison :0

Or maybe just like everything existed before you were born it will exsist after you die. And you go back to your pre-born self which is nothing. Just like when a deer or fly dies.

 

[Titus69]

If there is an afterlife, then I'll hapilly chill with the devil. The Bible is Gods book. The devil hasn't put out a book. So what if God is just really childish and tarnishes the devil? And what if Hell is just really cool where you do is party and fuck bad bitches because all that fun sinful behaviour. While everyone in heavan are just living boring lives by doing nothing.

Holy shit I never thought that Hell is the place sinners go to just go nuts with more sins. Tight.

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

Why do religious people feel the need to shove their religion down everyone else 's throat? It goes the same way, actually more so for religious folk. I'm non-religious yet Im forced to say the pledge of allegiance (or was). My money says "In God we Trust" which is a value/ideal I don't hold. If I go to court I have to swear on a bible (which is a fictional book of fairy-tales. If I have to do all those things you have to listen to MY LOGICAL REASONING on why there really is no god.

 

[Mr.noodle]

Um I see many people with "God" or "christain" in there instagram bios and never once seen one with "athiest". also why are you talking about athiests spreadimg their beliefs when you are saying its totally fine for christains to do it?

 

[Titus69]

Um I see many people with "God" or "christain" in there instagram bios and never once seen one with "athiest". also why are you talking about athiests spreadimg their beliefs when you are saying its totally fine for christains to do it?

Seriously of all the people I follow none say anything against god, if anything theyre bios with sections of the bible or whatever lie "John 3:16" idk sadly most of the time theyre hot chicks that are to close to god to screw :"(

 

[Mr.noodle]

I actually hate this thread a lot

 

[.Hugo.]

Loudmouth shove it in your face atheists and religious people are equally annoying. Who cares if someone is religious or not. Let them live their lives how they want to

 

[Mr.noodle]

Someone says something trivial "Oh my god ...." The response is "God doesn't exist. Its in twitter bios, facebook profiles, all over.

I have never heard anyone say that ever. the more I think about this thread and read it the more I want to punch Op in the throat

 

[S.J.W]

If an athiest does crossfit and is on a vegan diet. Which one do they tell people they are first?

 

[Mr.noodle]

I've actually seen multiple threads about God and christianity and not one about atheism except for this shitty one made by a christain

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

Loudmouth shove it in your face atheists and religious people are equally annoying. Who cares if someone is religious or not. Let them live their lives how they want to

Nah because religious thinking is holding us back as a species.

 

[Lonely]

Op let's be real here. Stop being butthurt about the instances where you say I believe in God and the athiest says I don't believe in God. You get all pissed about an atheist saying he or she doesn't "shoving atheism down my throat" but then you ignored the fact that religons have been chopping people's heads off and hanging them for saying the earth is round and the sun is in the center. Get off your high horse.

 

[TheBigApple]

I'm betting a similar percentage of religious folk always bring in god.

"God saved that airplane"

"Thank God"

"I'll pray for you"

 

[JGWI]

Just trying to hear others thoughts on this, and why Atheists are now trying to "evangelize" the same way many religious people try to recruit people to their religion.

Because this isn't Iran.

 

[Daski]

I'm not trying to offend or convert anyone here, just trying to learn about another set of beliefs many people have. Im curious as to atheists' thinking, obviously religious beliefs, whether you are theistic or atheistic or somewhere in between, are more complex than just "yes" or "no." I'm trying to understand why atheists try to spread their team's ideology if, in effect, they are on the "we don't play this sport" team.

I get why religious people try to spread their beliefs: they feel a duty to because they heard it somewhere that they should. I am in no denial that religion plays too big of a role in politics and in other societal conventions today, and have no disillusions about the huge number of hyper-religious assholes who try to push their beliefs on others who want no part of it. I like those people no more than atheists who take it to far

 

[shotvet]

Nah because religious thinking is holding us back as a species.

In what ways?

 

[Lonely]

I'm not trying to offend or convert anyone here, just trying to learn about another set of beliefs many people have. Im curious as to atheists' thinking, obviously religious beliefs, whether you are theistic or atheistic or somewhere in between, are more complex than just "yes" or "no." I'm trying to understand why atheists try to spread their team's ideology if, in effect, they are on the "we don't play this sport" team.

I get why religious people try to spread their beliefs: they feel a duty to because they heard it somewhere that they should. I am in no denial that religion plays too big of a role in politics and in other societal conventions today, and have no disillusions about the huge number of hyper-religious assholes who try to push their beliefs on others who want no part of it. I like those people no more than atheists who take it to far

I would like to see statistics and examples in how atheist are being super outspoken and spreading claims everywhere.

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

In what ways?

Because religion is naturally divisive. Because organized religion is corrupt. Because religion ignores proven scientific discovery. Because religion dictates how one should act and think. Because religion is behind some of the most brutal wars in history. Because religion is based on hearsay.

If more people set aside religion for scientific discovery the world would be a far better, more interesting place to live.

Its also sad that people can't accept the fact that we go into the same state when we die that we were in before we were born. But oh well, believe in fairy tales I guess.

 

[.Hugo.]

Nah because religious thinking is holding us back as a species.

Lofuckingl if you think youre going to change their mind

 

[onenerdykid]

Here are 2 fun tests that have kept some of the most brilliant human minds perplexed for over 2,000 years:

1. Prove God doesn't exist.

2. Prove God exists.

Atheists are busy chasing the first proof, religious people are busy chasing the second proof. They are both chasing an answer that is equally beyond human understanding and incapable of being scientifically measured and verified.

You will never possess knowledge of either. Anyone who claims to know either is full of shit and confused about the principles of what constitutes knowledge. People can only have belief in either of the two.

In this sense, atheists and religious people are similar and their actions usually show it. Both are capable of acting in crazy hocus pocus ways, as many of you have already said ("atheists are almost evangelical" sometimes).

Belief can be a great thing, but don't confuse it with knowledge. If you do that, you usually end up with a lot of crazy on your plate.

 

[louie.mirags]

what if you just don't give a fuck about religion?

Also, younger people tend to dwell on being an atheist because religion was forced down their throats and now they are rebelling. They will grow out of it.

 

[Charlie_Kelly]

Here are 2 fun tests that have kept some of the most brilliant human minds perplexed for over 2,000 years:

1. Prove God doesn't exist.

2. Prove God exists.

Atheists are busy chasing the first proof, religious people are busy chasing the second proof. They are both chasing an answer that is equally beyond human understanding and incapable of being scientifically measured and verified.

You will never possess knowledge of either. Anyone who claims to know either is full of shit and confused about the principles of what constitutes knowledge. People can only have belief in either of the two.

In this sense, atheists and religious people are similar and their actions usually show it. Both are capable of acting in crazy hocus pocus ways, as many of you have already said ("atheists are almost evangelical" sometimes).

Belief can be a great thing, but don't confuse it with knowledge. If you do that, you usually end up with a lot of crazy on your plate.

Except there is more scientific evidence suggesting the former than the latter. I mean hard scientific evidence has already disproven many parts of the bible, which is a religious persons only piece of "evidence" that god is real.

To me it's like the whole "if a tree falls in the forest does it make a sound?" conundrum. You have no way of actually knowing if it makes a sound but all logic and previous scientific discoveries would insinuate that it does, it's almost a matter of common sense.

 

[J.D.]

Here are 2 fun tests that have kept some of the most brilliant human minds perplexed for over 2,000 years:

1. Prove God doesn't exist.

2. Prove God exists.

Atheists are busy chasing the first proof

This is clearly wrong. Atheists are not required to prove God does not exist and it is impossible to prove a negative anyway. The burden of proof with respect to an extraordinary claim like "there is a supreme being guiding all existence" rests with the person asserting that claim.

Once again, as every time this topic comes up: the correct response to "you can't prove God exists" is Russell's teapot. This argument has been over for decades, probably longer.

Next thing. Atheists should not be trying to actively convert anyone, merely challenging bad ideas as they are presented. Atheism isn't a belief system, it has no philosophical content. If you don't believe in astrology, you're not a non-astrologer. If you don't believe in alchemy, you're not a non-alchemist. There's no reason for the term "atheism" to exist. All "atheism" is is a demand for evidence for all truth claims. I don't care if you're talking about God or a monster living under your bed; if you say something is true, you must be prepared to provide evidence for it. If you want to impose a religious doctrine on society at large, you had best explain why it's a good idea for society. Hint to all Islamists: you're going to have a tough time selling Sharia to an atheist.

Lastly, OP, people you're describing sound really annoying. But I don't think these people really exist in any large number. I have never had a conversation with anyone who is just itching to tell me they're an atheist. Ever. On the internet there are some annoying people who will butt into every religious discussion they can, but not in real life. No one does this. In real life, this kind of behaviour is the domain of the extremely devout.

 

[SteezyMagee]

I've done lots of research on atheism, deism, theism, agnosticism, skepticism and so on, and even more on consciousness and the origins of life, origins of religions and looking at what the biggest religions on the planet have to offer, and comparing and contrasting what they teach. After actually doing research and utilizing critical thinking (a skill that should be used more often)I've become an atheist. I grew up Catholic, went to Catholic schools my whole life (just graduated from a Catholic high school) and have been confirmed in the Catholic Church, I used to be an altar server as a kid. And I've completely rejected what I was raised my whole life believing.

The reason I think that atheists constantly voice their opinion, and sometimes cram it down others' throats, (I'm guilty of this at times as well) is because most atheists who have converted from a religious school of thought feel like they have discovered something, something that is far more logical to them. They want to share their discoveries, just as scientific discoveries are shared and hypotheses are debated. Many converted atheists used a scientific method-like process to come to their conclusion. When I started to learn more about what religions existed for and how they came about and where the teachings and beliefs came from, religion started to fall apart for me. Religious views seemed ridiculous and religious people seemed like people who never bothered to question anything. (This is of course not always true, but this was the initial new perspective my conversion produced).

Atheists don't get loud because they want to offend others, or belittle others' views, they just want to spread their discoveries so the world can move forward without the hindrance of religious conflict. I look forward to a future without the restraints that religion have placed upon us (segregation, the mistreatment of women and gays, hypocrisy, the opposition to scientific growth, I could go on for a while...).

And to clarify, what most religious people get from their religion is good. Morality, being a good person, charity work and all that, but there is plenty of bad associated with religion and the good that has come from it is not exclusive to religion and can exist and thrive without it. And of course, this is just my personal view and experience.

 

[onenerdykid]

This is clearly wrong. Atheists are not required to prove God does not exist and it is impossible to prove a negative anyway. The burden of proof with respect to an extraordinary claim like "there is a supreme being guiding all existence" rests with the person asserting that claim.

Once again, as every time this topic comes up: the correct response to "you can't prove God exists" is Russell's teapot. This argument has been over for decades, probably longer.

Next thing. Atheists should not be trying to actively convert anyone, merely challenging bad ideas as they are presented. Atheism isn't a belief system, it has no philosophical content. If you don't believe in astrology, you're not a non-astrologer. If you don't believe in alchemy, you're not a non-alchemist. There's no reason for the term "atheism" to exist. All "atheism" is is a demand for evidence for all truth claims. I don't care if you're talking about God or a monster living under your bed; if you say something is true, you must be prepared to provide evidence for it. If you want to impose a religious doctrine on society at large, you had best explain why it's a good idea for society. Hint to all Islamists: you're going to have a tough time selling Sharia to an atheist.

Sorry, no.

Atheists claim that God does not exist.

Theists claim that (a) God does exist.

Agnostics claim that it is not possible to know this.

Atheism is generally defined and agreed upon as the position that there are no deities. If you claim that there are no deities, you are in the position to prove they don't exist. True, not ALL atheists are out to do this so I should have said "some" or "a lot". Proving a negative happens all of the time in logic, and it can happen in the real world but it is extremely difficult to do.

Atheism therefore typically falls into trap of (trying to) claiming to possess knowledge that God is dead or God does not exist. There are philosophies and systems of thought behind it, namely practical atheism and theoretical atheism. To say that atheism is not a belief or system of thought is not accurate.

The main point I was trying to make was that it is a mistake to say you know that God does or doesn't exist. Rather, a meaningful position to have is to believe that God does or doesn't exist.

 

[CheddarJack]

Atheists should not be trying to actively convert anyone, merely challenging bad ideas as they are presented. Atheism isn't a belief system, it has no philosophical content. If you don't believe in astrology, you're not a non-astrologer. If you don't believe in alchemy, you're not a non-alchemist. There's no reason for the term "atheism" to exist. All "atheism" is is a demand for evidence for all truth claims. I don't care if you're talking about God or a monster living under your bed; if you say something is true, you must be prepared to provide evidence for it.

Atheism exists because the belief of a god - theism - doesn't necessarily imply a certain religion, or one at all. Atheism isn't a religion. It makes sense that it's a term. There's polytheism, monotheism, atheism, etc. None of these are religions, just belief systems (or lack thereof). There's no belief system related to alchemy or astrology.

Personally, I have a love of science which dictates most of my beliefs. But since you cannot prove that there are no gods or a god, I would say that it is very likely that there isn't, but I don't like to 100% rule it out. Technically, that doesn't make me an atheist but I'm not a religious individual - but that's for many other reasons. I find enjoyment in wonder and like to leave room for belief. Religion starts to play a part when faith becomes involved.

You could make a similar argument for the belief of alien life. Science can't prove either way and many people would say that it's complete bonkers. At the same time, many people like to believe it's out there - even scientists. So saying you don't believe in it holds just as valid of an argument as someone that does. I lose respect for people who are members of a certain belief system that cannot accept that there are other belief systems that can be just as valid. Someone with a different belief than you isn't wrong - they just have a different belief.

 

[louie.mirags]

Sorry, no.

Atheists claim that God does not exist.

Theists claim that (a) God does exist.

Agnostics claim that it is not possible to know this.

Atheism is generally defined and agreed upon as the position that there are no deities. If you claim that there are no deities, you are in the position to prove they don't exist. True, not ALL atheists are out to do this so I should have said "some" or "a lot". Proving a negative happens all of the time in logic, and it can happen in the real world but it is extremely difficult to do.

Atheism therefore typically falls into trap of (trying to) claiming to possess knowledge that God is dead or God does not exist. There are philosophies and systems of thought behind it, namely practical atheism and theoretical atheism. To say that atheism is not a belief or system of thought is not accurate.

The main point I was trying to make was that it is a mistake to say you know that God does or doesn't exist. Rather, a meaningful position to have is to believe that God does or doesn't exist.

Well, people saying they know "God doesn't exist" sounds just as ridiculous as saying "I have faith in God". Just using God as the reason behind everything sounds just as comical

 

[onenerdykid]

Well, people saying they know "God doesn't exist" sounds just as ridiculous as saying "I have faith in God". Just using God as the reason behind everything sounds just as comical

I agree that using God as the reason behind everything is not very intelligent, but there is a difference between knowledge and faith and they simply should not be confused as meaning the same thing.

When someone's faith surpasses knowledge, many things can go wrong. I would always side with someone who has more knowledge than faith, at least I would know they are trying to understand the subject than give up.

 

[ModMommy]

After years of struggling with a religious identity I came to the conclusion that I am Agnostic. I attended Catholic school, was raised in a family that went to a Lutheran Church every Sunday and Religious Holiday. For me, the moral issues that lay within organized religions was enough to start questioning God's existence.

Looking at people's insagram captions i find two things: religious quotes (John, Psalms, ect) and descriptions of themselves. The religious ones outnumber the hardcore atheist any day. At school we were allowed to use scripture as a senior quote, but if one question his belief or touched religion in any other way it was banned. If anything, religious folks are more into shoving their thoughts down other's throats.

That being said, I don't disclose my religious preferences with everyone. I know a good plenty of people like the one's you describe OP, but I also have Christian friends who have dragged me to Church saying I'm going to hell if I don't decide. I have friends who are respectful of people's choices even though they disagree.

 

[J.D.]

Atheism therefore typically falls into trap of (trying to) claiming to possess knowledge that God is dead or God does not exist. There are philosophies and systems of thought behind it, namely practical atheism and theoretical atheism. To say that atheism is not a belief or system of thought is not accurate.

You literally do not know what you are talking about.

There's no way you'll actually take the time to watch this, but Sam Harris is arguably the most prominent atheist in the world right now aside from Richard Dawkins and I guess Bill Maher, and he explains quite succinctly.

Atheism has no belief structure. It is an absence of belief. A refusal to believe things without proof. If it were a belief system defined by an attempt to prove the non-existence of God, that would be idiotic, because it is LOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVE A NEGATIVE.

 

[J.D.]

Atheism exists because the belief of a god - theism - doesn't necessarily imply a certain religion, or one at all.

Theism has a specific belief set. There may be wide variance within the belief set but the core belief is easily discernible. Atheism does not. Hence it is a silly way to group people. There is no inherent content to atheism, no belief system. So having people classify themselves this way is asking for a fight - "you're team God, we're team no-God". It's counter-productive and awkward because it's not possible to have a productive discussion on those terms. The better way to define the conversation is, look, all I want is evidence and logical basis for everything you put to me. It's pretty hard to come up with an argument against the use of logic and evidence.

As for your alien life thing, sure, the argument is the same. If you want to prove there is an alien race out there, the burden of proof is on you. You can't simply say, "aliens exist because you can't prove they don't", and leave it at that. Honestly, we know for an absolute certainty at least one intelligent life form has evolved, and so at least there is precedent on which to base a hypothesis for alien life.

It's when people get more specific (little green men in flying saucers) that their claims become less likely and require more compelling evidence, which evidence is not forthcoming, so these people are considered crazy. Religions make similarly specific claims - the Archangel Gabriel visiting an illiterate merchant in a cave some 1300 years ago and said merchant being able to transcribe these words precisely, for example.

 

[Bogs]

If an athiest does crossfit and is on a vegan diet. Which one do they tell people they are first?

hahaha crossfit, definitely.

But to answer your question, OP: Atheism is much younger as a movement than Christianity is. After a few centuries and after killing millions of people and ruining the lives of countless others, Christians eventually learned that forcing your beliefs on people who don't hold them isn't the best thing to do. Atheists are just going through that process now, so be patient with them. Let's just hope they don't kill millions of innocents and burn down some of the world's greatest cities while trying to spread their message the way Christianity did.

 

[saskskier]

hahaha crossfit, definitely.

But to answer your question, OP: Atheism is much younger as a movement than Christianity is. After a few centuries and after killing millions of people and ruining the lives of countless others, Christians eventually learned that forcing your beliefs on people who don't hold them isn't the best thing to do. Atheists are just going through that process now, so be patient with them. Let's just hope they don't kill millions of innocents and burn down some of the world's greatest cities while trying to spread their message the way Christianity did.

I will absolutely agree that terrible things have been done (and are still being done) in the name of Christianity, but singling it out as if it's the only religion to have committed atrocities is ridiculous and even to generalize that religion causes war is, at best, misinformed. People have always done and will continue to do terrible things to each other, regardless of whether religion is involved or not.

 

[onenerdykid]

You literally do not know what you are talking about.

There's no way you'll actually take the time to watch this, but Sam Harris is arguably the most prominent atheist in the world right now aside from Richard Dawkins and I guess Bill Maher, and he explains quite succinctly.

Atheism has no belief structure. It is an absence of belief. A refusal to believe things without proof. If it were a belief system defined by an attempt to prove the non-existence of God, that would be idiotic, because it is LOGICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVE A NEGATIVE.

That's quite the bold statement from your part to claim that I do not know what I am talking about but go ahead and say it.

FYI- logic proves negatives every day. Look to the Modus Tolens logical rule for proving a negative position. So, be careful when you say it is logically impossible.

What I think you mean is that it is logically impossible to negatively prove that something exists. Which is natural because you can't logically prove the existence of anything. Existence is not a logical predicate, and this is what ultimately defeats any logical proof for the existence of God.

Russell's "teapot theory" (while I do believe to be correct) combats the position "if you cannot prove me to be wrong, I am therefore correct" is not what I was arguing against. I was remarking that atheists often times claim that God does not exist, and therefore they commonly seek to prove it. They claim not-X, and seek to prove not-X. It is not the same as Russell's teapot. Moreover, I was not suggesting they do. I was not suggesting they should. I am not an atheist and do not claim to be one.

Sam Harris has his opinions on atheism, but he simply can't write it out of philosophy because he thinks he should. His polemic arguments are half philosophical and half emotionally charged/belittling against his opponents and fall dangerously close to frequently committing the argumentum ad hominem fallacy. And they are his opinions. People can be technically atheists, as well as non-racists, or secularists etc. despite what he says.

I will watch this specific youtube video and see what he is up to again.

 

[louie.mirags]

I'm betting a similar percentage of religious folk always bring in god.

"God saved that airplane"

"Thank God"

"I'll pray for you"

I always find this odd because nobody ever says, "God caused Hurricane Irene", "god guided those planes into the WTC", "God guided that bullet in that drive by into the innocent kid"

 

[Bogs]

I will absolutely agree that terrible things have been done (and are still being done) in the name of Christianity, but singling it out as if it's the only religion to have committed atrocities is ridiculous and even to generalize that religion causes war is, at best, misinformed. People have always done and will continue to do terrible things to each other, regardless of whether religion is involved or not.

Please tell me where I said Christianity was the only religion to commit an atrocity. I'm singling out Christianity because I assume OP is Christian, because he lives in a country and a world where Christianity is the dominant religion, and in my experience, it's always Christians who complain about Atheists talking about how they're Atheists, or at least the ones who feel strongly enough to start the conversation. If this is not the case, OP, then I apologize. Please tell me where I generalized that religion causes war. The spreading of Christianity may not have been the main motivation for the people in power of starting the Crusades and going to the Americas the destroy the cultures that existed there and replace them instead with Christianity, but it sure as hell is what they told the people who actually went to the middle east and the Americas to do these things.

In the future, I would appreciate it if you would read and reflect on the actual words I write, instead of assuming that I'm making assumptions, or talking about/referencing things I'm not actually talking about or referencing.

 

[onenerdykid]

I always find this odd because nobody ever says, "God caused Hurricane Irene", "god guided those planes into the WTC", "God guided that bullet in that drive by into the innocent kid"

Many religious bigots do claim that God caused the hurricane to punish the sinners (gays, Muslims, etc)...

But to your point, it is interesting when you see a football player give thanks to God when he intercepts the pass and scores a touchdown but the quarterback doesn't give thanks to God for causing the interception. Only positive moments are typically given thanks for, when ultimately God should be the cause for all events (in their eyes).

 

[saskskier]

Please tell me where I said Christianity was the only religion to commit an atrocity. I'm singling out Christianity because I assume OP is Christian, because he lives in a country and a world where Christianity is the dominant religion, and in my experience, it's always Christians who complain about Atheists talking about how they're Atheists, or at least the ones who feel strongly enough to start the conversation. If this is not the case, OP, then I apologize. Please tell me where I generalized that religion causes war. The spreading of Christianity may not have been the main motivation for the people in power of starting the Crusades and going to the Americas the destroy the cultures that existed there and replace them instead with Christianity, but it sure as hell is what they told the people who actually went to the middle east and the Americas to do these things.

In the future, I would appreciate it if you would read and reflect on the actual words I write, instead of assuming that I'm making assumptions, or talking about/referencing things I'm not actually talking about or referencing.

My bad. It was a knee jerk reaction and I did make some unfair assumptions and I'm sorry about that.

It seems to be the case (and likely is because of our western/North American context) that inevitably the discussion around people's beliefs/religion/atheism/etc turns to pointing at religion (and often singling out Christianity) for all the tragedy and death throughout history, which is simply not the case.

 

[Bogs]

My bad. It was a knee jerk reaction and I did make some unfair assumptions and I'm sorry about that.

It seems to be the case (and likely is because of our western/North American context) that inevitably the discussion around people's beliefs/religion/atheism/etc turns to pointing at religion (and often singling out Christianity) for all the tragedy and death throughout history, which is simply not the case.

For sure, and I agree with that. And you're also right that it isn't fair for me to assume OP is a Christian in the first place. I guess the point I was trying to make is that it's pretty ridiculous for Christians to complain about Atheists pushing their beliefs on others considering the cultures that have been either completely destroyed or vastly changed in the past because of Christians wanting to push their beliefs on others. Again, OP, if you aren't a Christian and this doesn't apply to you, then I apologize. Obviously other religions have done this too, and obviously most wars, especially the more recent ones, aren't religiously motivated, but I still find it a ridiculous thing for a Christian to be upset about. It would be like me, as a white man, complaining that black people and women talk too much about wanting to be treated as equals to white men, or spend too much time and energy trying to make this happen.

 

[saskskier]

For sure, and I agree with that. And you're also right that it isn't fair for me to assume OP is a Christian in the first place. I guess the point I was trying to make is that it's pretty ridiculous for Christians to complain about Atheists pushing their beliefs on others considering the cultures that have been either completely destroyed or vastly changed in the past because of Christians wanting to push their beliefs on others. Again, OP, if you aren't a Christian and this doesn't apply to you, then I apologize. Obviously other religions have done this too, and obviously most wars, especially the more recent ones, aren't religiously motivated, but I still find it a ridiculous thing for a Christian to be upset about. It would be like me, as a white man, complaining that black people and women talk too much about wanting to be treated as equals to white men, or spend too much time and energy trying to make this happen.

Despite being a Christian, I'll be the first to agree that it's ridiculous for Christian's to complain about Atheist's or other religions pushing their beliefs on others. I'm always down to have a conversation, but I'm not going to push anything and certainly not act as the morality police to the rest of the world.

 

[theabortionator]

Jesus this, moses that, abraham hit me with a wifftle ball bat

 

[ndye]

I would personally describe myself as an atheist, albeit I do recognize that it is impossible to prove a lack of a God, however I can never prove a lack of spider-man living outside of comic books. I guess I am also agnostic about spider-man's existence.

I call myself an atheist because I find it illogical that a God would exist. There is comfort in the belief of an afterlife sure, but there is also comfort in the idea my dog actually moved to a farm when I was a kid like my parents said. I would rather accept my reasoning, that neither an afterlife nor my dog prancing around beside horses and cattle are true.

The most likely answer hurts, but its always better than believing something illogical.

 

[XtRemE11]

Hardcore atheists and hardcore religious people are so damn annoying. they're beliefs are flawed for the same reasons and they call each other out on it while doing it themselves.

I've got two friends that are great examples of this. one was a hardcore christian, and one was a hardcore atheist and both have swapped. the christian is now doubting religion, and argues against it, while the atheist has become a christian and argues for it.

both of them, especially the now turned christian, base their beliefs way too much off of emotion. they are getting an emotional benefit from their belief and are just seeking ways to justify it.

The christian is somebody who had/has a lot of deep seated issues and anger/depression. in some ways christianity gives him justification to hate on people, gays especially, he's got a lot of built up anger and emotion and i think uses people to let it go. christianity gives him justification for it. he's always "researching" online trying to find ways to prove God exists. and in doing it usually finds BS research from some christian scientist who's obviously going to skew his research to support his belief, which my friend then takes as proof. like some fossilized cowboy boot that was apparently proof that carbon dating was wrong. or finding cocaine on a mummy in egypt = god exists somehow. point is, he seeks out any and every reason to justify his belief that gives him an emotional benefit. its all subconscious but very obvious to anyone but him.

The now turned athiest was restricted and limited all his life because he didnt want to sin, he followed what his parents told him very carefully, believed and did all the crap that modern day "christians" think they're supposed to do. when he opened his mind up enough to start doubting everything he'd been taught, it was like finally being free. it was ok to sin and he could live the lifestyle he chose (which is actually a very good, giving, lifestyle, he hasnt rebounded or anything) but he was looking for reasons to justify his new found freedom and doing anything to disprove religion.

any way point is, i feel like these two people relate to 99% of atheists and religious people. their belief is driven by emotion, and their research/proof is skewed to fit that belief.

im very curious about the origin of everything and all that, but any time i try to research it, whether its god or religion, somebody is trying to prove a belief, its so hard to find any research that truly goes at it with zero belief, but just to know the truth.

 

[onenerdykid]

I call myself an atheist because I find it illogical that a God would exist. There is comfort in the belief of an afterlife sure, but there is also comfort in the idea my dog actually moved to a farm when I was a kid like my parents said. I would rather accept my reasoning, that neither an afterlife nor my dog prancing around beside horses and cattle are true.

The most likely answer hurts, but its always better than believing something illogical.

We should take note that there can be meaningful talk of God separate from religion. Many philosophers, physicists, etc discuss God an ultimate starting point or an ultimate cause that is separate from a religious deity. Quite often these such beings are said to be unaware of our existence and unconcerned with our existence. They simply are logical possibilities that are non-contradictory and ultimate postulates of knowledge and existence.

Such beings can easily co-exist with modern science (I'm not saying I believe in them, just putting this out there) and quite often many notable physicists, biologists, and chemists adhere to some.

For these people, the idea of God is not grounded in religion but instead in reason.