Why does an atheist feel the need to post in religion when they have none?

Question

I don't post religious questions in science.

Answer 1

I realize that no one reads this when I just link to it, so here is my answer to a previous version of this question:


I believe that I have been nothing but courteous to the people of faith here. I openly deny their belief-system. They openly deny mine. That's fine. We have, however, engaged in some very respectful debate, much to the benefit (I hope) of both sides. I know that my beliefs have not changed, but my preconceptions about young-Earth Christians have been shattered by some of the people I have found here. I think that they are wrong, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debate with them without resorting to name-calling or rudeness.

Granted, this requires an openness on both our parts. I think that their faith is "wrong." They think that my lack of faith is "wrong." This is where most people get hung up and debate can go no further. If someone disagreeing with you is "offensive," you're stuck. Once you accept this disagreement, you are quite free to exchange ideas. This is what I have found here (for the most part.)

As for why I spend so much time in the religion and spirituality forum, I see faith as playing a huge role in the lives of everyone in the world, be they moderate Muslims, fundamentalist Christians, Pagans, or Atheists like myself.

In my supposedly free country I see gays discriminated against due to faith. People who would never think of using the N-word openly hate and criticize homosexuals for what they are, not who they are.

I see medical advances that could help millions of people stymied by arguments that have their basis in faith. Stem cell research could potentially ease the suffering of billions around the globe, but people of faith stand in the way.

We are currently involved in what may or may not be a holy war. This is an issue of faith.

Our current government supports "faith-based initiatives" in what may be a breach of The Constitution itself.

I know that faith helps people sleep at night. This doesn't undo the tremendous amount of suffering it has inflicted at every turn of history.

I see faith as a problem, and would like to encourage people to put aside their myths and embrace reason. However, I realize that this is futile. As Jonathan Swift said, "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into."

That said, I think that Yahoo Answers provides a wonderful opportunity to try to see where other people are coming from. I disagree with the Christians (and Muslims and Pagans...), but I think it is very important for me to try to understand them. I would hope that they will try to understand me. Once we find some common ground and some mutual respect, we can truly start to talk about things.

I hate the name-calling. The largest problem I have with religion is that it is divisive. I feel that this is the most important aspect of faith that needs to be removed from the equation. Name-calling is also divisive and does not fit into my attempts to act reasonably.

I feel that I deny, but do not scoff. I embrace and enjoy open debate. I think that the things discussed here are important. I'd like to think that some of the things I have to say are pertinent.

If you want a place for only Christians (for example) to exchange ideas, there are plenty of places on the web for that. However, I think that this exclusion of other mindsets and worldviews does a disservice to those who would seek such a closed system.

That's why, as an atheist, I show up on the religion thread.

Answer 2

I'm under the impression that this section is for questions pertaining to religious and spiritual beliefs. While many people (on all sides of the issue) use the forum as an opportunity to wave their particular religious flag, many atheists and agnostics have legitimate questions about the religious views of others. In short, I don't have to believe what you believe in order to be curious about why you believe it.

Answer 3

Hey.
The reason is because everyone has faith. It's just a matter of what they have faith in. A Christian has taken a leap of faith to believe what they believe in; likewise, so have atheists. We should all respect each others' opinions.

Not to the asker:
It's unfortunate that there are so many people who just wish to bicker instead of discuss. Whatever your faith is, you're only giving youself a bad name by telling everyone else they're wrong and stupid.

To my fellow Christians:
Christians have a bad name. Most of us know little about our own faith, and it shows. But when we bicker and fight, we're only making ouselves look more stupid. If anyone reads this, can we please stop fighting with the atheists and muslims? Not because they're inferior, but because they're equal. Jesus' example shows us that very clearly.

Sorry if I stepped on any toes.
God Bless. Love Wins.

Answer 4

This category is called 'Religion and Spirituality'. We can all post where we want, if we feel curious in a domain.

I'm an atheist, and frankly, I like this section. I'm free to answer and post questions here.

Answer 5

Because we think religion is stupid... at least I do... and I like to point the stupidity of it out to people even though people who are religious are weak and are generally stupid themselves, so dont know how to rationally think about what I tell them.

Answer 6

Because every living creature knows that God is real. Even the atheist knows and chooses to ignore it.

Answer 7

Aah, yes, you have a point! Very wise question. Something fishy is going on among the atheist......

Answer 8

I don't know, but maybe deep somewhere they are searching, I hope and pray for them.

Answer 9

because it is their identity. it represents who they are. which community they hail from.

Answer 10

because they have nothing better to do.