Most Atheists and Agnostics tend to be highly educated and able to think critically about the world around them.
2006-06-20 06:45:04
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answer #1
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answered by Kenny ♣ 5
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Some atheists may be uneducated, and some may be educated. Just like some christians have varying levels of education, or lack of education.
People would call themselves an atheist if they rejected concepts of gods, deities, or supreme beings.
I don't have the thought of not existing after I die. I cannot enjoy that which I do not have.
By the way, the concept that satan is a sham is a very atheistic concept. The bible very clearly states that Lucifer is a fallen angel, who god created and allows to exist. To deny the existence of satan is to deny the teachings of the bible.
2006-06-20 06:48:48
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answer #2
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answered by matt s 1
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Firstly theist comes from theus or theo for God.
Secondly I really enjoy the fact that anything you don't believe you think can't be true. MAYBE YOUR WRONG, MAYBE I'M WRONG, but i have spent years researching viewpoints of christianity, atheism, and other religions.
Finally if you don't believe in Satan, then you don't believe something that your book of truths (the bible) says. You are going against your religion. Just thought you should no that you are actually arguing against Christianity by arguing against Satan.
Lastly - Afterlife? Why is it called this if you are still alived. Do I enjoy the thought of not existing after i die?
1) No, but it is the most logical thing that will happen. THATS WHAT DEATH IS.
2) If I don't exist then I'm not going to be thinking so it won't matter that I don't exist as I can't notice it as I'm dead.
2006-06-20 07:43:34
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answer #3
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answered by Jon 2
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Making some generalizations aren't we? Usually when a person makes generalizations like this, he is uneducated about the very issue he or she is making assumptions about. :-) Let me answer your questions in chronological order you asked:
1) I call myself a spiritual atheist simply for the sake that I don't believe in deity or the afterlife. Simple as that. :-)
2) I neither enjoy nor not-enjoy the thought of not existing after my body and soul dies. I have made my peace with that thought. Since it is inevitable, I want to make the most of this life I have. :-)
3) Educated vs. Uneducated. You don't know what atheism really means do you? 'A' means 'without' in Greek. 'Theos' means 'god'. Atheos means atheist in Greek. Hence, atheist.
4) If you claim Satan is a metaphor, then you have to claim that deity is a metaphor too. Satan is a metaphor for the badness of humanity, while deity is a metaphor for the goodness of humanity. At least, try to be consistent in your beliefs. I hope I clarified.
2006-06-20 07:02:39
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answer #4
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answered by Nikki 6
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I despise the thought of not existing after I die. I also despise the thought of being hypoglycemic. I will not, however, ignore the fact that I am hypoglycemic, regardless of whether or not I like it.
"Theist" is from the Greek "theos", meaning "god". The etymology of the word has nothing to do with education.
..and what if the Christian god is a sham? I can tell you're thinking, and that's a good thing. Think a little bit further.
2006-06-20 06:56:40
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answer #5
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answered by marbledog 6
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The word theist doesn't mean 'educated one' and atheist does not mean uneducated. The word has Greek roots: 'A' meaning 'without' and 'theos' means god.
And it's not like I enjoy or not enjoy the thought of not existing after I die. It's more like acceptance. I think I'd rather not live for all eternity, in heaven or hell. Eternity is a loooong time, if you think about it. I can't even begin to conceive how long that would be. So therefore, I'd rather not exist anymore...find peace of sorts.
And since I don't believe in heaven, or God for that matter, I don't believe in Satan, either. I think it's human nature to project the best and worst human characteristics to higher beings because we find comfort in knowing that it's not our fault when something goes wrong.
2006-06-20 06:50:01
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Hmmm. I'd say good question, but it's not. It's simply ignorant and it demonstrates that you have absolutely NO CLUE what atheism is at all.
For the most part, it is true that Atheists often come from a religious background. Perhaps that's what "drives" them/us in that direction, or perhaps it is our ability to find our own moral compass, to think for ourselves, and to accept the inevitable conclusion that there is no god or an afterlife. Some atheists also realize that there is no true "purpose" for the existence of human life and are not unwilling to accept the notion that, like the rest of the universe, things are random at best.
I don't know where in the world you got your definitions, but you are completely and utterly WRONG. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. A "theist" is one who believes in the existence of God, a god, a creator, or ruler of the world. The definition, in and of itself, does not credit intelligence whatsoever. The word's origin in Greek.
An "atheist" is one who disbelieves in or denies the existence of God, a god, or a creator.
Try picking up a dictionary every once in a while, especially before you post "definitions". Otherwise, you're more than likely going to put your foot in your mouth -again.
Your thinking indicates that you attribute the "a" to be an opposition to "theism". THAT notion is correct. However, as stated previously, intelligence is not attributed to the definitions. Each claims some form of enlightenment; however, there is no definitive proof either way. There can be no judgement in these matters, and it is incorrect to assign the terms "right" and "wrong" since neither group appears to be able to submit proof to the other group with regard to the existence or non-existence of a supreme being. Atheists, such as myself, argue that they do not need to disprove the existence of God because we do not claim its existence.
Your question to Satanists provides some interesting 'thinking material', especially if you point that concept in the direction of "theists". What if God IS a sham? What is God is a metaphor? What if God IS fake? Some would argue that if you believe in God, you must believe that the devil exists. Of course, it's next to impossible to get ANYONE who believes in a supreme being to step out of their comfort zone and at least entertain the notion because they fear repurcussions, wrath from on High for entertaining such "evil" ideas. Theists are in capable of thinking outside their religious "boxes".
In short, your attempts at a pseudo-philosophical discussion have trapped you in your own question.
I guess we'll all find out the answer in the end. Unfortunately, we won't be able to share those answers 'cause we'll all be worm food.
2006-06-20 07:05:49
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answer #7
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answered by I.Am.The.Storm. 4
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I think atheists have made peace with the idea of not existing after death. In fact, I find great solace in that fact.
As for theist/atheist, words evolve and take on new meaning. To be an atheist doesn't mean one has to be uneducated.
There are several different types of satanism, many of which do not worship the devil. I agree with you on satan in the metaphorical sense. Afterall, if god is so omnipotent then wouldn't his fall be predetermined? And if so, wouldn't it be a way to take the blame off of god? Plus, satan believed he was doing what was best, which is what incites most actions by man.
2006-06-20 06:46:33
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answer #8
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answered by anonymous 6
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I don't mind the thought of not existing. I wouldn't say I enjoy the thought. But the reason a person calls himself an atheist is because he's well educated, and knows the truth about religion.
We're not anti-God or anything. We simply know that all the various holy books out there are nonsense. And therefore, it follows that there's probably not a God either.
The thing is, you think you're going to live forever. Sadly, you won't. But believing that does feel nice, doesn't it?
2006-06-20 06:44:28
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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The Truth hurts sometime, no use following something you don't believe to be true just because it would be nicer to be true. And saying Atheists are uneducated doesn't show that you're educated very well. Perhaps you are, but with comments like that people won't think so very often. And many of the mainstream satanists don't even really believe in the Devil, they believe in the philosophy of being your own God.
2006-06-20 06:45:56
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answer #10
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answered by Joe Shmoe 4
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I call myself an Atheist because I do not believe in god. God is an outdated idea meant to keep people in line.
I don't like the idea of non-existence after I die, but I have made peace with it, and do not need a lie to make me feel better.
If you have ever studied religion, you would know that most religions are the same, and developed in the same way.
As for uneducated, did you know that statistically, geographical areas with the least amount of high school and college graduates are also the areas who are the most fanatical about religion?
2006-06-20 06:45:12
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answer #11
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answered by xbutterflyz 3
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