Why do atheists ask questions, and answer questions in the religion category?

Question

Isnt the point of atheism that you arent religious?

Answer 1

It is a discussion of religious and spirituality.

Athiests still have opinions on religion, with a desire and a right to discuss their views as much as anyone.

I don't have to be a criminal to have an interest in crime. I don't have to be a scientist to discuss evolution (why do fundamentalist christians post in the science section--after all they don't believe in science).

A more valid question might be: why do you feel so threatened by athiests posting in this catagory.

Answer 2

Atheists have made a religious choice. They choose not to believe in an external God. That makes their questions religious questions, when they are talking about God. They have as much right to ask questions as the rest of us. By the way, "Faith in God" what do you mean by (our God)? Your answer doesn't sound very Christian. Or have I been going to the wrong churches? I thought the whole point was to Teach them by example. To answer their questions honestly and intelligently, so that they may eventually see the light. If you are an example of a good Christian I must be missing something.

Answer 3

Because atheism is a valid religion. Just as valid as: Judism, Christianity, Buddism, Zoriastrianism, etc. Whether athiests beliefs are correct or not is an entirely different question.

Answer 4

It's called Religion and Spirituality. Atheists are entitled to their beliefs just like anyone else. People who condemn atheists simply because they don't like an atheist's beliefs or spirituality are intolerant and narrow minded.

Having said that, let me point out that I consider myself to be a deist. I believe there is a god, or a supreme being, or a creator, or someone named Wilbur, who put our entire universe into motion. Perhaps through creationism, perhaps through evolutionism. I don't know which because I wasn't there "in the beginning".

Personally, don't care what a person believes as long as that person is good-hearted and treats everyone with respect. If that person wants to call himself a christian, that's fine by me. If that person wants to call herself an atheist, I don't have any problems with that, either. And neither should anyone else!

Answer 5

I am glad you asked this question .......because I have wondered about this myself many times,because it seems like everytime some one ask a question bout God or anything to do with him Atheists are the first to answer.I think its because they try so hard to cover up their doubts that there probally is a God after all.I think all atheists are....are just faith lacking.They almost need proof or something.But their doubts will not quit until they became God fearing Christians..ask God to save their souls and forgive them of their sins..

Answer 6

1. This question is posted many times every day.

2. I realize that no one reads this when I just link to it, so here is my response 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 7

2 definitions of religion

A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

I don't see anything about God in those two definitions.

Answer 8

I don't know but i think that they need to go somewhere esle instead of condemning us christians. They always tring to put us down by talking about our God but you know what i can care less about them. Even if its Religion and Spirituality i still don't think they should be on here.

Answer 9

Just because you "aren't religious" doesn't mean you can't ask questions. Or, know the answer to someone else's question.

Right?

Answer 10

Think of it as serving a necessary function; preventing the religous crazies from getting too full of themselves , and stomping out all dissenting views.