Does this make sense, "atheists are trying to convert people to atheism"?

Question

I don't think that makes any sense, but I see a lot of religious people saying this or something similar here on yahoo answers,

The phrase I think I saw on that website exchristian.net was disconverted from the christian religion, but that this was an internal process for the indiviual

Answer 1

Maybe I just don't understand your question this time,but to me it makes sense.After all,people are social group minded creatures by nature and always looking to find persons with the same beliefs.

Answer 2

I won't be like a lot of the sychophants (or your detractors for that matter) here on Answers, so I'm not going to necessarily tell you what you want to hear. At least, not exactly. Here's my answer:

Some argue that atheists are guilty of a religious-like pursuit to convince theists that their theistic beliefs are arcane, outdated, incorrect, and bordering on superstitious nonsense. Sometimes that behaviour can be just as rabid in conviction as those theists who attempt to convert others to their faith. A true atheist wouldn't necessarily engage a theist in such a way, unless in the format of a formal debate. Here on answers, there are constant clashes between theists and atheist -each taking turns wielding the sword and making the first strike.

Since both theists and atheists are set in their respective ways and refuse consider the beliefs (or truths) of their opponent, or refuse to be "converted" these actions cause a stalemate.

Your question hints at a perceived inappropriate use of the term "convert" as applied to atheists attempting to eductate theists about their point of view. However, "convert" may be a very apt term because is does not only mean "to change", but is also defined as "to persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or belief". Belief is not an exclusive component of theism. Belief is defined as the "mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something". Ergo, atheists have beliefs. While they differ greatly than those of theists, atheists do believe in something - that is to say, they believe that neither a supreme deity not an afterlife exists. Atheism is not a religion, but a school of thought. I do not recall seeing an Atheist gathering place for "worship" on Tuesdays or anything like that.

As your question also eludes, belief is strictly an internal process; however, it is brought about through education and other external influences and experiences.

Answer 3

Atheist are a religion. If you look into the real facts of evolution you begin to realize that it takes just as much faith, if not more, to believe in evolution than it does to believe in some of the major religions. Evolution is then paired with modern philosophy and ethics to create the religion of atheism. Together they answer the major questions that classify other beliefs as religions.

Answer 4

I think that statement makes sense in a way. Us athiest complain that christians are trying to convert us by spewing their gospel and telling us that Jesus loves us. I can see where someone on the other side of the fence might see an athiest who spells out their logic and disproves the theories of christianity as and effort to convert someone.
I do feel it is impossible to convert to athiesm as a-theism is self defining. You can't convert to nothing. Although I can see how one would consider it to be so.

Answer 5

Yes, I think there are quite a few atheists here trying to convert people to atheism (or "disconvert" them from their own religion). They think their own faith, that there is, in fact, no God, is more intelligent, and makes more sense, although they can offer no real proof. It is quite interesting, actually. In their own way, they are trying to help people they see as needing their help.

Answer 6

Considering Atheism isn't a religion i don't think you can technically be converted TO Atheism.

I try to convince believers to at the very least investigate and question what they believe in and why. Religion is destructive.

Answer 7

Haven't you seen all of the Atheist missionaries out on their bikes, with their Falling Down outfits? Oh, wait. That was the LDS missionaries. Sorry, never had an atheist try to convert me! =0)

Answer 8

"Conversion" entails "religion". Atheism is no religion, it's just a lack of belief in god(s).
Personally, I never tell believers : Hey, you better think like myself or else... (what?) It doesn't make any sense, I can't even threaten them with a hell...

Answer 9

You can convert people _away_ from religions. What's left is atheism.

Answer 10

Then does that make atheism a religion???

I believe in many ways it does. A belief in no belief, that would be religion.