Why are there so many atheists asking and answering questions in this religion and spirituality area?

Question

There have been questions dealing with whether or not atheism is a religion, and atheists have said it is not. So, if it is not, why are they even looking in this area, its title is "religion and spirituality." If atheism is not a religion then people who believe in it should be completely apathetic to religion. So, why are people without faith answering questions about faith other than to defend their own religion? (and don't tell me that it is to stop out ignorance or something, that's a worthless answer)

To clarify, I'm not saying that atheists shouldn't be answering questions in this section, actually it's great that there is such a wide variety of answers. My question is really about motivation, if someone is truly an atheist they do not believe in spirituality at all, so it should all be silly and a waste of time to them. So, if you are an atheist and enjoy reading and answering questions in this section are you acknowledging your spirituality?

Answer 1

It seems to me that most Atheist's have been hurt or turned away by an incident around Religion. ***100% my opinion*** I base this on the anger most of them have in there questions and response's.

I think they maybe still in the hunt for the truth, however need something to whack them upside the head or fall directly in their lap's!!

Try this on...God Love's you no matter what you have done or what has happened in the past. However he will not turn a blind eye for you not seeking the truth.

Atheist's typically hang there hat on Evolution as the answer for the how and whys. That has become increasingly difficult over the past several years because of the theory of Evolution being shredded by scientific fact's that actually support a little book that was written 3,500 years ago known as the Bible!

Get to know the truth, you will be a better happier and more understanding person.

The anger you have from your past can come to pass!

Answer 2

Religion is not my thing. Even as a little girl I never bought into the stories I was taught in Sunday School. I'm just fascinated and curious about people who have such strong faith and wonder what it is that they see that I don't. Sometimes when I see someone post a question about something I feel strongly about (evolution for example) I'll comment. I guess other atheists who are less curious and more spiteful what to aggravate and challenge ideas that they see as ridiculous.

Answer 3

I don't call myself an athiest, but I don't believe in all of the ideals of organized religion. The only reason that I look at and sometimes answer questions in this category is to educate myself on different religions and perhaps find some information that may change the way that I see others belief in God.

Answer 4

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 5

Atheists are answering questions in here because they are trying to understand, or persuade, religious people and their views on things. If there was a forum about the flat earth, then people with knowledge would answer question in that and try to enlighten the people in there as well.

Answer 6

because they are not atheist's but agnostics who are searching for their way. If a person is truly confident in their beliefs they do not attempt to bait people of other faiths or overtly change/ prosaltyze others they know that simply by walking in faith others will follow

Answer 7

if you need to ask that you are not very intelligent at all are you...think it through ..we can all have opinions about religion & spirituality whether we are pro or con either or both, and this forum is for anyone to ask questions...it's not exclusive like many of your churches are so you aren't in control...for control freaks it sucks don't it!

Answer 8

Please read my previous question. This is not the "Only for those who believe in god" section. I probably know more about the bible and religion than you do. I have every right to be here.

Answer 9

Freedom of speech. Some of them may be in the US and this is a public forum.

Answer 10

Atheist's are looking for your reaction towards them? Who else do they have to debate with, your their direct opposite.