Which group are more egotistical - Theists or atheists?

Question

Religious folks sometimes like to say that atheism is all about ego, because we rely on our own reason and conscience rather than submitting to what is supposedly the word of a god. However, it seems to me to be *massively* more egotistical to think that you are the Special Creation of a deity, that you're spoken to by god himself, and that the entire universe exists just for your benefit, than to accept that you're just the accidental product of an undirected natural process in a vast unthinking universe, with no special significance.

What do you think?

Answer 1

More importantly, believers of Abrahamic religions are required to accept Jesus and to follow the ways of their book _not_ because it's the right thing to do, but in order to avoid hell-fire for eternity.

These three religions oblige people to behave in a way that ultimately benefits only themselves. Ask almost any of them - their reason for helping the poor is _not_ that they will save humans from pain and suffering, but because that is what is required of them if they are to go to Heaven.

Just today I read a Christian respond to a question about human insignificance by giving the Bible quote about hairs-on-the-head and being worth more than a sparrow. My first thought was, 'Why? Why would 'God' prefer me to a sparrow?' I mean it when I say that. Christians would tell me it's a sin to think that.

Answer 2

there are egotistical people on both sides of this issue, to say one is more then the other , well that's just egotistical in it's self . there are atheists that think they have all the answers and they are the perfect person and that they have never been wrong about anything ........ and there are theists that think the same way , what someone believes has nothing to do with this . now I'm not saying that all Christians feel , or even act this way . but a true Christian is to be humble and not think their self better then anyone , because God loves us all the same . It's just that some of us have accepted His gift of salvation , and that all we have done , and it is God that does all the rest. Christians are to believe that it is God's Holy Spirit which dwells within us that leads our lives . Christian's are to follow their hearts and not their minds according to God's will , and not their own. and the atheists , well i'll just say they need to come to term with the fact that man is not number One.

Answer 3

Depends how you think about it (obviously). Funnily enough, I didn't take your question to mean "which THEORY is more "egotistical" ", but which bunch of people, on the whole BEHAVE more egotistically....to which I would say--neither. People behave egotistically, in general, and use whatever justrification comes to hand. Likewise, many from both groups show incredible altruism. It just is not the rule.As to the first meaning--it can actually be humbling to think of oneself as the craetion of a divine consciousness--in that you can feel that you are NOT the judge and arbiter of your own meaning and existence, and that what you THINK you know is so.....NOT the whole story, and is inconsequential compared to the sheer "hugeness" of that benevolent mystery. In a way, it's the same answer--people can use religiousity to be arrogant little prigs, and people can use rationalism/science (whatever) to be the same. It's the intent and purpose in the person that determines the outcome("fruits"-- if you like:P) of the beliefs:)

*And PS--I just can't help commenting--somewhere below me i could SWEAR it says (roughly) "my (theistic)pride is better than your (atheistic)pride".???????!!!!!!! That's FUNNY!! C'mon--you gotta admit! Not trying to offend at all (I am a 'theist" too)--but please--it's funny!:P lol.

Answer 4

Well, let's see. Theists think they will live FOREVER. Most theists believe they have some influence and control over an omnipotent being (such as when they pray that God protect them from a storm, or some such). And most theists think they have the right to stand in judgement of everyone else, since they possession of Absolute Truth.

Atheists on the other hand believe they are going to be worm food. Not a whole lot of ego there.

Answer 5

Few think God invented the universe for him or her alone. Some may think God made the universe for humans-- but that's closer to ethnocentricity than egotism. You're slanting the argument way too much. There's no question in my mind that atheists are more egotistical. Most theists are compelled to bend there will to that of a supreme being who is infinitely superior to themselves. An atheists says "their are no gods before me" and no greater power for me to concern myself with. The greatest code I can follow is my own.

Answer 6

Atheists are more egotistical than theists. Egotistical is derived from egotism (which means conceit). Atheists are so conceited when they look down upon those foolish, brain-washed theists.

Secondly, if we further assume that egotism is derived from ego, in Psychoanalysis, the ego is that part of the psyche which governs actions rationally, then atheists are more egotistical.

Thirdly, atheist have a high degree of pride, i.e. an overhigh opinion of oneself; haughtiness, arrogance. Theists also have a high degree of pride, i.e. dignity and self-respect from the fact that God is their Father.

I think there may be a problem of semantics in your question.

Answer 7

Denial, or suppression of self is fundamental. The bible is much more dynamic, and brings in esprit de corp. Starting with the individual, who submits to family, and then family to tribe, and tribe to nation. At each step in human development, the Bible chronicles successes and failures at sublimating the lesser for the greater. Reaching a climax at Calvary, we see the pivotal moment when God's esprit de corp went global. Starting with the expectation of the messiah coming as the Son of David, and king to liberate a conquered nation, you will read instead how Paul took the Spirit to Empire level. (An empire with ego's declaring themselves God on Earth, and much in need of Ego Suppression, and lacking nothing in pride)

Now that every corner (so to speak) of the world has heard the good news, it is likely that God wants to start back at the individual level. You have no doubt heard in the last 20 or so years, the Christian appeal for all to make a 'personal relationship' with God. Here goes;

"I really don't give a rat's a** if anybody else goes to heaven, I'm concerned with me, myself, and my irrepressible ego! So say I...amen..."

Answer 8

I think religion has a lot to do with ego. Make yourself feel better about yourself without work (Jesus already died for me so its all good now) and by going to some place reaffirming (amen brother). Also they think they are better than everyone else (I'm saved your not, have fun in hell). They think their religion is better than everyone elses (well they're still going to hell). If they think atheist is about ego because we don't submit than they need to get out more. I had no problems with the strictness of my childhood religion, actually enjoyed the practices, but I couldn't make myself believe in anything. Still I technically follow all the rules in terms of morality because I think most of it is a good idea. How can anybody that thinks that we turn to dust and blink from existance be more egotistical than somebody who thinks they are chosen by a diety to watch everybody else burn in hell for being different?

Answer 9

I think you think too much. The point of relying on your own reason and conscience has made you the god of your own world. To always be so sure that no possibility exists except for what "you" think, leaves a lot of room for error. And please don't take any of your time getting upset over what I'm saying. You are the right one in this argument, aren't you?

Answer 10

That's a tough one. However there is not much difference between having a big ego and being arrogant & it has been my experience that most theists are more arrogant than most atheists.