What do you gain from being an atheist?

Answer 1

You don't really gain anything. You just feel better because you have chosen something to be categorized under....
I dunno. It's hard to explain. You get the jist, right?

Answer 2

Intellectual honesty and lack of conflict.

I have more meaning in my life now than when I was a Christian. I can be honest and open about the world. I don't need to compare notes with a 2,000 year old book to make sure I can believe its true, regardless of the verocity of the facts demonstrated.

I do not have to hate gay people (or their actions) because its in the bible. I don't have to view others as inferior because they dont' interpret the confusing text the same way I do. I have much fewer "usses" and "thems" based on silly reasons that have no basis in a rational world.

I experience the world and judge it from a rational and logical perspective. I get to use the golden rule without exception. I get to enjoy my sex life guilt-free with my wife. I don't feel guilty over a variety of things that a reasonable person knows really isn't bad.

There are a variety of reasons why I gained as an atheist, but my worldview and how I perceive it is the biggest.

Answer 3

People aren't atheists because they are hoping to gain something. They are atheists because it is a belief.

I believe that by being atheist/agnostic, you gain an understanding of the world around you that others don't.

What do you hope to gain by being Christian? A spot in heaven? You'll be dead, so what does it matter?

Answer 4

I'm not an atheist but I'm agnostic. Still, I don't believe in religion or that you HAVE to believe in a god.

What do I gain? I no longer have fear. I don't have to listen to ridiculous Christian stories that are made up. I've studied Christianity for over 10 years and used to be Catholic, trust me, the majority of the bible is made up (I have a minor in religious studies).

I am much happier since I've renounced Christianity.

Answer 5

nothing, what do you gain from going to church? If you have a belief system are you supposed to gain something from it? I would hope not, in most cases you have to give money , time and energy to a church that is often run by crooks that waste your money on big screen tvs and so on. At least being an athiest shouldnt cost you, but it often does. because lots of people wont hire someone who professes athiesm. its the pits isnt it?

Answer 6

It's more what you lose by not being one. By not being atheist, you lose the right to free thought. You lose the right to question. You lose the right to be free of ritual. You lose the right to think for yourself. You lose the right to not believe in mythical beings. You lose the right to not be afraid of hell or even care. You lose the right to realise all religions are anachronistic methods of control of the individual. You lose the right to not waste time chanting and speaking to yourself. You lose the right to experience the wonder of a natural universe without requiring some super builder. You lose the right to be self sanctimonious and certain about your religion over all others and your mythos over all others. You lose the right to truly make your own choices without a gods' permission. You lose the right to not donate your own wealth to keep some religious leader in a manner and luxury to which they don't deserve given the pious lifestyle they usually preach. You lose the right to question religious hierarchies and organisations.

You lose the right or need to think but you gain the chance to just accept without question.

Damn, I envy you your ignorance so much, it must be comforting to not have to consider anything with any real depth.

Answer 7

Freedom from religion and from the belief in gods. Freedom from the guilt that the word sin created. Self-empowerment because I know that everything I do I do for myself without the power of a god helping me. Happiness because I know that I am living my life to make it the best for me, my family and my friends, and all the world. Freedom from thinking that all I have to do is say a prayer, worship or do a ritual and I am going to get what I want.

Any more questions?

Answer 8

i am not trying to gain anything. i live my life and allow others to do the same. if a person feels they need some sort of higher power to tell them how to be a good person so be it. i know how to be a good person without any threats or rewards required. i believe in live and let live. i live every day as if it is precious, and because of this, i do not fear death, and have no need to hope for an after life.

Answer 9

Personally, a stable world view, freedom from irrational fear and a tyrannical organization, a realistic system for morality, true individuality, and a real reason to live my life to the fullest and be a decent human being.

What do you gain from being a Theist? (if i may assume.)

Answer 10

As an atheist you gain freedom from living in fear of a fictional God, and you get to choose your own path through life and find your own moral code...it's called taking reponsibility for yourself and for your life, I recommend it.

Answer 11

So you are only interested in gain for yourself. That's not christian. You should be prepared to live your life by whatever philosophy suits you without the thought of what's in it for you.

If there is no reward of going to heaven or threat of hell, would you still live by the word of god?

That is the true test