Explain why questions about atheism should NOT be posted in this forum.?

Question

Theists on Y!A sometimes protest that questions about atheism should not be permitted in the Religion and Spirituality forum. But discussions about the non-existence of God touch on the same questions as those asked (or should be) by theists. Atheists, in general, are deeply interested in matters of where we came from, why we are here, what it means to be moral, what happens to us after we die, questions raised under the umbrella term of religion. But they have concluded that the answers to these questions do not require the existence of a deity, for whom they see no evidence anyway.

Atheists, contrary to what more ignorant people might think, also hold very firm beliefs about the nature of being - we do not believe in "nothing". We are POSITIVE that there is no god, but that we must live a good life under some other code.

So can anyone explain why they think this forum should be for the exclusive use of one small group of people interested in the questions above?

I mean "small" as in the number of theists, usually Christians, who think that this forum is for them alone. Theists obviously outnumber atheists many times over. But I think that only a small minority want this forum for their exclusive use. Thanks for calling for clarification.

Thank you adyghe1985 for presenting such an admirable example of how a sensible, honest question may be answered with the unwarranted hostility you apparently despise.

evil_kandykid, thanks for thoughtful answer, but you correct me on a point I do not make. My definition of an atheist is correct (though is sometimes called - incorrectly - the "strong" atheist position. "Weak" atheism already has a name: agnosticism).

Answer 1

I see no reason why atheistic q's shouldn't be posted in this forum.

I think people mistakenly belief there's no way to be an atheist and spiritual at the same time.

Although I am not an atheist (am agnostic), I know atheists who have a deep reverence and regard for life. Well beyond many self-proclaimed Christians, Jews, or Muslims, etc. Many atheists have a set of morals that include respecting others and revering nature. I consider that a spiritual approach; spiritual existence. Einstein made reference frequently to the mysteries of existence and created a spiritual context for physics through his passion for the world around us.

So just because an atheist isn't religious (doesn't subscribe to a particular set of tenets) does not mean he or she is not spiritual. Many of us want to understand the world and contribute to it.

For these reasons I think it's important to keep dialogue open between atheists, agnostics and religious people.

Answer 2

Many "believers" are very threatend by those that don't believe. Maybe they think if they even hear another opinon, they will be doomed to hell, or it will suddenly change there own beliefs. I think it is often that deep down they are not 100% sure of there faith, and that scares them. And why get mad at yourself when there are others to get mad at?

I am a christian personally, but these ppl do not bother me. What does bother me though, is when somebody asks a serious questions, and one of the "atheists" answer by saying something like "God doesn't exist get over it." Thats just a statment, not really an answer. There are many on here too, that just seem to want to cause trouble. They exist on BOTH "sides" though. There are probably just as many overly militant "uber christians" as there are annoying atheist that just want to cause trouble.

Personally I don't think making seperate sections for different religions will help, because there will still be those that come to the wrong board just to make trouble. Many atheist will come to the christian boards to make fun of the christians, and many christians will go after and harrass the atheists.

I will have to correct you on one point though, the actual meaning of atheism is believing in NOTHING. No God or Gods. Those that don't belive in the christian God, or believe in the existance of many Gods are NOT by definition atheists.

I really don't get why there has to be such a divide though. I have had many very itteligent conversations with many of the atheists out there, that I have met through this forum.

I do think there are too many christians on here.that are giving christianity a bad name. They are harsh and militant in there answers. And too many ppl on here (on both sides) miss quote scripture. No matter how right or wrong you are, if used in the wrong context scripture is wrong. I would much rather see somebody correctly paraphrase a verse, then to quote it and not know what they are talking about.

Answer 3

Well from what I have seen, The main religious people who post messages asking why the atheist are posting here are asked when an atheist makes a post asking why Christians are always talking (preaching) about God. Hello this is the religious forum. or why do Christians mention the Bible in their answers.
I for one have asked why are they here when they behave in such a manner, I asked because we are in such a forum that this is surrounding religion.
I love having atheist here I think talking about things we both can learn from one another. The lack of respect on both sides makes it hard but every now and thing there is a lesson to be learned.

Answer 4

If you are an atheist why are you looking for answers in a religion forum?

From what I see some non-believers are only interested in attacking the beliefs of the believers and vise versa. That doesn't accomplish anything. It's not about "my beliefs are better than yours". Discussion, open mindedness, curiosity, sharing, and etc. should be your motivation, not attack.

Maybe you could start an ethical atheist forum to share your beliefs with others who share your ideas.

Always remember, a belief is just an idea, not necessarily the truth, definitely not THE TRUTH.

Answer 5

I am of the opinion that you, if "deeply interested" in matters of where we came from, should bury yourself "deeply" in studying Creation vs Evolution and really try to be impartial ie. neutral in your views. This is generally the crux behind atheist views - that is no Creator, therefore God becomes obselete. Go beyond what you read and actually source out where the information came from. Then, when you come to the conclusion that there is no concrete evidence for evolution, you will see that there is room for a Creator. In my experience even with those having an agnostic stance, there is an unwillingness to back themselves up in what they do believe in. It is usually just a bunch of unsubstantiated, unresearched thoughts followed by a snide remark or two. If scientific study is the most respectable field that we both can have this debate on, then I suggest get learning, because I rarely see anything here that is truly intelligent about the absence of God, only words of annoyance, hate etc. I am not saying by any means that you are not intelligent ie. not capable of understanding basic science, in fact quite the opposite from your question, but you do not stipulate what your "other codes" might be and I can only assume they are ones that you live by, man made of course. There are those people on here who have the short smarty pants answers and whose names possibly reflect their nature (along with their answers) who hopefully change their attitude, because quite frankly derrogatory answers are just a waste of space to those who really wish to seek a 'real' answer. For the most part, my observation here is that atheists do most of the 'slamming' without references and theists do most of the explaining using their sources as a reference. Go look yourself. Therefore, I do urge you to seek some answers to this interest you have in 'where we came from'. It may be of some interest to go to www.answersingenesis.org and find an area of interest that leads you to believe that their is no God. Just about anything you can think of is there. Then go to home.austarnet.com.au/stear/default.htm which is the adversay to the former mentioned. I have read through both views and it definitely takes more faith, sweat and tears to believe in evolution. Happy reading.

Answer 6

Agree with you. Freethinking is a form of belief. The problem is the word atheism, it is a negative. Get positive, believe in something, like the freedom of constraint from religion or masonry. Discussions about atheism could also be addressed under philosophy, but it wouldn't be as much fun, would it?

Answer 7

Given the preponderance of evidence that some people don't have the ability to correctly categorize their questions, what difference does it make? Besides, theists will simply follow atheists around and post in new sub-category. It's just another empty argument about what they believe about atheism and another shining example about the true nature of "freedom" of religion (or lack thereof).

Answer 8

I guess it's because if you say religion or spirituality, your first impression about atheism would be that it has nothing to do with it. Atheists are cold, scientific, mechanic people without the capability of faith.

Hmm... Even I think so although I'm not religious... LOL

Answer 9

If you didn't believe that Ford cars were the best cars, wouldn't you post it in the 'Ford' category? If you wanted to know why people would prefer to keep cats as household pets, wouldn't you post it in the 'cats' category?

If a question about the validity of God and his religions does not belong in a 'religion' category, then where, pray tell, _does_ it belong?

I will never understand that...

Answer 10

wow are you messed up/ just live/ die rot in your grave and thats it .great outlook on life and your future .nature of being ha~!!why do athiest have such miserable lives you cant accept that relegious people see more to life than whats in front of them/ and the peace it provides them. wow i hope you find some peace .when you die you will no for sure better hope your not wrong