Some of atheisms largest supporters admit there is a "higher power." Why do other atheist refuse to believe?

Question

People such as Antony Flew, and countless scientist. They don't clain any religion as correct, but admit, there has to be something higher guiding "evolution" at the very least.

add "eventually" before "admit"

"Some of atheisms largest supporters eventually admit there is a "higher power."

I know what deist are.

Answer 1

I think you're a little confused on your terminology, no offense. Anyone who thinks there even might be a higher power is not an atheist, but an agnostic. To be an atheist, you have to actively disbelieve in any god. This does not necessarily include disbelief in all supernatrual phenomena, by the way. I know atheists who believe in a soul. Also, you don't have to be an atheist to be a scientist. I know scientists of many faiths.

As for why some people refuse to believe- well that's their right. The existence of god (or gods) has, for whatever reason, not been proved to them. Science alone does not prove the existence of the divine. Lightning and tectonic activity are enough to create life. This has been proven. It'll take more to convince most people of a guiding hand. Really, in the end, the choice to believe or not is a personal one. No proof can be trusted. There is always more than one explanation for any event. One just has to decide what is true for oneself.

Answer 2

Some people simply change their minds...no big deal. I haven't heard about "countless scientists" later changing from atheism to deism (or some other religion). It seems that most were deist/pantheist the whole time and not actually supporters of atheism. Each one also has a different idea of at what point that higher power might be involved.

From what I've read about how some of the more prominent scientists describe god (and how each individual does as well) no one will have the same exact idea. Even the concept of a higher power is rather vague...one could consider the universe a higher power and be in awe of it yet still not apply any supernatural characteristics to the universe.

Anyway, just because there are some scientists that believe in various concepts of a higher power, that doesn't mean that those who don't share their views are refusing to believe. Also, why should anyone care about what someone else believes unless that person is trying to force their beliefs on others?

Answer 3

For me personally. Because faith in a higher power just distracts me from doing what I am supposed to on earth. I spend my "holy days" helping others and serving the public. And, I use my free time to enrich my life. There is no guiding or judging higher power. So, why waste the gift of life worrying about one? I would not be where I am today if I wasted my time on religion.

Answer 4

If they are making those claims they're not atheists...they're agnostic.

Or they're a member of some faith with an agenda.

Claiming that "something higher" guided evolution isn't scientific. It's part of the religious agenda to find a way to get god into schools, while using science as the scapegoat.

Answer 5

Those people would be best described as 'deists'. There is very little practical difference between deism and atheism - except the obvious.

I do not 'refuse' to believe. Belief merely is not an option for me. I can't choose what to believe and what not to believe. I'm surprised that others believe I can.

Answer 6

Religion is something that has been invented by humans and realised Humans like religious leaders . So atheism attacks their foundation where an ordinary farting bastard claims that he is God or messenger of God !!!!

But atheists confirm that there is a higher power and that is the " SUPREME SOUL" , we are human beings and the imprint on our soul of the " SUPREME SOUL" is so tremendous that everyone everywhere in the world will turn to him for solace and peace ........

Answer 7

An atheist believes in no deities period. To say there is the possibility of one does not make one atheist it makes one agnostic. I don't believe any belief system is better than any other and everyone should feel free to choose the one that is best for them. However, just because I believe that does not mean I believe in deities or the possibility of deities.

Answer 8

a million. a series of ideals with reference to the reason, nature, and objective of the universe, esp. while seen because of fact the creation of a superhuman business enterprise or companies, in many cases related to devotional and formality observances, and in many cases containing a ethical code governing the habit of human affairs. Atheism has no SET of ideals...Atheism is a place of the question is there a God.. if the respond isn't any, your an atheist.. something after that it as much as each and each individual and isn't any longer on an identical time unique!! 2. a particular "straightforward set of ideals and practices" oftentimes agreed upon by using a number of persons or sects: the Christian faith; the Buddhist faith. there is no "Set of ideals or Practices" We agree on a million question.. it is all! 3. the physique of persons adhering to a particular set of ideals and practices: a international council of religions. returned, no ideals or practices. 4. the life or state of a monk, nun, and so on.: to circulate into faith. does not prepare 5. the prepare of religious ideals; ritual observance of religion. returned, we've no set of ideals or practices.. that's a place on a million singular question! 6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a factor or count of ethics or ethical sense: to make a faith of combating prejudice. in case you wan't to apply it in this context.. it particularly is high quality.. that still does not make it a faith. I religiously play baseball each Thursday.. baseball isn't a faith!! If this particularly is the placement you will choose to make.. Then your additionally asserting that no longer believing in Santa is likewise a faith.. because of fact, absolutely everyone who does not have self belief in that a million element (Santa) additionally by using your assumption is likewise a series of ideals and subsequently qualifies as a faith!!

Answer 9

There no such thing as the the supernatural is just how I feel. It's not a matter of choice; I don't "refuse to believe", I can't help it.

Answer 10

because when they say that there is no higher power, there really saying that they dont want to get in to the Bull*hit conversations that everyone else gets into about religion. Its My honest Answer man.