Why do Atheists have such an interest in religion (generally speaking)?

Question

most of the ones (well, actually all) I know study it as a hobby. Whats the deal with that?

wait, scratch that. thought of one that that didn't. all except one...

Answer 1

Because I've seen how much harm religion does to people. Look on YA for all of the kids suffering because they know love is a good thing in their heart yet religion tells them they will go to hell.

Religion doesn't stand up to common sense. Religion is the biggest peer pressure of all and someone needs to stand up and tell people there is a better choice: science.

Science accepts all, it unites people in the quest for true understanding. If an error is discovered it is researched until a new solution is proven. Science brought crop irrigation, computers and medicine while religion brought wars, pain and suffering. Science is the true benevolent spirit in the universe.

Answer 2

Because the fact that so many people are so sure of religion, as if it is a proven fact, is simply fascinating to us (or at least me). The same reason a christian might read an article on Scientology, and be amazed and intrigued at how ridiculous it sounds to them. To the atheist, all religions sound just as ridiculous.

The whole concept behind atheism is that we are not sure what created the universe or what happens after death. We cannot claim to know as many religious people do. Show me some facts. Show me some scientific proof. Then you might convince me. But show me a multitude of contradicting religions, most of which claim to be the only true religion and the only true way to salvation, and I am pretty skeptical.

Even this yahoo answers community proves that people who supposedly believe in the same religion have conflicting interpretations of it.

Given all these contradictions, how can one be so sure? This is what atheists find religion so fascinating. It's like studying some great human experiment.

Answer 3

I would say that it is morbid curiosity... generally speaking. The same reason that people slow down and rubberneck at the scene of an accident, along the highway. Trying to get a peek inside minds that are terminally infected with a destructive mental defect, like an intellectual virus, that prevents them from achieving their full potential as a human being.

The cure for this insidious malady is rationality, logic and critical thought... but so far as I can tell, those that are infected seem to be immune.

Answer 4

You've had a couple good points so far - most centering around the danger we believe religion does. But furthermore, think of religion as belief system that explains the world around you and your purpose in it. Atheists (as people) are looking for these answers as well, and although we've come up with different ideas than you, it's always interesting, and enlightening, to see what other people think. It's the same as a Christian becoming curious about the Buddhist faith, for example.

Answer 5

Many atheist are interested in studying the way the world works and religion is a huge part of that.

Atheist have also seen the damage that religious thinking can lead to. Studying organized religion helps to point out the fallacies in it, so others can see the flaws.

Answer 6

Religion still interests me, that didn't change because i stopped believing in god, I'm curious by nature, i think learning about other ppls beliefs gives u an insight to their culture and behavior. It's more an understanding of humanity i seek rather than an understanding of god, i cannot speak of other atheists reasons for their study of religion though.

Answer 7

Because we can't get away from it no matter how hard we try. It's shoved down our throats from the government, wars, it's on money, on the news, all over Yahoo, knocks on our doors, is in schools, is on bumper stickers, etc. Plus, the more we know about it, the more we are able to refute it and understand how ridiculous it is and how sound science is. Besides, unlike most hypocritical religious followers, we understand both sides of the argument and are open-minded enough to study what we don't believe.

Answer 8

Well I would say it is because atheists are generally under constant attack from theists and need to learn about the religion to defend themselves from the brutal and non-stop barbs. Answer's a little bitter I know but years of abuse from "faithful" followers of religion will do that to ya

PS I am not an atheist but don't believe in major religion so to religious people it makes me atheist in their eyes

Answer 9

religion interests me partly because I don't understand it partly because understanding other peoples beliefs helps lead to understanding of people. I try to keep a pretty open mind when it comes to religion and so i try to learn as much about it.

edit- I find it amazing how many people seem to think that we are looking for God or that we are missing something in our lives. These are the people that need to learn a thing or two. Maybe gain some understanding into the psyche of those they try to convert or condemn...

Answer 10

because most atheists want to believe but can't figure out what to believe in. That is why there is considered a thin line between agnostic and atheist. And also because only when you understand all angles of a topic can you discuss it in detail and be convinced of your decision. How can you be sure that there is or isn't a sky if you have never looked up?