Why are atheists obsessed with disproving religions?

Question

I thought atheism was for people who approached problems from a rational perspective rather than a religous perspective. Now the leaders of this movement just want to destroy. A real atheist doesn't care how other people think because they think rationally. The only beef I have with atheism is that I think humans are generally corrupt and need to rely on a higher order to gain that rationalism. I am not hating, I am think out loud looking for intelligent insight. I don't like the Church either, I think a person who is religous because they are afraid of punishment is worse than a hedenistic faux atheist. Intelligent people only please, I am sick of wadeing through the crap answers.

Answer 1

The terms 'Rationalist', or 'Free Thinker' are are total bull.

Atheism is a belief just as any religion is. An Atheist believes that there is no higher power.

The fact is: There is no proof that there is or is NOT a god or gods.

Atheists take the standpoint that because there is no physical proof that supports the belief in a higher power, there is no higher power. This is a belief system just the same. They're assuming that because they don't see it, it doesn't exist.

Therefore the only "Rational" response is Agnosticism. I personally am agnostic. I rely on my personal knowledge. I do not know that there is a higher power, yet I do not know that there isn't. I have seen no evidence to prove either side, therefore I withhold judgement until I get more information.

It is pointless for atheists to attempt to prove that there is no God. They can't. They can maybe prove that something in the Bible is false or that some fossil record contradicts it, but they can't prove that a higher power doesn't in fact exist. On the same note, religious peoples can't prove that their god or gods do in fact exist.

Saying that atheists are trying to prove to weaker minded people that they're wrong in order to protect them and show them that they're being irrational is nonsense. Atheism involves faith and belief as much as religion does. The only true fair and rational perspective is to reserve judgement until there is more information obtained.

EDIT: Thanks to DuckPhup for the perfect example to how absurd atheists can sound in -their- belief. Obviously this person thinks that what they know is fact, when really, can they know for sure? No. Thanks, Duckie, for showing us your atheist pamphlet propaganda. Take an objective look at yourself and ask how that is any different from what you see in similar Christian write-ups. "Teaching people to think properly" >snort<....may well be saying "Teaching people to see the light."

Answer 2

First, Atheists are people too. Some are rationale, some are not. Because a person is an Atheist does not mean they are rational, it just so happens that they got lucky with this choice.

Second, there are no leaders in Atheism. Anyone who claims they are a leader of Atheists is either lying or a leader of a specific organization, of which none speak for me.

Third, as an Atheist, I think people are inherently good, but require guidance in the form of laws in order to live in a society. Aesop's fables could easily replace any moral teachings in the bible. I feel society teaches people to be moral. i.e. RELIGION: Sex is a sin before marriage in many religions, yet very few people wait. Therefore religion is not doing a good job here. SOCIETY: Laws tell people they can not own slaves. Many old versions of dogmatic books support slavery. Society is doing a good job here.

Finally, as an Atheist, everywhere I look there are religious symbols: The cross, the star of David, the ten commandments, 'In God We Trust' on my coins, 'under god' in the Pledge of Allegiance, Christmas, Easter, etc... Since the religious community inundates my life and my children's life with their symbols, it is well within my rights, and is in fact my duty to proclaim the falsity of their beliefs as loud and as often as possible.

Answer 3

It seems that Atheists are usually people who take religion very seriously. In fact, it seems to be a kind of religion, a faith. I am a rather intense Christian, but I am more rational than emotional, so I don't get upset about atheism. If a person honestly can't believe in God, well, God understands. If a person simply dislikes spirituality, that is not a rational approach. I dislike olives but I know they exist anyway. I guess God understands why some people disbelieve in what they dislike, but I don't. By the way, I don't see how a person could believe in God just to avoid hell. Unless hell is their god? Or maybe they understand that evil is bad, but they think they have to get rid of evil on their own? They don't think God will help? Irrational thinking.

Answer 4

anyone can be zealous, no matter their belief. that's the problem; people don't know how to take everything in good measure. every movement has its extremes and moderations. it's just a natural curve. you can't generalize this on all atheists, though. i, for example, am an atheist, but i believe that other religions should have the right to exist because a) i believe in pluralism and b) some of them have some good ideas and suggestions, such as loving one another and helping the poor. however, there are many religious ideas and guidelines i must fiercely object: for example, the christian obsession about homosexuality has got to stop, as far as i'm concerned. but, that's another topic for another question. what i'm saying is, you can't have a group without extremists. that's just how people ARE. it's called human nature, dude.

Answer 5

Well, you say "A real atheist doesn't care how other people think because they think rationally". Not all atheists think rationally. You are thinking of skeptics, freethinkers and/or Brights. All an atheist is, is someone who lacks belief in a god or gods. They could still be a member of a religion.

Some atheists try to disprove religions because they want to de-convert others. Others want to help people think more rationally. Others feel that religions are irrational and dangerous and want them eliminated.

Personally? This is why I care about religion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4fQA9mt-Mg

Answer 6

Religion is dangerous. It is beginning to seep into our lives uninvited. Apparently, we have to stand up and be counted or slowly be forced to live in a Christian world.

It makes me claustrophobic, really. Like I'm being squeezed into a box, or like the walls of the chamber are slowly closing in. I used to think this was a non-religious nation. Now I feel like I have to fight to keep it that way.

Answer 7

Pride. But anyone can be guilty of that. Is it more important to be right, or is it more important to learn how to listen to others? Just because someone doesn't get an answer that makes sense doesn't mean we should stop listening to quiet answers, or stop studying.

Answer 8

Xtianity is the most rational belief system the world has EVER known...the moral principles are infallible and universal truths that some people want to deny...these people are called athiests!

Answer 9

Mostly because the so-called Chrisitans on here are generally down their throats with" you are going to hell, and you had better change your beliefs right now" crap all the time

Answer 10

I couldn't care less what religious people think. Religion is not something I would ever waste my time arguing about. I know what makes sense to me, and that's all that matters to me.