I keep seeing questions like "well if you're an atheist, then what's the purpose of life?". Aren't such questions a mirror into the mind of the person asking it? It's almost like they are trying to argue that atheism can't be right because they don't like the implications of what that means to them. Is that what it is?
Does reality have some obligation to placate our fears? If not, is it really better to pick a position simply because it appeals to you, or is it better to try to understand reality as it actually is, independent of the personaql philosophical implications?
2006-09-07 14:19:08 · 20 answers · asked by lenny 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Reality owes us nothing. Nature owes us nothing -- it made us and it can destroy us, sometimes both within the space of a few minutes (or years, or decades).
Person A regards the universe as hostile. Person B regards it as mostly benign. Person C regards it as neutral. They're all looking at the same universe, so they can't all be right.
2006-09-07 14:28:30 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Ah, reality, more frightening than the Grim Reaper himself. I would chalk this type of response/question up to 'fear of the unknown', as most ppl are not familiar with reality. And yes, ppl do pick positions because it appeals to them. We often pick lovers based upon what appeals to us rather than what would be best for us. We are drawn to that which is easy. For thousands of years we have had to choose the easy path for survival. Now when we are no longer faced with life and death decisions we continue to take the "road most commonly traveled" and stay the safest course, which for many is in "the box" of religion, myth and dogma.
However, for me it is infinitely better to dare to look beyond the mortal veil of fear into the infinite chasm of reality with wonder and yearning. (that turned into smarmy poetry huh? LMAO)
2006-09-08 17:41:55 · answer #2 · answered by Medusa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exactly!!! Reality does NOT have some obligation to placate our fears!
"It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring." -Carl Sagan
2006-09-07 21:20:30 · answer #3 · answered by Scully 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What makes you think there has to be a meaning of life?
I really wish people would get the hell over looking for meaning in everything. There isn't anything that says there must be a meaning of life or crap for that matter.
2006-09-07 21:24:59 · answer #4 · answered by Toronto 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because APARANTLY atheists dont know anything about life and being a good person because we dont believe in god.
Personally.. common sense tells me that you dont have to believe in religion to be a good person.. But that is the difference between myself an atheist and someone of religion.... Common sense!
2006-09-07 21:21:45 · answer #5 · answered by Jade H 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If I ask an Atheist a question like that. It is my thought to plant a seed they can think about. Perhaps God will use that seed to bring another soul to him.
2006-09-07 21:31:19 · answer #6 · answered by jadamgrd 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
people like to pick on atheists, and generally they are just curious about them... in the sense of "I believe in this, WHY DON'T THEY?!?!"
On the "30 days" show were an atheist woman went to live with a christian family for a month, it was pointed out that atheists are the most picked on in america... basically
2006-09-07 21:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by anachronymph 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Astonishingly good question.
It seems to me that many with beliefs feel they have to justify and defend them. Quit your beliefs, see reality! Don't even bother to try to understand it, that is a step towards forming another belief.
2006-09-07 21:25:29 · answer #8 · answered by joju 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"If I ask an Atheist a question like that. It is my thought to plant a seed they can think about. Perhaps God will use that seed to bing another soul to him. "
Why not ask questions that challenge the way you think, instead of trying to convert others? Its complete arrogance that you think we need you to make ourselves better.
2006-09-07 21:34:33 · answer #9 · answered by Rob 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Point of life if your religous ends in a benefit to yourself.
Point of life if your not ends in a benefit to the remaining generation.
Therefore Some Religous people may ask you what your point in life is but what they really mean is, 'how does your life beneift yourself?'
2006-09-07 21:24:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋