Why do atheists care if people believe in a higher power?

Question

I know that many atheists on yahoo like to rip on people who believe in God, regardless of religion, often calling them morons. Yet if it helps people cope with life and thereby leading happy and prosperous lives, what is the harm?

Looking at it from an atheist perspective, we only have a short amount of time on this planet before returning to oblivion. If believing in a God helps a person remain happy throughout there life and gives them the ability to cope with harsh problems, is it not all for the better of that person?

I'm sure that some will counter with arguments about extremists or religious wars. Keep in mind that the vast majority of religious followers get along fine day-to-day, without harming anyone.

To be truly fair, I will put this question to a vote to determine the best answer.

Answer 1

well..it looks like you're still new here..

stick around for a while.

Answer 2

The vast majority of religious people aren't the people in control of the governments that allow them to discriminate atheists and force them to study the country's religion no matter what. It's really disrespectful to shove you opinion down someone's throat, and up someone's ***. Yes, faith is an opinion, that's why there are so many religions, and that's why there are agnostics and atheists.

Answer 3

"Keep in mind that the vast majority of religious followers get along fine day-to-day, without harming anyone."

LOL - not out here they don't! But luckily this is not representative of real life.

You ask a very good question, and you've asked it nicely. The truth of the matter is - I really DON'T care. My feeling is that if it makes someone happy, then it's fine. For them.

I do sometimes pity them, I admit. But I wouldn't force MY beliefs on them. All I really want in return is the same courtesy. Unfortunately, many christian religions require them to poke their noses where they don't belong. That's where things start breaking down.

Answer 4

not all Athiests , and agnostics want to spend the intire day arguing with fundermentalist Christians . Nor do all christians wan't to devote their time to breathing hells fire down upon non believers .
The truth is their are extremists on both sides of the debate who can't get enough of their own opinion . Their conviction to christ is equally as passionate on both sides of the fence .
As this monority group is so out spoken , they are heard . Hence one could assume by observing this site ,that Christians , and athiests are for ever at loogger heads .Where this is not the case , just the impression forced upon us all, by out spoken , and often biast points of view

Answer 5

Well, because they see religion as a myth, they find it very annoying when it plays a prominant role in our educational system and laws. To put in in perspective, what if our whole society was based on the idea that an invisible Pteradactyl controlled everything and our children were told that misbehaviour such as eating fried chicken (as told in the holy book) would result in said pteradactyl picking at their livers? You'd be pretty annoyed that your child came home worried about this. That's how atheists view religion: silly and spreading misinformation.

Answer 6

I am an unbeliever, and I agree with you.

Many people claim to be atheists, yet they keep teasing belieers about the "higher power beyond" and so on.

So those so-called "atheists" actually are agnostics looking for their own balance.

That's why I gave up labelling myself "atheist".

I am an unbeliever, not an agnostic who pretends to be atheist.

Unbeliever = someone who deson't/won't believe in any kind of religious & spiritual concept.
.

Answer 7

i would challenge your suggestion that the vast majority of religious people get along fine without doing harm to anyone. people who believe in one of the popular organized religions are making serious decisions every day, decisions that affect themselves and others, locally and globally, based on their religious beliefs. none of our religions is based in reality. they're all stories, like the stories of greek and roman gods that we now think are quaint, meant to reassure a scared people afraid of death and the unknown. atheists are just trying to get people to take responsibility for their own actions.

Answer 8

I'm neither Christian nor atheist, but most of us unbelievers get really fed up with people trying to stuff religion and nonsensical religious doctrine down our throats, denying the most obvious facts.

As long as they don't do that, they can be as Christian as they like.

Answer 9

I really don't understand why they care and doesn't make sense especially on this site. The excuses by atheists/agnostics or other non-religious individuals does not validate their presence in this section especially when they say everyone is out to convert them when its the other way around.
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Answer 10

Satan is a very sly spirit, Atheists, don't believe in God because their mind & thinking is control by Satan, & satan will do anything to keep people from believing in God. If satan is not successfull in doing that then he will try to change God's word in people's mind to direct away from Truth.

Answer 11

That's a great question! It always makes me laugh to see atheists whine and complain about being preached to by believers, and being made fun of for their beliefs (or lack thereof), yet I see more non-believers calling believers stupid and ignorant, and more non-believers 'preaching' their beliefs. Kind of makes you wonder.