Theoretically, n correct me if I'm wrong, Atheists believe that there is no 'higher power or being' to govern our existence. Does that therefore mean that Atheists have no religion cuz they have no practices or rituals or prayers? If thats so, do Atheists then miss out on certain basic human rights and privileges (sacred spaces, holidays n festivals, etc) cuz they do not have a recognisable religion? I'm not Atheist, I'm actually a Pagan n i know how long n hard the battle was for us to get any kind of rights or recognition. I was just curious if there is any kind of similar concern for Atheists or just general apathy......
2006-09-19 16:29:15 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I suppose this is kind of a philosophical kinda of q.
I'm sorry if i offended, i did not mean to insinuate Atheists have NO beliefs! I am merely curious, as i said: i know how hard ppl of my faith have had to work to be recognised. I was not aware of any similar 'movements' in the aid of Atheism n therefore asked a q.
2006-09-19 16:44:44 · update #1
My intention was not to sound derogatory towards Atheism!! Just thought i'd ask ppl who knew instead of looking it up in some encyclopedia
2006-09-19 16:48:18 · update #2
I'm Pagan, too. And loving an atheist, I see that they have other things to do with their time. My atheist takes her contention that there's no God to mean that she needs to help others (since God won't) and do her best with this life (since there is no other.) I see this in other atheists, too. I don't think they're missing a thing.
2006-09-19 16:45:55 · answer #1 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist, yet I usually take part in religious-based holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter with my family (also primarily composed of atheists). I mean, hell, it's an excuse to eat good food and have fun! What more do you want? :P
On principle, though, I must say I'm opposed to the idea of holidays. It's not THAT damaging, but really, what's the point of having a certain special day where you give presents/eat chocolate eggs/whatever? Why not just give presents or eat chocolate eggs whenever you feel it's appropriate? In fact, giving presents on days other than Christmas and birthdays would probably do even more for people's morality and compassion, because as it is we all get so used to receiving presents at certain times that we start expecting them, and it's gotten to the point where not giving them is practically insulting. Whereas giving a present at any other time is a wonderful act of kindness. All in all I really think we atheists would be better off without Christmas (and the christians, of course, would be better off without christianity :P).
You didn't imply it in your question, but reading it did bring up in my mind the idea of having an atheist holiday. Maybe it could be International Atheism Day, or something like that. I wonder how well that would be received? I expect some religious people would be interested in it, but I'm sure many of them would just start shouting that their religious rights were being infringed on.
2006-09-19 23:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't feel that I miss out on "basic human rights and privileges". I believe I'm privileged to think freely. I don't need sacred places, holidays, or festivals. I do not have general apathy. I have disinterest in certain things some examples are the things that you listed as basic human rights and privileges. Was this really a quest for knowledge or do you not like atheists?
2006-09-19 23:41:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
To suggest that atheist should miss out on a holiday or festival based on religious beliefs is like saying "I'm not Irish, so I won't be celebrating St. Patrick's Day." or "I'm not Catholic so I won't be having sex." I am a atheist whose favorite holiday is Christmas. But I don't view Christmas as a religious holiday, because I took the time to read about it's origins, and it has nothing to do with Christ.
2006-09-19 23:38:59 · answer #4 · answered by jedi1josh 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Actually no. As an atheist i can assure you i am not missing out on a thing. In fact i feel more empowered as an atheist and as a non conformist i also don't mind doing the same thing everyone does on a certain day.
I still do the Christmchannukwanza gift exchange with friends, i still get holidays off from work. Even better i don't waste my Sunday mornings trying to talk to an imaginary fellow in the sky... i get to sleep in.
I have no qualms about my lifestyle. I don't even care what others think of my choice. To me they are the ones missing out on a life of freedom and personal choice.
2006-09-19 23:34:48 · answer #5 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I don't think Athiests miss out on festivals or rituals, I don't think, personally, that those are the most important things in life. Christmas isn't a basic human right or privelage....I guess it is a celebration, but most people who celebrate it don't associate it with any religion (I mean santa clause? come on now...)
My concern for an Athiest would go far beyond them missing out on rituals.
2006-09-19 23:33:19 · answer #6 · answered by Michelle 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We are able to exist without the crutch of religion. There are many secular holidays and festivals in the year such as Christmas ( the festival of shopping) and Easter (the festival of eating)
2006-09-20 01:34:48 · answer #7 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
not really.Thanksgiving,christmas,and easter originally started out as religious holidays,but these days plenty of athiests celebrate these holidays becuase it's a tradition.Besides,who says religion is a basic huma right and privilege?
2006-09-19 23:44:45 · answer #8 · answered by That one guy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
atheists are looked down upon by christians as those who are trying to destroy their faith, even though we just want religion out of government as whether you people like to admit it or not the government favors those who are christians. you as a pagan have seen this, have you heard of the the wicca practicing ordeal in the military? Several of our government leaders oppose the practice of wicca on a military base. we as atheists get the same holidays off as people who are religious so no, i for one, don't feel like i am missing out
2006-09-19 23:37:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
im atheist.
uhh
well.. my family = christian. ( except me)
so...
i kinda HAVE to celebrate certain holidays.
( although... christmas = cool caus presents. ) ( no offence)
and for like sacred spaces, and festivals... i think its cool to look at those things + visit..
but still..
id have to disagree on that its basic human rights
2006-09-19 23:36:26 · answer #10 · answered by uhohspaghettiohohs 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋