Why do some skeptics find so much satisfaction in trying to take away belief in the mystical?

Question

There are skeptics (athiests) that like to knock religions. Others despise the word "psychic". They seem to find enjoyment at poking fun at people who say they've seen a ghost. And those skeptics seem set on showing you how foolish you are to believe in something.

Why do some skeptics seem so set on taking away the belief of others?

Please keep in mind that a skeptic is operating off of their own premise, that if something can't be seen, touched, or measured, it does not exist. So in other words, you have faith that through your senses and your form of "logic" you can know everything. What if your senses or logic are faulty?

Please also don't misunderstand me.... I'm not trying to say skeptism is wrong. I don't think it is healthy or wise to have blind faith without experience and logic.

My concern is the snide remarks that "God doesn't exist" or that "all psychics are frauds", because it assumes a condescending assumption that the person making these comments are somehow smarter, wiser, or better informed that everyone else.

Answer 1

You've heard the expression "The Truth will set you free".

Since the 17th century Enlightment there has been a stong movement to develop reliable means to understand reality. This has led to the delelopment of science. Science is designed to divide facts from illusion. Without science most of us would die by age 40, we'd be using incantations instead of effective medicines, we'd be riding horses etc. Reason works.

It seems desirable for people to place their belief in things that are in fact true. If one believes in reason it seems funny to talk to people who just believe what they have been told, without examination.


People who actively seek to dispel the irrational beliefs or superstitions of their friends do so to help their friends overcome their illusions and begin to understand reality. You would like to help them. but It is often resented as annoying.

If you believe in ghosts, numerology, alien abductions, psychics, astrology, Bigfoot, or the rain dance, I support your freedom to do so. However, as a public matter I believe we would all be better citizens, and vote more intelligently if we all mastered the habits of rationality as a basis of our beliefs and actions.

Answer 2

athiesm has nothing to do with "knocking" religion. I'm agnostic, and if any of you simple minded 4th generation pagens know anything about agnostism, it means that, "I do not deny the POSSIBLE (keyword, possible) existance of a higher being/entity/power, but do not acknowledge such being as a 'God' that those have been worshipping"
In plain english, I dont deny the fact there is a higher power. My proof is in the pudding. Every person on this planet, from conception to present, has at one point in their life prayed to a higher power, either out of faith, need, or pain. I just don't believe it's the god you simple minded warmongers have been worshipping for 3 centuries.

And if you are a true Christian/Catholic/Pagan/Wiccan/Satanist/etc. etc, then you wouldn't need to post some more of these drama queen wannabe questions. What should it matter to you, or any of the Religious Communities you belong to whether or not someone else believes, disbelieves, or denies your religion?

Answer 3

I have never gone into a church, coven, psychic reader's parlor or anywhere else and told anyone they were morons for believing that crap.

Answering questions in a public forum intended as a place to ask & answer questions would seemingly be the appropriate place to answer questions related to those topics.

If you don't want the truth, don't ask the question. Or, don't read the answers. But, don't expect me to give a dishonest answer so frauds and charlatans can continue to ply their trade on unsuspecting people.

Answer 4

It is human nature to fear and condemn that which we do not understand. I have never seen a spirit but i have spoken to a few once or twice on a manifesting body. Of course you must ask for proof to make sure that the individual is not playing in his or her you know what. People who do not know me have given me personal details about myself that only i know as well so that is all the proof i need.
Alafia (peace and well being)

Answer 5

Because it is a false belief. Why do we educate children? Why not let them believe that bears are their friends, that magic beans exist, that mermaids will save them from drowning at sea? I am forced by my sense of morality to help people find the truth, why must you look down upon that noble quest of enlightenment?

Answer 6

If you're asking why I care about religion... here you go...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4fQA9mt-Mg

Unfortunately, in America at least, the religious right is trying to take away my "lack of beliefs". I'm not sure if you can understand that or not, but the video above spells it out pretty clearly.

Answer 7

Dont worry, it's their loss.

Saturday’s Lotto Draw number 2625 on September 16th 2006 with a First Division pool of $22million was shared by 12 winning tickets each worth $1.8million. Each of the psychics in the syndicate picks up an estimated $85,000 each. They saw it coming! http://www.psychic-junkie.com/psychic-wins-lottery.html

Answer 8

Because they are skeptics and tend to think things out looking for logic or concrete proof. Faith and belief are not always easy to prove.

Answer 9

We are morally obligated to dismiss falsehood and spread truth. The truth is, there is no evidence for god or the supernatural. 'nough said.