Atheists, please answer: did you become an atheist because you hate religion?

Question

or did you become an atheist because you feel there is no god?

Now one thing you should understand is that I am also an atheist. But those of you that call yourself an "atheist" just because you hate religion are really lying to yourself. There is nothing wrong with religion per se, religions do not have wars and murder, people do those things, people form religions.

Another thing that I should add is that is wrong to try to imply that a belief in a god is irrational, there is no proof that a god exists, but there is also no proof that a god does not exist. Your beliefs are no more important or valid that those of a religous person. The only logical conclusion is to keep an open mind, and treat the (non-destructive) beliefs of others with respect you think your beliefs deserve.

Answer 1

I am an atheist because I am without belief in a god or gods. The organized worship of such delusions has nothing to do with the fact that they ARE delusions. And yes, religion IS dangerous. It promotes ignorant, destructive thinking and behavioral patterns. It encourages rejection of logic and acceptance of the totally unfounded and impossible. It's not only the people who make the group "bad"... it's also the group that makes the people "bad". People are assimilated and changed for the worse. I know that sounds sci-fi, but... basically it's absolutely true.

Answer 2

I don't hate religion, nor am I an atheist. However, most responders here don't know the meaning of agnostic, so I chose to answer. I was not raised in a reIigion - my mother wanted her kids to make their own choices. I have issues with any group of people who say my life is bad because I don't believe what they do or try to make me feel small and worthless. I don't know if there is a god or not. I read the bible, and the quar'an, and study many religions, and I can't find an answer that makes sense to me. My main issue is that I dislike the power religion has on politics in this country. There is no place for religion in government.

Answer 3

I did not "become" an atheist. I have never believed because I can see no logical proof in god. As well, religion seems to give nothing to life other than simple answers and fear based doctrines. Religion steals freedom of the human experience and closes people off from possibilities. And I have seen the small children raped and murdered, the aids patient slowly die, the cancer ridden father die with three small children and a wife behind. If there is a God, he is disgusting. That is why I am an atheist. They say everything is part of gods plan, yet gods plan seems to be to make us suffer, to make violence and disease ravage the world. No, god is not real, god is dead.

Answer 4

Atheism is the denial in the existence of an eternal creator. If any eternal creators did exist there would be no atheism. You don't see people denying the existence of our sun or moon because thier presence is obvious. The presence of an eternal creator would be clearly obvious also.
Humans hate. Humans are bigoted. Religious dogma is just a sad extention of these dimentions. These primaevel urges of humans to control and hurt one another are the ancient foundation for all religious dogma.

Answer 5

Though I don’t consider myself an atheist, I have had my own bouts with disbelief. Granted, people will always harbor legitimate doubt with many precepts of any religious belief. That is why they all say you have to have a certain amount of faith. However, what really pushes people towards atheism, in my personal estimation, goes beyond intellectual reservations. What really compels them to skirt religious belief entirely is the behavior of people who profess religious belief; people who don’t abide by the protocols of the very system they claim to subscribe to. Put simply, nothing has produced more atheists than the hypocrisy of believers.

Answer 6

I was born an atheist just as every human on earth, Religion is man made, so was the bible and the Koran...I have studied many religions and have come to the conclusion that religion and God is just that Man Made, I do not approve of religion in schools, work, state or government it has shown to cause too many problems and is best kept inside the home. it is unfortunate that many of these religions preach about peace and love yet their actions are hateful and vindictive. I have lost all respect for those who believe in "God" because of this.

Answer 7

No need for religion in my life either before, or now. never will be. You didn't specify which religion so I am assuming you mean christianity. Its just a good book is all. Religion however has had a very positive impact on society and deserves a well recognized place in it, however its just not for me. You can believe what you want to believe, doesnt bother me. live and let live.

Answer 8

I've been an atheist all my life because I have never had any reason to believe there is a god. I've never seen or heard any sign of him so to me he doesn't exist anywhere else than in other people's imagination.

Answer 9

As a Christian, I am an ex-atheist. That is the way we all start out, with no belief in anything, and the way we discover our beliefs has alot to do with our family, friends, loved ones, and life experiences in general.

So, if you have some deep-seated hatred of atheists and want to 'get even' with them for some unknown reason, pray for them.

Answer 10

I became an atheist because I believe in science and hard evidence. I just have no need to place faith in something intangible. I don't worry about what happens after I die. I witnessed all the violence in the name of religion and couldn't place my faith in any one monotheistic belief. I've witnessed a variety of cultures that all seem to work for people and can't say that anyone of them is better or supreme.

To me, believing in a single power is like believing in Santa Claus.