If you are an atheist, is it wrong to ask questions about religions and spiritual matters?

Question

I'd prefer non-atheists answer this, but do as you will.

Also, PLEASE NOTE I am NOT talking about offensive questions. I'm talking about factual questions, curiosity, and again, spiritual questions.

The question is about atheists, not directed at atheists.

Answer 1

nope perfectly fine!

Answer 2

I also have a million reasons for being atheist that are very extreme reasons. yet I do have one that i take advantage of to lighten the temper whilst issues get too extreme,and that's the childhood tale reason. once you're a new child you're instructed a great style of comments approximately Santa Claus, the toothe fairy, the boogyman, jack frost, elves, flying reigndeer and God. you would be unable to verify any of them, you in basic terms would desire to "have self belief". after which you become previous and that they inform you that they are all faux...different than God. Riiiight. Then they ask your self the type you're able to each question that God could be make have self belief like each the different faux human beings you come across out approximately once you're 3. yet heavily, they are are undesirable human beings no remember if or no longer they are non secular or atheist. do no longer overlook. The Inquisition and the Crusades killed greater human beings than atheists ever have. and because atheism is via some distance the minority interior the worldwide, maximum persons of crimes have been and could continually be committed via non secular human beings (even interior the call of religion) till/till atheism is a majority (which will in all probability by no potential ensue).

Answer 3

Of course it isn't wrong.
What is wrong is when religious people answer you in a Pharisaical manner.
When you ask questions, it is because you want to learn something.
Especially a Christian, who believes in conversion and new birth, has absolutely no reason to object to a non believer asking questions! How does he think he got to where he is? Assuming he really believes what he says he does.
I think a person who asks honest factual questions of those who believe differently are showing an open mind and should be warmly encouraged. Too few people are willing to engage in discussion with those with whom they disagree. They just want to go round and round talking with people who agree with them in every way, so nobody ever learns anything new.
The Christian who has an ounce of humility (and normally, if you look at Christian beliefs, humility should be one of the chief characteristics), will learn a lot from such a discussion - how others see him, how he may be putting people off - how his thinking in some areas may be lacking in logic. So it is totally ridiculous for a Christian to not want to engage in such a discussion.
Just so you know where I am coming from, I am an evangelical Christian, with beliefs that could be described as "fundamentalist" - although I do not like that word because of the context of the past 50 years. (The term was coined in the early 1900's and simply meant conservative Christian belief. - but "conservative" also has a bad connotation now!).

Answer 4

It's not wrong. I know some in here seem to think Atheists have no business even talking about these things, but that is probably because they feel threatened by the situation. Just seems to me there are a lot of people who aren't as strong in their faith as they would like us to believe... if they get angry over an Atheist asking questions.

Answer 5

This is an issue of respect -- it's more about _how_ a person asks questions that what they ask.

Most faith communities welcome questions from non-believers, as they believe that part of their duty is to educate.

But you need to be careful, because what you consider a factual question may in fact infringe on people's beliefs - for example, a factual question about the Holy Trinity might upset some Catholics.

It also depends who you ask your questions, and when. Religious leaders are perhaps the best people to contact - and when you do, make it clear that you are contacting them with humility and respect, and listen attentively to their answers. You are not required to agree with them, but if they go to the trouble of responding, you should listen.

An additional note: in the current media-generated climate of fear and hostility, some Muslims may view questions from a non-Muslim as entrapment, hostility or ignorance. While your attempt to bridge the gap between communities (if that is genuinely what it is) should be applauded - and I believe that many people, whatever their beliefs or non-beliefs, would welcome the opportunity for rational conversation and learning - it's worth remembering that a great deal of unfriendly and badly-intentioned media attention has been thrust onto Muslim communities (as well as other orthodox communities) in the West, so make sure your approaches are not liable to fuel any sense of paranoia or attack.

Answer 6

Everything is your own choice. If you start believing in a certain religion it is never too late to join. Let's say I was an atheist and believed in what the muslims say, then I can join in their religion no problem. The only way to get the facts straight is to ask questions. So if you show an interest, ask away.

Answer 7

No. Just because someone's atheist doesn't mean they don't have interests in these matters.

Technically some of the questions I've asked should come under mythology but as they relate to current religions they go in here.

Answer 8

As an Atheist, is is necessary to question religion all the time. Considering that all the major "Ultimate Truths" (religions) have as their end and most sought after goal, "The End of the World", it is most important to get in their face and marginalize them before they self-fulfill their silly prophesies and kill us all.

Answer 9

I'm an atheist who has studied Christianity at university- why should I avoid expressing viewpoints on religion? Possibly I have greater understanding of religious issues than most believers.

Answer 10

I'm an atheist, and I think it is perfectly fine for anybody to ask religious and spiritual questions in a religoin & spirituality forum.

Answer 11

Not in the slightest. Well, not unless they're doing it for the superiority kick.

Or to be an arrogant ***

Or to try to be amusing.

Well, yes, unless they're genuinely interested in the answers and its not a flame war kick off.