What, you think you're not practicing a form of conformity?
2006-11-28 08:49:04 · 21 answers · asked by This Virus Called Language 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Different" depends on where you are. In rural Mississippi, Christianity is the norm, so an atheist is different. In a more cosmopolitan setting, there is more diversity, and Christianity is not necessary the norm (though possibly still the majority if you're talking about America).
Likewise, a Christian in India is different. Would you ask that Christian is he was Christian only to avoid practicing a form of conformity?
Atheism is the default "belief system." I put that in quotes because you don't need to believe to be an atheist. You don't need to believe that unicorns don't exist--you simply don't believe they exist. It's the same thing with gods. In fact, a common joke is that atheists are just like Jews, Muslims, and Christians; they just don't believe in one more god than the others.
So, dear Jeremy, I don't see atheism as different. Perhaps you say it is because it's not *your* viewpoint, but it is a viewpoint shared by millions of people. That's hardly considered avoiding the practice of a form of conformity.
That being said, it does have its risks when an atheist comes "out of the closet" in a Christian-heavy environment. Some people simply hate others that aren't like them and will attack them mercilessly. We don't know why such jerks exist.
2006-11-28 08:50:33 · answer #1 · answered by Rev Kev 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Well, you know, I thought about being something really original. I tried my hand at being a water buffalo, but it didn't work out. And it turns out somebody else was already a rabbit. So there I was, having to choose between theism or atheism. I tossed a coin up in the air and since God didn't catch it, I decided to be an atheist.
I know, I know, I could've been so different but chose this old boring, conforming atheism. I know what you mean. People keep saying, "Oh boy, here comes another hell-bound atheist. They all look alike." I guess I could give it another toss.
2006-11-28 17:01:52 · answer #2 · answered by JAT 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're the one that's assuming that atheists are worried about conformity in the first place. Is it so hard to believe that atheists have personal beliefs that run just as deep as yours? If someone's beliefs are different from yours then what they believe in is just an excuse? You make no sense whatsoever!
2006-11-28 17:00:12 · answer #3 · answered by Tiacola Version 9.0 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really don't care about the conformity or non-conformity issue. I'm an atheist because I'm not convinced that there are any gods. I've been an atheist for over 20 years. Conformity angst is for younger people.
2006-11-28 16:51:03 · answer #4 · answered by nondescript 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I grew up with an atheist mother. Just as strongly that some people believe in God, or Christ or Heaven and Hell, some people do not believe in a higher creation at all. I dont think it's to conform. I think they put their faith in evolution and science. They have no reason in their hearts or minds to find a higher power, a creator, or savior.
2006-11-28 17:23:04 · answer #5 · answered by Angelina27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A form of conformity? Are you pulling my leg. I don't know any atheists personally. I know lots of hypocritical christians. Maybe I am disturbed but I want people to be honest. Conformity, you have to be joking. People like you swarm the whole planet.
2006-11-28 17:03:03 · answer #6 · answered by Hateful Atheist 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Atheism is simply a decision to not believe in a god or gods. It is the lack of religious belief. As for the charge of conformity, it is a basic human trait to want to spend time with like-minded people, which is why there are a number of different atheist groups. I'm not an atheist, but support their right to avoid religion, and if they wish to get together with others of their own persuasion, that's fine, too.
2006-11-28 16:52:20 · answer #7 · answered by solarius 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Um... has nothing to do with conformity or non conformity.
It has to do with the truth, and what we have found the truth to be after searching for it.
Seeing as there are thousands of schools of religious thought, I would say that there is no "normal" in this area.
2006-11-28 16:54:10 · answer #8 · answered by Snark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suppose you believe YOU'RE not practicing a form of conformity, huh?
2006-11-28 16:53:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who cares if it's conformist or not, it's practical and rational, unlike Christianity. Atheism is not some kind of rebellion, it's actually looking at the universe and trying to find the truth about our existence instead of settling into a comfortable lie.
2006-11-28 16:52:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋