Why do some Atheists become offended and offensive when asked what they live for?

Question

As I recently asked a question of what Atheists live for, I was taken by surprise to find that they take such hiddeous offense at being asked. As I am not attempting to hurt anyone's feelings; I am asking in search to settle undisputed stereotypes of Atheists (that I have learned by others' 'word -of- mouth') and seek understanding for what fuels their living.
As was misconceived of me in my last inquiry, I am not intentionally "judging" anyone or holding them on lower standards. That is not my way. And since -if any of the same people who replied my last question should reply this one as well- some asked what motivates me personally: ... It is "Love." Love is the purpose for all things and in Loving others can true peace be found. If there were consequences for love, it would be all the more precious to be had.

Thank you for your answers.

Answer 1

First of all, there are a lot of Christians who post truly offensive "questions" about atheists around here all the time. I know the contrary occurs, as well. Nevertheless, because of all that hostility coming their directions, atheists may think you are just another Christian bigot hating on anyone and everyone who doesn't share your faith. So if you are going to ask atheists, or anyone, to honestly share their opinions on what the meaning of life is for them and what they live for, you need to be very careful about how you ask it.

In other words, don't ask, "Hey atheists, what do you have to live for anyway?" Instead, say something more along the lines of this, "Although Christians claim that faith in God gives meaning to their life, there are of course other things to live for, other things to believe in. As an atheist or non-Christian, could you please share with me your philosophy of the meaning of life? I'm curious about what guides atheists and people of other religions through life?"

Incidentally, I do not find your current question offensive. Although the original question could go either way, the details show that you are being respectful and non-judgmental, and I am therefore not inclined to take offense.

As to how I find meaning in life as an atheist, I responded to a very similar question just yesterday. If you are so inclined, you can search through my recent answers for that response. But for the most part, atheists are motivated by the same thing other people are: love.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You simply do not get it do you? Atheist approach believing in no god. That approach now not any god. Not Apollo, now not Zeus, now not Odin and now not Yahweh. It additionally signifies that even supposing the atheist believes that Jesus could have existed, he's now a useless Jewish devout reformer. He has no vigour to do whatever, when you consider that he's useless. "Sin" is a assemble in a round argument. Do you appreciate what I imply through a "assemble"? I imply whatever made up that has a few relation to truth, even though in a few instances it's not a lot of a relation. The round argument is going whatever like this. I introduce the thought of a god and an immortal soul belonging to you. This god will condemn your immortal soul to permanent torment if you don't be given the lifestyles of the god and intended redemption from "sin" through a intended consultant of that god 2000 years in the past. But the I additionally outline the lifestyles of "sin" and declare that every body is responsible of it. By approach of 2000 years of "notion" I have practically received the whole lot included. Almost the whole lot you do can also be outlined as a "sin" from a few factor of view. Buy a brand new pair of excellent watching sneakers? Vanity and by and large satisfaction as good. Don't suppose like washing the dishes simply now? Idleness. Have one too many beers at a celebration? Drunkeness. Admire a colleague's new vehicle? Covetousness. And so the record of piffling movements and piffling "sins" is going on. If skeptical you says that you've dedicated no identifiable crime, now not homicide, arson, rape, robbery, blackmail, extortion, you on no account drink in any respect, get dressed modestly and many others then I fall again at the thought of "sin in notion". It is a "sin" to seem with "lust" for your neighbour's partner, for example, even supposing you do not anything approximately it. But each and every ordinary guy and lady does it now and again for approximately ten seconds at a time, then forgets approximately it and wonders if it is time to prune the roses or begin cooking dinner. And if that doesn't paintings, then I declare you have got someway controlled to inherit sin from a legendary couple in a legendary lawn at a few legendary time within the far away beyond. So even supposing you're blameless of whatever, you're nonetheless responsible. I've received you over a barrel so long as you be given the recommendations of the god and the immortal soul. If you reject both or either one of those recommendations, I have now not received you over a barrel. But I can bleat approximately how you have got rejected the forgiveness of the god.

Answer 3

I read every answer to your previous question. I would not consider even one of them to be offensive. Maybe you are just overly sensitive.

As to your previous question the answer was stated over and over by almost every atheist there: Life can be very enjoyable, and when you realize this is the one chance you have to live, you want to make it a good one.

Obviously you can't live an enjoyable life if you spend it in prison, living on the streets, or surrounded by enemies. To have a good life you want to have a nice home, good friends, and someone to share your love with.

This is the same thing EVERYONE wants, whether you believe in god or not, and this is the same thing EVERYONE strives for whether you believe in god or not.

Answer 4

I just read your previous question, and all the answers. You recieved many very good answers there, which should at least have made you understand a little bit more. I hope it did.

I didn't see offended atheist amongst those answerers actually. They merely responded to a kinda presumptious question, they commented you on the way you chose your words, and after that many nicely answered your question.

Your question came across as judgmental. Simply because the way you worded it. If people correct you in that, it's kinda silly to call that 'offended atheists'. They simply corrected you. Which makes sense to me.

Answer 5

Since I believe that I'm only going to have this one lifetime, I feel motivated to accomplish a lot in the relatively small time I'll have on earth. Generally speaking, I want to leave this world a better place than it was when I found it.

Answer 6

Perhaps for the same reason(s) that religious types sometimes take umbrage when asked to justify their beliefs. Boorish and offensive people are found in all parts of the spectrum.

Answer 7

Really? that seems weird. I am an atheist and I live for the shear joy of pissing of Christians. I was clinically dead twice and when I tell the "OH So Holy" that there was nothing, no hell or heaven, only the sign I will show you, they get upset!

here is the sign
http://www.sillyhumor.com/endofinternet/
or
http://www.tribbs.co.uk/end_of_the_internet.php
or
http://www.mythologic.net/end.html
or many more!!!

Answer 8

i didnt even finish reading what you wrote cuz why would you even question about how they individually live thats no different than they ask you that same q this a no brainer love comes from the soul patience is learned not born with

Answer 9

Like any minority, people are sensitive to certain things and asking people what they live for automatically feels like an offense it implies our lives are pointless, and some do ask those questions in that mindset.

Answer 10

because by askign them that it makes it seem like they have nothing to live for and non atheitests r so much bettter than them cuz they hav a purpose....idk