For all my atheist friends out there ...?

Question

Does it bother you that people actually believe in God? Or does it only bother you when those people try to force their ideas on you? I've seen alot of posts lately degrading the idea of believing in God, not the actions of "so-called Christians".

By the way, I'm not the one giving you guys all these thumbs-downs ... I think there's alot of good opinions being expressed here.

Jan -- I don't understand where that smart-@ss comment came from. I'm trying to promote understanding and tolerance here ... and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

Answer 1

I object to a particular group claiming they have sole jurisdiction on how we should live our lives and then try to legislate their form of ideals.

Democracy is supposedly a voice for all people, and although will never be fully representative, it is the best form of governing we have at our disposition.

So, I do not object to belief in god, if it suits your outlook on life, but I do object to religious groups throwing their weight around the political arena claiming to know best. I too refer to propsed legislation for ID, separation of church and state, creationism

Answer 2

It doesn't bother me, per se, but I think its a little bit silly. Regardless of whether or not they "try to force their ideas on" me, their belief in their god/religion influences their daily decisions and, more importantly for this question, their political decisions. Although they may not be "forcing" their beliefs, it impacts everyone indirectly through politics (from the local school board level to the national level of president/Congress). Thats what democracy is all about, but that also makes putting the alternative viewpoints out there all the more important....so people can make more informed decisions.

Answer 3

I am a Buddhist of the Theravada tradition. As such some folk classify me as an Athiest, of course 'classifying' something implies difference and so I ignore the implied insult and smile perhaps for the other's effort on my behalf albeit misguided I do find it amusing that someone would go to the effort for such as me.

It does not even enter my mind that another would contemplate worshipping a Deity. For me as a Buddhist I am happy that they have found some measure of comfort in their belief and the community in which they gather for strength and generally hope that their desires expressed in 'prayer' be fulfilled by their Deity. If they find some measure of Peace then it serves its purpose.

I find it amusing that they try to convert me. I generally accept them at my door, speak comforting words to soothe their anxiety at meeting a stranger. Although inconvenient when they do approach to Witness at me I do feel some measure of compassion for them and I allow some measure of interest for their effort on my behalf. What I find disheartening is the fear they show when I announce my Buddhism and invite them to discussion. I find their fear quite incredible and I often wonder what it is about me they fear because they never return and I am always polite for their benefit.

I also have seen these incredibly senseless posts denigrating Deity worship and Christians in general and find it stupid and very embarrassing. It is an exercise in mudslinging which not only insults but ultimately reflects badly on the person doing it which makes it an exercise in stupidity. Why insult others..? Why not accept and include others irrespective of their belief rather than exclude them because of it .What is the purpose of causing another being suffering for something as selfish as "my belief is better than your belief "..this is not only stupid but it ultimately causes pain to the perpetrator because of the negative backlash it causes, therefore it is also ultimately a waste of time.

Peace my friends from a Buddhist in the continuing season of Christian Joy.

Answer 4

It bothers me that people consider me morally homeless. It bothers me that religious morals tend to strongly affect laws. It bothers me that fanatical religious people give the normal ones a bad name. But I firmly believe in freedom of religion but those religions need to be responsible in how they interact with society and their members.

True, there are a lot of derogatory comments (from all sides) being made, and these do none any good. On the other hand, since many are unwilling to accept (or selectively accept) the scientific process, I believe rational debate challenging each others thoughts is a good thing.

Answer 5

My gf is atheist. and she does not have a problem with people believing in a god or gods/goddesses. I am wiccan and she has no problem. the only thing she has problems with and I feel the same way here is how people push their beliefs on others. its fine to believe in something, but dont try and cram it down others throats..

Answer 6

I don't really see belief in a creator as an issue or even a liberal adherence to Christianity. Only evangelicals I think are worthy of criticism because they state that they want to pro-actively convert others.

Answer 7

I think people should believe in God if that's what works for you and your life. I have no problem whatsoever with that.

What bothers me is two things.....

Christians thinking I'm immoral and without merit

And when they try to bring me back into the fold.

I respect them.....they should in turn respect me.

Answer 8

I don't mind what they believe, but it bothers me when they want to turn their beliefs into laws that impact people's lives. It also bothers me to see people so judgmental against others. If they would practice what they preach, it'd be a whole lot easier to live with them.

Answer 9

It mostly bothers me that these beliefs have so much affect on my life, but I do find it quite ridiculous that people believe in God. It does bother me that people still hold onto that blanky and devote so much valuable time and effort to it that could be better used elsewhere.

Answer 10

I respect that others believe that there is a god. That doesn't bothe me. I however object to them trying to force me to believe in their god!