Don't get huffy, but why are the atheists on the R&S forum?

Question

Please understand I am not one of those people disputing your right to be here or trying to get rid of you- it would probably be awfully dull without you. I'm genuinely interested in why it is you spend so much time debating a subject you profess to have no interest in. I especially hope to hear from a few of you that I have come to respect quite a bit, and find out from them what their motivation is. Remember, I am asking without antagonism, so please reply in kind.

Thank you, Smarty Pants, I think I most hoped to hear from you. I have come to respect your intelligence.

Sorry if this question has been asked a lot, but if you check my stats, you'll discover I myself am a relative newcomer. It's never been asked by me before. As a matter of fact, this is the first question I've ever asked. Thank you all for your courteous responses.

Answer 1

One of my main issues with religion is that its followers don't seem to think very much about why they believe what they believe. I think that all of us, whether we have faith or not, should understand why we feel that way ... and its not something that any of us should come to lightly. Religion causes so many disputes in just the US, let alone the world. I think that its so vital that we understand just what we're fighting for ... or against.
So therefore, I come not only to challenge others' thinking ... but to have mine challenged as well. Also, religion is a fun thing to debate. I like to think that I'm a pretty open minded person and I like hearing and learning about the beliefs of others.

This forum is intended not just to deal with religion, but spirituality as well. Part of spirituality can be defined as finding significance and purpose in life, and establishing beliefs and ethics that are important to us. These things are important to atheists as well, even if we don't turn to a god to find these things.

And of course, the good natured ribbing can be fun, too. :)

Answer 2

The subjects of religion and spirituality are fascinating for a number of reasons. I don't recall any atheists or agnostics (of which I am one) stating that they have no interest in the subject.

Atheists might well be attracted to the notion that people believe in things they do not and wish to explore the reasons behind this.

There is a tendency among us humans to divide things into polar opposites and square off to defend "our side." This may also contribute to the theist/atheist debate.

As I said, I'm an agnostic, and stand between the two extremes of atheism and theism. I suspect that there is something beyond what our five senses perceive, but I cannot say with any certainty that it is what we might call "God." I witness the odd accretions around the idea of God that people call religions, and see the differences among them and am convinced that the old Hebrews were correct in calling God "The Unknowable."

Answer 3

I never claimed a lack of interest just belief without antagonism I would like to bring an intelligent alternative perspective out to be heard in the face of the (which i find ) insults I've read and yes the most offensive thing on YA is the monotheistic organized religious viewpoint . And I don't mean to insult anyone who is the victim of religious brainwashing but I do as feel little obliged to inform them of this idea even if it is impossible to break the spell left on them from their childhood indoctrination and peer and fear pressure applied to their sensibilities .

Answer 4

Why not, there is no Atheist forum and we d kind of fall into that religion category even though this sin't a religion. But it does directly relate to religion. Most of us know alot about religion though and we want to tell people what we think just like you do and why should christians and muslims and jews and all the rest of the religions get to convert people while we sit around watching people destroy there lives for something that doesn't exist. Sorry I'm here because maybe I'll say something that makes someone go wow, what was I thinking. Atheism, logical.

Answer 5

From what I understand, though I'm not atheist, it's not that Atheists have no interest in the matter, the simply don't believe in what theists do (God).

Imagine that this was a "Pro-life Forum". Does that mean that Pro-Choicers are not welcome? Of course not! If it were nothing but Pro-lifers speaking, then we'd all agree and there would really be no point in having such a forum!

Imagine if everyone on here believed in God... What would be the point of this forum? Except for having people of different faiths argue over subjective matters that have no decisive factor seeing as no one shares a common scripture, priesthood, authority, etc.

Answer 6

Personally, I find the whole topic of religion, spirituality and philosphy the most interesting topics on here and everywhere else on the internet. I am not interested in stupid questions about who is on television, who is dating whom and who needs help with pregnancy and parenting.

I like philisophical debate and I am facinated by the arguments on both sides of the debate. I do however think that non-believers answers make more sense to me and believers answers seem to be almost an attempt at convincing oneself why they believe what they do, rather than an honest answer but that is only my opinion on the matter.

Answer 7

Most of us were raised with some sort of religion (usually christianity) and we have studied the bible and know it in great detail. And this isn't just a religion section, it is also spirituality. I consider myself a very spiritual person. Also if you notice ALOT of the questions asked are aimed directly at atheists. And besides...if you can't cook does that mean you can't go to the cooking section? We have the freedom to wander around this forum going wherever we want. And while you're asking...ask the christians why they hang out in the LGBT section telling those people that they are evil and going to hell.

Answer 8

The answer is - why shouldn't there be? People of all types discuss medicine, because it has an effect upon their lives. People not tax advisors or accounatnts and bankers discuss money and investments, because it has an effect upon their lives. Even if an atheist doesn't believe in gods, religion does indeed have an impact upon their lives. If you don't feel this is so, then I suggest you look at certain things said and promoted by government officials over the past several years, in a country that is supposed to governed with a separation of church and state.

Answer 9

My main reason is to keep it real. My favorite questions are the ones that are truly curious, but when an ignorant challenge is laid down, I try to shed some light (if I think it'll help). I'm not sniping. I'm not seeking to do in enemies but to trade understandings. Everyone has some sort of guiding myth, supernatural or not. It's how we simplify our environment enough to deal with it.

Religion plays a part in everyone's life, whether they believe or not. I want to make sure it stays part. We're talking about the backgrounds that give our lives meaning. Those who can't tolerate any other mythos deny the love and free will they themselves profess. I just want to keep them honest (and rational).

Answer 10

It's not that they have no interest, it's actually very interesting subject. Personally, I'm agnostic. I'm here because I am curious as to why people choose to believe what they do. I'm still looking for someone to give me one good reason as to why I should put all my faith into a bible, when there is no actual proof that it really is the word of God. Especially since it's been revised, and is translated in so many different ways.