of the population? ... or is that just not a possibility for you (atheists and agnostics)
2007-02-13 01:54:24 · 18 answers · asked by stonerosedesigndotcom 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Why should I pretend to believe something that I don't? Seems illogical to me. If someone doesn't like be because they don't like my beliefs, then I can't be bothered with them. I've never found it to be a problem having different beliefs to friends.
2007-02-13 02:01:25 · answer #1 · answered by Tom :: Athier than Thou 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an atheist and agnostic,I will not pretend that God exist, for that is against my principles to be untrue to my self. I would try politics to have relationship with the population.
2007-02-13 02:18:39 · answer #2 · answered by Vannili 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't need to pretend because my God does exist.
But yeah, there are some atheists and agnostics who go to church or synagogue because they like the sense of community with other people. This happens a lot in Jewish synagogues because the Jews are not only a religion but an ethnic group with a distinct culture and history.
2007-02-13 01:58:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd rather be honest and lonely.
Actually, I don't have much choice in the matter. I cannot fool myself into believing in something that I feel doesn't exist. If I were being chased toward a cliff, I could not make myself believe that I can walk on air to escape my pursuers; I'd have to stop and face them.
Now, is it better to "stay in the closet" in order to fit in? It depends on the person. I've become accustomed to not relying on the majority of the population, so I operate fine without them. Some people do have a strong desire to be with people. While I am comfortable with the stark reality of being shunned by most theists, some people cannot handle that. They must join a crowd, no matter the price.
And it's not a huge price, really. So, you don't believe but you hollowly attend church and blandly sing praises to a god you don't feel exists. That's not a huge sacrifice for those that want to be with people. I am not willing to pay that price. I want my relationships to be honest. If a theist cannot be friends with me due to my beliefs, then I want nothing to do with him. I more enjoy my relationships with tolerant theists.
2007-02-13 01:57:23 · answer #4 · answered by Rev Kev 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I can't pretend to believe something I truly don't because I find it dishonest and psychologically damaging. All my relationships would be predicated on a pretty big lie, that I believe in God the same way that they do. Also, I am not going to live my life according to principles I don't believe in. I don't bring up the subject of religion with people. I tend to look for other foundations to base a relationship on. I don't go around trying to advance my beliefs on others either. I have Christian friends and family. Mostly we don't talk about religion although there are a couple who can discuss it intelligently without being offended when we disagree. They have plently of friends to talk with if they are just looking for someone to agree with them on faith. There are many other topics and things of interest to discuss and do together and these things are what I share with most of them. There are some people whose faith is such a principle to them that they would chose not to have a relationship with me, I consider it best for myself as well not have these people in my life.
2007-02-13 02:06:44 · answer #5 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never really found it necessary. Most of the people I know are not fundamentalists, so when they find out that I'm an Atheist, they won't make a point of avoiding me in future.
There are always interesting debates between my religious friends and myself, and I make sure to point out that they are never going to "convert" me. Most of them will still try, with a nudge here, and a push there. But, I have a profoundly scientific and analytical mind.
I also make sure that they understand that I have absolutely no interest in converting them. I don't earn points for any recruits that I sign up.
2007-02-13 02:27:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anthony Stark 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
what do you want to foster relationships with people for when the grounds for your relationship with them is dishonest on your part? so that you can sell them snake oil?
oh, wait a minute, I'm sure that you follow the oh so much more enlightened and truly useful religion of the almighty dollar, which is so new fangled and modern we don't even call it a religion anymore. it's a revolution in thinking technology! it's shiny! it's bigger than Jesus! it's available to us all for three easy payments of $49.99 plus shipping and handling!
wow, thanks, I feel like I'm getting something positive out of our relationship already, and we haven't even met each other yet. although strictly speaking that doesn't matter since under the laws of your temple we're all equally despicable anyway and we are only judged by the fatness (or thinness) of our wallets.
2007-02-13 02:04:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its rather to be safe..god, devil, love and hate always remain a mystery and argument for the past centuries. The truth about their existence remains a mystery in the human eyes. It can only be felt not seen. Its better to be spiritual than being normal. Cause we get to appreciate life rather than blame life for what is happening right now.
2007-02-13 02:11:02 · answer #8 · answered by moesart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe for a few people who live in area's where they might be physically abused. Its not that bad to pretend , as long as your not pretending that your not pretending that god exists. Then you might think it was the truth and that does not seem a healthy way to live, now does it.
2007-02-13 02:02:11 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
So an atheist can't have relationships with religious people.
Damn, I'll have to tell my girlfriend I can't marry her after all.
Thanks for the news.
*I guess you're saying you'd be a Hindu in India, a Buddhist in Japan and an atheist in Sweden - some people have no intellectual honesty at all*
2007-02-13 01:58:17 · answer #10 · answered by Leviathan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋