Why do theists often believe that atheists only view the world in numbers and facts?

Question

Or that we're incapable of faith? I hear it all the time, and it really gets under my skin. I'm a very emotional person, and I've always worn my heart on my sleeve. I've always had faith as well--just in the people around me, rather than a God. I've always believed that people have the will to be good or bad and that the choices they make determines their character.

And my feelings are exactly the reason I stopped believing in God in the first place. It's not necessarily because I decided "hey, it's not scientifically rational!", but because I have never felt anything to ever make me feel like there might be some magical being out there. I've never felt like I had an angel watching over me, or God's loving hand guiding me or whatever. I haven't had dreams, my prayers all came to naught, and I eventually decided that people and their choices determine what cards are handed to them in life.

Essentially, I'm still a person. Being an atheist doesn't make me a robot.

Answer 1

Kelsey-

If my response to the other question offended you, then I fully apologize. I don't believe that atheists are "robots", or that you function clearly off of numbers and information. All I meant was that when it comes to the idea of a higher power, most atheists don't believe because of the lack of evidence. Or, that the lack of evidence only confirms their already doubting mind. And if there is no concrete evidence that proves the existence of God, why would you accept the inconsistencies that surround healing through prayer as proof, especially when it IS so inconsistent?

I try very hard to view things from other peoples' point of view. When I see fellow Christians attacking atheists, I try to help them see things from another side -- just like I try to show atheists why I believe the way that I do. Unfortunately, I feel that my choice of words failed in this particular instance and I apologize for the "tone" my answer had. Thanks for giving me more insight on this topic, and hopefully it will help me as I continue to promote tolerance and understanding.

Take care,
Delylah <><

Answer 2

I suppose many theists would say that I'm closed-minded. And, of course, I agree with you - it's not that I haven't examined the evidence at hand. Like many atheists, I'm fairly confident in saying that I know more about the Bible (e.g.) than the majority of Christians. I simply think it's a load of psychopathy and superstition. Nor can I say that I keep an open mind that maybe Jesus really WILL come back and waste everything. Nor do I anticipate any other kind of apocalypse as envisioned by any other religion. Not because I'm "closed-minded" - because I'm a rational human being. I've reviewed the "evidence," or lack thereof, and reached a conclusion. If we toss that out of the window, then nobody can ever have any opinion on anything. If theists want to insist that I'm closed-minded on that account, I'd merely remark that on that argument, it's rather closed-minded of them to adhere to their religion of choice at the expense of all others. In fact, to believe that Jesus is God (e.g.), but not Zeus, or Brahma, or Huitzilopochtli, is actually MORE closed-minded than to simply relegate the whole pantheon to the realm of mythology.

Answer 3

"Why do theists often believe that atheists only view the world in numbers and facts?"

Probably because we are asked at least 10 times a day on Yahoo Answers "Christians, why do you hate science so much???"

We don't hate science, but atheists seem to make it sound like religion and science are somehow the only two two choices and the you can't possibly believe in both, for some reason.

Answer 4

Such an idea as an atheist being amazed at the universe is utterly alien to them. I fight theists with facts, but I live my life according to my mind and heart in equal measure. Theists can only imagine us as some kind of stereotype.

Answer 5

Many of the religious loud mouths are poor in character and weak in faith. They do not believe so much as profess in order to exalt themselves.

Answer 6

Have you ever seriously asked yourself...........Why was I born?.....what is my purpose in life here on earth?.......where am I going from here?........because if you can't answer those 3 questions......then you don't know who you are!.......and you don't have a reason to change!.......

Answer 7

of course it doesnt
many atheists i know are deeply spiritual , empathic and compassionate
you sound all of the above
dont let anyone tell you otherwise xx

Answer 8

I thought of posting this question half hour ago, i'm glad i never cos you put it much better. Thanks

Answer 9

If it doesn't make you a robot, does it make you an inflatable Betty?

lol


rotfl

Answer 10

That's all ya'll talk about is what science says.