OK, Atheists... serious question...?

Question

I don't fully understand atheists as I have never actually thought that way. I am a Christian, though only for the last 7 years of my life. I spent the first 27 believing in "a god" but not The God (if you know what I mean). Anyway, I was wodnering...

If an atheist doesn't believe in God and doesn't believe in Heaven or Hell, then why does it matter to them if others do believe? Meaning, why would it matter if somebody was "lying" to you? Since it is of no importance to you anyway, couldn't you just say "sure, whatever... good luck with that" and move on? Why the debate? It seems like many are trying to "convert" people to think the way they do but I can't figure out why. I mean, if there is no heaven or God, then are we not already both headed to the same place and on the same page? Or is there some great reason to become atheist that I am unaware of? I hope you don't take this wrong... I just don't get it!

Is it for debate? Is it for your faith? Why ask and answer?

Wow, excellent answers. I'm impressed and do realize the failings of the "church" and many Christians and how it has obviously played a role in your viewpoint.

I think Christians have done a huge disservice to the message of God when we let ourselves think we are on some pedestal that is higher than everybody else.

I do have some disagreements with certain comments that come across, especially in regards to government because I always feel like you probably do - which is that a viewpoint of religion is being forced on me - but the viewpoint I see in some cases is athiesm.

But I sincerely appreciate all your responses... it is very enlightening to hear your point of view in a sincere way. THANK YOU

GREAT HISTORICAL REFERENCES!!!

There have been many many bad things that have happened in the name of religion. I'm actually ashamed to be associated with many of them... :(

Answer 1

A couple reasons, since you asked sincerely and respectfully.

Theology is a logical and academic pursuit. It is also one directly relevant to most people's lives, even those who do not agree with any theology, because others act politically based on theology. So it is a very living and relevant field.

History evidences that acting based on theology is dangerous -- witness the dark ages, the crusades, the inquisition, the salem witchtrials, the modern waves of islamic-based terrorism. Religion has played a significant, if not primary, role in every war ever waged by Homo sapiens sapiens. Thus, I have a moral duty to combat theistic thought, even knowing that humans will still find a reason to fight. One less thing to fight over is one less thing to fight over.

That... and I just plain enjoy it. I don't believe that Illiad is real, but I'm still trying to get my Tauren Warrior to level 60 so I can go to the Badlands and do battle with him in World of Warcraft. I needn't believe a thing to be stimulated by discussion or interactions based on it.

Answer 2

"If an atheist doesn't believe in God and doesn't believe in Heaven or Hell, then why does it matter to them if others do believe?"
It really doesn't. It does matter, however, when your fan club attempts to impose their religious beliefs upon everyone else.

"It seems like many are trying to "convert" people to think the way they do but I can't figure out why."
I can't believe you typed this sentence out and couldn't see the blatant irony displayed in making this statement. Read it from OUR perspective.

"I mean, if there is no heaven or God, then are we not already both headed to the same place and on the same page? "
You're right here. Again, I don't think you carefully thought out this question before you typed it... didn't you think to turn all these questions on yourself first?

The only reason to be an atheist is because there's simply no evidence to prove that a god exists. Once you accept that, then you're atheist. It's as simple as that. There's no dogma attached. If you don't believe in any gods, you're an atheist. Atheism is so simple to understand yet so many people have no idea what it is.

Answer 3

I rarely ask people why they believe what they believe. I was raised Catholic and came to my apostasy through a long process of research and reflection. As a secular humanist I believe people have the right to believe whatever they like.
My problem with a lot of Christians is attitude. Many are smug and superior, as though they're saying "I'm going to heaven and you're not... NYAH!" Also, I get a little tired of being called stupid, ignorant or uneducated because I don't believe in gods. I have to point out to such folks I have read through the entire bible, twice. The second time I even took notes. It's a great little book of fables but as a biology textbook and complete guide to adult life it leaves a lot to be desired.
Maybe if Christians accepted the fact there are people in this world who are just never going to accept a "personal savior," and that science has the answers for them, maybe atheists would be less hostile toward Christians. You Jesus-folks need to lighten up. I'm happy if you're happy with Jesus. I just do well without all that.
If I'm going to go to hell because I reject the gods, then that's my problem, isn't it?

Answer 4

Interesting question.
Interesting answers.

I am a Christian and I am amazed at how many people say that Christians are trying to 'convert' them. Christians cannot 'convert' anyone. Christians can merely tell the gospel (good news) story and let the Holy Spirit (third person of the Trinity) work by convicting them of their sin and their need for Jesus Christ as Saviour. That is what Peter did in Acts Chapter 2:5-42 and 3,000 Jews were convicted and converted to Christianity that day.

I am also amazed at how many athiests point at those who called themselves Christians in ages past or even now who are not truly followers of Christ. Jesus Christ is the ONE and ONLY person that anybody should be looking at to see what is truly the standard. Nobody else can live up to it, although if Christians depended more on the Holy Spirit and followed the New Testament teachings they would do better.

Answer 5

I am a Christian but I have never actually come across or met a true Atheist. There are some people who say that they are but then contradict themselves in many ways. But then this is the same as Christians, some say that they are Christians but then do things that are very un Christian like. I think all of us need to come to a compromise and realise that people are independant thinkers and whatever they choose, whether it be Atheism or Christianity we should support each other and not judge.

Answer 6

First off, not all atheists really care what you believe in. Most just think it's illogical to believe in a higher being or power. It really gets confusing though because a lot of atheists really believe in the separation of church and state. The fact that people think some laws should be in effect because they're more adherent to religion is total bull. Not to mention all the religion-based wars and discrimination that seems to flood our society today. I personally think the world would be better without religion just because of all the social crap that comes with it. That's really about it for me.

Answer 7

Well, a lot of good answers beat me to the punch, but here's my 2 cents.

Most of the time, I don't really care what other people believe or have faith in. My neighbors could be Muslims, Wiccan, or Scientologists and they wouldn't bother me. However, frequently religionists of various sects (primarily Christian, but there have been others) insist on trying to get their dogma validated through law of shoehorned into science...or worse, into politics.

Then there's that "You're going to Hell" thing that gets tossed at me whenever I get "outed" as an atheist. I'm not frightened, I'm not intimidated. I am, however, offended that this jerk has decided to pass judgement on me...and then the hide behind their Bible saying that "it's God's judgement, not mine".

Bullshit. Outright lie. (I rarely curse online, but this sort of thing deserves it.)

I have never known "God" to give a believer of any stripe an "ispiration" or "vision" of anything that they did not previously believe. I have always regarded such declarations as highly judgemental and cowardly...right along with the infantile "threats" implicit in such statements as "One day you'll learn the TRUTH, and then you'll be sorry!" It has always been my observation that God's "will" always seem to mirror the personal politics of whomever claims to be speaking for it at a particular moment or event.

This is what irritates me about religion, and why I spend time here. There is a lot of idiocy passed off as fact among theists...Young Earth Creationism, a literal World Flood, talking animals, inaccurate historical data, and so on. Someone has to call the snake-oil salesmen on it. There is a lot of effort be religionists to push their nonsense and superstitions onto the world of fact and evidence. Someone has to stop them. There is a lot of hatred and blindness lauded as "righteousness and faith", and someone has to point it out.

Fellow theists don't do it. So it falls to people like me.

Answer 8

I'm not an Atheist but I can tell you part of the reason they should care. Because some of the fundamentalist Christians in this country want to turn the U.S. into a theocracy and force everyone to accept their doctrine as law. They want to put the Christian religion in schools, remove sex ed, and deny science that doesn't fit with their worldview. That is why Atheists are concerned with the beliefs of others. Because if any of this happens - it directly affects their right to not believe. They don't want to be forced into the fundie Christian belief system anymore than other theists do.

Answer 9

I would suggest reading books on the subject since this is to short of a explanation. I personally think giving power to a imaginary God is dangerous. It prevents you from facing reality. I understand some people need some hope in there life. How would you feel if your best Friend devoted his entire life to a imaginary Friend called Greg. He gave up his job to teach people about Greg. What if the teaching of Greg where obvious illogical but millions started following Greg.

Answer 10

1. It doesn't matter to me what you believe.

2. It does matter to me if someone lectures me in patronizing tones about an afterlife HE doesn't know about either. My nonbelief is my own. The cool thing about atheism is there is no imperative to convert people. No verses to learn, no songs to sing, Sundays off...it's a great deal.

3. I don't look down on believers with contempt. I ask for the same in return. It's called mutual respect.

4. I would be far more impressed with a believer who first followed his Bible in all respects before exhorting me to convert. I haven't seen one yet.