What is the Atheists Philosophy on Life?

Question

Since so many Atheists seem to constantly express thier belief that there is no GOD, no heaven then what makes them think what they believe is correct? Is it thier opinion we just evolve on the earth maybe a 100 years if truly lucky for no purpose other than to live for ourselves then we die, ashes to dust to be forgotton into oblivion..

Answer 1

It's a LACK of belief in gods.

Are you saying you believe in God because it makes you feel better to think that you're destined for more than living 100 years and then slipping into oblivion?

Answer 2

To be honest, I don't particularly care if what I think is 'correct' or not. But, since you appear to ask, I have arrived at what I think is a sensible view of life, the universe and everything by a rational consideration of the available facts.

And on that basis I believe that I am not going to be around for much longer so I ought to make the best of what I have.

So I take time to enjoy the world around me, to take pleasure in beauty, the company of friends, my family. I have learnt that happiness can be found by acknowledging the small things that make life pleasurable. A hot shower, a good meal and a glass of wine, a walk on a sunny day.

And where possible I share this 'philosophy of life' with others so that they can try it too. And if it succeeds in making them happy too, I'd say that's a pretty good achievement.

And when I die and return to dust and oblivion, why should I care if I am forgotten? I shall be dead.

Is that really such a terrible way to live? Just because God doesn't feature in my life?

So I am pleased for you if, as your question implies, you have found your God. And don't worry about me. I am perfectly happy here and now, thanks.
.

Answer 3

An Unanswerable Question

Notions of god are unanswerable questions. One cannot know that there is or is not god or all powerful forces influencing and determining the outcome of everything. Once one decides that unanswerable questions can be answered, then truth or even the approximation of truth becomes impossible; accepting unanswerable questions as answerable results in the rejection of logic and the ability to progress, in every sense of the word. The result of accepting god notions as truth results in the evasion of responsibility, and it could be argued that although humans have the tools and the capacity to ensure that all people and organisms on the planet can live in harmony, religion and differing notions of god are leading humanity and the earth itself towards total catastrophe.

Answer 4

What is wrong with that?

I like knowing that life goes on, that my life is inconsequential and therefore mine and mine only.

I am no more important than you, and this doesn't bother me. Life is what I can draw from it.

I suppose I live by a handed-down moral code, and then other than that I make my decisions on the basis that whatever I decide will impact others, and I should try to make that impact a positive one. It has worked for me thus far, and I am happy.

Is it not very arrogant to believe we are more important than any other creature in this world? I think so.

Answer 5

That is why I do not like to characterize myself as an atheist, because it really just says what I am not and not what I am.

I prefer to call myself a religious humanist. Religious because I thing that religious communities of people with like values are important for people to explore questions of what life is about and what is good. Humanist because I think that human nature is the source of man's behavior and customs and that the good of mankind on Earth is the basis for ethical behavior.

Answer 6

You basically got it right, except what atheists IN GENERAL believe is that there is no externally given purpose. Every human finds their own purpose.

Even Saint Paul talked of people having different talents, and that people should do what they are most capable of doing. Atheists are not purposeless, but our reason for being is self-defined, based on who we are, who our community is, what makes us passionate, and what makes us feel whole. This is no different for us than for Christians.

You may note that most Christians go to church for about 1-2 hours each week. What do they do the other 166 hours each week? They live out their purpose as they have defined it. And we just get the extra two hours each week.

^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^ ^v^

Answer 7

Life can be waaaaayy more fun than that!

I think the secret is to enjoy it, even knowing it can't last forever.

And I believe in a form of afterlife. It simply has nothing to do with a supreme being. So, clearly, we can't put all atheists into one basket.

Answer 8

No need to capitalize atheists; we're not organized, and hence there is no "atheist philosophy". Atheism is disbelief in a supreme being, period. Anything else is strictly a matter for the individual.

Answer 9

There is no atheist philosopy. There are many atheist philosphies.

Your question is like asking for the theist definition of God. Each group will give you a different definition.

Answer 10

atheist just means you don't believe in gods. it doesn't lock you in to some specific philosophy.

if you want to hear what I believe, email me through here with questions. what you said is largely right; we have no inherent purpose. life has no intrinsic meaning. we make our own.