What is your initial response to hearing a person is atheist: Have they not looked at the evidence? Are they scared of being held responsible for their actions? Have they not tried to find God?
2007-05-03 03:36:26 · 28 answers · asked by Eleventy 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There goes a sensible, intelligent person whom I never have to worry about knocking on my door on a saturday morning trying to convert me.
2007-05-03 03:40:19 · answer #1 · answered by chris m 5 · 10⤊ 0⤋
I do not assume anything about atheists. I do, however, have some thoughts which may apply to those who are nontheists (atheists, agnostics, nonbelievers). Because such people are a minority group in a society which is overwhelmingly religious (the majority Christian), they (or we, since I am among the agnostic) are likely to be denigrated,even threatened with damnation, by theists. Thus, I tend to imagine that many, if not most, self-proclaimed nontheists have given a great deal of introspection and contemplation to the subjects regarded as religious before having reached what, to them (us), is a logical conclusion as to the possible existence of a creative deity, either abandoning the idea for a more scientific viewpoint or developing a questioning skepticism toward the concept.
2007-05-03 16:08:02 · answer #2 · answered by Lynci 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is an excellent question and I am very much enjoying reading the answers. I am an Atheist and I have always wondered what people actually think of me when they first find out I am Atheist and don't know much about my beliefs. I always wonder about that first impression, although I can usually tell by the shocked or disapproving looks on their faces. It's nice to read all of these third party opinions.
2007-05-03 10:56:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
In the past I felt sad for them. After being here on YA I think that they really do not want me to be sad for them. They feel like what they believe is right just as much as I feel what I believe is right. I just wish there was not so much anger between the two. As far as them not trying to find God...I would think that applies to each atheist, different people different situations.
2007-05-03 10:44:49 · answer #4 · answered by brandi from texas 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The first thing I assume is that they are cold and bitter, but I guess thats not a valid assumption. I am so close to God that I find it hard to believe someone could deny his existence! I get my assumption because how can you look at a beautiful spring day and not praise God for it? Who else could be responsible? This world is such a beautiful place if you don't acknowledge it's creator it isn't worth anything. I kinda see them as an ostrich with their head in the sand since God's existence is right there in front of them.
2007-05-03 10:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by butterflyaway2004 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
At first, I think: a pretty angry -and at times bitter- person.
But then I get the know the person and really make up my mind about them based on the evidence they give me with their own behaviour:
some are bitter
some are neutral
some are crazy
some are happy
but NONE are actually in peace. They just dont have that aura of Zen ness. Whats up with that?
If they were, we would remember atheists as people in peace with the world around them and not Buddhists.
2007-05-03 10:47:14 · answer #6 · answered by Antares 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
My initial response is that they are logical people. The Atheists I know take full responsibility for their actions. They do not rely on some "supernatural being" to take their "sins" away for them.
2007-05-03 10:41:30 · answer #7 · answered by la buena bruja 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
My assumption is that they don't believe in God.
That's the only conclusion that can be drawn with any certainty.
I might think that, to call themselves atheist, they have considered alternatives and rejected them.
As for being responsible for their actions - atheists are, it's christians who try and blame "satan".
2007-05-03 10:42:32 · answer #8 · answered by Tom :: Athier than Thou 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I assume that they don't believe in God. I also assume that they are 2% of the population, and are slowly increasing that percentage. Other than that, you shouldn't assume anything - atheists are people and no two people are exactly alike.
2007-05-03 10:41:10 · answer #9 · answered by Paul Hxyz 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I can't have an initial reaction or judge them based on the fact that they're atheist- we're all different- we just disbelieve the same thing!
2007-05-03 10:45:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a christian or an atheist, because in my opinion, believing strongly on either side is ignorant and close minded. Possibilities are always endless in my opinion.
2007-05-03 10:42:41 · answer #11 · answered by dildo on wheels 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋