If there is no God, then we all are chance occurences in an immesurable universe. Our lives are our short time to perceive and experience this universe. Is there really, then, any question what the ultimate goal of science is, namely to cure all disease and stop aging (and, if that is accomplished, we'll need more planets to live on eventually) to extend our "stay" as long as we can? If that is what the world is striving for, who is it that will decide who is allowed to partake in an ageless and disease-free life? Those who have enough money (b/c it's not going to be freely handed out; to suggest it will is to be naive)? Will those who have access to this not hold it over those who want access to have their bidding done? Isn't this, essentially, what is already unfolding, those in power have something their underlings want, so we do what we are told to do by them in the hopes of receiving what it is that they have and we want?
2007-05-23 05:48:55 · 21 answers · asked by randyken 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The fear comes from the assumption that atheists, by virtue of a disbelief in a god, also do not believe in an afterlife. Is this the case? Is it possible to believe in a soul and NOT believe in God?
2007-05-23 05:55:24 · update #1
How much do the worlds most renowned atronomers or geologists make with respect to the worlds foremost researchers in genetics or disease?
2007-05-23 06:18:32 · update #2
I have no desire to live forever... that would be a religious theme... we do not fear death, we accept it.
2007-05-23 05:54:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
So if you were to make all atheists convert this would change reality and god would pop into existence?
So if you were to make all atheists convert this would stop scientist looking at how to improve the quality and length of our lives?
Is this what you really think the ultimate goal of science is? what are all those astronomers and geologists messing about for then?
What sort of thought processes are going on in your brain that reality is so flexible?
If you have to create a god so that you can cope with your position in the universe, then that is your problem not mine.
2007-05-23 13:10:51 · answer #2 · answered by Simon T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scenario you describe has more to do with greed and the lust for power than belief or non-belief in an afterlife. I think religious people are just as apt as atheists to push aside the less fortunate in their quest for the good things in this life, whether it's medical care or a luxurious home. Believers may justify this by claiming it is God's punishment, or karma, or something similar that makes some people have-nots.
2007-05-23 13:13:56 · answer #3 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would hope that by the time all of this is possible that the world has learned to peacefully co-exist with itself and people are no longer chained to the levels of power (or lack thereof) that would keep them from being included in such a great progression.
I don't want to live forever, but extending life is a great concept. If we can make our time in this universe longer that just gives us more time to enjoy it all..... and I do hope that one day we are able to colonize other planets and explore the universe.
Why is that something that would make you fear atheists?
Perhaps it is a fear of you losing faith in your imaginary deities? The fear of not knowing what to do with your life without it...... because you know that all of these advancements go against the teachings of the bible..... it would dramatically change the world to progress so far. Especially if advanced life is discovered on other planets. It would detrimentally shake the foundation of religion.
There is no god, and we need to focus on THIS life because it is our only chance to enjoy it. Living in fear of things you cannot see, and following ancient, bigoted, primitive religions causes you to miss out on the real beauty of our lives.
We are mortals destined for death. There is no world over the rainbow, no streets of gold, no angels to carry you home... You must make your life your own and touch as many lives as you can because OTHER PEOPLE are the ones who will save or destroy you, not god.
2007-05-23 13:02:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Polarized thinking is not good for you. There are infinite possibilities.
I am an atheist, but also a pagan and a Taoist. I believe in a soul and an afterlife... but no deities. So yes it is possible. I'm still not clear what you're afraid of. Sounds like capitalism is your true fear.
2007-05-23 12:58:23 · answer #5 · answered by KC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You have a wild imagination. The science related to aging and disease is more about improving the quality of life and length of life, but it is not so deluded that they would shoot for living forever.
Added: I do not believe in an afterlife, but some of the atheists on here do....I would say, though, that the majority do not.
2007-05-23 12:55:14 · answer #6 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Atheists are to be pitied because they choose to be blind; they should not be feared.
The rest of the rant reminds me of Christopher Moltisanti (from the Sopranos) on crack cocaine at Livia Soprano's wake where Chris just went on and on about mindless stuff. Most atheist I know do not give a fart about science and the betterment of mankind. They just don't want to be told that the lifestyles they have become accustomed to are dangerous to their conscience and to their souls, and that there will be spiritual consequences.
Death is already defeated through life in Jesus Christ.
2007-05-23 13:07:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I recommend Jack Vance's book To Live Forever. It is a thoughtful book about just such a future and the problems that it might entail.
What a worthy goal, to defeat death. That the future holds no utopia should not deter our pursuit of longer life, Should it?
.
2007-05-23 12:58:53 · answer #8 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe in a Creator.
I do not fear atheists.
In my experience, the ONLY people who fear atheists are those who want EVEYRONE to accept only THEIR beliefs as absolute truth.
It is THEM we need to fear along with fundamentalists of ALL sorts.
2007-05-23 12:56:35 · answer #9 · answered by pixie_pagan 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is no reason to fear Atheism or Atheists. Everyone should believe what they want to believe. Have faith in your own religion and stop worrying about others.
2007-05-23 12:54:34 · answer #10 · answered by Devi 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You are correct. Atheists do not believe in god, souls or an afterlife. Or santa, fairies, angels the tooth fairy or the loch ness monster.
2007-05-23 13:57:02 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋