Why do christians compare their beliefs to the stand taken by atheists?

Question

Time and again when I ask questions, I get responses like, "I have my belief, and you have yours".

No, I don't have one. I take a stand as an atheist because I'm not prepared to make statements about existence based on faith. I accept facts that are supported by evidence.

It defies logic to suggest that the bible could possibly qualify as reasonable evidence when it has been discredited in so many ways.

Atheism is based on rational thought.

Religion is based on FAITH and faith alone. That's why theism is BELIEF.

Atheism is a lack of beliefs. An atheist will not take a stand based on faith.

To suggest atheism is a belief is an insult to the capacity for rational thinking that we, as humans, are so lucky to have evolved.

Answer 1

I agree, but things are complicated to say the least.

Answer 2

I'm an atheist too, but I think your argument is flawed because you are making very definite claims about semantics that are ambiguous.

Everyone has beliefs. Most people's beliefs are empirically based through raw experience. I believe that when I take a step that my foot will stop at the surface of the floor and not pass through it. Sometimes my belief is incorrect, as when I am lost in thought and think I haven't yet reached the top of a flight of stairs and my foot passes through where a stair should have been.

Faith is belief despite the lack of objective, empirical evidence to support the belief. Irrational faith is belief despite contrary evidence.

There are philosophical/religious claims for which no empirical evidence either for or against the claim exists. "There is a supernatural creator that created the universe." is one such claim. If you are certain there is no supernatural creator (whose attributes are left undefined) then that belief is faith. It's not irrational faith.

Answer 3

Why do you care? You feel the need to hang out in the Religion and Spirituality board, so you must feel drawn to religion and spirituality. It seems akin to someone who can't stand kids, hanging out in the parenting section.

Why do you feel the need to have kids. I can't stand kids! We don't believe in kids! You people who have kids are not thinking rationally. The negatives overcome the positives. There is no evidence to prove love actually exits, so the love thing you supposedly have for your children is ridiculous!

To answer the question- Belief: Mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something. You do have a belief.

Get a grip, let it go, get on with life and help someone else along the way.

Answer 4

Please do not lower yourself again to insult the theists capacity for rational thought and logical analysis. At least we allow you to have your nonbelief without questioning the intelligence God has given you.
Science has its limitations. I don't compare my beliefs to the stand taken by atheists, and never will. My beliefs have a firm foundation.. It defies logic to assume that your scientific 'reasonable' evidence supports all of your theories.
Luckily, I am wonderfully made by God, and therefore have the capacity for rational thinking. Mankind has evolved, or 'grown in wisdom and faith' to the extent that we can interpret the science that He has built this universe on.
Good luck in your lack of belief and your stand on your interpretation of evidenciary support.

Answer 5

So you know everything.

No?

Then with what do you fill in the blanks in your knowledge?

Belief.

So you've actually observed the process of evolution.

No?

Then how do you explain for yourself the holes in the theory?

Belief.

So you actually know how matter came into existence. You were present at the "Big Bang." You have watched the universe develop and order itself.

No?

Then what do you tell yourself about existence itself? How do you rationalize the material world's very existence?

Belief.

It takes a lot of faith to have "no faith." If you were as capable of rational thought as you think you are, you'd realize there are things that go beyond explanation, and if you hazard an educated guess at an explanation, it is, by definition, faith.

Answer 6

Well, a lot of Christians believe that there is a god and atheist are just lying to ourselves, so we have belief we just are believing that we don't. I know confusing. Try telling them we don't have a belief and they will just say that's your belief.

And Imogen S, I have NEVER heard an atheist say it's not a crime if I don't get found out. Never. Not even close. The only motto we have no belief in the exists of god. That is it.

Answer 7

Atheism is the belief (based on your own interpretation of what you consider to be facts) that their is no God.

A belief in God is an experienced phenomenon. I can not explain it to you. It is not merely something based on wishes or hopes or maybes. A personal relationship with God brings knowledge of Him. It is the only way to know for sure. Believing in one particular religion however can be classified almost like that of an atheist. Based on one persons interpretation of what they consider to be facts.

Answer 8

You make a very good point. I have rejected religions for a long time but I have always considered both sides to be a belief. Looks like I need to rethink my position.

Answer 9

They don't. I as a rational human being don't compare my beliefs to any atheist's. On the contrary, I don't think much of the atheist motto: It's not a crime if you are not found out.
That's about the only thing they have to say for themselves.

Answer 10

I believe what I believe. Whether you believe or not is your own business. I can only spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Accepting it is yours to do, or not to do. That is not a part of my duty to God.