Can you see both sides?

Question

From the sound of things online, it sounds like most atheists here understand why theists would WANT to believe in their respective gods -- it would be GREAT to think that our suffering serves some ultimate purpose, that we will be rewarded for being good people, and the wicked will get their comeuppance.

But I put it to the theists -- do YOU understand why most atheists feel COMPELLED to deny your scripture? Why the "personal revelation" you experience is not a convincing argument, considering human beings' innate knack for self deception? Why the contradiction-riddled holy books, that by your own admission will only make sense AFTER you make up your mind that they MUST be right, are a dubious source of information to us? Why scientific method and principle, with its inherent self-correcting mechanisms and admission of imperfect knowledge, seem like a better means of understanding the universe to us than inflexible dogma that doesn't reflect our expanding knowledge base?

Answer 1

I'm agnostic but I'm answering this too because I used to be a Christian. When I was a Christian, I was told time and time again that I must have faith. But I don't think it ever really sunk in. I always had questions. I would sometimes lie to someone if they said (for example), "Do you truly believe that Noah's Ark really happened." Because I never really believed that happened even as a Christian but I'd lie because you can't rock the boat you're in.

It was the fact that I questioned everything that got me out of Christianity. I'm agnostic now and much, much happier. I feel better and I like being able to question anything and everything. I feel more complete as a person, before, I kind of felt like a zombie. That's kind of harsh but in a way, that's how I felt.

Answer 2

I don't have a scripture.

Please don't say theists when you mean Christians. Thanks.

I was an atheist until my gods contacted me, and I think anyone who is a theist without a direct interaction with god(s) is an atheist who is hedging their bets.

Also, as NEITHER an atheist, nor a Christian (who this is really directed at) I resent the implication that theism is a rejection of the scientific method. If I wasn't a scientist, perhaps I could accept less rigourous explanations of my interaction with the divine.
Theism is NOT inflexible dogma that does not reflect an expanding "knowledge base."

Edit:Although my primary degree is in biology, I also took an additional BA in Psych, and I can tell you that human self deception has more symptoms than mere interaction with the divine. Hallucinatory/delusional disorders, for example, do not happen ONCE or without cause or only reagrding a single thing.
Your own knowledge of science seems lacking.

Edit redux: By the way, you do not present two sides here, you present atheism versus Christianity. If you don't see that as the intellectual dishonesty it is, you're the one who "can't see both sides."

Answer 3

I have studied several different religions...different cultures seeking " truth"...Catholic, christian, Jehovah's witness, Evangelist, Hindu, shaman, and Wicca...I was atheist, now I am agnostic...meaning I do not know, nor care to know if there is or is not a God/Gods. I have to say that in taking on the challenge of these studies: I ended up more confused than ever. How can there be so many different interruptions of the same book of fairy tales? I believe Mary and Joesph had premarital sex...and lied about the conception of Jesus to avoid being stoned to death! Wouldn't you? It is really funny to see so many people debate such unimportant issues. Most are contempt prior to investigation. I mean, damn... What works for me, might not work for you and vice versa. Evolution makes a hell of alot more sense! I love the way Christians talk biblical principles and then turn around and bash non-believers! Hypocrites!

Answer 4

The interesting thing for me is, given the knowledge we've acquired via Quantum Physics, is that the issue at hand is not "either or." It can be both.

An understanding of the nature of "deity" be it monotheistic or polytheistic can and often does live in harmony with scientific method. The problem arises when each group becomes confined by language - either from alleged holy books or scientific hypothesis.

The field of exponential possibility cannot be boxed in or restrained by language. It is, in and of itself, transcendent.

Answer 5

I think that believers think the non-believers argument is crazy and that the non-believers think the believers argument is crazy. But if you personally experience Spirit, you understand, not intellectually, but you feel the presence and are at peace with all arguments. You have nothing to prove because it's not a belief that is held that needs defending. Only beliefs need defending because there is always doubt with a belief.

Answer 6

Yes, I can see why some people choose atheism over faith in God. I don't want to seem to be mean spirited...but in essence, I believe people who demand that every duck needs to be in its row are afraid to take risk and afraid to expand their mind to the point of putting their lives on the line. I know this will get a very bad review from those who have chosen the atheist path and I certainly do not mean to sound accusatory or condemning of their beliefs but that is how I see it. It is a lot harder to have faith than it is to not have faith. But once there....the difference is unexplainable and unimaginable to anyone who does not experience our...as you put it..."self deception". God is not about information. He is above information. Atheists in general confuse a personal relationship with God with "religion". They are two very different things.

Answer 7

This is indeed a rational argument and an all-around intelligent stance. That being said, I BELIEVE that MY life is better because I have faith. I do revel in the opportunity to share my experience with those who wish to ask about it but don't feel the need to force it upon anyone. However, to have so many try and strip it from me, from those who do believe, is a cause for anxiety to say the least.

If you say we are deluded, that is your name for it and you have every right to call it what you'd like. You say I am deluded, but I say it makes me happy and it works for me. Life is better for me knowing God.

Answer 8

I can see both sides. And I have read some answers from some very nice and some very funny atheists on here (also some mean ones, but hey there are some mean Christians on here too.)

I think we are all on our own faith walk - atheists included. And everyone has their own place on that walk. Maybe for the sake of this discussion I shouldn't call it a faith walk. maybe a life journey......

Answer 9

there are lots of of variations of what is going on in Palestine. i for my section think of the only impartial source could be somebody or some organisation that had no ties to the two section and can desire to pass in and supply a impartial opinion and/or prognosis. there is one element this is obtrusive to all of us from the two section, and that's that each and every physique is being oppressed, irritating and dealt with poorly based entirely on their ethnicity. i relish your quest for a comfortable and civilized communicate, even even though it fairly puzzling whilst a lot of lives have been lost and a lot of years of oppression have been experienced. Anger and delight gets in the way each and every time.

Answer 10

First, some ATHEISTS don't claim to adhere to science.

Those are AGNOSTICS.

Religion is Religion, even if it's science.

ASK an ATHEIST scientist if they believe in BOSON STRING THEORY AND THE POTENTIAL EXISTANCE OF A TACHYON

It's like asking if they belive in GOD

ASK Atheists if they believe we are made of 1 dimensional strings, many will laugh at you as if you asked if Jesus can walk on water.

Of course, MOST atheists don't know what a BOSON or STRING or TACHYON or POSITRON is!

Neither do most relgious people!

That's something common to both!

Ignorance!