Why would someone choose not to believe in anything?

Question

What I mean is athiesm. How can someone believe in the universe exploding out of nothing without some higher power? How do they believe that life is nothing but a chain of chemicals formed in oceans? How do they make it seem so simple?

I find it more comfortable knowing that I'm going somewhere when i die, instead of thinking death is the end.

Answer 1

i can double that statement....
I totally agree


Always playing for GOD's team

Answer 2

We don't think it's simple. We think it's extremely complicated. We don't even claim to understand exactly how it happened at this point. But just because we don't understand something, it doesn't mean that we're going to attach a supernatural significance to it. That's how people explained the sun before they knew what it was. (And the weather, and natural disasters, and disease, etc.)
And most atheists will tell you that they don't really CHOOSE not to believe. It's not like you just say one day, "You know, I think I'd prefer not to believe in this...". You believe what you believe. If someone asked you about unicorns, would you say 'I believe there are no unicorns', or would it be more honest to say 'I do not believe in unicorns'? These are two different answers. Nobody disbelieves in unicorns purely from choice. We don't believe there is a God because there is no evidence that a God exists at all.
Finding comfort in the idea that life goes on after death is one of the reasons that people came up with the idea of Gods in the first place. It's difficult to accept that life ends. It's natural to want it to go on. If you find comfort in that, then that's a good thing for you. I, personally, can't just conjure up a belief in a deity because I WISH something would happen. (Life after death.)

Answer 3

Most of us don't believe that the universe exploded out of nothing; in fact, it's quite the opposite. The believers of the Big Bang Theory think that the universe exploded out of a singularity. This singularity was not at all "nothing", but of infinite density.

Also, we don't believe life is "simple", for if it were, it would exist everywhere. There are trillions (actually more than that) of planets in the universe, so statistically, it is likely that several, if not many, of these planets were and are of suitable condition for life to occur. Also, you must keep in mind that life takes, and on this planet took, billions of years to reach the point of complexity that could give rise to forms capable of advanced thought. There is nothing simple about that.

I have no problem with your feelings about death, but I do not share them. If Christians are correct, then regardless of what I do, I will be eternally separated from many of the people about whom I care. Many of my friends are of other faiths, so they will not reach the Christian heaven, and others are Christians who theoretically will go there. I will be separated from one group or the other. There is nothing comforting about that thought. And for the record, heaven can only be called heaven if everyone I care for is with me.
Given the contradictory nature of such a belief (that I could be happy in heaven without my friends, when clearly I won't be happy at all), Christianity's teachings are not true to me.

Instead, I believe in only one life, which ends. Therefore, I live to help others, enjoy the company of my friends, and generally treat my fellow man with kindness and respect. I don't need the promise of a reward to do these things. I just believe this is my only chance to make a difference.

Answer 4

You ask why atheists believe in nothing, then outline a whole lot of things you think atheists believe in?

To make matters worse, atheists don't necessarily believe in the things you've outlined!

You need to research rather than speak from your own prejudices and the half truths you've heard as rumours.

Comfort isn't everything in this life. Sometimes, comfort is the least thing of all.

Answer 5

There are over 6 billion people on the planet. You are 1. Go figure someone doesnt believe what you believe. You are comfortable with your beliefs others are comfortable with theirs.

Answer 6

you think atheists make it simple? are you kidding me? science is extremely complicated. however, theists make it insanely simple by saying "god did it" as the explanation for everything.

and you pretty much answered your own question with that last sentence. you believe you're going somewhere after you die because it suits your needs, not because its the truth. if you didn't need that comfort would you care then?

Answer 7

Someone would choose to be atheist based on their personal experience and the evidence they have or have not been presented with throughout life regarding a creator. And there is nothing simple about it...putting one's faith in a Flying Spaghetti Monster is simple.

Answer 8

Your thought is actually the biggest reason that religion is so popular. (comfort in death)
I think most athiests believe that there is intelligence in the universe, and all believe there is energy. Most just don't believe your "energy" remains intact after death.

Answer 9

It would be comforting to think that we go somewhere nice when we die. But wishing don't make it so. I would rather stick with reality over pipe dreams.

Answer 10

Some people are in a search for truth. Others believe fake things to be comfortable. It's fine either way. Everyone gets to choose what's best for them.

Answer 11

Atheism is not believing that the universe exploded out of nothing. All Atheism means is lack of belief in God.