Do you think I'm trying to convert you if I try to point out some misconceptions many Atheists seem to have?

Question

So if you "don't care" don't answer. If you want to comment on my "indoctrination," "brainwashing," "ignorance," etc...don't bother. I think I get the idea.
1. Atheists-do you know the definitions of faith and superstition? Superstition is based on fear, all faith is not based on fear of hell or punishment. That is a false concept of God.
2. Not all Christians, or other people of faith have unexamined faith lives. Many people have questioned their faith, their beliefs, and their concepts of God, and still come out with faith. Many people aren't afraid of doubt.
3. Not all Christians take the Bible literally, or consider it proof of God's existence.

Answer 1

1. Fair enough on the "superstition" part. On the "Faith" definition, I'm going to Websters and not the bible. Yes, faith doesn't have to be based in fear. When I think of "faith" I usually think of it in a positive way as in "I have faith I'll see grandma in heaven"
2. I know that for a fact. There are many fine examples of that in our forum.
3. Those are my favorite kinds of Christians to have discussions with. Can we lay some bait out to attract more of that sort?

Answer 2

I think this is an articulate, reasonable exposition of your point of view, and I commend you for it. The problem I have with "faith" (whether it is unquestioning or even assumed after careful examination) is that it is a relinquishment of reason and logic, and self-assurance. Of course atheists know the difference between faith and superstition, but also know that both are based on the acceptance of beliefs that are unproven and have often led to discrimination and intolerance of the beliefs (or lack of beliefs) of others.

Atheists also know that many Christians have had doubts and that not all take the Bible literally, but there is no avoiding the fact that, after all is said and done, those who remain do so for no valid reason other than "faith," which, by definition, is an acceptance of something regardless of anything else, an allegiance based solely upon trust and not on any provable principles.

Hopefully, someday faithful Christians (and adherants of all the other religions) as well as Atheists will not judge or impugn each other and, as someone once said, live and let live in peace.

Answer 3

Well, if what you point out is true then no, I don't consider it an attempted conversion. I consider it clarifying a misconception. Now for your three points.

1. Faith – http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith
Superstition - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/superstition

They look like pretty much the same thing to me. The only real difference is the attachment of a particular religion.

2. I agree with you, but I also think that those that have examined their faith did so from within the boundaries of their faith. Have you read Matthew Alper's "The God Part of the Brain" yet? Have you compared the ten commandments to the negative affirmations written on the walls by the god Thoth himself in Egypt? Have you seriously considered the links Judaism and Christianity have to Egyptian and Pagan religions? Are you aware that none of the christian holidays are original, not even the passover? I don't say that you've never examined your faith, I just believe that you've done so with a very narrow focus that didn't threaten your faith at all.

3. You're right, Gnostics have said since christianity's inception that it is only meant to be a guide to awakening from the dream that is life. Christianity was supposed to be a spiritual awakening to the oneness with all. The bible is not to be taken, period. It isn't even a part of christianity. I agree with the Gnostics.

p.s. the true Christians (not the ones running around today claiming to be true christians) didn't think of Jesus as the literal 'son of god', but they did think he was a great teacher. If you are of this view, I commend you for being a true christian (which can also be categorized as an atheist). If your view differs, then I suggest you look deeper into your religion, not deeper into the bible. Have a great day.

Answer 4

All Christians I have ever talked to agree that ultimately faith is between you and 'god'. God will supposedly decide what happens to you on judgement day, NOT all the other people on earth. If you beleive this then why cant you leave well enough alone? Why are you trying to stand in gods place and question somone elses faith, when your own is the only one that should matter to you? I am not an atheist, I am a heathen and therefore I beleive in many gods. However I respect atheists right to beleive (or not) however they choose. Why cant christians just leave other people alone instead of asking stupid, passive-aggressive questions like this one.

Answer 5

Here's a question for you: Why is freedom of religion considered a basic right, but people are not allowed freedom from religion?

Personally, I think everyone's religious beliefs or lack thereof is their own private business. When pressed (for example, the third time a coworker invites me to go to church with her) I will tell the person that I am an atheist, so that I don't have to keep making excuses. People react with shock or horror or ignorance, asking if I worship the devil or if I worry about bringing my children up with a total lack of morals. Obviously, I am able to live a good life and be a decent person because it's the right way to be, but people seem to feel that if I have no religion, I must be a bad person.

Answer 6

You are correct about superstitions being about fear. But then, why is it so many Christians find god after being incarcerated in prison? Because it is the FEAR of the unknown situation of being in jail (and also because it teaches that you are not responsible for your actions - you were tempted by evil to do crime...so you become blameless.)

I can tell you that there are hundreds of misconceptions about us atheists that Christians have too - but I dont see you doing a PSA about that, do I? We are immoral, hate God, secretly want to be Christians, eat babies, refuse to beleive so that we can sin freely, etc. All lies.

Answer 7

Good point all of them. Being an ex Catholic I knew that. That still won't make me change my mind. I do respect religion, I just don't believe it. In answer I might point out :
1) Not all Atheists are religion-haters
2) Atheists are not lost people waiting for the right word but people who truly do not believe in religion. Many looked at it, looked inside them, questioned themselves and came out still atheists
3) Hatred or attempts to convert each other is not the solution

And in answer to you question, what I would call a try to convert would be coming to my desk to talk to me about religion, the need to believe and the hell waiting for me. You're waaaaay short.

Answer 8

I do not concur with your idea based on fear in your religion. Yes your religion is based on fear. Its believe in God or go to hell. Your God judges people on their beliefs rather than their actions. Your god is perfect, yet lacks acceptance. You try so hard to believe he exists, but you dont get S**t in return. Im sorry but your religion has filled fear in my head since I was born. You consider your religion as the truth, yet your faith is based on no proof. Im curious... how do you get truth out of no proof?

Answer 9

Of course I am aware of 2 & 3, however, you cannot follow a religion that includes eternal torment if you don't believe and claim that there is no aspect of fear in that religion. Fear may not be YOUR motivating factor, but it is a significant part of the religion. And not all superstition is based on fear.

Answer 10

You are correct on all counts. And I want you to know that I sincerely have nothing against you having your own beliefs. I just draw the line at having to live under laws that pamper those beliefs, and also draw the line at any religion being taught or encouraged in our public schools. I also stand firm on my right to believe as I do without discrimination.