2007-06-19 05:27:16 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'd say that believers do. In terms of personal support systems- family and friends- it's even. Atheists and theists both have as many close ties, in my experience. But theists have churches and the good thing about churches is that they do provide companionship and support. Of course, this has nothing to do with whether or not their particular faith, or any faith, is correct. If someone wants to have the support system of a church without the dogma then they might check out the Unitarians. But most atheists are happy not being involved in churches.
2007-06-19 05:35:34 · answer #1 · answered by thatguyjoe 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although I'm not an atheist, put it this way: Christians, with all their denominations and variations of faith cannot come to an agreement as to what is 100% correct. So, in that way, they're separated by denominations, conflicts of beliefs, etc.
Atheists pretty much all believe the same thing: THERE IS NO GOD. So, there's usually very little fighting among atheists. They have a larger group in common, no silly denominations, etc.
Same with agnostics, who are usually accepting of other agnostics. They tend to be open minded and have no qualms about other agnostics who may think differently since that's the beauty of agnosticism. They also tend to get along well with atheists.
IMHO, Christians cannot seem to agree on anything with each other.. a Protestant usually does not agree with a Catholic. A Jehovah's Witness doesn't have much in common with a Methodist. And etc...
Edit: There aren't many meetings for atheist groups as there church groups but, I do agree with a comment above.. atheists don't really need to meet constantly with other atheists. They don't need to have their faith restored once a week - they're constant. Christians, however, tend to lose faith when not meeting with others.
2007-06-19 05:36:07 · answer #2 · answered by spike_is_my_evil_vampire 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Christian of the most supportive people I know is my good friend/ex-boyfriend who is an atheist. If you only build your support system on what you believe (or don't believe for that matter) it's bound to fail if either you or your friends/family change beliefs.
2007-06-19 05:36:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Was going to say any support system is better than no support system but realised that was not necessarily true!
So...A good support system provides both support for the individuals involved and the group combined.
Any group of people or an individual that does not need support!
2007-06-19 05:32:46 · answer #4 · answered by louise e 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have an amazing family and wonderful friends, so I have a great support system. They are there when I need anything, and they know that I am there should they ever need the same from me. I feel very lucky to have that in place.
Even back when I was a believer, I would turn to them first in times of need or crisis. Prayer never factored in.
2007-06-19 05:37:31 · answer #5 · answered by Sookie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I almost said believers because they need it then I went back and saw that you said "BETTER" support system. I guess that is a matter of perception: to them it may be better because they will have a whole network of folks praying with them or whatever. I recently went through a really tough time with something and it was much better for me to think about it and have my ONE GOOD FRIEND to lean on. His encouragement and my strength was millions times better than all the prayers that could have happened
2007-06-19 05:39:41 · answer #6 · answered by FallenAngel© 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In all honesty, Id say that believers have a better support system.
But, that is based mostly upon the fact that I, as an atheist, depend upon myself, not others.
2007-06-19 05:32:00 · answer #7 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have no idea how supported the Christians feel. I think they are verry paranoid when I hear them. I think it is because they have preachers always telling them how poor and picked on they are when nothing could be further from the truth.
However as a nonreligious person I am persecuted by the religious types. I see them trying to force their religions on me all the time through the government.
2007-06-19 05:34:35 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a great support system, but not because of my beliefs. I have a 'tribal' mentality of family, and my tribe includes people of different faiths. The important thing is that we accept and care about each other and are there to help when needed. What our beliefs are, are unimportant in comparison.
2007-06-19 05:32:20 · answer #9 · answered by KC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Believers need a stronger support system, safety in numbers, might makes right, etc. I have found in my experience that Atheists are emotionally strong enough to not NEED so many people propping them up.
2007-06-19 05:31:58 · answer #10 · answered by mikalina 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋