"Atheism is like racism in that they are taught and not natural philosophies."?

Question

I read this in someone's answer to another question.

Here's my question: what baby comes out of the womb believing in Christ or a god? What newborn grasps the concepts of belief, religion, Christianity, Atheism, racism, etc?

If I'm not mistaken, Atheism is no more "natural" than Christianity. They are learned concepts that can only be fully grasped with an educated or matured mind. Or am I missing something?

rapstar: reading comprehension is your friend.

Super Freak: I'm looking for a logical answer.

Answer 1

You're missing something. The literal translation of atheism: a--not, theos--deity. That is the default setting. A belief in a deity has to be taught.

Answer 2

It helps Christians' arguments if they can make Atheists seem intolerant, bigoted, and hateful people. If I had a penny for every misconception that's been thrown at me just because I do not believe in God, I could have retired and taken you, your mom, and the readers of this post with me. I'm immoral. I secretly believe in God, but I'm in denial. I'm bitter over something bad that happened to me, and blame God. I don't bother doing good things, since I know I won't make it into Heaven. The list goes on and on into putrid infinity.

The fact is that Atheist are a threat to religion, because Atheists dare to live without God. Since most of us came from other religions (I was Christian myself), we've picked apart many of religion's redundancies and asked questions that no one seems willing to answer--or even think about, for that matter. It's either give us credit and entertain our musings, or write us off as (insert foul name here). Most Christians choose the later.

By the way, I realise that not all Christians hate Atheists. I also realise that there are more religions out there than the many branches of Christianity. I bring them up because the hard-core members (or "fundies," as we call them) of Christianity are usually the ones making up all kinds of rubbish and attacks to whoever even THINKS about walking a different path. Trust me: It's the attitude that I've yet to miss from BEING a Christian.

Answer 3

If you are not taught the concept of god, and if it isn't in everyday movies, TV (it permeates the air) you would have no concept of god. You wouldn't even think about god.You would be an atheist. This would not be taught. Today, in a way, Atheism is taught because the concept of god permeates our culture. You can not grow up not hearing about god. A baby is not born believing in god or Jesus. It is born an atheist.

Answer 4

What can be more natural than atheism,every baby is born one,because they have no beliefs yet.Atheism is NOT a belief,it is a lack of belief.

Answer 5

I am absolutely positive that atheism is the natural position. I never taught my daughter about religion one way or the other. She laughed when I told her what a church was for when she asked me about it.

Even a four year old thought it was funny.

Answer 6

so you do not fully grasp the term natural....do not confuse natural with instinct.....very different....

its like mathematics or science....you are not born with the ability to solve maths problems....indeed these are learnt....

atheism is a simply a way of living,a way of thinking....like other religions.....y did you compare racism with atheism.???

Answer 7

No one is born believing in god. Atheism is natural.

Answer 8

I guess these people honestly believe that if a child is raised by a pack of wolves, for instance, he will instinctively believe in a god...
I think not...

Answer 9

To understand the nature of things is to be atheist, so it is more natural. If you don't know what an atheist is, you probably are one.

Answer 10

i think what u might be missing is......it all comes down to your own personal opinion. are you really looking for a definitive answer?