"Many theists argue that people “choose” to be atheists and, hence, will be held accountable for such a (sinful) choice. But is atheism chosen? No: belief is not an action and cannot be attained by command. Once a person realizes what they must believe beyond all doubt, what other steps do they take in order to have that belief? None, it seems — there is nothing left to do. Thus, there is no extra, identifiable step which we can label the act of “choosing.” "
2007-07-22 14:27:56 · 16 answers · asked by Stardust 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Chieko: It is not "my little rant", but someone else's "little rant". Hence the quotation marks...they are usually used with, you know, quotes.
I do agree with it though. Just like people can't choose who they're attracted to, I can't choose what I naturally believe in. I can try to trick myself, sure, but that's brainwashing, not believing.
2007-07-22 14:46:56 · update #1
I didn't choose to be an atheist. I tried that whole Christianity thing, but I just didn't have the faith. I just can't believe in God, and it's not a choice. However, if I did have the "choice" to believe in Christianity, I still don't think I would.
2007-07-22 14:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by :) 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everything that we do is made from choice based upon our present state of awareness. We are not born a theists or an atheist. Our choices are influenced by our relationships with family, friends and our past experiences. I am neither an atheist nor religious, but I choose to have an open mind. I believe that having an open mind compliments the scientific background that I have and helps with creativity. I accept that any of my choices may be wrong, in my opinion, at a later time but I do not blame that on birth or anyone else. They are my own choices made at that particular time.
2007-07-23 07:11:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would like to think that I chose atheism, but to tell the truth... I simply couldn't believe the crap I was being fed. I didn't decide, "Ah, I will choose atheism so I don't have to believe this", I simply was unable to believe it.
This is a very interesting question and brings up some good points to ponder about the nature of free will, belief, and choice.
2007-07-22 21:41:15 · answer #3 · answered by Diminati 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think for most people it is, it's most people are raised and religious households. Most atheists convert away from some religion that their family brought them up with.
But at the same time, I couldn't make myself believe, honestly and truly, in any sort of religion or God even if my life depended on it. It just seems so completely laughable to me. So in a sense, there's no way I could be anything other than an atheist.
2007-07-22 21:34:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I became an atheist by looking critically at the evidence for gods and finding it non-existent. Believing in gods makes you a theist of some description, not believing makes you an atheist. I do not believe in gods therefore I am an atheist. It isn't a choice.
2007-07-22 21:34:30 · answer #5 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Becoming an atheist for me was more of an epiphany than a choice. When it finally hit me between the eyes that the truths I were looking for did not exist in religion, I knew that I was an atheist. The only choice was admitting it to myself and accepting that it was how I really felt.
atheist
The Atheist Bible, it could be said, has but one word: "THINK." - Emmett Fields
2007-07-22 21:45:53 · answer #6 · answered by AuroraDawn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We are ALL born with no knowledge of any kind of god. We are, if we are unlucky, gradually brainwashed over time by whatever society we are raised in. It does take a strong will to realize and admit the truth about reality as some of the religious controllers are very skilled in manipulation and scaremongering.
So people choose to to face reality and realize that there is no invisible flying god. Its a superstitious myth.
2007-07-22 21:39:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can. But don't be an atheist...Keep the Satan away from you and live in peace and love with whom you love.God everywhere !
2007-07-23 12:28:58 · answer #8 · answered by Mr.Happy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't start my path to atheism by consciously choosing to be an atheist. But I did start it by wanting to know the truth about reality.
2007-07-22 22:16:11 · answer #9 · answered by Jim L 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ssssasssayy!
2007-07-22 21:34:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋