better known as atheists,if you don't believe in anything then what gives you hope to live on and do stuff like all of us do if you have nothing do do it for, i work hard trying be good for my parents and i "believe" all of this i do is for God...what boosts you up to do things since you don't believe in anything?I hope you wont see my question as a thread i was just wondering...
2007-07-25 00:12:48 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
So, you work hard trying to be good for your parents and believe you do that for God. I work hard trying to be good for my parents and believe I'm doing that for my parents, because I am grateful for what they've done for me.
I guess I like my parents better than you like your parents.
And you are wrong about me not believing in anything. I believe in many things in life. I just don't happen to believe in your superstition.
As for what gives me hope, experience does. I have lived a fairly good life and have seen what's possible to do in this life. That gives me hope that I can reach my goals. And my goals have nothing to do with what I'm going to do when I'm dead. I don't buy a car in anticipation of how it's going to look in the junk yard.
2007-07-25 00:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
You know, I was actually going to give you credit for addressing us as "non-believers" because I have absolutely no problem with that title, but then you go onto say "better known as atheists" sheesh, you've got a lot of learning to do my friend. Atheism is only one ideology that doesn't believe in your faith.
But onto your question, what gives me hope and what do I live for? Well, firstly I live for myself and those who I love. If I were alone in this world, with no one that cared about me, I'd feel like dying, and I think that's true for everyone. What gives me hope? I have hope in the fact that I'm certain I have no idea what my existence actually entails. I like that I'm capable of admitting that I don't know the meaning of life. Christians have convinced themselves of one constrictive, boring reality. You people look at things so linearly. You're born, you live, you die, you go to place A or B and you stay there forever, the end. Um, thanks, but I'd rather have hope in unlimited possibility, and I don't see any need for there to be a king of existence involved within any of that.
I hope that gives you some idea of where a "non-believer" is coming from.
2007-07-28 16:56:59 · answer #2 · answered by Alex S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
since i was agnostic (usually leaning toward atheism) for most of my life, i'll answer this one...
i believed in lots of things before converting to christianity, just not in God. i believed in democracy, equality... most everything any american would believe in. hopefully you get the picture. you can believe in lots of things without believing in God.
when i was agnostic, i relied mostly on my friends and/or myself to cheer me up when i wasn't feeling well. atheists and agnostics turn to the same thing anyone else does. i read lots of philosophies on how to be happy and the like, and i'm thankful for that experience. i gained a lot. however, i didn't gain nearly as much being agnostic as i have being christian. i no longer rely on friends to ''cheer me up'' when i'm feeling down. to tell the truth, those times are few and far between these days. there's not much that can keep me down anymore. i don't need to talk my problems out with anyone. i can let go of stress much easier now. i had to make lots of personal sacrifices before i could have a relationship with our Lord, but has been very rewarding. however, it doesn't work for everyone. most (myself being one example) have been driven away by hellfire-and-brimstone-preaching christians and don't want to give it a try because of that.
anyway, i'm just meandering without having any real point. lol. have a good day.
2007-07-25 07:38:01 · answer #3 · answered by That Guy Drew 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I guess I just don't find the need to have my purpose defined for me. I find lots of things in life that give my life meaning and purpose. For me trying to make my environment, community, and world better is meaningful. I don't find the need for a God to motivate me to think this. After all I live in the world so why wouldn't I want it better, or want it better for my children, or like to think if I was in need other humans would be there for me? Why wouldn't I want to be a good parent so that my child who I love regardless of whether there is or isn't a God will grow up happy, healthy, and hopefully reach their full potential? Why would I want to not live and no longer participate in the many activities I find enjoyable like cooking, running, traveling, and SCUBA diving? I find the pleasure I get from living itself reason to get up in the morning.
2007-07-25 07:21:46 · answer #4 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to do it for !? just b/c i dont believe in the same god as you... doesn't mean I have nothing to live for.
We only believe in 1 less god then you.. there are 100s of religions .. and some claiming that *their god* is the rightful one.
I'm no atheist .. but i'm deff not Christian. They .. We believe in many different things.. just b/c we dont believe in what you believe .. doesn't mean we dont believe in anything.. i hope your faith has not blinded you from the many possibilities.
As to what i live for.. I live for my family .. my friends and neighbors .. future friends.. i live for spontanious conversations with strangers.. my travels and volunteer work .. pizza and ice cream.. i live for wake boarding .. future Thanksgivings and holloweens ..
as to what gives me hope and what boosts me up .. I dont take anything for granted.. I Appreciate all that I have.. for having such a loving family and friends.. for having food in my stomache every day.. and a roof over my head .. since not everyone in the world has this.. and for having my health.
Just b/c i appreciate these things..
doesn't mean it has to come from someone.. I'm not thanking someone (god) for those things.. its just luck..
The deff of appreciate is to grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of something.. to value or admire highly ( i know u didn't ask for that)
we turned out the way we are b/c of our parents..or whoever our caregiver was... for what they have done for themselves and us. we turned out the way we are b/c of our enviorment .. ourselves.. and our government.. that is what contributed to where u are today... and others who may have helped along the way
good luck
2007-07-25 08:57:24 · answer #5 · answered by nola_cajun 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What's most interesting is the way that you assume that you have to have a god in order to strive or work or do good at all.
Not true: you would be a good person - provided you're sane - without a divine reward.
And it's not a matter of 'not believing in anything' - just not believing in supernatural and imaginary things.
CD
2007-07-25 07:19:15 · answer #6 · answered by Super Atheist 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I'm in college to get a degree so I can go to law school and become a lawyer. I want to work for a hospital and practice medical law. I want a comfortable career so that I can have and support a family. And I want to live my life as happily as I can.
2007-07-25 12:23:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"if you don't believe in anything"
strike one: atheists don't believe in gods and that is all they collectively don't believe in.
"that gives you hope to live on and do stuff like all of us do if you have nothing do do it for"
since your first premise is wrong this one makes no sense, but think man. Do you really think you live your life for god? That would be really sad.
2007-07-25 07:18:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
I'm pretty sure this gets asked a lot, and I've answered it a few times, and the answer is basically because I like living and I enjoy doing the things I do.
2007-07-25 07:18:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i believe in myself first and foremost--
i do good things for myself and my loved ones
i have no alterior motives of being rewwarded with something other than my fellow human beings love
i do not need to feel special in a religious way--i am special because i am here
i do not need a promise of everlasting life--one life is plenty for me..........i do not live my life wondering what will happen when i die--i live for today only
2007-07-25 12:03:54 · answer #10 · answered by slopoke6968 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋