If atheism prevailed, would mankind lose a certain sense of community?

Question

Most atheists will acknowledge that Christianity has a great sense of community. Christians will routinely get together at least once a week to commune, share ideas, etc.

Generally, atheists don't. Not with atheism as the tie that binds, anyway.

If atheism prevailed, would mankind lose a certain sense of community?

Answer 1

Atheists get together with others all the time just NOT AS ATHEISTS. We are actually less exclusive than the religious.

Answer 2

Well I think you really put your finger on a great truth. The bonds of fellowship between believers in many cases is stronger than blood family. Having that commonality with a fellow believer that has the same Holy Spirit as you is indescribable. That is certainly one of the many elements that sets our community apart from the secular.

Ill give you a great example. My truck had gotten broke into where I used to live. And I talked to the manager of our park and she simply told me to keep whatever I valued in my driveway (driveway only held one car, we had 3) and not park in the parking lot. When I suggested that we install security cameras, she just mocked me and told me that they didnt have the money. (they dont have $100-500 for a security camera but they have thousands to build a brand new shelter over our mailboxes?) Anyway, she then proceeded to invite me to the next neighborhood watch meetings they have as a community.

A. Why would I go to a meeting when Im disrespected up front and told that my input doesnt matter and that my needs arent important?

B. Why would I want to be a part of a community that doesnt love each other?

That is the way of the world. But Jesus said that the world would know us by our love we have for one another.

Answer 3

I agree that Christians can be a great support group for each other; but, they are just plain nasty to just about everyone else. And, even if all the world became Christian, I cannot help but note how many wars and battles have been fought between Christians who did not share the same brand of Christianity.

And BTW Atheists get together with other Atheists, as well as Christians, it is just that we do not congregate around a religious belief; but, rather perhaps a political one, or something we enjoy.

Answer 4

I et together with people I know all the time and I am an Atheist.

The only "community" that Christianity really presents is that hey we all worship the same god. Atheist all have the community of yay we trust science and reason. It may be more that its not pronounced as much in your area but being an atheist does not mean a loss of community.

Answer 5

With all due respect Deke, my first reaction is that this question is very American.

Many European countries have weak religious identities, but strong sense of community. Religion is just one way of filling that need. We have many others.

Consumerism (and the capitalism that drives it) is far more of a threat to community than atheism could possibly be.

Answer 6

Yes, we would loose the sense of community brought about by religious intolerance. We would loose the sense of community that prevents stem cell research and cures for people who are acutally alive and suffering. We would loose the sense of community that is brought about by religious extremism. We would loose that particular sense of community that totally opresses 10% of the world population known as homosexuals.

Answer 7

NO, you ridiculous ignorant religious fruitcake of a man..

Your "religious communities" have been the direct cause of untold bloodshed, as well as sitting around having cups of tea in the church courtyard.. Your ignorance and bias is truly shameful..

Religion does NOT have a monopoly on morals or community spirit, so spare us your childish perceptions and take a few steps outside of your religious bubble of ignorance for once..

Answer 8

scent,i does not choose to lose touch b/c i does not be waiting to experience something reliable, no orgasm or something like that. i could see, hear, and flavor. scent is powerful b/c you are able to scent while there's a gasoline leak or something yet i might perfer to stay without it if I had to decide for!

Answer 9

you mean like the community that christians and muslims have, or the jews, or even within the community? Id say with community like that, who needs it.

Answer 10

Yes, I think you're right about that.

I think that we might do best to encourage people to continue to believe, but to understand the role of faith in religious belief, so that non-believers were no longer stigmatized. It'd be a difficult transition, as much of the attraction of religious belief IS that stigmatizing of outsiders, but religion does offer enough that I think it could still sustain itself were the "dark side" eliminated.

On the other hand, if there were no longer any religious communities, people might well find other ways to build community. There already are numerous alternatives - people who share enthusiasm for sports (both spectator and participant), hobbies, kinds of travel, pets, and many other things.