Why do so many atheists in this section seem to need a god?

Question

I've been visiting this R&S section for 1.5 years now. On and off. More off than on lately. I'm an atheist, with an outspoken opinion of my own.

In all the time I visited this section, I've constantly seen "atheistic gods". There has been a Mayor, a King, a Cookie Goddess, and I've probably missed a few atheists that have been worshipped like gods.

My main problem is that they actually are treated like gods. People thumb up any opinion the "atheist gods" have, no matter how ridiculous that opinion sometimes is.

I know it's all an innocent game. But yet, it annoys me a bit. When atheists start to act like sheeple and follow a leader, it gets harder and harder for the respectful atheist opinion to be heard.

Am I the only atheist who has the feeling that many non-atheists see atheists as a homogenous group because a group of atheists plays 'follow the leader' all the time?

Answer 1

No, you aren't the only one that feels like that. I find it very amusing myself. I don't get why people have to play follow the leader on of all places an internet forum. Its almost as if some people need a shepherd to lead them. Well, you know what happens to sheep in the end...they get sheared or roasted on an open fire. Depends on who is the shepherd. ;)

Answer 2

I've been here for about a year, I think, and I can't say I've ever seen anything like that. It has never occurred to me to think that anyone was an "atheistic god", and I've never given anyone a thumbs-up simply because of who they were. I've been a quite active participant in that time, as well.

I remember the "Mayor" thing, but not the other two you mention.

I also definitely do not see atheists here as a homogenous group. There are quite a few fairly sophisticated thinkers among us, but there are also those who seemed to have gotten as far as Biblical contradictions, and stopped thinking at that point. There are quite a few atheists here who were raised atheist, which I find surprising. There are atheists who claim to be able to prove that god doesn't exist. In responses to a recent question about why robots don't evolve, I was surprised to see that only one person besides myself recognized that the crucial factor is that they don't reproduce - many of the respondents - including atheists - seemed to think that what mattered was that they're not organic.

Since coming to this forum, I've learned that there is more variation among atheists than I'd thought.

That all being said, I think you're right to be concerned that we might idolize people. Atheists are obviously far less likely than religious believers to do that, but apparently some atheists are paradoxically prone to idol worship. The Marxist/Leninists, Maoists, and similar groups show that literal atheism does not necessarily prevent one from falling into that aspect of religion.

Answer 3

I'm a Christian but I've notice this too. But no I don't see you guys as a "homogenous" group at all.

I realize especially here - a wide variety of ages, beliefs and maturity levels.

Sometimes I get frustrated thinking atheists are always painting us with a very broad brush - "Brain-Washed", et al.

But that's all part of the game, the fun of posting out here.

But I am on my third account already - and I do think some of the more immature members (believers and unbelievers alike) are a little too trigger happy on the abuse reporting. I for one, have recommended to YA that only "LEVEL 7" members be allowed this privilege.

They were not moved.

Answer 4

Hello Markyyy,



I haven't seen you for a while. Then again I haven't been on here much myself. This is my first answer in Three weeks. As you have pointed out, it is mostly a tiresome game of tag with two sides playing.



The nature of our being and the source of our ethics are big questions. Sadly, they are often addressed by small people. This is particularly true here on R&S.



I have taken to writing a little on my blog, and more in a privet journal. It was useful coming here for a while. I learned a lot by having to answer questions that were challenging. Some clear headed souls like Lao Pu and Uncut Wood were of great help, but it is time for me to move on.



Be well, Herodotus

Answer 5

If a post (by an atheist) is witty (but not too offensive), or i agree with it, then i will thumb it up. If it is blatantly rude/offensive (to anyone), or i disagree with it (and this does happen) then i will thumb it down. Simple as that.

This isn't some 'game' is play. I use the 'thumbing' tool to add just a bit more of my own opinion to this forum.

And i don't really think there's anyone (atheists) whom we would "worship" on this forum. There are people we like/appreciate a lot, and people whom we look to for good answers. But no 'worship'.... well, not on my part anyway.

rAmen

- brought to you by Jedi Master SSej

Answer 6

I have no idea what you are talking about.

I can tell you this though. Atheists are not a homogeneous group. It is sometimes mentioned as the major factor in preventing us from getting together and yielding the kind of social and economic force that our numbers indicate we could; but, we just don't get together well because other than our disbelief in a God we have nothing in common.

Answer 7

Let me start off by saying that I haven't ever been included in the little "in-crowd" on R&S, and that's been fine by me.

What has bothered me, at times, is when I take the time to type out a well thought-out answer -- a serious answer -- and the ten points goes to a three-word response just because the answerer happens to be "popular".

I don't happen to be an atheist myself, but one thing I've always admired about the atheist friends I do have is their individuality and the way they embrace their own ideas. It does seem that atheists in this forum have to find someone to rally around, and I will agree with you that this leads to misrepresentation of atheism in general.

Answer 8

I see your point but I don't think I'd go so far as to use that "god" analogy. Just like with any large gathering of people, this group has a tendency to dissolve into cliques. And cliques tend to center around a particularly strong personality or two. Yeah, it's kind of annoying sometimes but it's human nature. I just don't take it seriously. I answer the questions that are interesting to me and ignore the high school BS.

Answer 9

You are fighting a losing battle. All people will serve something. Leaders will always arise and the majority of people will follow them. It doesn't matter if it is a religious leader, a political leader, or even just the leader of the playground. People are hardwired to follow leaders. It is a survival strategy. The thoughtful person carefully considers who to follow and what to listen to but the reality is, most people are followers and they always will be.

Answer 10

People by nature either lead, follow or blaze their own trail. I'm sure that "follow the atheist leader" can help support the theory that atheists are a uniform group, but it is not the genesis of it nor is it the prime force behind it.

Answer 11

It could, of course, be that people agree with those opinions offered. I'm not an atheist, but have certainly give my share of upward facing thumbs to the Mayor and others not because I think they need their atheiasses kissed but because I agreed with them. I've give you thumbs up for the same reason.