This was a response to an earlier question:
"atheists here that have not converted yet are only here for one reason, to learn more about God because they are fence sitters still not sure if they want to jump in. REAL atheists like I used to be would never hang out in a place such as this that is full of religion."
So do you think this accurately describes the Atheist on R&S?
Atheist and Theist alike are welcome to respond.
2007-09-24 05:10:33 · 45 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I purposely did not include the SOURCE of this quote, because this is not a place for bashing people. And if you know the source of this quote please do not mention it. Thank you
2007-09-24 05:13:07 · update #1
No, not a good summary of athiests.
If you're a conscientious athiest (or agnostic, as I am) then chances are that you wouldn't come to Yahoo Answers for information on the deeply spiritual. People who are opinionated enough to be having religious debates on Yahoo are obviously not a good source of religious inspiration, or of athiest logic.
I imagine a lot of athiests on here are asking questions for education or the sake of intelligent argument, or maybe out of curiosity, BUT -- if we wanted to be enlightened or convinced of a religion, we'd check with actual friends or peers who are members of the religion, or try reading about it from a real expert on the subject matter.
2007-09-24 05:14:34 · answer #1 · answered by BZR 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No, I do not think this is an accurate description of Atheists.
I am actually here for debate, entertainment and to possibly learn a thing or two about what makes others tick.
I am an ex-Christian, not a fence-sitter. I know all I need to about god.
This person sounds like he is either a.) lying about having been an atheist in the first place or b.) horribly misinformed on what Atheism really is. or c.) a poser.
What he is describing is more akin to Agnosticism.
2007-09-24 05:21:59 · answer #2 · answered by Willow 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I read that response to a question last week. I'm not sure if it was the same question or if that person is a troll who continues to post the same thing over and over. Either way, I read that post as well.
I think the statement was highly incorrect. That person seems highly arrogant in stating that "REAL atheists like I used to be would never hang out in a place such as this that is full of religion"...as if he was a member of some sort of elite club. I wonder this: If he was such a "real atheist", why did he convert to Christianity?
Since atheism is defined as lack of belief in supreme beings I am certain that we have many "real atheists" here on R&S, including myself.
2007-09-24 05:20:21 · answer #3 · answered by Christy ☪☮e✡is✝ 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
That's funny.
I have found that most that claim that they used to be an atheist never said it out loud. To date I've only found one that was openly saying they were an atheist that changed their mind. That means it is very rare. I bet that guys idea of a real atheist is someone who hasn't really though about it and probably doesn't even call them-self one. But that is just a guess.
But beyond that the only thing that makes someone an atheist is that they don't believe in any god. If they don't, they are "real" and if they do they aren't an atheist at all. If they aren't sure, they are an agnostic. There really aren't gradations here. It is absolutely black and white.
Someone who thinks that I am here because I am looking for god is just flat out wrong.
2007-09-24 05:24:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am an Atheist. For my own part, I'm not here to start arguments, not here to attack anyone's beliefs, and not here trying to learn about God.
I'm a curious person by nature, and I think it's interesting to see what people have to say. Just because I don't believe in God, doesn't mean that I can't have interesting discussions about religion and spirituality. Just because I don't belive in God doesn't mean that I'm not a spiritual person.
Anyone who would make a general statement about any religion or any group of people should think before doing so. I think it's great that the person who wrote this question has found something that he or she can have faith in, but that doesn't mean that the rest of us are looking.
2007-09-24 05:22:31 · answer #5 · answered by Rappel_Welch 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not sure what a 'real' atheist is. It's not as though there is an official group. It's simply the state we're all born in until someone is indoctrinated.
This is my fist day reading this part of YA although I've been a member for a while. I can say that on a normal day I don't think about religion at all unless it comes my way. For instance I was just reading an article about Scientology on CNN and was curious what might be said here about it. Otherwise I wouldn't have even thought about religion.
People are free to think whatever they want about me or why I posted here. But honestly no one here but me knows about me but me. Think whatever you like because I won't waste 1 second of my time worrying about it.
2007-09-24 05:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Demetri w 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Yawn. It's just another variaion on the "Atheists, why are you here" question that gets asked every single day.
Look at it this way: I'm not a musician, but I still love to discuss music. I've never played football, but I love watching it.
In other words, what is there about a lack of belief in supernatural beings that should prevent atheists from wanting to participate in the discussion here?
I find religion a fascinating subject, and I'm happy to offer up my opinion in a place that promotes a free exchange of ideas.
I'm not "looking" for anything. The same question could just as easily be asked of religious people who post here. Are *they* looking for something by being here? I doubt it.
BTW, it's "atheists." Plural.
2007-09-24 05:20:00 · answer #7 · answered by Cap'n Zeemboo 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It's frequently assumed by those that are unable to see opposing viewpoints any other reason for an atheist to be in R&S than "they must be here to learn about god". The fact is that religion is a fascinating subject, and we enjoy the debate. Some like myself, wish to show others the path I've taken and present it as food for thought.
2007-09-24 05:35:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
No, that doesn't accurately describe Atheists. No more than it would describe Christians if I were to say "They are here for one reason... to learn from us Pagans... because deep down inside they really want to become Pagans but are unsure of themselves"
It's a psychological tactic and only works on vulnerable people. I wouldn't say the Atheists in here are that vulnerable... if they were, I doubt they would be Atheists.
Pagan
2007-09-24 05:19:57 · answer #9 · answered by River 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
In reference to your opening premise, I'm sure the religionists would like to believe that.
I can't speak for the other atheists who come here, but I come for the entertainment value, to get an occasional chuckle, and to learn some things. I've had my apostasy reinforced countless times around here. Also, it's a lot of fun to occasionally tweak the noses of the self-righteous.
2007-09-24 05:23:35 · answer #10 · answered by link955 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋