Why are there so many Atheists in the RELGION and SPIRITUALITY section? I thought they believed in neither.?

Question

I read that the true Atheist was one that respects another's religion. One that keeps his own doubts about religion to himself. One that doesn't try to pull people away from their God because they believe that they're way better. Can't we all have different ways?? They don't believe in religion or spirituality, so why are they even here?? I'm not trying to sound mean, i'm just curious as to why they would discuss a religion they don't believe in?

I apologize. I did not know that this question was so popular on this board. I don't spend enough of my precious time on Yahoo Answers to know this, and I, once again, apologize. Please no more insulting answers, i was just curious!

By the way, I got my info on Atheists from a book I stumbled upon. I can't recall the name of that book though.

Oh no no! I'm not against Atheism at all! Some of my good friends are Atheists. :)

Answer 1

I wish I knew. They need to split it into two sections I think, a pro-religion and an anti-religion section.

I'm tired of debating God with Atheists, when discussing conceptions of the Infinite with Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Shintoists would be MUCH more interesting.

All the Atheists can contribute is "Does not!" which gets old after a while.

Answer 2

I hang out here in hope that I can educate just ONE believer to the facts of reality. We need to keep an eye on what believers are thinking and doing, so they don't continue to operate as if they own the country.

Yes, we can have different ways. I LOVE that this country allows and encourages that. I want to make sure it stays that way by disallowing religious folk from passing laws based on their beliefs (give me one reason OTHER than religion for banning stem cell research, abortion and gay marriage).

We discuss religion because most of us are very well-read on the subject. You'll find that the majority of atheists are atheists due to research and soul-searching the truth as they know it. I can quote chapter and verse of the bible, right along with any given Christian... and usually BETTER than a Christian.

Answer 3

Because Atheism is a point of view in and of itself- yes, there are some who get downright offensive, but the rest of us just want to put our point of view across and listen to others- it's an enjoyable thing to do.
A true athiest derives their opinion from logic and rational thought, and a rational person always seeks out opposing points of view, and appreciates that they themselves could be wrong. For all I know theres someone out there with an argument for the existence of god I've never heard that could change my whole perspective, and I'd hate to think I'd miss it through narrow mindedness
Beyond academics, there are many religious institutions that wish to take an active role in politics and the morality of everyone, institutions that do not, or cannot recognise the views of others. These concern me greatly and I feel it's important to challenge them.
In our defence, when was the last time you heard of a door to door athiest?

Answer 4

Have a vodka, honey.

This question is asked every day.

I do respect tolerance in government and think everyone should have freedom to believe as they choose. I keep my views private around my friends. But I also uphold the free right to debate. Sometimes religion has negative implications for society and the development of science. Would you discuss Islam if you were not Islamic? What if some adherents of the religion were killing Christians or trying to legislate based on Shariah law?

Debate is helpful and relevant to everyone who participates.

Answer 5

Aww I was about to rip you to shreds... you must be at least the 4 millionth person the ask this question. As a pagan, it sometimes gets really annoying to watch the back-and-forth Christians vs atheists battle that goes on 24/7. But I guess it's okay if you aren't familiar with R&S.

Answer 6

Atheists don't believe in religion, but they can absolutly be spiritual. Spirituality doesn't have anything to do with god. And just because someone doesn't believe in something doesn't mean we can't be interested in it. I don't believe in Zeus or the other Greek gods, but I sure do love learning about Greek mythology.

And this question has been asked about a million times already.
*drink*

~~EDIT~~
I like how you patronize people and then ask them to stop giving you rude answers.

Answer 7

What you've read is wrong. A atheist is simply one who has no belief in any god or gods.

The "respect" and "withholding doubts" may be applicable to some, but not all atheists.

Finally, are you suggesting that non-believers have no right to discuss religion?

Answer 8

A "true" atheist is someone who lacks belief in a god or gods. Beyond that, there's really no cohesive set of characteristics that binds us together.

And you're right, I'm not a religious or spiritual person, but religion and spirituality effect my lives. Dogmatic people are even this day making decisions based on their irrational religious faith that will effect the laws I must obey.

Answer 9

Because it is very interesting. If we didn't care about either then we wouldn't come here. It is the same reason why people like to go to the NASCAR section. Have you ever been interested in Greek mythology? You do not have to believe in mount Olympus in order to appreciate the beauty of it. Oh, and people don't "believe" in spirituality. It is a state of being that does not rely on religion.

"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."

You would be amazed at how many atheists answer the questions with facts and information. In many of my answers you can't even tell that I am agnostic.

Answer 10

That's got to be the tenth post today about the same thing. Listen R&S doesn't belong to anybody. Just because we don't believe in God does not mean we can't discuss religion. Why is it that you hate us so much, where is the love thy' enemy mentality I hear so much about.