Why are there so many "atheists" in a category called "religion and spirituality"?
Is "Atheism" a religion?
Is it "spiritual"?
Hmmmmmm...
RM
2007-10-03 14:48:07 · 27 answers · asked by A.L.M. 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Talk about "predictable"...jeez...
Just amazing how many answers are actually "non" answers.
Thanks for facilitating my experiment!
RM
2007-10-03 14:58:03 · update #1
why does that senator like water closets so much?
2007-10-03 14:53:59 · answer #1 · answered by Mirko 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have seen this question so many times, I now have a saved copy of the answer I give on my computer. Please read it, and I think you will then understand why I, an atheist, am in this forum!
Religion has a big influence on my life in the real world. I live in a city where there is a diverse range of cultures and beliefs which has a massive impact on me.
In some areas I am greeted with curses or being spat at because one extremist group thinks I dress like a whore (which I don't).
In other areas of the city, people of another religion whisper and point because they don't like the man I'm with.
A few blocks away a girl stabbed her father and sister to death during a psychotic episode - she had schizophrenia and her Scientologist parents refused to allow her to take her medication.
I was raised in a cult, and that has left me with mental and emotional scars.
We have riots in this city over religion.
Not a single day goes by without some religion having an impact on my life. It is unavoidable. Rather ironic considering I am an atheist.
I come to R&S because I want to understand these religions, express my beliefs so others can understand them and warn people about the dangers of various cults.
It would be nice, if by walking away from my computer, I could avoid all the problems I mentioned earlier. But it doesn't work that way, so I meet it head on
Atheists can indeed be spiritual if they wish. Spirituality is not intrinsically linked to religion. The only must when it comes to being an atheist is that you don't believe in God/s...everything else is up to you. I am spiritual, I have spiritual beliefs which govern my day to day life. I believe that there are massive portions of our Universe that may not be able to be understood or explained purely through science. For me, spirituality encompasses my morals (yes atheists CAN have morals!), my relationships with others and life and all its mysteriousness in general.
So, sorry to anyone who takes offense to my being here, but this is a public forum and I have as much right as any Christian, Muslim, Jew, Pagan etc to be here.
2007-10-03 21:54:58 · answer #2 · answered by . 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Atheism's definition: a belief in no god. In what other forum would atheists discuss their beliefs or conclusions regarding a deity than in one whose subject is religion? Atheists have every right to voice their ideas and concepts related to a creative entity and organized religions as do those who profess to be theists. Atheist is the polarity of Theist, see? For the record, I am an irreverent agnostic, and feel that I am likewise entitled to state my opinions in this section which, you must admit, I would think, would be quite boring if the nonbelievers were to cease posting their intriguing views here!
2007-10-03 23:02:52 · answer #3 · answered by Lynci 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While I, myself, am not religious, so long as the majority of those around me are, religion will persist in having a huge impact on my life. I feel it is necessary that I learn about something that possesses such a great capacity to affect me.
I also hope that I can dispel many of the misconceptions that abound with regard to atheists while I am here.
Perhaps you could suggest a more appropriate section for atheists?
2007-10-03 21:54:22 · answer #4 · answered by Stormguarde 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you seriously think that everyone who answers a question in th Physics section has a PhD in Physics?
Some atheists are spiritual. Some Buddhists are atheists and Buddhism is certainly a religion.
2007-10-03 21:58:24 · answer #5 · answered by qxzqxzqxz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
religion - no
spiritual - can be, according to one's own beliefs.
The link below is for a Yahoo group for "Spiritual Atheists". It is not a religion, there no dogma of any sort whatsoever, just a collection of spiritually minded freethinkers who share their thoughts. I am a member myself.
2007-10-03 22:02:49 · answer #6 · answered by Boris Bumpley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ALM,
If you propose to inform others about your religion or spirituality, what better place than where those who have not "found a religion"? I personally appreciate the Atheists. Many of them have a great knowledge of the scriptures even though they are not "religious". I welcome the questions and their responses also. Have a nice week.
Thanks,
Eds
.
2007-10-03 21:52:37 · answer #7 · answered by Eds 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Why are atheists in R&S? How original.
http://answers.yahoo.com/search/search_result;_ylt=Ah2RaUys9ZvQzOeJRzeNX2_d7BR.;_ylv=3?p=why+are+atheists+in+R%26S
I have studied most of the world's religions. How many have you studied? Who has more right to be here answering questions about various religions and faiths? Tonight I have answered questions about the Protestant Reformation, Catholicism, Buddhism and a few on evolution.
And not believing in your God does not mean not being spiritual.
*Cheers*
2007-10-03 21:50:55 · answer #8 · answered by Pangloss (Ancora Imparo) AFA 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Atheism is not a religion though, atheists still have the right to show their concerns about religions and share their opinions.
2007-10-03 21:55:45 · answer #9 · answered by Wenjie Z 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I also visit the section on birds. Am I a bird? No. I am a birder (aka bird watcher) I have a keen interest in ornithology. I am also am interested in religion. It has a profound effect on our society. I guess I am a religion watcher, too.This are is for open discussion. I hope it always will be.
2007-10-03 21:53:59 · answer #10 · answered by in a handbasket 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Hang on while I check the answers in my profile! I must have a good one in there, due to the thousands of times I have answered this stupid question!
Here it is! "" Because anyone can answer queations inthis category! And because off freedom of speech!""
DRINK
2007-10-03 22:09:11 · answer #11 · answered by evictus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋