Atheists. Are you atheist or anti-theist or both?

Question

I know that atheists can be very "spiritual" people. I feel that I am spiritual, and, I am an atheist. But I have noticed that very many people on r/s who claim to be atheists are more in an attack mode than in an informational mode. I'm not saying that an attack mode is neccesarily a bad thing, when I started on r/s, I was a raging anti-theist, but, I am just wondering, are you an atheist, or an anti-theist? Or both?

Answer 1

You have observantly pointed out the differences between strong and weak atheism. I consider myself an atheist and an anti-theist but for differing reasons. I lack a belief in god, because I have been shown no evidence which convinces me otherwise. That is it, the bottom line so to speak. I do not lack a believe because I hate god or for any other reason. I am against the whole god and religion idea, because of all the problems and death it has caused throughout history, which we are bound to repeat if we do not realize our mistakes in allowing religion a place of high regard.. I feel that religion is a major stumbling block in the path of humanity, because religion and the idea of god that it stems from, seeks to stifle learning. It does this by substituting god, for any idea or situation that we do not understand, destroying the need to actually dig for the truth and then when science comes up with an answer which contradicts religion, the religious claim that we are to disregard this because it is heresy and against the word of god. This is why I am an anti-theist and I will continue to work towards the downfall of organized religion. It is perfectly fine if someone wants to be spiritual, but that should never be confused with reality.

Answer 2

Anti-Theist. Well, that's not fair. Not entirely Anti-Theist, because I believe it is still somewhat necessary. I think Theism should -gradually- be replaced by non-Biblical morals and ethics over time, as to not cause too much of a disaster in the transition. Much like evolution took a very long time to occur, I believe the same transition of slow replacement of belief in the supernatural, to understanding of the natural should take place, and obviously will take place.
I take a hard line against Theism because I do believe it should eventually be replaced, and thus may appear very anti-Theist.
In reality, though, I know that to quickly snatch God from the masses would lead to violence, insurrection, and mass casualties and a lot of theft. As somebody far important than me once said "Religion is the opiate of the masses," -- "it keeps the poor and the ignorant from attacking, murdering, and stealing from the wealthy and affluent."

Answer 3

Definitely atheist. Occasionally, I may be a little abrupt with others on R&S, but I am actually even more direct in person. I turn it down here because people can't read intonation.

There are a number of theists that participate here who are really good people and I have a lot of respect for them.

Answer 4

Both.I don't believe in god,period.I am also anti-theist because they come on here and flat out lie,constantly.I despise liars.I try to give info,they don't want info,that's why they steer clear of "science" section and post here.Many lies are not lies from ignorance,which is somewhat excusable.Instead,they are blatant,willing,lies.That is despicable.When people quit lying to spread their "truth"I will probably not be so anti theist.I have no problem with faith or spirituality,I have a problem with liars

Answer 5

In terms of god Atheist. With regards to organized religion anti-theist.

Answer 6

I am an atheist, and generally speaking I am not anti anyone.

Sometimes some people have such absurd or grossly bigoted views that I get annoyed and might come across as anti-theist, but if my answers are waspish it is because the question was unfair.

Answer 7

I'm an atheist. I don't mind if others are believers, especially if they think that it makes them a better person. I only ask 2 things of them - don't try to convert me, and don't expect anyone else but yourself to pay for your beliefs. That means special tax breaks just because you're a religion, or exemptions from certain laws (like zoning laws, for example), etc.

Answer 8

Have to echo - I'm anti-stupid.

Love it when somebody says that the atheist is 'narrow minded'. The irony is hilarious.

Answer 9

Both, absolutely. I'm shocked at the impact religion is having on science education, for example, and I'm done being passively critical of it.

Answer 10

You can't hate what doesn't exist.
God does not exist.

I can hate ignorance and stupidity.
That does exist copiously.