What do you think of this quote?

Question

“Atheism is the height of arrogance: For an atheist to deny the spiritual experience of others is like a blind man telling me I can’t see colours.”

Ozzi - email me I'll give you the details.

Answer 1

Interesting. Atheists are, in actuality, denying the reality of your own spirituality by stating that the Spirit of God does not, can not, and never did exist.
But that only addresses the height of arrogance toward man. There is also the issue of whether or not that arrogance extends toward the God they deny.
At least blind men have the good sense to admit there are things in life they have not experienced.

Answer 2

It has very little meaning as it could be applied to anyone. You could change atheism to any religion and specify the religion of who is having the spiritual experience and it would still make perfect sense.

For example:
Christianity is the height of arrogance: For a Christian to deny the spiritual experience of a Muslim is like a blind man telling me I can't see colours.

Answer 3

Although atheist might have deny any spiritual experience of others, that doesn't mean that they are arrogance. This is because they are still human, a sentient being by which all are seeking for some comfort of life and do not want any form of problems or suffering, both mental and physical. Instead of relying on other source for them to feel the happiness that they are after, they rely upon themselves and it is their own effort that counts. I believe that all spiritual experience do not impose by some external source but rely upon one's own effort to strive to become a better human being and eventually gain that spiritual experience. All religion in the world teaches people how to live a better life and to become a better person. This is no different to Atheist. They also want to be a better person and have a better live, but their pursue of happiness that rely upon their own effort doesn't mean that they are arrogant. To live happy comfortable life and depart from all forms of suffering is the right of all living beings, even an ant has the same right.
Both atheists and non-atheists respond to two things. Love and Compassion. The attitude of altruism doesn't only exist within the realm of religion, but also non religious people. If you show kindness to a stray dog, although in the beginning it might be hostile but as time goes by it will be kind to you too. If a dog can be kind to those who are kind to it, what's that to say about human? You don't need religion to learn and show kindness, love and compassion because this is the essence of all sentient beings.
In conclusion, antheist is the same as religious people who do experience good and have to right to live a happy life. For religious people, we call it spiritual experience, but the same experience for the atheist is call own's effort to make a good life. So, labelling or thinking that atheism is the height of arrogance, i think is not correct.

Answer 4

Atheists are not so arrogant to TELL others that god does not exist. For me, it is a very personal experience.

ADDITIONAL INFO for cleopatra:

I've always been an atheist. People ask what would convince me that there is a god. I'm not sure, but certainly open to any tangible evidence. However, the answer to whether or not god exists is unimportant to me.

Please don't quote me bible passages as evidence. Remember, this is my standard of proof, not yours. However, if proof were provided that convinced me god exists, I would change absolutely nothing in my life or my behavior.

I ask you the counter question: If evidence were provided that convinced you god does not exist (evidence according to your standards of proof), what would you change in your life?

Would you stop evangelizing?

Would you start sinning more?

Would you stop helping those less fortunate than you?

Would you feel that life is meaningless?

People can commit good deeds and attempt to avoid causing harm to others without belief in god. I never claim that god is on the side of America when discussing politics. God does not take sides, does he?

SO...why do you believe in god? I like to live a purposeful life and certainly would not do something if there was no purpose or pleasure. So if god does not exist, what would be the point in believing? Turn that around and so assuming god exists, what's the point? How do you use that knowledge in your life? Do you use that knowledge to affect positive change in the world? Is it not possible to follow the Golden Rule, do good deeds, and affect positive change in the world without believing in god? Please don't quote John 3:16 that ONLY believers enter heaven as that sounds like belief is motivated in some selfish personal reward.

I have no vested interest in god's existence. I do not see existence of heaven or hell as a reward or punishment. If you believe in god because you want to enter the pearly gates or wish to avoid the fires of hell, that seems rather selfish. Isn't the whole purpose of religious belief so you can become a better person?

Answer 5

I don't know any atheits who have denied the spiritual experience of others.

I actually think it's the height of arrogance and ignorance to suggest that that is what atheists do.

Answer 6

I dont believe i have seen any Atheist try to deny someone else their experience
they dont believe .... but that is it
so no I dont agree with the quote

edit
I do agree with Ian down there
I think it is more arrogant for someone who has spiritual experiences , to deny the experiences of others

Answer 7

I think its a daft quote.I don't think atheists are particularly arrogant , It all depends on whether they force their views down other peoples throats.I don't think blind people go around telling people that they cant see colours, that's just silly .You can see colours because they exist , you cant see god because he doesn't exist, if he did , then someone would have seen him by now.

Answer 8

We all know religion is the biggets farce ever. Don't argue with spiritualists, let them dwell in their ignorance.

If you insist on arguing, read Michel Onfray's book called "Atheist Manifesto". That'll get you some great arguments.

Answer 9

I don't see the parallels. I think blind people see things differently than the sighted. Maybe they have their own colors.

Answer 10

I think that it is pretty damn stupid and relies on a false analagy.

Atheists do not deny your spiritual experience - they deny that it is part of God rather than part of your head.

Pah.