Simple, atheistic arguments for respecting faith?

Question

I am an atheist. But I am respectful of faith, and I understand that faith is a different type of thought with different aims than scientific thought, and I can respect it while at the same time disagreeing with it for logical reasons.

But I'm growing increasingly frustrated with this new brand of militant, self-righteous atheist who is convinced that people of faith are all morons who simply need to be exposed to their wisdom; people who see themselves as superior to religious (and otherwise faithful) people simply because they're atheistic.

I, of course, have reasons for respecting faith, but they require an attention span to communicate (they have to do with analogies to common, non-religious types of faiths and well-known scientific religious geniuses who were religious), but I'd like a quick, easy-to-understand explanation of how one can be religious and still respect and value faith; something that these arrogant, bigoted types of atheists are capable of digesting.

Anyone?

This volume of comments in this short time was certainly interesting to read through!

First, while I appreciate your intentions, I have to say that my experience with the growing trend of atheist bigotry comes from ordinary social interactions, not strictly online forums (I'm fairly new to YA!), though I have certainly seen it exhibited here.

Atheistic bigotry is no different than any other type of bigotry; it doesn't make itself prominent in most polite company, but it rears its head when people are convinced that members of the hated group aren't within shouting distance.

I work in physics (quantum and particle), and most of my experience with blanket accusations of stupidity of all religious people come from occasional gatherings of a small (but not insignificant) proportion of my colleagues. I assure you the problem is quite real, which is why I'm attempting to find good ways to discuss it.

I should also note, with some irony, that the very people who are attempting to convince me of the impossibility of atheistic bigotry have the honor of being the very first people to accuse me, online or otherwise, of NOT being an atheist! I have to say, I wasn't expecting that one.

All I can say to that is that I assure you that I have entertained nothing remotely resembling a religious faith for my entire life, and continue to find the idea of substituting superstition in the place of gaps in our knowledge to be logically undesirable.

I do hope, however, that the people who do so are capable of grasping the irony of insisting that, if I respect religious people and disrespect bigots even when said bigots share my conclusions on theism that I must be lying about being an atheist, while simultaneously denying that atheists can be bigots about their atheism.

I should also note, for any who may be confused, that I am not saying that ALL atheists are arrogant, bigoted, and incapable of respecting religious people (as that would include myself, at the very least); I am simply complaining about those who ARE, and looking for effective ways of illustrating my point of view to such people.

Answer 1

I am very much in sympathy with your views; I also am an Atheist who is respectful of religious faith. Here is how I articulate it:

The investment of one's personal ideals can take many forms, and for some that investment is faith. By faith, I mean that investment of personal security in something beyond scientific reason and identifying with the same. For many people, this identification takes the form of religion.

Religion is much more than people give it credit for. It carries the weight and security of tradition and often the identifying cultural imprint is very important to its believers. So much of the self comes to be identified through the religious imprint that this is more than a simple exercise of belief--the faith becomes the person's identification and expression of their values. Such is actually a very comforting framework for people to view their selves, and to measure and validate their lives.

With this in mind, faith can be seen as a remarkable tool that allows many to identify quality in their lives and to house respect for themselves. Their culture, social life, hopes for the future, security in the present--all may be expressed within the confines of religious faith. This tool is not something to be dismissed, but accorded respect.

Also, so many people have no other tools with which to measure and validate their lives, and religion is the one great equalizer our society allows. It affords respect regardless of background, regardless of education, regardless of experience. It is an open invitation and validates all who shelter within it. As long as this shelter remains positive and is expressed in a positive manner, I, as an Atheist, have no problem with people investing in faith, and wish them the best in their journey in life.

I hope I have answered your question in a somewhat coherent fashion, and appreciate your asking of it. An excellent, thought-provoking question, my friend.

Answer 2

I care not if one is of a religon or not of a religion what irks me is when a person has no faith or believe in anything (I am perfectly fine with someone who has a strong believe that there is no God) I also get really annoyed how people seem all so eager to shoot down others who have believes or say something which another doesn't agree with. I was born Catholic and I think there is a God, but I also have a deck of Shaman oracle cards and I believe in a thing called magic. Being able to have faith or respect faith proves that someone has evolved past the primates we started as.

Answer 3

I have a problem with your logic.
I don't understand why an atheist would ask such a question and add "but they require an attention span to communicate". This seems rather insulting to me.
Your Q&A is private, and your "best answer" quota is 45% at only 500+ points. Methinks you may be creating your very own conundrum...

blessings :)

EDIT: thank you for the added details. I understand you much clearer now. :)
It sounds like you are in exactly the same boat as those of us who believe in God are, at times when religious fundimentalism on this board and elsewhere becomes vicious. As a person of faith in Jesus Christ, I have the right to call them out for it... (believers that is... I have no right to judge non believers). I suppose your only recourse is along the same lines.
If you run across a fellow atheist with whom you disagree with their overt bigotry, call them out.

As well, please allow me a bit of explaination for the above mentioned points / best answer quota. Since you are new here, you may or may not have noticed that many people are skeptical of newer accounts in that there are many report trolls around. These people take great delight in targeting and reporting accounts of those they do not like. (nothing at all to do with content, only that they are not liked). Many of us have had accounts deleted for no less reason, and are therefore wary.
Please accept my apology for the comment. I look forward to seeing more of your questions on the board.

blessings (number 2... ) ;)

Answer 4

It's really hard to get an on topic answer from an atheist here tonight, belive me I've tried. Where is SuperAtheist when you need 'em? Appreciate your higher level of consciousness.


Additionally, Guns, I think you can have respect for different types of faith (religious, scientific) without respecting the fundies of the fundies of that faith.

JP, c'mon, I never disrespected you! lol

Answer 5

Um...well, I guess a short-handed way of saying it is...we're all people, we all have a brain (even if some do not use it) we all have beating hearts, blood flows through our veins...we're all human, so we must respect one another, disagree, of course, but respect.

Other than that, I've never met an atheist like that outside of R&S but most of the time they're usually just blowing off steam, nothing too serious.

Hope this helps! ^_^

Answer 6

There is no blanket statement for simply respecting faith.
There is no good reason to respect all faiths.
Why should I respect the faith of someone who flies airplanes into buildings?
Or someone who blows up abortion clinics?
These are acts of faith as well as terror, and they do not deserve any respect.
How about when a faith denies homosexuals the right to marriage and legal benefits? Should I just respect that and tell gay people that it's just too bad they can't marry?
You should know better than this.

Edit: lifeilluminate - the question didn't ask about exceptions. It asked about respecting all faiths. My point is, all faiths don't deserve respect. I just pointed out a few egregious examples.

Answer 7

Oh great, you made me fall out of my chair. I think you are made up of the right DNA.

Many worldly blessings to you.

Darn, now I have to be nice to atheists for a while.

Edit:

What christian would start off a post with "I am an atheist"? I sure wouldn't.

Answer 8

This is a problem. I just see it as a back lash for years of getting it from Christians. But some of us have to break the cycle. I hope they mellow with age. (both groups)

Oh my god, Your right! I've never seen one either! I've just heard about them, and I'm an atheist!

Answer 9

I respect someone's faith equally as much as I respect their political opinion or their favorite sports team. I don't believe that the idea of religion should be put on a higher level than other ideological ideas because religion itself is an idealogical concept and thus equal to all others.

Answer 10

"Something that these arrogant bigoted type of atheists are capable of digesting". Well, the first thing I would suggest you do is lighten up and then tell the truth. You are no Atheist and never have been. Your question is full of hate.