Do atheists ever appeal to emotions when arguing?

Question

Christians have "He died for you, can't you at least believe in him?" and "You only think you're happy, but real joy comes from knowing Jesus."

How could an atheist utilize this tactic?

((not that we should, just a hypothetical))

Answer 1

I don't. But I do recall a line from Blood, Sweat & Tears: "I could swear there ain't no heaven and I pray there ain't no hell. But I'll never know by living, only my dying will tell. . . . All I ask of living is to have no chains on me, and all I ask of dying is to go naturally."

That's not exactly an emotional argument for atheism, but it's the closest I come.

Answer 2

What's to be emotional about..When you know the truth a fairy tale is just a fairy tale.

Ck out this
http://zeitgeistmovie.com/

http://www.religionislies.com/whyjesusneverexisted.html



add on
The teaching of Jesus was originally thought to be a way of life. Then Paul started pushing the Deity part. You see he saw a burning bush. However this was him trying to convince other churches that existed at the time, these churches were more family sized (5 to 10) than the large gatherings we see today. Then 50 to 100 years later the Gospels were written. Based on stories repeated, though these stories were intermingled with fabled deities from other lands (Mithraism, Attis of Phrygia, Cybele, and others), they may have even been pages of Paul. They used name of apostles and great storytellers of the time. And beliefs evolved and changed.
At the Council of Nicea around 325ce, 300 or more ministers and teachers gathered and formed the Catholic Church basics.
This is why we believe the way we do today.

Answer 3

That's the great thing about atheism. There is no emotional blackmail used or needed. No guilt to be had. Just freedom from religion and an abundance of knowledge to be discovered!

If we needed to start using this tactic then it would be time to rethink our position. ☺

Answer 4

I go with the "God is a murderer" line not entirely as an appeal to emotion, but because it's kind of fun to watch people defend murder.

So it has an emotional appeal to me - I'm entertained.

Answer 5

I actually think we should, since our logical arguments are going over their heads. Seems to work better when you talk emotionally. Perhaps we combine the two.

For instance, talk about why God asphyxiated babies in the flood, rather than how it's impossible to fit that many animals on any boat one man could build.

EDIT: Linz! Usually I google for 'em. I'll google "big teeth" or "weird dude" or something like that then use the image results. Or go to funpics.com, neatorama.com, etc.

Answer 6

truth and the search for truth cannot be purchased by emotional ploys. An atheist wouldn't use that ploy. An atheist is rational.

Answer 7

I appeal to the 10% raise and an extra day off each week, or rather, it appeals to me.

Answer 8

We speak the truth as far as science can reveal it. No emotion required.

Answer 9

Well, we might try to make others feel embarassed for not knowing enough about science.

edit: Jesus, MeatBot, where do you get your avatars?
edit2: Well, you do a consistent good job on them. :o)

Answer 10

I'm not sure. Its unnecessary - but maybe we should consider that route, since so many aren't convinced by evidence and rationality.