Why are atheists in this section?

Question

I just thought I'd get all the atheists' attention real quick. :)

(For those of you that don't know me... yes, I know why we atheists are here.)

But obviously a LOT of "believers" can't fathom this, seeing as how this question is asked dozens of times each day.

Wouldn't you agree that if so many "believers" are so completely unfamiliar with atheists and our reasons for being upset with religion, then we have a RESPONSIBILITY to ourselves and our peers to be more proactive in getting the word out?

It seems to me that the majority of people that hate non-believers do so simply because they know nothing about us other than what the church has told them.

And let's face it, the church tells them we are hateful, wicked people, that are possibly possessed by demons.

We need to remedy that quickly, if you ask me...

Answer 1

Thank you! I bet if you asked the average church goer how many atheists they know they would say none. My husband used to work at a camera store. A pair of nuns came in regularly and they would chat. One day he said "Ladies, I wanted to let you know that I am an atheist". The nuns recoiled and then caught themselves. He told them he wanted them to know that atheists are nice people, not devils with horns and tails. They agreed and still got along fine with him. Maybe we all need to do this.

Answer 2

I have a couple of atheistic points:

1. Beliefs can never be changed with an "in-your-face" approach. Extremists in any religion will never understand that. NEVER! I've debated this and other questions over and over and I find I just am wasting my time. Is there a god? I don't know. I tend to think not, but if faith makes you a happier person, more comfortable with your culture and ability to cope, than go for it!

2. Since it's obvious by the responses that many writers have never heard of atheists, it should be obvious that they don't hate atheists either. So maybe part of that is coming from your observations of the far Fundamentalist right. They hate everybody except who they say is OK. They persist in bringing religious comments into any conversation or situation. They won't change.

3. Reglious dogma is so ingrained in so many people that an atheist must be careful to whom he reveals his/her atheism. Those "joyous" individuals who have just found god, or are ecstatic with the idea that "god is watching" will inevitably want to tell you about their joy. They think they are doing you a favor. Get used to it. It hasn't changed in centuries. Arguing fundamental points only stirs their enthusiam.

4. They are blinded by their faith. Benjamin Franklin said it first: "To follow by faith alone is to follow blindly." (Or similar words. I don't quote things verbatim very well. I also don't quote lengthy sacredt scripture of any kind.)

I can say I really don't hate anyone. There are those I dislike, but not hate. Hate is such a strong word. Ironically, those who seem to hate groups dissimilar to themselves, were originally told to "love one another."

They don't even see that as a problem either.

A young man carrying a bible came to my door the other day. He practically pushed the bible in my face. I just told him I'm happy living the way I do with my own ideas of god and that I really did not want to discuss it now. Then I gently say, "Good bye," and slowly shut the door.

I didn't have to argue. The young man now knows not to bother with me. And, most of all, I'm happy. I did not challenge his belief system. In a sense, I gave him permission to keep doing what he's doing------just not at my house.

So, relax. There is no point in wasting YOUR energy over those who will never change their minds.

Answer 3

Yes, you are...you should join your voice to the many theists who have already requested that atheists get their own section. ***** There are NOT 150 major religions...there are 22, listed below along with their # of adherents...and that generously includes the atheists and other non-religious (who are not such a minority as they pretend). Christianity: 2.1 billion Islam: 1.3 billion Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion Hinduism: 900 million Chinese traditional religion: 394 million Buddhism: 376 million primal-indigenous: 300 million African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million Sikhism: 23 million Juche: 19 million Spiritism: 15 million Judaism: 14 million Baha'i: 7 million Jainism: 4.2 million Shinto: 4 million Cao Dai: 4 million Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million Tenrikyo: 2 million Neo-Paganism: 1 million Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand Rastafarianism: 600 thousand Scientology: 500 thousand

Answer 4

Hi Captain,
I am also an atheist, I just spell it with a space between the "a" and the "th" = a theist. : )

I had never met atheists until I joined Y!A and was surprised at the viciousness of both "believers" and atheists on this forum.

Over the past six months I have met some nice atheists and enjoy debating with them in an environment of mutual respect. It has broadened my horizon tremendously... and, believe it or not... even strengthened and deepened my faith in Jesus.

BTW, I am still praying for you.

Answer 5

The church has never told me that about atheists. I've never heard another Christian, in person, say that. On here, yes I've heard that.... But no one I knew personally ever said that.

Answer 6

I was thinking of asking this question myself, and then I found yours! I am not going to make any judgements against your atheism here.

My question and point is, if you truly believe in nothing spiritual, supernatural, no power in the universe bigger than yourself, nor any religion (regardless of which one) then you believe in NO religion whatsoever; therefore why are you in the religion and spirituality section? It doesn't make sense. You don't believe in the premise of any of the discussions in this section, so why are you here?

Answer 7

No church I have ever attended has told me that atheists are hateful etc.

With that small exception - yeah. I think you're right.

Answer 8

Pope Benedict XVI has clearly showed his hate of the non-believers.

Answer 9

We're here to raise the signal to noise ratio.

Answer 10

i know yall are hateful, wicked people. well.... except for my ex boyfriend and that is a whole different story!

i love all my atheist friends & contacts!