Atheists what do you object to more, belief in a higher power or the docterine that often comes with it?

Question

I know that Atheism only implies a disbelief or lack of belief in God(s) or a higher power.

Many people that use this site seem to be directly opposed to Theism in any sense.

To these people the question is:
Do you object to people believing in a higher power, or do you object to the institutions and docterine often surrounding these beliefs?
(This only applies to those that would like to see a world without religion)

Answer 1

Well, you really can't say much against the Deist position: a higher power that creates the universe and then goes away, or doesn't get involved for billions of years.

Yes, the biggest problems arise with those (individuals and institutions) which not only assert that a deity exists, but that they have extensive knowledge of (His Her Its) detailed character, intention and wishes.
And since divine wishes are paramount (there *is* a pecking-order or food-chain legitimacy to that), that these should be recognised and acted upon.
Historically, there has been much disagreement as to the true nature and rules of the divine entity, and also as to the degree of compulsion that is right in the promulagating and enforcing the latter.
Disagreement right up to the major war level.
(though I allow many conflicts had political or economic, origins, with religious difference only playing a part, or providing a "cover" for war).

Answer 2

I think that Zen pretty much answered your question when saying that you answered you own question, which means I'm also answering your question by telling your that someone else already told you that you answered your own question. I think. Welcome to the club of people who have decided to use logic and reason to determine the basis of reality. While I certainly don't begrudge anyone the right to their religious beliefs (personally, I'm an atheist/agnostic with a fairly decent pantheistic bent to my perception of the universe), I'm a much happier person since giving up the things that I used to believe simply because someone told me they were true, rather than having any basis in objective existence. Addendum: xingfiter: I'd really love to buy your magic beans, but, sorry, giant beanstalks only happen in fairy tales. Do you have any evidence to support your assertion that your god is real? You wouldn't believe me if I told you had a dragon in my garage, unless I showed you some really, *really* convincing evidence, and even then, would you still not be completely skeptical until you came and rode on it up into the sky yourself? Why should I believe your deity is real? Really, show me some evidence. I'm a scientist. I'll believe anything you can prove. I don't mind if you believe in God, but when you tell other people that they should too, you really need to have something to back your claims up. Addendum II: Return of the Addendum: About Jesus? I'm an atheist/agnostic/pantheist. I'm also a really big fan of Jesus Christ. For the most part, for his time, he was a really great guy, assuming all the stories in the New Testament are generally true. JC was a cool guy. I like him, I like his philosophies for the most part, and am a sincere admirer. Then again, there have been many other absolutely brilliant people. Leo DaVinci, John Lennon, Bill Hicks, George Carlin... but none of them were divine, any more than any of us are.

Answer 3

I object to the exclusionary tendencies of Religions. If one person has the Truth, they assume that others do not as well. The assumption that one knows "all I need to know" with this or that Holy Book or institution has been and will continue to be one of the most destructive forces in our history.

As per belief, I think that positing an existential "Other" that is somehow "different" or "better" than reality is quite harmful to society and a person. Such an understanding of a personal deity has and always will separate us from each other. It is the belief that somehow reality is something else, something after death or just around the corner, that this world is so terrible that the "Real" reality is somewhere else that has lead to some of the most brutal and chaotic ideologies known to man. The concept itself is a false one, and it is like a poison to the mind if (which, to be fair, it doesn't always) it shuts off inquiry into the nature of reality.

Just my thoughts.

Answer 4

I object to the doctrine and the institutions. I can't get my head around people believing what is to me, something so ridiculous as an all knowing, all seeing god. The bible is so full of contradictions and errors and yet believers won't accept it. I'm quite happy for others to believe if they want but when their beliefs infringe on the lives of others then I come out fighting. Faith should be private, it shouldn't be taught in schools and should have no place in government. If that was the case then I'd never come back to R&S. and leave the believers to enjoy their delusions.

Answer 5

My ONLY objection to religion is when it merges with the government, and religious doctrine becomes law, and is imposed on non believers, or believers in a different religion that that which is being the official religion .

Examples: In the past, some public schools MANDATED Christian prayer and bible reading. Violence was committed against CATHOLICS who objected to being FORCED to read from a Protestant bible. (Catholics use a slightly different version of the bible) Please note, the Catholics were not asking for the practice to be stopped, ONLY that Catholic students be excused from the practice. For this request, they were met with violence.

Right now, there are aggressive attempts in the military to convert military personell to evangelical Christians. Athiests are NOT the only target. Catholics and Jews are being victimized in the military for their faith. Wiccans had to fight for 10 years for the right to put a pentagram on the graves of their fallen soldiers, while Christians have enjoyed a wide array of available symbols.

Some public schools have expelled students for wearing Pentagrams or Stars of David, while allowing Christian student to wear crosses.

Keep enforced Christianity out of the government, and I'll have no problem with what you personally believe. Don't use the government to tell me that the government (public schools) can force feed my kid Christianity, or tell me what I can and can't do on Sunday, etc.

Answer 6

Atheism is a lack of belief in gods, not necessarily a higher power. The sun for example is a higher power in the daytime.

I don't care what you believe but I do care when people try to force that belief on innocent little kids in public schools. Or when they try to push that belief through public laws.

If you want to push your beliefs on me, that is one thing I am an adult. But to push them on little kids in schools is just wrong.

Also I will fight any attempts to dumb down the public school system and completely reject Christian attempts to prohibit the teaching of known science.

Answer 7

I don't really object to either. What I do object to is the thought that morality or religious beliefs should be legislated and the trying to get "pseudo science" taught as an alternative to real science. The other minor thing about religion that bothers me is the willful ignorance that it seems to encourage.

Answer 8

I just object to people using 'faith' to discriminate, defame and slander those of other beliefs, genders, races, etc.

I also object to theocracy or state-sponsored religion.

Apart from that, people can believe that 42 sky fairies wnat them to whip themselves with a whip every second tuesday of the month for all I care.

Just keep the whips and the doctrine away from others.

Answer 9

Belief in a higher power is ok, if those who believe would only keep it to theirselves. The problem is that they decide that because they 'have god on their side' they get together and decide have the right to rule the world.

Answer 10

I am a theist without religion. I do not object to religion altogether but many of its practices. This is a very good question, one that I have been meaning to ask. I know you ask for atheists to answer but I thought I'd chime in anyway.

Peace:)