Aren't we already living in that reality? By your standards, the world has no God. We are all there is. What would you gain, by taking away religion?
If God is not part of the equation of life, I ask haven't we been living a life of atheism.
Who would dictate your lives better than the atheists who hide behind a puppet?
After all, are you ready to tell your children there is no heaven or hell?
That death keeps everything and we'll always be left with nothing.
Are you ready to tell them that all the success in the world means nothing, because it's all make-believe, just like the Bible?
I really want you to think hard. If you think religion is dead wrong.
What is life for? What are we suppose to be happy about, exactly? What life will be left?
Questioning the Bible is only the beginning, then we'll question the human mind / logic, human behavior, human value.
"God" is the key to our salvation. All which is good exists because that key is around. "Decisions"
2007-12-09 02:26:55 · 20 answers · asked by Adversity 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Atheism / Humanism is much more compassionate and ethical than Christianity anyways. We would lose absolutely nothing if all religions in the world suddenly disappeared.
2007-12-09 02:31:36 · answer #1 · answered by Бэлзeбот 2 · 12⤊ 1⤋
Picking a religion because you do not like the option is not a good reason for belief.
I am an atheist because I see no reason to believe that a god exists. This, as far as I can tell, is the reality of the universe. I would rather deal with an uncaring, but real, universe than create a delusion.
Theism/atheism is about the belief or non-belief in a deity. It is irrelevant as to whether that deity actually exists. The theist acts like their deity is real and that alters their actions and judgments. So you premise is wrong. If everyone was an atheist they would act in different ways than they do now and the world would be a different place.
We would gain the actions of people who know that their legacy is what they leave behind them on Earth. That they do not need to waste time and resources pleading to a non-existent deity for what they want or act in a limited way for something that will never happen.
I'm an atheist. What do you think I tell my kids? I tell them to do the best in this life, because there is no second time around, no second chance. I tell them that when they die they are gone. How they are remembered is on what they did and what they left behind. I ask them how they want to be remembered.
For the universe as a whole the success of this world means very little. But for the people on it it means quite a bit. Why is that not enough? This is not make believe, it is real. It is here, it is now. I plan to try and arrange it so it will be there for my kids tomorrow.
Why do you need god to be happy. I do not see god in sunsets, the smiles of children or hear him in their laughter. But that does not mean that I do not see beauty in these things. That is enough for me.
Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?
- Douglas Adams
We should question EVERYTHING - the human mind, logic, human behavior, values. We keep what we think is good and change what we think is bad. What is wrong with that? You want to keep bad things? Remember the bible says to stone to death disobedient kids. It also condones slavery. Is that what you think too?
Our 'salvation' lies in our hands, and our hands only. There is no sky daddy that will come down and save us when we mess up the world. So WE have to get it right, and we only get one shot.
If your god exists, then he made all that is good. Sure, but don't forget the rest. He also made all that is evil. All the suffering, death, destruction, is his too. The killing light of an atom bomb, the crying of a baby as it dies of malnutrition, the blank eyes of a child blinded by onchocerciasis, these are all gods works too.
So, A harsh reality, or a warm and fuzzy delusion.
Decisions, decisions.
I will take the reality. What will you decide?
2007-12-09 03:02:54 · answer #2 · answered by Simon T 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
"Aren't we already living in [a world dictated by atheists]?"
No. The United States has never had a president who was not Christian.
"What would you gain, by taking away religion?"
Nothing; people should be free to believe whatever. I do gain a lot by protecting the separation of Church and State, however; unfortunately, a lot of politicians aren't aware of that part of our legislature.
"If God is not part of the equation of life, I ask haven't we been living a life of atheism."
No, because to be an atheist you cannot believe in God or gods, and many people do.
"Who would dictate your lives better than the atheists who hide behind a puppet?"
Don't understand this question. Say what?
"After all, are you ready to tell your children there is no heaven or hell?"
I'd rather tell my child that than say, "Oh, and by the way, if you do anything the slightest bit wrong you're going to BURN AND BE TORTURED TO DEATH FOR ETERNITY!"
"That death keeps everything and we'll always be left with nothing."
Death is an end to life, but when you're dead, you're no longer in existence so it doesn't matter anymore. That's why you should take full advantage of your life and be happy, not spend your entire lifespan agonizing about being perfect on the minuscule chance that you will experience eternal bliss afterwards.
"Are you ready to tell them that all the success in the world means nothing, because it's all make-believe, just like the Bible?"
I don't believe in success, I believe in happiness. If being successful makes my child fulfilled, then so much the better. Success, however, /is/ a social construct.
"I really want you to think hard. If you think religion is dead wrong."
I think that religion is incorrect, but I think that everyone is entitled to his or her own beliefs so long as these beliefs make her or him happy with his or her life.
"What is life for?"
I'm no philosopher.
"What are we suppose to be happy about, exactly?"
Whatever makes you happy. Personally, I'm a fan of writing and psychotherapy.
"What life will be left?"
Beg your pardon?
"Questioning the Bible is only the beginning, then we'll question the human mind / logic, human behavior, human value."
The Bible is just a book. If you want to believe the contents, fine, but that's like saying "Questioning Lord of the Rings is only the beginning..." I mean, come on, anyone can write anything; that doesn't make it true. The human brain can be observed, by the way =]
2007-12-09 02:40:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
"Calling all atheists, would you really want to live in a world dictated by atheists?"
It would be a plesant change from the insanity of theists.
"Aren't we already living in that reality? By your standards, the world has no God. We are all there is. What would you gain, by taking away religion?"
Who says we are all there is? That is your empty supposition. We would gain common sense, reason, and sanity, not to mention we would lose many of the evils put forward in the name of religion. Are you blind?
"If God is not part of the equation of life, I ask haven't we been living a life of atheism. "
Have you?
"Who would dictate your lives better than the atheists who hide behind a puppet?"
There is nothing inherent in atheism that would "dictate" my life. You sound as if you are afraid of reality and would rather hide behind your imaginary friend.
"After all, are you ready to tell your children there is no heaven or hell? "
I already have.
"That death keeps everything and we'll always be left with nothing."
You will not be left with nothing. You will BE nothing. Accept the facts.
"Are you ready to tell them that all the success in the world means nothing, because it's all make-believe, just like the Bible?"
Success is as real as one wishes to make. It's your standard of "success" that is make-believe.
"I really want you to think hard. If you think religion is dead wrong. "
I have. It is.
"What is life for? What are we suppose to be happy about, exactly? What life will be left?"
Life is for living, not to get ready for dying. Yes, celebrate life. If you can't take it, there are alternatives.
"Questioning the Bible is only the beginning, then we'll question the human mind / logic, human behavior, human value."
You're argument is as vacuous as your religion. Questioning the Bible is the beginning of logic and reason.
""God" is the key to our salvation. All which is good exists because that key is around. "Decisions""
ROTFLMAO!!! Salvation from what? Your sadistic Bible god? Your fear reeks.
2007-12-09 02:41:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
First, I and I would say most atheists don't want to take away individual's religion. We just don't any religious group to be able to force or legislate their views on everyone unless there is a good secular/nonreligious reason to do so. Individuals can live by their own religious beliefs and codes of conduct so long as they aren't infringing other's rights.
"After all, are you ready to tell your children there is no heaven or hell? " I tell my children what I believe and expose them to a range of religious beliefs. I tell them why I don't find these beliefs credible but that they have their own minds and will decide for themselves.
"Are you ready to tell them that all the success in the world means nothing, because it's all make-believe, just like the Bible?"
Without religion success still has meaning. I would say its important to define success here as well. At any rate we leave a legacy with how we lived our lives and what we did with them for our children and future generations. We touch many lives and impact them during our time here and that ripples onward past our own existence. I think in some ways its a bit selfish to say unless I live forever none of it is worth it and I have no reason to care.
"What is life for? What are we suppose to be happy about, exactly? What life will be left?"
Life it what you make out of it. Most people since you are here would prefer I think to make something positive and joyous as possible out of it. Prefer even if they won't be immortal somewhere to leave it a bit better off as part of their legacy of having been here. Maybe thinking that humans are not going to immortal makes some value life and making the world better even more?
2007-12-09 02:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am in no way opposed to spirituality; however, I define spirituality as being in harmony with yourself, the people around and the world. Also, I have never said I reject the concept utterly that there might be some kind of intelligence at work in the universe; I do however reject the god concepts created my people (the deity of the bible, quran, etc.) as these entities very clearly are not real. In all likelihood, any entity capable of creating the universe is not going to spend a lot of time watching us and certainly wouldn't create silly rules and regulations for us to follow. It would be more about allowing us to go on about our merry way no matter where that may lead us.
2016-05-22 07:32:32 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No because many people, including most of those in power live life as if God were real. I don't have any children, but yes I would tell them heaven and hell don't exist. That is not true that success means nothing. Life is what you make it, and I feel a lot better about living life for myself rather than someone else (God.) Also just because it makes you feel depressed doesn't mean its not true/you should simply dismiss it.
Also yes, the U.S. has had a president who was not Christian. Thomas Jefferson was a Deist.
2007-12-09 02:33:25 · answer #7 · answered by mannzaformulaone 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
You are missing the key to all of it. As an atheist I do realize that this is the only life we have, so we must make the most of it, for ourselves, our friends, family and all the people around us. Yes, the fact is that life is fleeting. So enjoy it for all the right reasons, the real reasons. Not for some fictional deity or a non existent after life.
2007-12-09 02:35:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
No, we're not living in a world dictated by atheists. The fact that over 20% of states in the U.S. have laws preventing atheists from holding political office is proof of that.
Why does my life need to be dictated by someone else? Why can't I have my own say? Why do you claim atheists hide behind puppets?
I am ready to tell my children there is no heaven or hell, and that death "keeps" everything.
I will tell them that all success in the world (at whatever they want to be successful) means plenty. They need to find a way to give their own life meaning. I don't know why you think I think the world is make-believe because I don't.
Life is not "for" anything, except for each individual to determine his/her own purpose. We are supposed to be happy about the things that make us happy. That is different for each person.
2007-12-09 02:33:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 2⤋
Whether God exists or not, no one (no matter how qualified they feel in life) has the right to claim that they know what the answer to the big question is.
I'm sorry but to Vishal a.k.a. Hayt I think you should wash your mouth out with soap, do you have definite proof that God does not exist do you!! I have no problems with what anyone wants to believe apart from when they start pushing it on other people, especially young children who should be left to find their own paths in life!! Your totally out of order!!
They say that religion is the root of all evil but what about atheism? both as bad and wrong as each other when it comes to preaching. It's about time you all come down to earth with a big bang and stop thinking that you know it all, when truthfully you dont.
2007-12-09 05:05:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your questions reeks of insanity and therefore I'll answer the legible bits. Edit: Most important of all- see a therapist, emo kid.
"After all, are you ready to tell your children there is no heaven or hell?"
Why would I tell them different?
"That death keeps everything and we'll always be left with nothing."
It's the truth, isn't it?
"Are you ready to tell them that all the success in the world means nothing, because it's all make-believe, just like the Bible?"
Atheism, girl, not nihilism.
2007-12-09 02:36:17 · answer #11 · answered by Keyring 7 · 8⤊ 1⤋