Time invested in disbelief

[Knight]

For me, I take the time for a few reasons, most of which have probably already been said.

For starters, many theists have very strong misconceptions about atheists/nonbelievers. Anyone who does not believe in the deity they do is somehow ignorant or evil. When you have ample knowledge to counter the ignorance idea, common people can starting coming out as atheists to show that we don't have two horns and a tail, as Dawkins has said.

Another reason is a much rarer occurrence, but it still happens every once in a while, and I am evidence of it. Due to the education of atheists on the evilbible.com forum (several years ago...the discussion forum is now down, which is a shame because I'd love to bring up some of the old threads), I slowly progressed from a devote Christian to a deist (of some sort...I called it energy), and finally to an atheist. I had simply lacked a proper understanding of the Big Bang, Evolution, etc.. I also had not thoroughly read the Bible until that point, though the debating encouraged me to do so in order to "gain the advantage" I thought...the opposite happened, thankfully (or unfortunately from the Christian perspective). Though I may be a rarity, I still think others simply need proper education to examine their beliefs. Believe it or not, I used to be a young Earth Creationist! hock: Damn I wish I could access those threads!

[fr0d0]

Believe it or not, I used to be a young Earth Creationist!

I believe it

[TruthWorthy]

What is the point of devoting so much time to learning so much about something we all (for the most part) have no belief in? I hate "god" more than the next atheist, I'm just trying to understand how this process isn't frivilous.

Even if I don't believe in the Bible, I study it because so many other people do believe in it. As an American, I see fundamentalist Christians trying to destroy the constitution and so I find it to be very important to understand the reasoning behind it and argue against it. This forum, as silly as it may seem to you, is a way to hone these arguments and continue to learn.

So the practical reason for developing and understanding the various arguments is about being prepared for psychological warfare against extreem religious movements; while your interest in religious studies is 'incidental'?

---

For starters, many theists have very strong misconceptions about atheists/nonbelievers. Anyone who does not believe in the deity they do is somehow ignorant or evil. When you have ample knowledge to counter the ignorance idea, common people can starting coming out as atheists to show that we don't have two horns and a tail, as Dawkins has said.

I slowly progressed from a devote Christian to a deist (of some sort...I called it energy), and finally to an atheist. I had simply lacked a proper understanding of the Big Bang, Evolution, etc.. I also had not thoroughly read the Bible until that point, though the debating encouraged me to do so in order to "gain the advantage" I thought...the opposite happened, thankfully (or unfortunately from the Christian perspective).

This is mostly about raising awareness, and education. I have to agree that ignorance plays a large part in belief, only I don't think education alone can de-convert a person to atheism. I have clung to, and buried myself in various beliefs (mostly christian one's) and I used to be very emotionally invested in it. Strangly enough, I'm more emotionally invested now than when I was a believer.

[chatpilot]

I am of the opinion that if you are going to refute something you should at least know what it is you are trying to refute. As a former fundamental evangelist I read the bible and the more I read the less I believed in its claims and assertions. Atheism did not come easy for me it was a very slow and terrifying process for me, since my fear of the biblical god was so great as were what I believed then the consequences for turning away from him.

I study Christianity mainly because being from the U.S where it has a major foothold I see my rights constantly invaded and put to the test when they attempt to force legislators to implement laws based on Christian principles. My intention is not to deconvert anyone but rather to increase my knowledge and test what arguments the Christian community are presenting as a defense for their nonsensical beliefs. To me this is sort of a firing range where I can practice my debating skills and increase my knowledge base both from fellow atheists and theists alike.

[littlegrimlin1]

1) As said, I like the subject of religion, aguing points, finding new ways to introduce a topic or concept to someone who may be oblivious.

2) Seeking truth, no fairytales.

3) Being Individual - as many people may just go along with the crowd, I looked up everything I could find about religion until I came to a point where atheism was the most appealing. I don't like to jump on the bandwagon. It's moving way too fast.

[TruthWorthy]

I'm attempting to weigh the benefits of what active atheism has to offer.
So far, I've learned a lot about the religious argument. Now I know terms such as agnositism, theological noncognitivism, secular humanist, plus I've learned a lot about logical argument (esp' in the theology debates).
While I think I benefit intrinsically through acceptance and being able to call theist's ignorant, and religion ridiculous - I'm wondering where active participation will likely lead me.

I'm not interested in pursuing a life of argument. Some mention that atheism gives some freedom from religion for meaningful discussion; others talk about aspects of religious argument and the empowering knowledge brought about. And still there is the experience of becoming atheist, not shared entirely except through some common ground and the prospect of others becoming aware as we have.

Yeah, for arguments sake, I like atheism.

[Eilonnwy]

So the practical reason for developing and understanding the various arguments is about being prepared for psychological warfare against extreem religious movements; while your interest in religious studies is 'incidental'?

I wouldn't say my interest is incidental, it's connected to my desire to be a political activist.

I strive to be intelligent because I despise ignorance, and if I want to pursue a political career I need to be a well rounded person.

[TruthWorthy]

Eilonnwy, for you it's about the prevalence of religion in the population, and then working with people?

[Eilonnwy]

Eilonnwy, for you it's about the prevalence of religion in the population, and then working with people?

Not so much with people, but for people.

[TruthWorthy]

You mean for the benefit others. It sounds like you're active alright.