As atheists I suggest that most of us accept that the Universe came into existence as we see it today for no particular reason. Certainly not as a result of any conscience decision making or plan.

We are also quite happy to accept that we, as humans, are no more or less important than any other part of this expanding cloud of particles and energy and that our time here is brief and then when, finally, our bodies cease to function we simply exit the Universe and vanish, like teardrops in the rain.

However, if someone simply does not have the psychological equipment to be able to come to terms with this, seemingly, stark reality is it unreasonable to suppose that they might create some kind of purpose for their existence in the form of a greater plan which itself guarantees them continuation of their lives after the death of their body?

I suppose what I am really saying is that theists are by nature worriers and insecure and they cannot function without the knowledge that there is some kind of great purpose of which they are an integral part.

That is quite a broad brush you are using, and I don't think many theists would see it that way.

Maybe what we see around us has always been.I don't say it has, but it is a possibility and it has more attraction to me than has the idea of a creator.
I agree, why should there be a meaning or purpose to our existence? Again, I prefer to believe there isn't any.

So why do theists think as they do? Maybe they are best placed to answer, but my obserations are that indoctrination from an early age has much to do with it. As has feelings such as fear ( of judgement day ) or hope ( for eternal life ). Some may also genuinely believe that there simply HAS to be a purpose to living and dying. Simple being a part of a collective may also have its appeal.

Let them tell us.

I agree with Leo that not many would see it that way. But I also think that perhaps many wouldn't see it consciously, or admit it to themselves, consciously. But it may still actually be that way on a deeper level.

On the other hand I think that there are very probably plenty of believers out there who genuinely would not have any more of a problem coming to terms with lack of purpose and meaning etc as we do. And that that's not a part of the reasons they believe in (or believe in belief in) God.

There are many reasons for believing in God. I do agree with Darwinian's point in that it can be often valid, but I don't think it can be always the case - I'm sure there are at least some secure theists too. However surprising or not that is, however common or uncommon - and however we'd ever possibly measure that accurately; whereever the cut-off between 'secure' and 'insecure' is, however we'd somehow measure that.

EvF

Are theists by nature simply insecure?




Yes.

Guess they must be to believe in something without evidence, to cling to it in spite of the lack of evidence, often in spite of it and when it offers no real value to the universe except as some kind of comfort blanket.

Kyu

I am very aware of the "we are space dust" thing. I went through that, around the time I went Atheist... It is true. I would never deny that we are nothing, insignificant skinny moneys that take ourselves far too seriously. I think belief, at least speaking for myself, offers something other than a "comfort blanket".

Up until Dotard and Kyu, you guys were doing a great job of being open minded and fair about what you think theists may think. But those two are also as entitled to their opinions.

Thanks,
-Pip

What is it that belief offers beyond a security/comfort blanket?

A reason why may be. But there might not be a why. If there is a why, belief is a reason why.

(August 13, 2009 at 8:44 am)Pippy Wrote: A reason why may be. But there might not be a why. If there is a why, belief is a reason why.

Why does there have to be a reason why? Nothing specifies that is necessary and the fact that you apparently feel such a need speaks more to your insecurity than anything else so we're back to the idea of a comfort blanket.

Kyu