RE: What is being an Atheist like?
October 9, 2015 at 4:11 pm
(This post was last modified: October 9, 2015 at 4:41 pm by Simon Moon.)
(October 8, 2015 at 10:57 pm)connietheTgirl Wrote: Hi, I'm Connie, I'm new to these forums and atheism in general. I actually am Christian, and have been raised that way my whole life (baptist denomination). Being in the church is hard for me since I'm transgender, but I'm not leaving yet, because I still believe in God. However, I am willing to get some insight on to what atheism is like, from atheist themselves. I'm, how should I put it...educating myself on atheism. So, wooo!
My questions:
1.) Why are you an atheist?
Because the case for the existence of a god has never met it's burden of proof.
There is drastically insufficient demonstrable evidence, and valid and sound logic, to support the claim that a god exists.
Quote:2.) What is life like for an atheist?
Atheism is the position of being not convinced to a single claim, that at least one god exists. Nothing more.
There is no dogma or doctrine. Atheism is not a worldview, nor an ideology.
So, life for atheists is different for almost every atheist.
Quote:3.) There is no God. How do you cope with that? How do you find purpose and meaning in your life?
Well, technically, atheism is not the claim that there is no god or gods. It is the lack of belief that gods exist.
As an atheist, I provide meaning to my own life.
Ponder this, you wouldn't want an authority figure to pick your career for you, who you love or your spouse for you, your hobbies for you, your taste in music, food, art. Why would you want an authority to pick your life's purpose for you? Especially an authority figure that seems to be completely absent?
Quote:4.) What are your thoughts on death?
It's part of life.
I was nonexistent for 14.7 billion years, I don't think it will bother me after I am dead.
Quote:5) Has being an atheist changed your life in any way? If so, how?
I am able to accept or reject claims purely on the strength of the evidence and reasoned argument that is available to support said claims. Not because some pastor or ancient texts say so.
I want to have as many true beliefs and as few false beliefs as possible. The best path to accomplish this, is to base one's beliefs on evidence and reasoned argument. Not faith.
Quote:Those are all my questions for now. If I have anymore, I'll be sure to ask.
Connie
Hope that helps.
You'd believe if you just opened your heart" is a terrible argument for religion. It's basically saying, "If you bias yourself enough, you can convince yourself that this is true." If religion were true, people wouldn't need faith to believe it -- it would be supported by good evidence.
