RE: No problems with atheism then...
August 19, 2011 at 4:55 am
(This post was last modified: August 19, 2011 at 5:05 am by Godnose.)
(August 18, 2011 at 6:38 pm)Paul the Human Wrote:(August 18, 2011 at 6:33 pm)Godnose Wrote:(August 18, 2011 at 6:24 pm)Paul the Human Wrote: The scientific community make great strides on a daily basis. Believers don't care. They believe because they want to believe. They're happy. Good for them.
If it matters so little to you then I don't understand why you bother to express your atheism.
Why shouldn't I? People express their beliefs constantly. Everywhere, everyday, I see and hear about God, and Allah, and Jesus, and Mary, and prayers, and blessings, and miracles... on and on and on. I should have the right to express the fact that I do not believe any of it is true. If my atheism has given me a 'cause', it is personal freedom. I don't go around trying to de-convert them and I expect the same in return.
Sure you have the right. I just don't understand why you bother. You are an atheist, you are free, you say you think anyone who has religion "doesn't care" so why do you bother to express yourself so vehemently on a forum like this? At the same time you seem to condemn me for suggesting there may be any problems arising from atheism. It seems a double standard. You insist on your right to express your belief (wha'ever!) but do your best to undermine my right to express mine, by implying I am a deceitful liar and making out I'm a troll or whatever. That strikes me as weird and somewhat defensive attitude (albeit disguised as aggressive).
Only saying.
(August 18, 2011 at 8:46 pm)padraic Wrote:Quote:In another thread I tried to start a discussion on what problems there might be with atheism.
The only problem I've ever had due to my atheism was my father's intolerant attitude and aggressive sniping over many years,but the old prick is dead now,no more problem.
Atheism is only lack of belief in God(s). OF COURSE it is contentious if one happens to be a theist apologist. IF one is an atheist,it is not through choice,and should not be at all problematic for the individual as far as I can see..Of course there are also neurotic exceptions. Perhaps former Catholics with a vestigal Catholic conscience,or people who are under the mistaken impression that my personal beliefs are any of their fucking business.
My atheism is an EFFECT of my skepticism,not a CAUSE of anything..My skepticism does cause me some problems as I have a disconcerting habit of asking for evidence of outrageous claims. EG a fundy recently said to me " there is more evidence for the existence Jesus Christ than for Julius Caesar, No,really, I swear.
People not in public life are not used to being challenged, makes 'em feel threatened and they get upset. I rarely defend my atheism. I have neither the emotional need nor the intellectual obligation:I make no claims and could not care less what others believe as long as they stay out of my face.
I hope that answers your question. I voted 'no problem' in your poll.
That answers the question why you are an atheist, which is not what I meant to ask. It doesn't answer the question whether there are any problems arising from your atheism, or with atheism in general.
