RE: Why do you hate God?
June 1, 2021 at 6:28 am
(This post was last modified: June 1, 2021 at 6:30 am by Belacqua.)
(June 1, 2021 at 5:26 am)johndoe122931 Wrote: there is a difference between hating God and the idea of God. Can you please explain more what you mean by that?
Unlike most here, I think it's perfectly possible for an atheist to hate God. On the face of it, of course, it's contradictory, because supposedly one doesn't hate what isn't really there. But this is assuming that emotions obey the laws of rationality, which they obviously don't. It's entirely possible for a person to hate and love someone at the same time, or to want something and not want it at the same time.
Some atheists speak as if the mind -- including the emotions -- is a kind of rational calculator trapped in corporeal dross. So that they can't imagine emotions and reason in conflict. But this is just a holdover from the idea of a soul, and not really supportable if you're really an atheist. Atheists who take their understanding of the human mind further understand that it arises somehow (nobody knows quite how) from electrochemical events in the body, and there is no reason to think that the ideas and emotions these events give rise to have to be in accordance with one another.
That said, it probably isn't wise to say about any individual atheist posting here what his or her emotions are. We can't discern that with clarity. Certainly, as this thread so far has demonstrated, several people are full of emotion -- whether it's hatred for religious ideas, or anger at what they perceive the results of religion to be, we can only look at case by case.
One thing to keep in mind is that language on this forum is often vulgar, insulting, and accusatory, far in excess of what would be tolerated in other situations. The rush to judgment is a popular sport. But this also happens when people disagree about political ideology, or feel that you are posting too much about your favorite band, or any other subject that provides an opportunity to vent.
I respect the fact that you are asking questions. It may take a little while for emotions to settle to the point where collegial conversation can take place -- if it ever does. But I notice that you are remaining calm, and I think that's a good way to start.