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Are we atheists just as bad as religious people?
September 16, 2009 at 1:33 am
I am a staunch atheist, although initially brought up as a Christian.
My own personal encounters with the feeling of confusion, doubt etc when I began to question the whole 'god' idea has given me great motivation and passion to not just question god, but everything around me. I think it is a good trait to pick up early on.
Anyway, this fervor has kind of spilled over into my personal life where I now regularly question my friends beliefs/religion and point out the flaws in their beliefs. Whenever I do this, sometimes I get the response that I am just as bad as religious people for trying to push my views. I do not have an argument for that. Am I truly the same as religious people who try to proselytise?
I wonder what your points of view are on this, and whether perhaps you've encountered the same problem~
-pez
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RE: Are we atheists just as bad as religious people?
September 16, 2009 at 3:57 am
Personally I think it's a mistaken idea people get that just because they work something out they are compelled to plague the rest of humanity with it. Yeah sure it's exciting and you want to share it. To me it's plain boasting and totally useless. Get a grip.
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RE: Are we atheists just as bad as religious people?
September 16, 2009 at 9:26 am
Talking about beliefs is a tricky subject, and even it may be exciting and interesting to do so, not everyone shares your enthusiasm.
Certain people will take your comments different ways. For instance, my mother is a Catholic. She says she appreciates that I have never tried to convince her to be an atheist and at the same time we've discussed and debated religion. Some people can recognize a conversation is just a conversation and you don't have to convince each other at the end of the day. On the other hand some of my friends think I'm just as bad as a fundamentalist just because I like to discuss this stuff. So now I just don't talk about it and instead come to places like this to get my fill of it.
If someone is questioning their belief and wants to talk, be there for them. But if someone doesn't want to hear it, respect their wishes. It's a fine line to walk, and it's not always easy. I just know I don't want my friends trying to convince me of God, and even though that's not what I try to do, I know they perceive it that way and I back off because the friendship matters more.
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RE: Are we atheists just as bad as religious people?
September 16, 2009 at 9:35 am
(This post was last modified: September 16, 2009 at 9:37 am by mike0001.)
I suppose it is easier in the UK where most people are atheists. I would find it difficult to live in a country where religion was the norm, like the near east or america. I would be arguing with everyone! But if someone expects me to pray on any occasion, or even mentions their beliefs, I say they are fair game!
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RE: Are we atheists just as bad as religious people?
September 16, 2009 at 9:48 am
I have addressed your central question in an essay titled, "Why Argue About God?" Those who care to read it may download the attached file.
odcast:: 
