Two Myths I Wish Atheists Would Stop Buying Into

[Rhondazvous]

As atheists, we've walked away from the fairy tales of holy writ. But there are still two myths that I hear a lot, and it bothers me to no end.

Myth The first
Life without god is meaningless
Actually, it’s the Abrahamic theists who render life meaningless. They tell us that none of the thing that happen on earth matters because god has a plan. For them, this life is just a meaningless stepping stone to the next world.

One reason we buy into this myth is because we've let theist define "meaning" in the first place. Of course, they define it in a way that supports their paradigm. It’s not until we turn away from religion that we’re free to create meaning in this life instead of waiting for some pie in the sky afterlife that will make our present suffering fade away.

Myth The Second
Only god provides a reason to be good
Again, an atheist has a stronger reason to be good than a theist.
Unlike a theist, an atheist can’t say well, god will forgive me.

An atheist is judged by three things: 1. His own conscience, 2. Society and 3. The physical realities of the world.

When society criticizes an atheist for bad behavior, he can’t psyche himself into believing he’s being persecuted for his faith. I’ve heard Christians say that while they know god loves them they can’t forgive themselves for the things they’ve done. The strongest faith in the world can’t pray against nature. The atheist already knows this and takes into consideration when planning an action.

[chimp3]

I have never bought into either of those myths. Never needed a god to find meaning or morality.

[Mystic]

I don't think any hypothetical Creator (in any possible world) can create morality or meaning from nothing let alone anything else being capable.

This alone (if true) proves both meaning and morality are eternal.

[brewer]

I don't think I have the right currency. What's the coinage in Bizarro World?

[Brian37]

As atheists, we've walked away from the fairy tales of holy writ. But there are still two myths that I hear  a lot, and it bothers me to no end.

Myth The first
Life without god is meaningless
Actually, it’s the Abrahamic theists who render life meaningless. They tell us that none of the thing that happen on earth matters because god has a plan.  For them, this life is just a meaningless stepping stone to the next world.

One reason we buy into this myth is because we've let theist define "meaning" in the first place. Of course, they define it in a way that supports their paradigm. It’s not until we turn away from religion that we’re free to create meaning in this life instead of waiting for some pie in the sky afterlife that will make our present suffering fade away.

Myth The Second
Only god provides a reason to be good
Again, an atheist has a stronger reason to be good than a theist.
Unlike a theist, an atheist can’t say well, god will forgive me.

An atheist is judged by three things: 1. His own conscience, 2. Society and 3. The physical realities of the world.

When society criticizes an atheist for bad behavior, he can’t psyche himself into believing he’s being persecuted for his faith. I’ve heard Christians say that while they know god loves them they can’t forgive themselves for the things they’ve done. The strongest faith in the world can’t pray against nature. The atheist already knows this and takes into consideration when planning an action.

I think you misunderstand when an atheist says "life is meaningless". 

It is in the context of a non cognitive 13.8 billion year old universe life is meaningless. But life most certainly DOES have meaning here and now while we are alive.

Not sure what you are getting at with the second one. I don't know many atheists who would argue with you on the second one.

---

I don't think any hypothetical Creator (in any possible world) can create morality or meaning from nothing let alone anything else being capable.

This alone (if true) proves both meaning and morality are eternal.

No, it is not. If meaning and morality always stayed the same blacks would still be slaves.

[AFTT47]

I don't know about any other atheists but I've definitely not bought into either of those.

[Succubus]

You spelled 'theist' incorrectly in the OP. And btw, the myths are two thousand plus, not two.

[Whateverist]

I don't think any hypothetical Creator (in any possible world) can create morality or meaning from nothing let alone anything else being capable.

This alone (if true) proves both meaning and morality are eternal God does not exist as a being in his own right apart from us.

Fixed that for you.  

[Anomalocaris]

I don't think any hypothetical Creator (in any possible world) can create morality or meaning from nothing let alone anything else being capable.

This alone (if true) proves both meaning and morality are eternal.

Typical theistic close reasoning:

I think fart is sweet, therefore stench is holy.

[Minimalist]

Yeah I don't buy either of those.  Just because some religitard says something does not mean we accept it.  In fact, the opposite is true.  Those people are always assholes.