"You just want to be your own god"?

[zwanzig]

What does this mean?

I've heard this on occasion leveled as criticism against atheists. Intuitively, I think I understand it....but when actually examining it and breaking it down, it doesn't make much sense. 

It reminds me of "you just want to sin". My response is a knee jerk, "Yeah. Those things you call sin, I want to do some of them, yes, and that freedom to choose is important to me." So, with only having a vague assumption about the "you just want to be your own god" accusation, I tentatively say, "...yes. It is true I want to be in charge of my own life, my choices, and my destiny."

Thoughts?

[AkiraTheViking]

1st, nice to see a fellow Punk on here, I was one back in the days.

2nd, I think they think that we think we're more of a god than their own god. Thing is though, we don't preport to believe that we're gods. They just can't process someone thinking that there is no god becuase it literally goes against what they've been indoctrinated in their whole lives.

[vulcanlogician]

Yet another device theists use to exert social pressure on one another.

Another foolish assertion that atheists (for some reason) assume theism in their thought processes. They don't.

[onlinebiker]

Best shut down answer -

"Yeah? Do you need me to be yours too?"

[arewethereyet]

What does this mean?

I've heard this on occasion leveled as criticism against atheists. Intuitively, I think I understand it....but when actually examining it and breaking it down, it doesn't make much sense. 

It reminds me of "you just want to sin". My response is a knee jerk, "Yeah. Those things you call sin, I want to do some of them, yes, and that freedom to choose is important to me." So, with only having a vague assumption about the "you just want to be your own god" accusation, I tentatively say, "...yes. It is true I want to be in charge of my own life, my choices, and my destiny."

Thoughts?

I think it means that an atheist supposedly doesn't want to answer to a "higher power". Sort of a -you're not the boss of me thing.

I also think that with many religious people need for everyone to believe the same as it shores up their belief.

A lot of the so called sins in religion are simply things to feel guilty about. It's not that they are bad but it's a set of rules that are supposed to carry more importance because they supposedly came from some holy person.

Every flavor of religious belief has its own set of rules that doesn't necessarily coincide with those of the other sects. Yet many follow the same book.

[zwanzig]

1st, nice to see a fellow Punk on here, I was one back in the days.

2nd, I think they think that we think we're more of a god than their own god. Thing is though, we don't preport to believe that we're gods. They just can't process someone thinking that there is no god becuase it literally goes against what they've been indoctrinated in their whole lives.

Yes, that's it. We don't see ourselves as walking away from a god; we see literally nothing there. But in their fictional stories, blind obedience is a virtue and arrogance/pride is the number one Satanic sin.

Yet another device theists use to exert social pressure on one another.

Another foolish assertion that atheists (for some reason) assume theism in their thought processes. They don't.

Yes, true. It's meant to be emotionally manipulative so the fact that it doesn't make logical sense to a nonbeliever is irrelevant for how it is intended to be used.

Best shut down answer -

"Yeah? Do you need me to be yours too?"

That's a good one!

[brewer]

We're all raving solipsist's.

(or is that narcissists?)

[vulcanlogician]

We're all raving solipsist's.

No. I think that's just you.

[Astreja]

Best shut down answer -

"Yeah? Do you need me to be yours too?"

My personal favourite:  "Shaddup, mortal!"

[brewer]

We're all raving solipsist's.

No. I think that's just you.

Damn it, my conversion to hinduism is imminent.