Religion vs. atheism

I originally posted this in the Atheist/agnostic Forum, but thought it might work here as well. Why are people atheists? Since I'm not one, it may be presumptuous to comment, but by doing so, I may piss enough people off to stimulate some discussion.

From your posts I can identify at least three reasons: (1) the belief that religion is stifling; (2) the belief that religion is dangerous; (3) the belief that science and secular humanism do it better. The idea that religion is stifling is the main theme of Nietzche's writings and his "God is Dead" thesis. The notion that religion is dangerous is central to Harris' The End of Faith, which blames religion for 911. The belief that science and secular humanism produce better results and that religion is therefore unnecessary is brought by Dawkins, and also by Dennett. Are there other reasons I'm leaving out?

In answer to these objections, I'd argue that religion is not necessarily stifling, nor dangerous, nor incompatible with science and humanism, but that the prevailing fundamentalist forms of it are, especially the Christian religious right and militant Islam. And the prevailing liberal/progressive alternatives are in danger of becoming too abstract,bland, sophisticated, and ridiculous to be effective as antidotes.

 

well im an atheist (at least mostly) because i don't think the idea of higher being is logical. when i consider the stories and basis of all religious, they just strike me as too fanciful. i have NOTHING whatsoever against religion, but it seems to me like something of a past era. a way for people to produce an explanation of the ways of the world before our scientific knowledge was more developed. i do, however, believe in the basic idea of a soul. at least, a consciousness that exists beyond our physical bodies. i've had too many supernatural experiences too chalk them up to something logical and scientific. however, i do not belief in creationism or a higher being.

 

those points are more antitheistic than atheistic. atheism regards the belief in a deity to be groundless, pointless and contrived.

what do you mean by "do it better"?

 

Provide a better explanation of reality.

 

I don't "follow" any religion. I can see where I'm going.

Atheists just have something in their eye.



x

 

Religion does start a lot of wars, but so does race, greed, etc. Im just a happy Jesus Freak~ God , if you believe in one fine if you dont thats fine too, isnt a religion to me. I was mainly posting this to say my opinion on the "belief that religion is dangerous".

 

What does atheism give you that religion doesn't?

From what I can see athesim may give the sense of being free: but then so does religion.

What about purpose, life, hope, contentment? Yes, sure you can find these in families, work etc but that is not always enough. Christianity gives you these and many more, life is so much better if you have God in your life.

 

There is really little difference between an atheist and a religious person. Both seek answers.

You can even swing from one to the other and back again. This is apart of the polishing process that will eventually let you move beyond them both.

Then, you're free.


x

 

There is only one way!

 

Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, sed dulcius pro patria vivere, et dulcissimum pro patria bibere. Ergo, bibamus pro salute patriae


x

 

If that is in reference to this being the only life, then I agree and say make this life as good as you can. However I do believe there is another life which will be much better, but still feel we should drink to this homeland and make it good! So your point being?

Or were you just finishing the quote, mine taken from Wilfred Owen, albeit taken from Odes?

 

I was finishing the quote actually.

Its an old saying that was popular among young men years ago. Many would raise a glass to toast as they said it.

If I was going off to war, I'd probably have a drink too.



x

 

I know the quote, I studied First World War literature, so read all about it! Owen and Sassoon are in fact two of my favourite poets!

 

I’ve always thought of atheism as well as all false religion to be motivated by a desire to do things that are not pleasing to God. I mean if there is no God I’m now free to do what ever I want. I mean just think of it being able to do whatever you want without feeling bad or guilty about it, being able to get the most out of life. Seems mighty freeing till you realize that being free to do the things that God says not to, does not help you but actually makes your life worse, because only by doing the things god says, can a person get the most out of life.

 

The only religion is love of all.

Accept it or dismiss it.

Your choice.

Don't Believe me?

Just ask, MLK Jr., Gandhi, JFK, and John Lennon why they are dead. And that's just a few that come to mind.

 

Okie, the reason why atheists are atheists is because we don't believe in God. That's all. The reason why religious people are religious is because they do believe in God.

I think you're overthinking things a touch.

 

Usually, they have reasons, or at least, rationalizations.

 

usually being the key word.