What do you like about being an atheist?

[Anonymous]

I like knowing that I have only one life and that I’m lucky to have it. I’m sad that it will end someday, but I realize how incredibly lucky I am to be alive at all - and at a time with so many medical advances and so much scientific knowledge of how to be healthy and productive.

I’ve lived a good life, so far. Still, I know that life could be better. I could be richer, smarter, better looking, nicer, healthier, more talented, more productive, luckier, etc. But life is still pretty good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like knowing that I have only one life and that I’m lucky to have it. I’m sad that it will end someday, but I realize how incredibly lucky I am to be alive at all - and at a time with so many medical advances and so much scientific knowledge of how to be healthy and productive.

I’ve lived a good life, so far. Still, I know that life could be better. I could be richer, smarter, better looking, nicer, healthier, more talented, more productive, luckier, etc. But life is still pretty good.

What do the atheists who post here frequently like about being an atheist? Or do they prefer complaining about religious people?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like knowing that I have only one life and that I’m lucky to have it. I’m sad that it will end someday, but I realize how incredibly lucky I am to be alive at all - and at a time with so many medical advances and so much scientific knowledge of how to be healthy and productive.

I’ve lived a good life, so far. Still, I know that life could be better. I could be richer, smarter, better looking, nicer, healthier, more talented, more productive, luckier, etc. But life is still pretty good.

I don’t see what any of this has to do with being an atheist.

[Anonymous]

DP, lapsed Catholic, and I like what PO said above. It’s also easier not having to make excuses in my head for contributing to a church that doesn’t treat women fairly and that hides sex predators — but feeling like I had to excuse this because the people doing it had special moral authority.

Not having no to make those excuses up in my head anymore is a relief.

[Anonymous]

As an atheist it’s not so much about *liking* it, it’s more about being true to myself and my fundamental beliefs. I would imagine many religious folks feel the same way.

OP, the things you listed are things I feel too, but I don’t tie them to my atheism. Does that make sense?

Because overall being an atheist kinda stinks. Lot of folks dislike the idea you exist, it can be isolating, and you have to do a lot of deep soul searching to find your own sense of self worth or satisfaction in a greater sense.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I have seriously considered why I am an atheist. It is more like a reaction from my youth. I grew up in a country where communism was forced down our throat like a religion. I am just happy to not have to belong or pretend to believe in anything. I guess I like the passive freedom.

[Anonymous]

I would love to believe in a deity. I am not happier with a brain that's looking for proof and refusing to trust blindly. But it's who I am, and I need to accept it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would love to believe in a deity. I am not happier with a brain that's looking for proof and refusing to trust blindly. But it's who I am, and I need to accept it.

Why would you love to believe in a deity?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I like knowing that I have only one life and that I’m lucky to have it. I’m sad that it will end someday, but I realize how incredibly lucky I am to be alive at all - and at a time with so many medical advances and so much scientific knowledge of how to be healthy and productive.

I’ve lived a good life, so far. Still, I know that life could be better. I could be richer, smarter, better looking, nicer, healthier, more talented, more productive, luckier, etc. But life is still pretty good.

I don’t see what any of this has to do with being an atheist.

Please tell us what, if anything, you like about being an atheist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would love to believe in a deity. I am not happier with a brain that's looking for proof and refusing to trust blindly. But it's who I am, and I need to accept it.

Why would you love to believe in a deity?

Because my family is Catholic, and before I started doubting, I found the church supremely comforting. I still love visiting religious buildings, of any persuasion. I am interested in spirituality and the way it brings people together. But I'm also a research scientist - the only thing I believe in is the scientific method: observing facts, deriving hypotheses and testing them. And I am deeply conflicted about deities that would allow so much anguish and suffering around the world, and so much exploitation of vulnerable people and innocents. Torture and rape in South Sudan or Myanmar, or the leveling of Gaza, don't reflect well on any supreme being.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would love to believe in a deity. I am not happier with a brain that's looking for proof and refusing to trust blindly. But it's who I am, and I need to accept it.

Why would you love to believe in a deity?

Because my family is Catholic, and before I started doubting, I found the church supremely comforting. I still love visiting religious buildings, of any persuasion. I am interested in spirituality and the way it brings people together. But I'm also a research scientist - the only thing I believe in is the scientific method: observing facts, deriving hypotheses and testing them. And I am deeply conflicted about deities that would allow so much anguish and suffering around the world, and so much exploitation of vulnerable people and innocents. Torture and rape in South Sudan or Myanmar, or the leveling of Gaza, don't reflect well on any supreme being.

It's possible to enjoy the trappings of the church - the music, the art, the incense - without believing in a deity. Many people do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would love to believe in a deity. I am not happier with a brain that's looking for proof and refusing to trust blindly. But it's who I am, and I need to accept it.

Why would you love to believe in a deity?

Because my family is Catholic, and before I started doubting, I found the church supremely comforting. I still love visiting religious buildings, of any persuasion. I am interested in spirituality and the way it brings people together. But I'm also a research scientist - the only thing I believe in is the scientific method: observing facts, deriving hypotheses and testing them. And I am deeply conflicted about deities that would allow so much anguish and suffering around the world, and so much exploitation of vulnerable people and innocents. Torture and rape in South Sudan or Myanmar, or the leveling of Gaza, don't reflect well on any supreme being.

It's possible to enjoy the trappings of the church - the music, the art, the incense - without believing in a deity. Many people do.

PP you replied to. Yes, I find religious music very meditative and soothing - I'm a western classical music enthusiast, and most of it started with medieval works written for the Church. I love medieval illuminations, both Christian and Persian. But I don't feel comfortable going to mass. And I miss that.

[Anonymous]

I like not being confused about why my beliefs don't make sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would love to believe in a deity. I am not happier with a brain that's looking for proof and refusing to trust blindly. But it's who I am, and I need to accept it.

Why would you love to believe in a deity?

Because my family is Catholic, and before I started doubting, I found the church supremely comforting. I still love visiting religious buildings, of any persuasion. I am interested in spirituality and the way it brings people together. But I'm also a research scientist - the only thing I believe in is the scientific method: observing facts, deriving hypotheses and testing them. And I am deeply conflicted about deities that would allow so much anguish and suffering around the world, and so much exploitation of vulnerable people and innocents. Torture and rape in South Sudan or Myanmar, or the leveling of Gaza, don't reflect well on any supreme being.

It's possible to enjoy the trappings of the church - the music, the art, the incense - without believing in a deity. Many people do.

PP you replied to. Yes, I find religious music very meditative and soothing - I'm a western classical music enthusiast, and most of it started with medieval works written for the Church. I love medieval illuminations, both Christian and Persian. But I don't feel comfortable going to mass. And I miss that.

Maybe try going on the big holidays - Christmas and Easter - to a church with professional musicians and a big organ. Think of it as a concert. Or go to concerts! The National Cathedral does all the great works.

[Anonymous]

What do you guys all like about not believing in bigfoot?

There's your answer, same thing.