What do you *REALLY* think of Atheists?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe in atheists. Atheists spend too much time thinking about and discussing the existence or non-existence of God or a Higher Power to be taken seriously as true non-believers.

If you want to convince others that you are truly an atheist, then prove it.

And, yes, I do have a foolproof test.

Which is?

DP here. Ask one. Theism is about what you believe. No one doubts you are a theist and you exist. Atheism is about not believing. No one doubts we don't beleive.

No one who is an honest interlocutor, anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is.

Oh please. Tell me that you know zero about human nature without telling me that you know zero about human nature.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe in atheists. Atheists spend too much time thinking about and discussing the existence or non-existence of God or a Higher Power to be taken seriously as true non-believers.

If you want to convince others that you are truly an atheist, then prove it.

And, yes, I do have a foolproof test.

Which is?

The foolproof test to prove that one is an atheist:

You must swear to God that you are an atheist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe in atheists. Atheists spend too much time thinking about and discussing the existence or non-existence of God or a Higher Power to be taken seriously as true non-believers.

If you want to convince others that you are truly an atheist, then prove it.

And, yes, I do have a foolproof test.

Which is?

The foolproof test to prove that one is an atheist:

You must swear to God that you are an atheist.

And, yes, it is a trap. Doesn't matter whether the self-proclaimed non-believer does or doesn't do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is this thing called Recent Topics.

Dude you commented strongly about a thing you claim to not care to ever discuss. Crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why are you keeping your atheism secret?

You don’t know what your father in law thinks and the things you think he thinks may or may not be accurate or true. It is not fair to your fil, for you to speak for him and pretend you know what he thinks. That’s a toxic way to treat your family.

Why do you think you fil thinks you are “going to hell?”

People who practice their faith are allowed to do so and if you are leaving out the more to this story, nobody here can give you an accurate answer to your question.

You seem to be very invested in your atheism. You seem to worry about what others think of your atheism.

People probably aren’t all that concerned about your atheism and your life. They have their own lives. You probably have main character syndrome, and think you and your atheism are both cast in a starring role in everyone’s life. Recalibrate your thinking, because that is not true. Most if not all people do not care.

Your fil is probably annoyed with your main character syndrome, not your lack of belief in God.

It’s easy to suss out because you declare that you won’t listen to people who tell you your beliefs are wrong. I’ve never seen a single post in this forum telling an atheist their atheism is wrong. Your main character syndrome is strong

Wow! Okay.

I'm not "keeping it a secret". I just don't share this particular thing about me in every conversation I have. I am also a runner but I don't tell everyone about that, either.

And I do know that my FIL thinks I'm going to hell because he said so to my BIL who told my DH. So.... pretty clear. No assumptions made.

I am invested in my Atheism, I feel like it's the right choice for me. I'm not "worried" about what people think of it, but I'm curious so I raised the question in a discussion forum to.....discuss. But thanks for your effort to make it personal. I'm guessing I've struck a nerve with you in some way. You could benefit from reflecting on that. Your responses (2) to my post are not an effort to add to the discussion, but to attack the question (and me). So I guess this contributes to my understanding of the reactions people have....which is why I don't always share my view. Could you imagine this conversation going well if you and I were talking to each other in person and you said these things to me? But I'm guessing that sitting behind a keyboard makes you a little more brave.

The "more to the story" is that DH and I did not have a religious wedding ceremony and he also said to my BIL that "after that ceremony it's pretty hard for us (he and MIL) to consider them married". We have never gotten an anniversary card or text to acknowledge the date. BIL and wife get invited out to dinner every year. So that's pretty clear and hardly an erroneous assumption on my part regarding what my FIL thinks. Isn't there always "more to the story" for every post? It's a post, not a biography.

It's not that I won't listen to people who believe I'm wrong, it's that I've listened to enough people who have an issue with someone who doesn't believe what they believe so they feel the need to wage some sort of attack....as you have done. Maybe calm down a little.

OP I recognize this poster. They like to lecture and attack if an OP mentions they are atheist. Incredibly judgmental. There is no point in trying to reason with them, it is exhausting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is.

Oh please. Tell me that you know zero about human nature without telling me that you know zero about human nature.

I'll tell you what I don't know - what your point is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why would anyone see you differently for having a different belief? Religion is something which gives you peace, which comes with faith, you can't talk yourself into it. Sometimes it comes if people just start doing the motion or move in religious circles, just like fitness does but those people usually go back to their original weight rather quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is.

Oh please. Tell me that you know zero about human nature without telling me that you know zero about human nature.

I was responding to this comment, which is absurd:



Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is

I'll tell you what I don't know - what your point is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is.

Oh please. Tell me that you know zero about human nature without telling me that you know zero about human nature.

I was responding to this comment, which is absurd:



Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is

I'll tell you what I don't know - what your point is.

Well your follow up post certainly didn’t edify. Why is it absurd?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe in atheists. Atheists spend too much time thinking about and discussing the existence or non-existence of God or a Higher Power to be taken seriously as true non-believers.

If you want to convince others that you are truly an atheist, then prove it.

And, yes, I do have a foolproof test.

Which is?

The foolproof test to prove that one is an atheist:

You must swear to God that you are an atheist.

So my choices are: I could make the statement even though it is meaningless. Or I could say I'd "swear" on something real. Neither have any bearing on my beliefs.

It's not a test of anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why are you keeping your atheism secret?

You don’t know what your father in law thinks and the things you think he thinks may or may not be accurate or true. It is not fair to your fil, for you to speak for him and pretend you know what he thinks. That’s a toxic way to treat your family.

Why do you think you fil thinks you are “going to hell?”

People who practice their faith are allowed to do so and if you are leaving out the more to this story, nobody here can give you an accurate answer to your question.

You seem to be very invested in your atheism. You seem to worry about what others think of your atheism.

People probably aren’t all that concerned about your atheism and your life. They have their own lives. You probably have main character syndrome, and think you and your atheism are both cast in a starring role in everyone’s life. Recalibrate your thinking, because that is not true. Most if not all people do not care.

Your fil is probably annoyed with your main character syndrome, not your lack of belief in God.

It’s easy to suss out because you declare that you won’t listen to people who tell you your beliefs are wrong. I’ve never seen a single post in this forum telling an atheist their atheism is wrong. Your main character syndrome is strong

Wow! Okay.

I'm not "keeping it a secret". I just don't share this particular thing about me in every conversation I have. I am also a runner but I don't tell everyone about that, either.

And I do know that my FIL thinks I'm going to hell because he said so to my BIL who told my DH. So.... pretty clear. No assumptions made.

I am invested in my Atheism, I feel like it's the right choice for me. I'm not "worried" about what people think of it, but I'm curious so I raised the question in a discussion forum to.....discuss. But thanks for your effort to make it personal. I'm guessing I've struck a nerve with you in some way. You could benefit from reflecting on that. Your responses (2) to my post are not an effort to add to the discussion, but to attack the question (and me). So I guess this contributes to my understanding of the reactions people have....which is why I don't always share my view. Could you imagine this conversation going well if you and I were talking to each other in person and you said these things to me? But I'm guessing that sitting behind a keyboard makes you a little more brave.

The "more to the story" is that DH and I did not have a religious wedding ceremony and he also said to my BIL that "after that ceremony it's pretty hard for us (he and MIL) to consider them married". We have never gotten an anniversary card or text to acknowledge the date. BIL and wife get invited out to dinner every year. So that's pretty clear and hardly an erroneous assumption on my part regarding what my FIL thinks. Isn't there always "more to the story" for every post? It's a post, not a biography.

It's not that I won't listen to people who believe I'm wrong, it's that I've listened to enough people who have an issue with someone who doesn't believe what they believe so they feel the need to wage some sort of attack....as you have done. Maybe calm down a little.

OP I recognize this poster. They like to lecture and attack if an OP mentions they are atheist. Incredibly judgmental. There is no point in trying to reason with them, it is exhausting.

Hey numbnuts, OP mistook pp for a person of faith when in fact they were atheist. As did you. Are you saying you don't want to reason with the atheist pp?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is.

DP. The whole point is, why does he care that some people still believe? Why is he so bothered about this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anything of them unless they're pushy about it or mocking people of faith, Proselytizing is obnoxious behavior no matter what the person believes or doesn't believe.

My BIL was like this for a while; he'd bait DH and other family members into theological arguments, and DH unfortunately felt the need to respond rather than ignore it or change the subject. He's gotten much better about not bringing up religion or lack thereof at family gatherings.

Exactly. More evidence of searching. They simply cannot leave it alone.

Did you ever think that maybe it is the opposite - that his search is done and he'd like YOU to do some?

Because I bet that's what it is.

DP. The whole point is, why does he care that some people still believe? Why is he so bothered about this?

Because he knows he's wrong. And evil loves company.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a number of relatives on my side and in-laws on my husband's side, plus colleagues and friends who are religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, mostly). Sometimes we talk about religion and I'm comfortable saying that I am Atheist, sometimes I'm not comfortable so I talk about them but don't share my view (I never share with work colleagues).

If you consider yourself religious, what do you think of Atheists? My father-in-law won't say it but I'm pretty sure he thinks I worship the Devil and I know he thinks I'm going to hell. There is more to this story but it sometimes gets me thinking that those who practice their faith openly may have some strong opinions they're not saying.

Hoping for some honest replies but if you feel inclined to tell me how wrong my choice is I promise you I've already heard it so I probably won't read more than the first few words of what you post. I respect others' choices and just want the same.

Why would anyone see you differently for having a different belief? Religion is something which gives you peace, which comes with faith, you can't talk yourself into it. Sometimes it comes if people just start doing the motion or move in religious circles, just like fitness does but those people usually go back to their original weight rather quickly.

Lots of people view atheists differently. And Lots of people talk themselves out of religion -- sometimes because they didn't have a choice, as children, not to believe. Sometimes it happens because the more they think about religious issues the more ridiculous religion seems to them. And for some people, religion never takes, even if they are indoctrinated as children.

Religion also brings some people peace and seems to come naturally to them. I think religion is like so many things -- some people go for it and others don't.

However, in our society, religion is often seen as something that is inherently GOOD and non-religion is seen as inherently BAD. Thus some people who are not religious pretend that they are. And some of the responses on this thread make it clear why they do. Religious people often think it's OK - even good or natural, to disparage people who are not religious.