What do you *REALLY* think of Atheists?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

[Anonymous]

God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:God is a man made story to give humans an understanding of the meaning of life. That’s why there are different religions with different deities. All made up stories. Sorry.

Q:How did this thread go from op asking what people think of Atheists to Atheists bashing God and the beliefs of Christians?

A:all threads here end up bashing Christians

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

[Anonymous]

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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.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

Who set astrophysics in motion?

Who says there is a who?

Oh sure. It's all just happened so perfectly and wonderfully and has lasted for so many years. All just out of nothing. That makes far more sense than believing there is a God behind it all, she said sarcastically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

Who set astrophysics in motion?

Who says there is a who?

Oh sure. It's all just happened so perfectly and wonderfully and has lasted for so many years. All just out of nothing. That makes far more sense than believing there is a God behind it all, she said sarcastically.

You can be a sarcastic as you want, but the fact is it does make much more sense. Infinitely more sense. And the universe is neither perfect nor wonderful unless you are a black hole.

Show the evidence that a God exists, and then we can talk about whether he created the universe or not. your approach presupposes his existence and that’s faulty logic. Sorry.

And your concept of “all just out of nothing” is also presupposing that there was a before the start of the universe.

The fact is that the big bang theory is the most likely explanation for the origin of the universe based on evidence. There is no evidence that there was a before the Big Bang .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

No, you are clearly offended, and nothing I said indicates that I don’t have respect for the subject matter. You are demanding what’s called special pleading. Unless you can provide a substantive response to the points or a reasonable answer to the question we can only assume that you don’t have a substantive response and are using that as an excuse.

Again, I ask you to name a mythical creature that you don’t believe in that you can use for the analogy without “being offended“. If you can’t name one, then it is obvious that you’re special pleading makes you incapable of having a logical discussion about this topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

No, you are clearly offended, and nothing I said indicates that I don’t have respect for the subject matter. You are demanding what’s called special pleading. Unless you can provide a substantive response to the points or a reasonable answer to the question we can only assume that you don’t have a substantive response and are using that as an excuse.

Again, I ask you to name a mythical creature that you don’t believe in that you can use for the analogy without “being offended“. If you can’t name one, then it is obvious that you’re special pleading makes you incapable of having a logical discussion about this topic.

You further speak for me and tell me how I feel and my thoughts- completely disrespectful of me and yes, disrespectful of the subject matter.

I don’t hold discussion with anyone who tells me how I feel and decides what my thoughts are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

No, you are clearly offended, and nothing I said indicates that I don’t have respect for the subject matter. You are demanding what’s called special pleading. Unless you can provide a substantive response to the points or a reasonable answer to the question we can only assume that you don’t have a substantive response and are using that as an excuse.

Again, I ask you to name a mythical creature that you don’t believe in that you can use for the analogy without “being offended“. If you can’t name one, then it is obvious that your special pleading makes you incapable of having a logical discussion about this topic.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

No, you are clearly offended, and nothing I said indicates that I don’t have respect for the subject matter. You are demanding what’s called special pleading. Unless you can provide a substantive response to the points or a reasonable answer to the question we can only assume that you don’t have a substantive response and are using that as an excuse.

Again, I ask you to name a mythical creature that you don’t believe in that you can use for the analogy without “being offended“. If you can’t name one, then it is obvious that you’re special pleading makes you incapable of having a logical discussion about this topic.

You further speak for me and tell me how I feel and my thoughts- completely disrespectful of me and yes, disrespectful of the subject matter.

I don’t hold discussion with anyone who tells me how I feel and decides what my thoughts are.

Especially if I guessed right! Right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

No, you are clearly offended, and nothing I said indicates that I don’t have respect for the subject matter. You are demanding what’s called special pleading. Unless you can provide a substantive response to the points or a reasonable answer to the question we can only assume that you don’t have a substantive response and are using that as an excuse.

Again, I ask you to name a mythical creature that you don’t believe in that you can use for the analogy without “being offended“. If you can’t name one, then it is obvious that you’re special pleading makes you incapable of having a logical discussion about this topic.

You further speak for me and tell me how I feel and my thoughts- completely disrespectful of me and yes, disrespectful of the subject matter.

I don’t hold discussion with anyone who tells me how I feel and decides what my thoughts are.

DP. And you say you're not offended. You really sound offended, e.g., "completely disrespectful of me....."

I would certainly be offended if I thought someone was being completely disrespectful of me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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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 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.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

Who set astrophysics in motion?

Who says there is a who?

Oh sure. It's all just happened so perfectly and wonderfully and has lasted for so many years. All just out of nothing. That makes far more sense than believing there is a God behind it all, she said sarcastically.

You can be a sarcastic as you want, but the fact is it does make much more sense. Infinitely more sense. And the universe is neither perfect nor wonderful unless you are a black hole.

Show the evidence that a God exists, and then we can talk about whether he created the universe or not. your approach presupposes his existence and that’s faulty logic. Sorry.

And your concept of “all just out of nothing” is also presupposing that there was a before the start of the universe.

The fact is that the big bang theory is the most likely explanation for the origin of the universe based on evidence. There is no evidence that there was a before the Big Bang .

DP with a side note:

The Big Bang was first theorized by a Catholic priest. Science and religion do not have to live in different spheres.

I believe in the Big Bang. I also happen to believe conditions must have led to the Big Bang. No, I can’t prove that God caused it. I also can’t prove that He didn’t. I’m comfortable accepting all possibilities, because I don’t have concrete proof to reject any.

[Anonymous]

To answer the OPs question, my philosophy is, “if you like it then I love it.” I’m agnostic and mostly culturally Jewish yet feel a strong connection to my history and many of my religion’s traditions. I do think that those who believe are blessed because they have a foundation that helps them make sense of the senseless, and something more to hope for and aspire to in the afterlife. But I also believe religion is misused as the basis for hatred and division. I’m all for atheism if you center every human’s dignity in your interactions. I feel the same about religious people. If you tell me I’m going to hell because I’m Jewish instead of respecting my belief system, for instance, then I’ll judge. Otherwise, you be you. I think the real and admirable Christians (or plug in whatever religion) are the ones who respect differences. If there is a God, I don’t think that entity would think everyone needs to be the same.

[Anonymous]

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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.

Well said.

OP here. I've been in conversations in which someone will ask about my faith and I generally won't hide that I am an Atheist, but saying that is sometimes met with silence and I can tell that there is an opinion about it they aren't comfortable sharing. This happened recently and got me thinking and is why I posted to ask for feedback (a lot of which has been constructive, so thank you for that).

Also, I choose to say I'm Atheist because it's true. I don't want to vaguely state my view as though I'm reluctant to say my truth, which is that I don't believe in God or subscribe to a faith. I get the PP who chooses to say it differently and says "not religious" but when someone says that to me I generally think they believe in God but don't go to church or celebrate religious holidays. That doesn't clearly say to me, "I don't believe in God and am therefore not religious". "Not religious" would be true for me, but not true enough. But I get that this is a way to say it that doesn't provoke others who are inclined to feel provoked by the word Atheist.

I have zero interest in bashing people who have a faith and strongly held beliefs. I have zero interest in debating whether their choice or mine is better (though I enjoy a respectful discussion). There is a "tension" that exists between people of faith and non-believers and the debate about it is futile. Asking for proof is futile because two people will look at the same thing and draw different conclusions.

The sun came up this morning; God is amazing!
The sun came up this morning, astrophysics is amazing!

I wish fewer people (from either side) felt the need to "be right" or "belittle" someone whose beliefs are different.

Who set astrophysics in motion?

Who says there is a who?

Oh sure. It's all just happened so perfectly and wonderfully and has lasted for so many years. All just out of nothing. That makes far more sense than believing there is a God behind it all, she said sarcastically.

You can be a sarcastic as you want, but the fact is it does make much more sense. Infinitely more sense. And the universe is neither perfect nor wonderful unless you are a black hole.

Show the evidence that a God exists, and then we can talk about whether he created the universe or not. your approach presupposes his existence and that’s faulty logic. Sorry.

And your concept of “all just out of nothing” is also presupposing that there was a before the start of the universe.

The fact is that the big bang theory is the most likely explanation for the origin of the universe based on evidence. There is no evidence that there was a before the Big Bang .

DP with a side note:

The Big Bang was first theorized by a Catholic priest. Science and religion do not have to live in different spheres.

I believe in the Big Bang. I also happen to believe conditions must have led to the Big Bang. No, I can’t prove that God caused it. I also can’t prove that He didn’t. I’m comfortable accepting all possibilities, because I don’t have concrete proof to reject any.

But do you believe all possibilities? Or disbelieve them all equally?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Atheists love attention. They like to tell everyone the details of their lives. They like to talk about the slights (real or imagined) that they have experienced. They feel as if people are persecuting them or talking badly about them. They wish to protect a beyond it all, rational and calm persona and attitude which is a false self. They are seething and unhappy with the world and other people- most of whom don’t know they exist.

The claim God doesn’t exist, but the blame God for every bad event in history and every bad experience suffered by man.

God doesn’t exist- but I hate Him, is the atheist and anti-theist mantra. It is nonsensical.

Their childhoods seem to have been unhappy and as a result they want everyone to be unhappy. They call normal family cultural, religious, and social relationships “brainwashing.” Perhaps they are so sad and wounded by their childhoods, they subconsciously want to inflict that pain onto other people?

And they worry about being judged or talked about for not being religious.

People don’t care. You are worried about something no one else is. Nobody cares about how you conduct yourself when you are home. If you go to work and do your job, that’s all that’s required by your coworkers.

That’s a lot of words, most of them false.

Most atheists don’t say there is no god, they say they just don’t believe in one because there is not sufficient evidence.

Accordingly, they don’t hate something they don’t believe exists, although they may be aware of certain gods of legend who did things they find abhorrent.

Most importantly, atheists will change heir belief once shown sufficient evidence, so I would think theists would want to engage them.

So atheists think God is real?

You are going to have to explain how you got to that conclusion from what I typed or I will have to assume you are just trolling and ignore it.

“Most atheists don’t say there is no god“

^you typed those words

Do you understand the difference between not believing in a god and claiming one does not exist?

It’s not complicated. It’s how you feel about Bigfoot, I bet. You don’t believe Bigfoot is real but if they caught him you’d change your position.

If you compare the Bigfoot hoax to God, you aren’t someone who I wish to debate or even discuss this topic with. Your mind is infantile and your thoughts belong on reddit.

So you don’t understand analogies?

That’s not my problem.

I did not compare them in any way, save that I don’t believe in either. Why don’t you tell me something you don’t believe in that won’t offend you in the analogy and we’ll use that.

Not offended; just don’t discuss topics with people who don’t have respect for the subject matter. It’s a principle I have.

No, you are clearly offended, and nothing I said indicates that I don’t have respect for the subject matter. You are demanding what’s called special pleading. Unless you can provide a substantive response to the points or a reasonable answer to the question we can only assume that you don’t have a substantive response and are using that as an excuse.

Again, I ask you to name a mythical creature that you don’t believe in that you can use for the analogy without “being offended“. If you can’t name one, then it is obvious that you’re special pleading makes you incapable of having a logical discussion about this topic.

You further speak for me and tell me how I feel and my thoughts- completely disrespectful of me and yes, disrespectful of the subject matter.

I don’t hold discussion with anyone who tells me how I feel and decides what my thoughts are.

Especially if I guessed right! Right?

I am glad you feel you’ve won or are right, because I sense this means a lot to you.