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What do Atheists believe?
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Anonymous
^^ this is me. I'm an atheist. I find this all very hopeful and comforting, btw. |
Anonymous
| If you want want any cursing don’t ask about my beliefs. |
Anonymous
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Well, you were probably taught your religion when you were a child. Back when you were learning everything about the world, your parents told you about the god they believed in. My parents simply didn't. They were scientists, and when I asked them a question about how the world works, they gave me a serious and real answer. (We also didn't have Santa to bribe us for good behavior.) When someone died, my parents told us the truth, that no one really knows what happens to them because no one has any evidence from having experienced it. They told me with affection that I should not worry too much about it. My parents are very just and ethical people who taught us to treat people the right way because it's the right thing to do, not because a god would punish us.
We have taught the same to our children. Something that has been very important to you is simply not important at all to atheists. You may have a red hat that is your absolute favorite possession, but lots of people simply don't own red hats. They don't care either way about whether other people own red hats. But they do notice that people have a tendency to kill one another over their hats. |
Anonymous
Thanks, that was almost poetic! |
Anonymous
Great post. |
Anonymous
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I wasn’t raised with religion. My parents both were but it was something they chose to avoid in their adult lives. We didn’t go to church. It was just never part of my life during the time when core beliefs are formed. During times of crisis, I’ve thought that it might be comforting to have that belief system to rely on. When I was a teenager, I tried to believe that God was listening and watching, and it just felt alien and empty to me. As my identity and belief system developed, I relied on morality that was not rooted in any particular theology. Most of them have principles of justice, compassion, honesty, generosity, etc. I hold those principles close in my actions and am glad to share them with various religious belief systems.
As for what happens when we die, I believe that when we die, all that is left of us is our bodies and the memories our community has of our presence. I’m an organ donor so as to make the most of the body. I do my best to act with justice, compassion, honesty, genero, etc. so as to be remembered kindly. |
Anonymous
Do you believe in an afterlife? |
Anonymous
I am an atheist and feel no need to justify to you why I am one. |
Anonymous
I am an atheist and do not believe in any god or religion. I don't need to justify it and want to know why you are so concerned about what an atheist believes. Maybe you are one too? |
Anonymous
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I’d like to hear more about atheist morals. The drama queen/victim/surly poster aside, I know many of you have strong moral systems and are proud of them. Tell us more!
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Anonymous
Serious question: Then why are you on a religion board asking believers to justify their faith? Doesn’t seem fair or rational. |
Anonymous
You don’t need a belief in a deity to have a strong sense of right and wrong. Most humans have some degree of empathy, from which morals follow. |
Anonymous
DP atheist here: I have literally never done this on this board, ever. Why do you believe atheists do this, or are all the same? Do you want to be classified in with the religious people who have done awful things in the name of religion? |
Anonymous
Funny you equate profanity with morality. |
Anonymous
^ lack of |