What do Atheists believe?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Atheists believe that there is nothing in the universe more important than themselves.

No that is incorrect, even if you are tongue-in-cheek.

Atheists are people who do not have a belief in a god or gods.

What’s the difference? Is there something you believe in that is more important than yourself?

I literally don't understand the question. There are lots of things that are "more important than myself," but that fact/belief doesn't particularly alter my behavior in any way. What do you or would you do differently because you believe in God?

I didn’t say anything about behavior. I am saying that atheists don’t believe in the existence of anything larger or more important than themselves. Pp said I was wrong, but no one gave an example of something they DO believe in.

DO you think intangible ideals can't be larger or more important than a given individual, or just that atheists can't believe in them?

I think atheists can’t believe in them.
Prove me wrong. What do you believe in?

I think you can't bring yourself to discuss this in good faith.

Prove me wrong. Convince me you aren't trying to have an inauthentic conversation.

+1

+1

If this is OP, this is not somebody who is interested in an authentic discussion with atheists.

I think OP is actually pretty troubled and may have realized that deep down she doesn't believe either, and that really distresses her.

Hi! This is not OP. I am super busy today, so I haven’t responded. Most of the atheists I know are sort of like the John Lennon song “imagine” and believe there is “nothing to kill or die for. “
I keep hearing that I am wrong, and there are atheists on here who believe in things greater than themselves, and I think that’s worth a conversation. So, what is it? Capitalism, babies, families, puppies? What do you believe in.
I know I am being kind of antagonistic, but I am finding it crazy making that people keep saying they have live their lives in a certain way because of something more important than themselves, but then refusing to say what that thing is.

So there are two of you who are sad, angry people.

Dp. Repeatedly accusing others of anger is ludicrous. Nothing in that post says anger, to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists believe that there is nothing in the universe more important than themselves.

No that is incorrect, even if you are tongue-in-cheek.

Atheists are people who do not have a belief in a god or gods.

What’s the difference? Is there something you believe in that is more important than yourself?

I literally don't understand the question. There are lots of things that are "more important than myself," but that fact/belief doesn't particularly alter my behavior in any way. What do you or would you do differently because you believe in God?

I didn’t say anything about behavior. I am saying that atheists don’t believe in the existence of anything larger or more important than themselves. Pp said I was wrong, but no one gave an example of something they DO believe in.

DO you think intangible ideals can't be larger or more important than a given individual, or just that atheists can't believe in them?

I think atheists can’t believe in them.
Prove me wrong. What do you believe in?

I think you can't bring yourself to discuss this in good faith.

Prove me wrong. Convince me you aren't trying to have an inauthentic conversation.

+1

+1

If this is OP, this is not somebody who is interested in an authentic discussion with atheists.

I think OP is actually pretty troubled and may have realized that deep down she doesn't believe either, and that really distresses her.

Hi! This is not OP. I am super busy today, so I haven’t responded. Most of the atheists I know are sort of like the John Lennon song “imagine” and believe there is “nothing to kill or die for. “
I keep hearing that I am wrong, and there are atheists on here who believe in things greater than themselves, and I think that’s worth a conversation. So, what is it? Capitalism, babies, families, puppies? What do you believe in.
I know I am being kind of antagonistic, but I am finding it crazy making that people keep saying they have live their lives in a certain way because of something more important than themselves, but then refusing to say what that thing is.

NP. If any of you is bored by now with attacking OP, this post raises some great questions.

Or, just ignore actual questions and go back to attacking OP, like the posts between the one above and my post here have chosen to do.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists believe that there is nothing in the universe more important than themselves.

No that is incorrect, even if you are tongue-in-cheek.

Atheists are people who do not have a belief in a god or gods.

What’s the difference? Is there something you believe in that is more important than yourself?

I literally don't understand the question. There are lots of things that are "more important than myself," but that fact/belief doesn't particularly alter my behavior in any way. What do you or would you do differently because you believe in God?

I didn’t say anything about behavior. I am saying that atheists don’t believe in the existence of anything larger or more important than themselves. Pp said I was wrong, but no one gave an example of something they DO believe in.

DO you think intangible ideals can't be larger or more important than a given individual, or just that atheists can't believe in them?

I think atheists can’t believe in them.
Prove me wrong. What do you believe in?

I think you can't bring yourself to discuss this in good faith.

Prove me wrong. Convince me you aren't trying to have an inauthentic conversation.

+1

+1

If this is OP, this is not somebody who is interested in an authentic discussion with atheists.

I think OP is actually pretty troubled and may have realized that deep down she doesn't believe either, and that really distresses her.

Hi! This is not OP. I am super busy today, so I haven’t responded. Most of the atheists I know are sort of like the John Lennon song “imagine” and believe there is “nothing to kill or die for. “
I keep hearing that I am wrong, and there are atheists on here who believe in things greater than themselves, and I think that’s worth a conversation. So, what is it? Capitalism, babies, families, puppies? What do you believe in.
I know I am being kind of antagonistic, but I am finding it crazy making that people keep saying they have live their lives in a certain way because of something more important than themselves, but then refusing to say what that thing is.

So there are two of you who are sad, angry people.

DP. Serious question: could you please point out why asking what atheists believe, on a thread about what atheists believe, makes a person “sad and angry”?

This could be a learning experience for all of us, if you bother to answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists believe that there is nothing in the universe more important than themselves.

No that is incorrect, even if you are tongue-in-cheek.

Atheists are people who do not have a belief in a god or gods.

What’s the difference? Is there something you believe in that is more important than yourself?

I literally don't understand the question. There are lots of things that are "more important than myself," but that fact/belief doesn't particularly alter my behavior in any way. What do you or would you do differently because you believe in God?

I didn’t say anything about behavior. I am saying that atheists don’t believe in the existence of anything larger or more important than themselves. Pp said I was wrong, but no one gave an example of something they DO believe in.

DO you think intangible ideals can't be larger or more important than a given individual, or just that atheists can't believe in them?

I think atheists can’t believe in them.
Prove me wrong. What do you believe in?

I think you can't bring yourself to discuss this in good faith.

Prove me wrong. Convince me you aren't trying to have an inauthentic conversation.

+1

+1

If this is OP, this is not somebody who is interested in an authentic discussion with atheists.

I think OP is actually pretty troubled and may have realized that deep down she doesn't believe either, and that really distresses her.

Hi! This is not OP. I am super busy today, so I haven’t responded. Most of the atheists I know are sort of like the John Lennon song “imagine” and believe there is “nothing to kill or die for. “
I keep hearing that I am wrong, and there are atheists on here who believe in things greater than themselves, and I think that’s worth a conversation. So, what is it? Capitalism, babies, families, puppies? What do you believe in.
I know I am being kind of antagonistic, but I am finding it crazy making that people keep saying they have live their lives in a certain way because of something more important than themselves, but then refusing to say what that thing is.

NP. If any of you is bored by now with attacking OP, this post raises some great questions.

Or, just ignore actual questions and go back to attacking OP, like the posts between the one above and my post here have chosen to do.

+1

Wishing somebody well who is troubled is not an attack. The fact you think it is says a lot about your world view.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is it. All we have is each other. Therefore, we ought to make this the best of all possible worlds, and help each other to achieve it.

There is no future reward for the suffering, so it is incumbent upon us all to try to end it now. There is also no future punishment for those who cause suffering, so it is incumbent upon us all to try to get them to change their ways, or limit their ability to cause suffering.

And ... cycle of life, science, amazed that we exist at all -- that stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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]

Anonymous wrote: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]

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe there is a higher being out there pulling the strings and making decisions about every single one of the billions upon billions of humans who have ever lived on this planet. I don't pretend to know why anything exists. But I don't believe any of the ancient man-made stories to explain it.

I think life can be random and harsh, and many people have horrendous lives, but life can also beautiful and meaningful. And I think we should make the most of our short time on earth not just to enjoy ourselves but to help others and to help ensure the earth is in good shape for future generations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Atheists believe that there is nothing in the universe more important than themselves.

No that is incorrect, even if you are tongue-in-cheek.

Atheists are people who do not have a belief in a god or gods.

What’s the difference? Is there something you believe in that is more important than yourself?

I literally don't understand the question. There are lots of things that are "more important than myself," but that fact/belief doesn't particularly alter my behavior in any way. What do you or would you do differently because you believe in God?

I didn’t say anything about behavior. I am saying that atheists don’t believe in the existence of anything larger or more important than themselves. Pp said I was wrong, but no one gave an example of something they DO believe in.

DO you think intangible ideals can't be larger or more important than a given individual, or just that atheists can't believe in them?

I think atheists can’t believe in them.
Prove me wrong. What do you believe in?

I think you can't bring yourself to discuss this in good faith.

Prove me wrong. Convince me you aren't trying to have an inauthentic conversation.

+1

+1

If this is OP, this is not somebody who is interested in an authentic discussion with atheists.

I think OP is actually pretty troubled and may have realized that deep down she doesn't believe either, and that really distresses her.

Hi! This is not OP. I am super busy today, so I haven’t responded. Most of the atheists I know are sort of like the John Lennon song “imagine” and believe there is “nothing to kill or die for. “
I keep hearing that I am wrong, and there are atheists on here who believe in things greater than themselves, and I think that’s worth a conversation. So, what is it? Capitalism, babies, families, puppies? What do you believe in.
I know I am being kind of antagonistic, but I am finding it crazy making that people keep saying they have live their lives in a certain way because of something more important than themselves, but then refusing to say what that thing is.

So there are two of you who are sad, angry people.

DP. Serious question: could you please point out why asking what atheists believe, on a thread about what atheists believe, makes a person “sad and angry”?

This could be a learning experience for all of us, if you bother to answer.

Because PP isn't actually asking what atheists believe. It's talking about how crazy the person finds the answers that have been already given many times in this thread. PP's question has been answered multiple times. She just doesn't like the answer, and yes, that is the response of a sad and angry person.

[Anonymous]

Yes, please!

What makes op sad and angry? -op

I haven’t posted on this thread for a long time and just checked it today.

Rawwr! It’s me OP! My claws and fangs a flyin’!

I’d threaten you that your soul was hell bound, but I am still not quite sure if atheists think they have souls?

Maybe some of you do...or don’t.

IDK. Carry on, non-Christian Soldiers!

PS- I totally expected atheists to have a sense of humor. Apparently, that is my biggest mis-conception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is it. All we have is each other. Therefore, we ought to make this the best of all possible worlds, and help each other to achieve it.

There is no future reward for the suffering, so it is incumbent upon us all to try to end it now. There is also no future punishment for those who cause suffering, so it is incumbent upon us all to try to get them to change their ways, or limit their ability to cause suffering.

And ... cycle of life, science, amazed that we exist at all -- that stuff.

Agree with PPs, very good post.

I'll add that I think to the extent life has meaning, it is created by people. It is something we bring into the world for ourselves and others.

I think treating other people as objects is horrendous. I think we do it to lesser and greater extent all the time, in personal and public interactions. I am finding myself doing it more frequently here at DCUM (often out of exasperation), and that is making me think about modulating that time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm taking it as an honest question. You might find it very helpful to go back and reread the thread from the beginning.

I've been posting since the beginning. I have tried to answer the question at hand. I've asked what OP is struggling with. I've tried being nice... OP goes on the attack or refers to a thread that has nothing to do with this one to back up her thought process.

I don't think there is an answer to this question that OP will accept other than

Athiests believe nothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, please!

What makes op sad and angry? -op

I haven’t posted on this thread for a long time and just checked it today.

Rawwr! It’s me OP! My claws and fangs a flyin’!

I’d threaten you that your soul was hell bound, but I am still not quite sure if atheists think they have souls?

Maybe some of you do...or don’t.

IDK. Carry on, non-Christian Soldiers!

PS- I totally expected atheists to have a sense of humor. Apparently, that is my biggest mis-conception.

I'm sorry, OP, that atheists aren't what you expect. I'm one of the posters who has been referred to as a thoughtful atheist multiple times in this forum. I am being genuine when I say I wish you well and that I wish you peace.

[Anonymous]

I've reposted some of the thoughtful answers from earlier in the thread, but I don't know which or if any of the posters from earlier are still reading and responding.

Since the question of what atheists believe was re-raised by a new DP, why don't you tell us what you think? Did that answer your question?

If not, what would a "good" answer look like?

You aren't going to get the same answer from all atheists, but you asked for some answers, so -- here you go.

[Anonymous]

Where have I stated atheists haven’t met any expectations?

My only expectation was that perhaps atheists had a similar or defined code of morality or values. Apparently, no.

The lack of humor is the biggest huh? After hanging out with very uptight or judgmental Christians, I can say I will not be so disappointed in my fellow Christians that are sometimes unkind or unwelcoming. Atheists here are Uber rude...except...suspiciously...the last few pages.

Carry on!