BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist A question for non-Athiests who post on here.

I did say, "or lack thereof".

Atheism, to me (of course I am an agnostic and probably not qualified to define), is a belief in scientific facts and the tangible. Life is not lived for some future life or afterlife because neither is a scientific fact or tangible. Simply because one is an atheist does not mean they cannot speculate on the hows and why of existence - and indeed many scientific discoveries have been made from questions of that very nature. Atheism does not attach answers or beliefs to questions posed simply because not knowing something makes them uncomfortable. Throughout history that is what humans have done and religions formed. Consider Ra, the sun god or Neptune, rule of the sea ... The sun and sea are scary things when you do not understand the world around you. As we grew in our scientific knowledge, these gods were no longer needed to explain what we experienced.

I never meant to imply this at all...



This is a good answer. I appreciate the effort.

Thank you!

I like this quote Denise, because it does show the fallacy of man that are striving to be Christlike. And it happens all too often! It's hard to set a Christianlike example if you have fish bumper stickers all over you car, and yet you flip off the person that cuts in front of you - or worse let your children hear you speak such words just after in Sunday School you were adhering to "love thy neighbor".

I enjoy coming onto these boards to see how much yet I don't know! It is hard to have an intelligent debate with someone if you have never considered other alternatives. And quite honestly i realize I am probably not going to change the minds of most people that are one hear posting their own views. But I might reach someone who has not decided in their life what path to take, and if I can be a help to that person - I am happy to do so.

Above all, I want to remain credible and consistent, and couteous on these boards. I recognize all of the arguments everyone puts forth, and that they are very personal - we aren't talking grocery shopping here! And I hope that people will actually stop and think about someof my words as opposed to just hitting *delete* because they see it is from a Christian.

I've done my best and will continue in conveying what I believe in with the articles. And the "believe in" there is only an expression of conviction, removed from any connotation of faith (of course).
Part of being an atheist, to me, is realizing I only get to set my own convictions, morals, and ethics. I can argue for them, I can explain them, but in the end, they're only mine. Atheism can never offer a set code, by definition.
There are differences in intelligence by birth. However, and this is something I feel strongly about, that doesn't excuse anyone. Each person has intellectual power to his or her own extent, and using and developing it (which, yes, is in the individual's control) is the most important ambition in life.
To use myself as an example (and again, I insert that I am not a boaster), I was born, as chance, so to speak, would have it, with a quite substantial IQ. But that only means I might learn faster and make connections more easily. It doesn't mean that anyone else can't learn, be rational, and think.
Intelligence, rational thought, all these things, are certainly someone everyone can develop, as I said, each to his or her own power. It does take work, and sometimes, it takes being able to hold your opinion even when no one else does. But the rewards? I can't think of any better.
No one can be free without being intellectually free (both from external and, most significantly, internal constraints).
I don't believe in any grand order we're meant to rise to, but I do believe that this is how we achieve greatness, with the power of our minds. It doesn't need to be any greatness other than our own.

As a bonus, a quote that's been on my mind lately-
Various versions, but essentially: "Even if I am a minority of one, the truth is the truth." -Gandhi

Well, I am not an atheist but I don't have any desire to convert anyone to my religion. I don't feel comfortable with converting anyone on the forums because it is not the proper venue for it. Anyway, I don't think that converting atheists through an online forum would be very effective.

On the other hand, non-atheists posting on an atheist thread would enrich it more. It makes it more fun so to speak, because there would be more arguments and more variety of opinions.

if everyone posted in a thread, and all were like-minded, I have a feeling that discussions would very soon peter out...it's lively discussion, debate and exchange that keeps the fora buzzing....!

I just thought I'd post the passage below, as it's a post from Theistic fora, but everyone is quite welcome to attend....

"I made a promise some time ago to the Bible Basics Moderator that I would treat her forum with respect. She requested (even in her forum rules) that she did not wish to see arguments or contradictions to the Bible arising here, and requested that the book not be challenged or disputed. All well and good....

I promised her I would evaluate my words and discussions accordingly.

What I am about to say is purely as a comment, it's not intended to be defamatory or argumentative.

A great many threads in the Christianity and Bible Basics forum are either started by, or greatly contributed to, by Non-Christians (be they atheist, agnostic or of another following) and this is how discussion is generated. That's essentially what a forum is for. Discussion, verbal engagement and debate. Without these kinds of exchanges, discussion and debate on a forum whittles away to nothing. if everyone on a forum is of a like mind, then the conversation very quickly degenerates and dwindles away to nothing....

I would be very happy to transfer this discussion to the Buddhist forum, but there's a catch: Those wishing to continue this discussion would have to be as informed and cognisant of Buddhist doctrine as I am of the Christian Bible, (or at least, open to the suggestion and broad-minded enough to just appraise them....)

And that's where the problem arises.

The Buddhist forum is not much frequented by such discussions, because it seems to me (and this is only my perception - inform me if you think I am mistaken) many Christians either shy away from learning more about Buddhism, or prefer not to, intent instead, on just receiving all of their religious and/or spiritual knowledge and instruction, from one source.

But the Buddhist doctrine thrives on discussion and debate. Buddhism refuses to rely on faith or belief, prefering instead to recommend that all teachings - notwithstanding their origin or provenance - be subjected to the highest and most detailed scrutiny possible. so in Buddhism, it's not a case of have faith - it's a question of find indisputable proof and enhance your knowledge....

I would be pleased to open up a new thread in Buddhism to continue the above discussion, but only as long as those engaging in this discussion would be able to appraise the discussion as much from a Buddhist perspective as from a Christian one.

The same rules of respect, rudeness, courtesy, insults, poor language, politeness, etc.. apply on the Buddhist forum, as much as they do on any other forum. It's a question of acceptable constructive and positive social interaction - it has nothing to do with a person's belief or faith, religion or dogma.....

But I will create a 'transfer' thread to the Buddhist forum now, and hopefully continue this discussion there.

I am also posting this message on other Bible basics/Christian threads, where my participation has entailed lively discussion on theological matters....."
I would welcome visitors, as it were, to enjoy discussion - from all sides, with a simple view of broadening our minds and font of knowledge and information....

Anyways..... please refrain from attemping to dishonor my character. It's really boring now... lol!

Seems to me the next step would be to recognize who gave you this substantial gift.



So basically I am getting that Atheism is belief in the power of the mind and the accomplishments of the individual. All priase and glory to the human being. Yes?

And the difference between Christianity and Atheism is the we give all the praise for all things to God where as atheists give the glory to themselves and their intelligence?

This just takes us back where we started....

I don't know... I think that what you said earlier about the fact that I HAVE something I believe in is making it hard for me to understand someone who "doesn't" have any "beliefs". At least beliefs in the sense like I have....