BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist Evangelical Atheists?

Sometimes I wonder why atheists aren't more evangelical in terms of spreading the word about atheism. I mean, why not?

Well, some are...for example: Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, Rand, Myers. Well this is a long list. Look up "lists of atheists" on wikipedia. So there certainly are "evangelical atheists out there" but most I think are content to live and let live. It is not likely that you will find them knocking on your door. Its almost counterintuitive that one would profess a non-belief. I do not actively tell people about my lack of a belief in elves, ghosts, leprechauns, psychics, alien abductions and Bigfoot. So why would I do this with regards to god? Except with god I kinda do, because with god along with maybe psychics there is a definite harm to society while believing in elves and Bigfoot just makes you look goofy.

I only really talk about the topic when it comes up naturally; I mean, I would hate it if religious friends started evangelising me, so I don't actively try to bring anyone to a point of atheism - I present my view and that's it. Maybe it will strike a chord with some, I don't know.

I think the evangelism has a direct result with one's belief in an afterlife.

Atheists don't believe there is anything beyond this lifetime - so there is really nothing to convert. There is no reason to try to get people to see their way.

But for Christians, and other religions, we are taught that our beliefs affect what happens to us after death. Since I believe in Heaven and Hell - then I of course don't want to see any of my friends and family going to Hell for disbelief. And the thought that someone else that I don't know going there because I didn't do all that I could have or should have is horrible to me.

I think that is where the difference lies in evangelizing (is that a word? LOL!)

No insult is intended with these comments. You say you believe in Heaven and Hell. How would you describe your hell? Is it a fire and brimstone place where all non-believers will be eternally tortured by your obviously vengeful god. Did he create hell or did the devil? If it was the devil why did god create the devil and if god is all powerful why not just get rid of the devil?

But if not the devil then hell must be where god sends non-believers and not just sinners. So you could essentially be a good person who does not believe and go to hell but a murdering believer and go to heaven. Why give us freedom to choose and condemn us for expressing doubt. What kind of a guy needs this daily affirmation anyways, is he that insecure.

Also you justify your evangelizing by wanting to save your family from eternal damnation. Are you just as open to those of other beliefs evangelizing to you. What if Muslims knocked on your door and said you are going to hell, would you get annoyed after a while. Then if Scientologists did the same, and native americans, and Janes and Hindus and those who practice voodoo or worship Neptune the god of the sea or Seuss. They all think you are wrong with your "New" Christianity.

These are essentially just rhetorical questions, I don't expect answers or at least I don't expect good ones. I do not mean you are incapable of good answers as you may be the most rational believer I have "met". I mean that nobody can provide me with good answers, try if you wish but I have been through it a thousand times and I will counter it with facts, logic, science and common sense.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to turn this into a theological debate - I was just saying that I thought the differences between atheist and Christians evangelizing came down to afterlife beliefs.

For an atheist it is not so critical to convince someone esle they are right. What harm is in it for you (as an atheist) to let someone else believe in God? but for a Christian, the harm lies in the fact that if we don't evengelize, then we play a part in dooming someone to an afterlife of Hell, according to our beliefs at least.

That was simply the point I was making.

I won't answer everything you asked, but one of your questions I found interesting, because I'm actually doing research for an article on it. "What is Hell like?" I've often wondered if Hell is a place of complete solitude where you suffer the thing you most fear. I remember reading this in a book somewhere (it was a fictional account - I've got to find that book) but it was a really hitting visual. The sinner must live in their worst nightmare for all eternity, but what made it truly a hell was that there was no-one to share the burden with. No-one to give comfort. There was no hope. No hope is the definition of hell to me.

My sister's partner quotes bible passages occasionally which really gets on my nerves (like scratching on a blackboard - ya know). Finally I told him that I'm 110% atheist, which he already knew but I thought I better reinforce it. Also told him I don't believe in mother goose or santa clause either.

OOOOOOOOOOH I'm getting so outspoken

Isn't this thinking more agnostic then atheistic? Just an observation.

Agnostic is saying you are not sure whether there is a Supreme being.

Atheist is saying there is NOT a Supreme Being.

So creampie fits well within the atheist viewpoint from what I can tell.

Agnostic is the position that it is impossible to know if there is a god.

Atheist is the belief that there is no god.

I there for am both.