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Why does an Atheist do what they do?
Published on September 15, 2005 By foreverserenity In Religion
What is it about God that Atheists fear so much? Because some will be quick to say an Atheist doesn’t hate, then it must be fear. A fear of God. What makes an Atheist an Atheist? I don’t really know the answer to that question. And I’m sure some of you will enlighten me. I welcome the responses. But I wonder what does being an Atheist really means? Is it someone who goes around and look for everything and anything that represents God and make a big fuss about it because his rights are being trampled on just because of God? Truthfully I don’t get it.

A lot of people like to say (or think) that Christians make a lot of noise about everything. Truthfully, there are some that do, there are after all fanatics that are out there. And to me, they too are like the Atheists. Because somehow in their endeavor to prove how right they are and how wrong everyone else is, they will end up trampling all over the rights and freedom of others around them.

It doesn’t really matter to me that the Atheist doesn’t believe in God or any other form of Gods for that matter. It doesn’t really matter to me that the Atheist rejects the concept of or the existence of or finds no reason to believe in the fact that there is a God. It does matter to me however, that the Atheist will try to trample on my rights and try to prevent the singing of a song, reciting a poem or reading a book just because they mention God.

If they so detest the thought that God exists then remove yourself from that which offends you so much. Don’t try to have the laws of the lands changed just so that you can feel empowered. Everyone has rights, everyone has the freedom to do what they want, that’s a given. Don’t trample all over mine just because we don’t see things the same way.

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Comments (Page 1)
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1
xtine
on Sep 15, 2005
I am an atheist. I like to say I am a "quiet atheist" because I mostly just don't want to get into any sort of debate about it. But no, I am most certainly not afraid of the concept of god. I just don't believe it. To me, being an atheist just means I have more internal resources available to dedicate to living a good life and taking care of the people close to me.
2
dharmagrl
on Sep 15, 2005

You have to understand that, to an athiest, Christianity and theism in general have the majority.  This country was founded on theism, it's judicial system is based on theistic values, it's even written on the currency.  God is everywhere you look, and most athiests feel that they're having someone else's values rammed down their throats every time they turn around. 

I think that being rabidly anti-christian is as bad as being rabidly christian too.

3
lifehappens
on Sep 15, 2005
good topic. Here is my question if anyone cares to answer. If you don't believe in God, then why should my belief in "an imaginary thing" hurt you in any way? Can't you just shake your head an d pity me for having faith? Why do so many aithiests demand I not have any beliefs?
4
chiprj
on Sep 15, 2005
Why does an Atheist do what they do?


Only God knows...
5
darkhelmet_OG
on Sep 15, 2005
I think most atheists are actualy agnostic...

I'm agnostic... I don't beleive in any certain god or think that any religion is correct... but I have hopes that there is something greater out there that hopefuly has a plan or something for existance... but its only a hope.

I also really respect people that can have faith in their religion and arn't trying to impose it on others... I just can't do it, and I've seen friends go through so much pain, but take it so much easier because they have faith that god is with them, and I admire that.
6
stutefish
on Sep 15, 2005
They expect the Spanish Inquisition.

Or possibly a replay of the hundreds of thousands killed under Stalin, only it would be a God-powered genocide, and they'd be the first against the wall.

And they hate having to share their planet/culture/city/neighborhood/democracy with anybody stupid and gullible enough to believe in God.
7
InfoGeek
on Sep 15, 2005
They expect the Spanish Inquisition.

Sorry... got to do it.....


No one expects the Spanish Inquisition!!!!

Our weapon is fear, fear and surprise, ruthless efficiency...

and a fanatical devotion to the pope!

Bring forth the comfy chair!

IG

8
Texas Wahine
on Sep 15, 2005
I'm an atheist/agnostic. I was Christian for most of my life but came to a point where I realized that trying to force myself into going through the motions of something that never really made sense to me was doing more harm than good.

I don't have anything against Christians, any more than I have anything against people who paint their walls blue instead of green. It's just a different way of doing things.

I think the new ruling is a good thing...not because I think Newdow is some champion of atheists or anything like that. I think he's generally a despicable guy.

I believe that more than anything, separation of church and state PROTECTS religion. It allows us to practice our own faiths and hold onto our own beliefs without having contradictory beliefs and practices forced on us.

Children are free to pray at school, they are just not guided or forced into a prayer (the wording of which can vary greatly from religion to religion) by a school (government) employee.

Religion can never be taken out of schools, regardless of rulings about prayers and holiday programs and the pledge of allegiance, so long as parents instruct and guide their children on matters of faith. The religious child carries his faith with him everywhere he goes.

Despite my lack of belief in a god, my children profess faith in God and I encourage them to explore and practice their own faith. If it's something they believe in and it can be a constructive force in their lives, then it would be tragic for me to trample that.
9
shadesofgrey
on Sep 15, 2005
What is it about God that Atheists fear so much? Because some will be quick to say an Atheist doesn’t hate, then it must be fear. A fear of God.


I don't think that it is fear. Atheists simply do not believe that God exists.

Is it someone who goes around and look for everything and anything that represents God and make a big fuss about it because his rights are being trampled on just because of God? Truthfully I don’t get it.


How would you feel if they were all references to Allah? or even to Satan?

It does matter to me however, that the Atheist will try to trample on my rights and try to prevent the singing of a song, reciting a poem or reading a book just because they mention God.


Your rights have not been trampled on. You still have the right to do or say any of those things whenever you want. The ruling said that a teacher can not lead his/her class--that's completely different than what you are allowed to do on your own time.

Heck. You could walk down the middle of your town's Main Street signing "Jesus Loves Me" and no one would say boo to you (well, unless you were upstructing justice or in violation of a noise ordance).

Don’t try to have the laws of the lands changed just so that you can feel empowered

they aren't trying to change the law of the land--they are trying to uphold the constitution.
10
stutefish
on Sep 15, 2005
TexasWhahine shames me with her thoughtful, reasonable, and humane response. If you want to find out more about what atheists really think and feel, ignore me and listen to her.

Still, "they expect the Spanish Inquisition" was too good to pass up.
11
foreverserenity
on Sep 15, 2005
I am an atheist.


Thanks for letting me know, only because I wasn't aware you were (it doesn't change my opinion of you!).


I am a "quiet atheist" because I mostly just don't want to get into any sort of debate about it. But no, I am most certainly not afraid of the concept of god. I just don't believe it. To me, being an atheist just means I have more internal resources available to dedicate to living a good life and taking care of the people close to me.


I've never heard of a quite atheist. But then again, I don't know much about Atheist so let me not be glib about it. I am trying to understand your concept of internal resources. I'm just trying to understand. My internal resources are my faith and my beliefs, i.e., my inner strength and my belief in God.




You have to understand that, to an athiest, Christianity and theism in general have the majority. This country was founded on theism, it's judicial system is based on theistic values, it's even written on the currency. God is everywhere you look, and most athiests feel that they're having someone else's values rammed down their throats every time they turn around.


I see your point that God is everywhere, but remember as you said this is the foundation of our world. I don't think it was the intention of the founding fathers to have God shouting from the roof top, so to speak. But at the time, before everyone had their own beleifs, that's how it was.


If you don't believe in God, then why should my belief in "an imaginary thing" hurt you in any way? Can't you just shake your head an d pity me for having faith? Why do so many aithiests demand I not have any beliefs?


Good questions.


Only God knows...


I guess the pun was intended! But you're right, only God knows.




I think most atheists are actualy agnostic...I'm agnostic... I don't beleive in any certain god or think that any religion is correct..


I've never heard the termnology. Thanks for defining it.


but I have hopes that there is something greater out there that hopefuly has a plan or something for existance... but its only a hope.


Hope is good. No matter the beliefs of each person, having hope is always good!


also really respect people that can have faith in their religion and arn't trying to impose it on others


This is good. I too don't believe I should take my religion and impose it on others. However, I can tell others about it and it's their choice to say go away or debate and asks questions.


They expect the Spanish Inquisition.Or possibly a replay of the hundreds of thousands killed under Stalin, only it would be a God-powered genocide, and they'd be the first against the wall.And they hate having to share their planet/culture/city/neighborhood/democracy with anybody stupid and gullible enough to believe in God.


We definately don't live in those times anymore. Thank God in this country we have the freedom to believe whatever we do.


and a fanatical devotion to the pope!


I"m not Catholic so there's no devotion to the Pope on my part. Don't be surprise if the Catholics amongst us take offense here.


I'm an atheist/agnostic.


Thanks for sharing that.


believe that more than anything, separation of church and state PROTECTS religion. It allows us to practice our own faiths and hold onto our own beliefs without having contradictory beliefs and practices forced on us.


When you put it this way Tex, I agree with that concept if it does protect everyone's right to believe what they do. I certainly wouldn't want the government to force me to believe in anything. I only hope this isn't seen as grounds for more rulings that might do just that, trample on the rights of Christians.


The religious child carries his faith with him everywhere he goes.


This is most certainly true.


Despite my lack of belief in a god, my children profess faith in God and I encourage them to explore and practice their own faith. If it's something they believe in and it can be a constructive force in their lives, then it would be tragic for me to trample that


This is good of you!



Atheists simply do not believe that God exists.


I know they believe this. What I want to know is what makes them who they are? I see explanations from some who responded as to why they are Atheist.


How would you feel if they were all references to Allah? or even to Satan?



I wouldn't feel any different. Unless what they do interfare with me. One man, who is an Atheist, going into a court of a law to demand that the words "under god" be taken out of something that has been around for a long time, even though the two words themselves were only added in the 1980's, does interfare with my rights when he doesn't want them utttered publicly.






Your rights have not been trampled on. You still have the right to do or say any of those things whenever you want. The ruling said that a teacher can not lead his/her class--that's completely different than what you are allowed to do on your own time.


It is if the teacher decides not to allow my child and everyone esle to say the pledge. Pretty soon it too will be stopped.


could walk down the middle of your town's Main Street signing "Jesus Loves Me" and no one would say boo to you


Actually I don't do stuff like that. I do sing it quitely to myself from time to time, in private or mentally when praying. I don't go around demanding others to sing or pray with me.



they aren't trying to change the law of the land--they are trying to uphold the constitution.


We differ on this point. But more on that tomorrow.
12
dharmagrl
on Sep 15, 2005
I see your point that God is everywhere, but remember as you said this is the foundation of our world. I don't think it was the intention of the founding fathers to have God shouting from the roof top, so to speak. But at the time, before everyone had their own beleifs, that's how it was.


Yes, it is the foundation of the USA, and we're just kind of born into it. Most of us aren't asking for it to be changed, and the ones that are....well, I can sort of understand where they're coming from. I wrote an article about it, I'll link it here and re-post it later: Link

Oh, and here's a thought: You can't fear something you don't believe in.
13
Lotherius
on Sep 15, 2005
How can I be afraid of something I don't believe exists? Your analysis completely misses the entire point. I would actually PREFER there were a God and that the universe worked according to just laws and principles. I do not, however, believe that to be the case.

How can you not get the basic concept of non-belief?

Are you afraid of the Giant Space Spaghetti Monster? No? Maybe it's because you don't believe it actually exists...
You'll be VERY afraid if you see it. But you doubt that will ever happen, so you do not fear.

If I SAW God tomorrow.. and he told me that only bible-thumping Christians were going to have eternal life - then I would fear and throw myself on his mercy. I would ask him to consider how I've lived my life, my goodwill toward my fellow men. And I would fear him.

However - I do not think that is going to happen. You can't prove to me it will, and I simply do not believe it. If I am wrong, it would be nice to be forgiven for being incapable of conceiving in that belief.

But fear? Fear has nothing to do with it.
14
Bunnahabhain
on Sep 15, 2005
One thing that most people misunderstand about atheists, is that the only belief that all of them have in common is that God does not exist. That's it. They are a group of people with a single common disbelief, their beliefs are often as different as any two other people on the planet.

Some are anti-religion, some are not. Some are militant, some are not. Some have political affilliation, and some do not.
15
Myrrander
on Sep 15, 2005
I get tired of being told that as an atheist I "hate" or "fear" God (or gods or goddess). "Hating" God, to me, would be like hating Santa Claus for not bringing me a new Porsche for Christmas -- makes no sense, because it's silly to hate that which does not exist. "Fear" is in the same category. I should fear God as much as I fear the Wolfman -- something that doesn't exist.

It isn't a fuss about things that represent God -- we're not a nasty cabal of Atheists looking to tear down your churches or shutter the Vatican. We just tend to have a great deal of respect for that 1st Ammendment, and it pretty much says that our government shouldn't be in the religion business. Sing your songs, doesn't bother me. Just don't do it on the State's time.
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