Misconceptions about Atheism

[PsychoSarah]

For whatever reason, lots of people have said these following things about atheists, none of which are completely true:
1. Atheists are all immoral, and use their lack of belief to justify being sinful.
This is almost completely false. People are rarely atheist so that they are not
obligated to be decent people.
2. Atheists reject god.
Not believing in something does not mean you reject it. I doubt you believe
the events in the Harry Potter books are true, but would you say you
reject them?
3. Deep down, all atheists know they are wrong.
Deep down, all atheists question religion. Many of us hope that god exists,
but few believe it even a little. Agnostics, while more open to the possibility,
still don't make conclusions on the matter.

Christians and other theists can question what I say all they like, but how can you know how an atheist feels if you aren't one?

 

[oi_antz]

For whatever reason, lots of people have said these following things about atheists, none of which are completely true:
1. Atheists are all immoral, and use their lack of belief to justify being sinful.
This is almost completely false. People are rarely atheist so that they are not
obligated to be decent people.
2. Atheists reject god.
Not believing in something does not mean you reject it. I doubt you believe
the events in the Harry Potter books are true, but would you say you
reject them?
3. Deep down, all atheists know they are wrong.
Deep down, all atheists question religion. Many of us hope that god exists,
but few believe it even a little. Agnostics, while more open to the possibility,
still don't make conclusions on the matter.

Christians and other theists can question what I say all they like, but how can you know how an atheist feels if you aren't one?

Well anyone can say that about anyone, because it takes one to know one. I think any judgement a person makes is ultimately a reflection of themselves. These people are really expressing that they can't understand why an atheist is the way they are, unless they are like this. And to their thinking, they must be like that because that makes perfect sense in their mind. Atheist's actions and statements seem to support it, so a stereotype is formed. The more atheists that express those behaviours, the more the pattern is reinforced.

Then there's those who have been atheist and they understand how someone can be an atheist because they exhibit similar patterns of behaviour as they did before they changed their beliefs. Doesn't matter if believers exhibit the same patterns of behaviour, it is the beliefs that define a person (ism).

Some of these comments might be true of some atheists, of course. For instance, an atheist might very well enjoy a particular activity that they believe is sinful, but that they don't believe should be sinful. So they choose not to honor God's definition of sin and it leads to the rejection of God altogether. Say something enough times and you will believe it, you know?

We all have different reasons (right and wrong) for the beliefs we have accumulated.

 

[PsychoSarah]

The idea that atheists lack morals usually stems from one or both of two things. 1, believing that disbelief in and of itself is sinful, or 2, have had some experience with an atheist that suggested immorality, which they used to judge all. I actually follow the Ten Commandments, minus the worship.

 

[Sayre]

For whatever reason, lots of people have said these following things about atheists, none of which are completely true:
1. Atheists are all immoral, and use their lack of belief to justify being sinful.
This is almost completely false. People are rarely atheist so that they are not
obligated to be decent people.
2. Atheists reject god.
Not believing in something does not mean you reject it. I doubt you believe
the events in the Harry Potter books are true, but would you say you
reject them?
3. Deep down, all atheists know they are wrong.
Deep down, all atheists question religion. Many of us hope that god exists,
but few believe it even a little. Agnostics, while more open to the possibility,
still don't make conclusions on the matter.

Christians and other theists can question what I say all they like, but how can you know how an atheist feels if you aren't one?

I do not believe any of points 1, 2 or 3 should universally be applied to all atheists.

 

[oi_antz]

The idea that atheists lack morals usually stems from one or both of two things. 1, believing that disbelief in and of itself is sinful, or 2, have had some experience with an atheist that suggested immorality, which they used to judge all. I actually follow the Ten Commandments, minus the worship.

The ten commandments don't define what is moral though. I don't think that disbelieving is sinful every time. Sometimes it might be, sure. But even if that is so, it is not a definition of immorality. Religious people are often immoral too.

I think this superiority contention applies to anyone (atheist's as well) and that beliefs are just a product of our environment. For instance, I don't think every atheist that dies and finds out that God is true is not going to say that they didn't think Jesus is their Lord insofar as following His teachings and that they trust Him to forgive their sin and bring them to heaven. Some will though, and they already do.

I'm curious, here you have put capital letters on "Ten Commandments" but not on "god". How come? I think it is poor grammar, am I wrong?

 

[~Anastasia~]

There was a thread not long ago about atheists, and I remember addressing #1 on that thread.

I've known a lot of atheists. Quite a few of them (most in fact) are scrupulously moral, though they may very well adopt a different set of morals than the Bible, of course. But they tend to adhere strictly to those morals, and for many it is a matter of pride that they do so (especially apart from the need to appeal to a god of any sort).

There are of course some that DO choose to reject the idea of a god, just so that they can justify creating their own moral reality, which tends to be very self-serving. These are in the small minority, but they do exist.

As for #2, I think many times Christians may be careless in their choice of word, because we don't seem to have a good word for one who rejects God. Technically a-theism means "without God" ... in almost all cases that is a lack of belief in the existence of a God, but I have known some who know quite well and choose to reject. We have no other name for them that I am aware of.

I don't know what all atheists may know deep down. I suspect they know quite a range of things, and that isn't an accurate statement at all. There actually is Scriptural support for this position though - that God has made Himself known in nature, and so a person is without excuse if they choose not to believe or to reject Him.

Mankind also has a bias to believe in God - it would seem we are innately wired that way. I am sure the reason for that bias would be explained differently between atheists and Christians, though. But nevertheless, it is a fact. Many atheists I've talked to are quite proud of having the "intellectual growth" or whatever they choose to attribute it to that they have broken free of this bias.

Not arguing with you - in fact, I would not make any of those statements in a blanket sense about atheists, not at all. Just elaborating a little.

 

[Sayre]

There was a thread not long ago about atheists, and I remember addressing #1 on that thread.

I've known a lot of atheists. Quite a few of them (most in fact) are scrupulously moral, though they may very well adopt a different set of morals than the Bible, of course. But they tend to adhere strictly to those morals, and for many it is a matter of pride that they do so (especially apart from the need to appeal to a god of any sort).

There are of course some that DO choose to reject the idea of a god, just so that they can justify creating their own moral reality, which tends to be very self-serving. These are in the small minority, but they do exist.

As for #2, I think many times Christians may be careless in their choice of word, because we don't seem to have a good word for one who rejects God. Technically a-theism means "without God" ... in almost all cases that is a lack of belief in the existence of a God, but I have known some who know quite well and choose to reject. We have no other name for them that I am aware of.

I don't know what all atheists may know deep down. I suspect they know quite a range of things, and that isn't an accurate statement at all. There actually is Scriptural support for this position though - that God has made Himself known in nature, and so a person is without excuse if they choose not to believe or to reject Him.

Mankind also has a bias to believe in God - it would seem we are innately wired that way. I am sure the reason for that bias would be explained differently between atheists and Christians, though. But nevertheless, it is a fact. Many atheists I've talked to are quite proud of having the "intellectual growth" or whatever the choose to attribute it to that they have broken free of this bias.

Not arguing with you - in fact, I would not make any of those statements in a blanket sense about atheists, not at all. Just elaborating a little.

Strong atheists will state "there is no God" and in this case, they reject belief in a God or existence of a God. I don't know whether it is technically correct to say that those atheists reject God, it seems more accurate to say that they reject certain propositions. Again, people can get lax with language and simply state that strong atheists reject God. I don't think it is that big of a deal, but I can see why it would be frustrating..

It is likewise frustrating when atheists make lax statements that apply to all Christians. But this is a problem with humans communicating - it goes both ways. It is just something that we could all spend more effort improving.

 

[PsychoSarah]

I'm curious, here you have put capital letters on "Ten Commandments" but not on "god". How come? I think it is poor grammar, am I wrong?

Autocorrect capitalizes the Ten Commandments but not the word god. And I never purposely capitalize god because I don't view it as a name, unlike Yahweh or Allah.

 

[oi_antz]

I have known some who know quite well and choose to reject. We have no other name for them that I am aware of.

"Antitheistic-atheist" might do.

Antitheism (sometimes anti-theism) is active opposition to theism. The term has had a range of applications; in secular contexts, it typically refers to direct opposition to organized religion or to the belief in any deity, while in a theistic context, it sometimes refers to opposition to a specific god or gods.

Antitheism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[oi_antz]

Autocorrect capitalizes the Ten Commandments but not the word god. And I never purposely capitalize god because I don't view it as a name, unlike Yahweh or Allah.

But you did use it as a name, that's what confused me. Computers are stupid, they have more responsibility than they deserve!

 

[PsychoSarah]

Strong atheists will state "there is no God" and in this case, they reject belief in a God or existence of a God. I don't know whether it is technically correct to say that those atheists reject God, it seems more accurate to say that they reject certain propositions. Again, people can get lax with language and simply state that strong atheists reject God. I don't think it is that big of a deal, but I can see why it would be frustrating..

It is likewise frustrating when atheists make lax statements that apply to all Christians. But this is a problem with humans communicating - it goes both ways. It is just something that we could all spend more effort improving.

The issue with using the word reject rather than doubt is that it actually makes people more aggressive, as if atheism is a direct rejection of a god that offered to be a part of our lives, rather than having doubts about the existence of god because we have never seen conclusive evidence. In short, it makes people feel that they too have been rejected, like a bad break up.

 

[PsychoSarah]

I don't feel that all Christians view atheists negatively, in fact I think the majority do not care that much. But the few who do cause a lot of damage and hardship.

 

[Sayre]

The issue with using the word reject rather than doubt is that it actually makes people more aggressive, as if atheism is a direct rejection of a god that offered to be a part of our lives, rather than having doubts about the existence of god because we have never seen conclusive evidence. In short, it makes people feel that they too have been rejected, like a bad break up.

It isn't about doubt though. Strong atheists have no doubt - they state knowledge that there is no God.

It sounds like you are agnostic?

 

[Sayre]

I don't feel that all Christians view atheists negatively, in fact I think the majority do not care that much. But the few who do cause a lot of damage and hardship.

And vice versa. Most atheists are fairly tolerant of Christians. There are a few who are so intolerant, and so hate filled, that their extreme reactions become mistaken for the norm.

 

[PsychoSarah]

Both of your statements are true. However, I lean more towards atheism that agnosticism. And you can't reject something that doesn't exist to you, really.

 

[oi_antz]

I don't feel that all Christians view atheists negatively, in fact I think the majority do not care that much. But the few who do cause a lot of damage and hardship.

Yup, it is not Christian behaviour:

Matthew 12:36
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.

Matthew 18:6
But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

1 Corinthians 13:11-13
For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.

So, Christians can do things that are sinful too, even in their zeal to promote belief!

 

[~Anastasia~]

"Antitheistic-atheist" might do.

Antitheism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Antitheistic-atheist .... I'm sorry, but that's getting to be too many letters that are hard for me to type in that order, lol.

Antitheism seems to have the same description (in some circles) that atheism does.

I don't think there's an accurate word ... one could say "apostate" but that would mean they had been in the faith, and even that is taken to mean various degrees of antagonism to God?

Someone who has heard of God, knows the story, believes He exists, but rejects Him by choice ... (though as I think I said recently in another thread, such a person doesn't make sense ... except they must have a misunderstanding about Him).

I'm rambling, need to sleep, lol.

 

[andy b]

from a personal perspective its hard for me to believe a lot of atheists because all they do is talk about God , my dad who is getting on in life has never missed church once but i have never heard him talk about god once, in fact most religious people i know seldom discuss god but the atheists i know are always on about god ...why? i cant see the point its like talking about a football team you dont support why waste your time,I get all the wanting to debate bit blah blah blah but but if you dont believe in something why debate it i dont debate with my children about peter pan so why debate with a Christian about the bible or god surely a simple i dont belive and im not interested would be a better use of your time.Thats unless you really want to believe deep down you just want more proof.

 

[oi_antz]

Antitheistic-atheist .... I'm sorry, but that's getting to be too many letters that are hard for me to type in that order, lol.

Antitheism seems to have the same description (in some circles) that atheism does.

I don't think there's an accurate word ... one could say "apostate" but that would mean they had been in the faith, and even that is taken to mean various degrees of antagonism to God?

Someone who has heard of God, knows the story, believes He exists, but rejects Him by choice ... (though as I think I said recently in another thread, such a person doesn't make sense ... except they must have a misunderstanding about Him).

I'm rambling, need to sleep, lol.

Sure, have a sleep. But if you don't want to type the word, it doesn't mean that the word is incorrect. If you think the word is incorrect, then let me know why.

 

[Soul2Soul]

For whatever reason, lots of people have said these following things about atheists, none of which are completely true:
1. Atheists are all immoral, and use their lack of belief to justify being sinful.
This is almost completely false. People are rarely atheist so that they are not
obligated to be decent people.
2. Atheists reject god.
Not believing in something does not mean you reject it. I doubt you believe
the events in the Harry Potter books are true, but would you say you
reject them?
3. Deep down, all atheists know they are wrong.
Deep down, all atheists question religion. Many of us hope that god exists,
but few believe it even a little. Agnostics, while more open to the possibility,
still don't make conclusions on the matter.

Christians and other theists can question what I say all they like, but how can you know how an atheist feels if you aren't one?

1. I know atheists who have very high moral standards - I know people who believe in God who also have very high moral standards - I don't know (of) anyone though who hasn't in some way violated their own personal moral code ... or their personally adopted moral code .... (with the exception of Jesus Christ).

2. Some of the atheists that I know were once believers in God ..... I suppose to atheists the concept/idea of God is implausible?

3. All I can say is that deep down I believe that God is real and He exists ... but others may also believe deep down that God does not exist .... one way or another the time will come when we will all find out whether God does or does not exist.