Ask an Atheist.

[Masquerouge]

The reason why I'm an atheist is the same than the reason why there are no ghosts or astrology is bollocks.

First, let me define rational, in this post: rational is something that meets scientifical standards. It can be tested, it can be demonstrated, it's predictive, blah blah.

Now my position can be summed up this way: it is not rational to assume that things we don't know/understand should be irrational, while all the things we know/understand are rational.

Sure, we can not explain some things. But so far, every single thing that we managed to explain turned out to be rational. Why should it turn out to be different for the things we at the moment can not explain?

 

[mdwh]

The condition of worshipping, like all your other proposed conditions, fails to distinguish between ghosts and deities.

It was skadistic who brought up worshipping as implying being a god ("No if they worshpid those ghosts those ghosts would be gods, hence the worship part."), not me.

If you want my requirements for deity, that at the least, it implies a sentient supernatural being - some people may believe in ghosts but not that they are sentient; furthermore, things like telepathy are not beings at all.

And what about belief in an afterlife? Why can't an atheist believe in that?

 

[mdwh]

Then the question remains, do they think such phenomena is caused by a physical (perhaps extraterrestrial) sentient being or a supernatural "being". For the claim of psychic power, it's similar: is the subject committed to a holistic or a materialistic explanation? The demarcation is clear: if the supernatural is invoked in any of your explanations, then you are not an atheist. If not, then you can still commit other misjudgements and be labeled somethign else while remaining atheist.

Firstly, yes there is a problem in that "supernatural" usually simply means believing in things like ghosts whatever the cause, when technically it means believing in things beyond anything natural.

However, what if someone believes it isn't caused by a "being" at all? Supernatural or not, it's not belief in a deity.

 

[Swedishguy]

I'm being an Atheist until someone finds a god that holds in a rational discussion.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

If you consider howmany times we have been proven wrong in our spiritual path in history, I think it would be presumtious to claim we (whoever 'we' might be) finally got it right this time. Just taking someones unfounded word for it isn't my cup of tea either.

 

[fishjie]

Buddha is not a god. Just a man, he is not worshiped. It is a philosophy.

didnt read the rest, but just want to point out, in many countries and by many people, he is worshipped as a deity. i can speak for china.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Buddhism is incredibly diverse as to what is worshipped and how they are worshipped, especially as it is so syncretic.

 

[Nuka-sama]

Do you celebrate Christmas?

 

[azzaman333]

Do you celebrate Christmas?

IMO, Christmas is like my birthday. I get presents but other than that the day is no more important than any other day.

 

[El_Machinae]

Christmas is an excuse to have a grand celebration; decorations, family, treats, fun, gifts.

I certainly celebrate it.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Why not? It is pretty much secularized in most places anyways . . .

 

[silver 2039]

Do you celebrate Christmas?

Used to but not anymore. Depends what you mean by celebrate. If you mean family and Christmas tree and all that no.

If you mean getting drunk, hanging out at malls, wacthing movies, playing computer games, and sleeping for half the day. Than yeah.

 

[Markus6]

IMO, Christmas is like my birthday.

Dude! Is your name Jesus?

 

[FredLC]

Do you celebrate Christmas?

Yup, any reason to get the family together for great meal and exchanging gifts is welcomed. Besides, while my whole family is catholic, the celebrations never actually bring it up - it's just a good get-together.

Regards .

 

[Chandrasekhar]

Yeah, I have a Catholic family, and we all get together on Christmas. I just don't flaunt my atheism when I'm with them.

I think that getting together for some gift-giving and family time is great, and December 25 is as good a day as any.

 

[azzaman333]

Dude! Is your name Jesus?

Spoiler :

No.

 

[Swedishguy]

Do you celebrate Christmas?

In the moment of writing, at christmas eve 2006 after I've recently wrapped up my presents, my conclusion is yes!

 

[Underseer]

Dude! Is your name Jesus?

Uhm, Jesus wasn't born on December 25. No one is sure exactly when he was born, but December 25th was chosen for totally cynical reasons by the church.

Anyway....

No thread of this nature should be allowed to pass without an obligatory link to a little joke play that sums up Abrahamic religions in a highly amusing way. It also explains quite nicely why many people reject Abrahamic religions.

http://www.jhuger.com/kisshank.php

Oh, and this thread should also not pass without someone citing this particular quote:

"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."

--Stephen Roberts​

 

[Tank_Guy#3]

When did you see the "light" of athiesm?

Probably already asked, but I'll ask again.

 

[azzaman333]

When did you see the "light" of athiesm?

Probably already asked, but I'll ask again.

Became agnostic sometime between my mum's death (June 2001) and the end of that year. I was 11 at the time.
Became an athiest somewhere between 2002-2003 IIRC.