Ask an atheist

[Tee Kay]

I did not mean that atheists intentionally tore families apart, but rather, that some families would disown their children if they didn't follow the religion (Which is a horrible thing, but it does happen), it could make the family sad and upset, exc.

Blame intolerance then.

 

[GhostWriter16]

Blame intolerance then.

For any disowning, yeah I would. That said, with the exception of a small minority of people (I think someone like Smellincoffee may be better off regardless), them losing their religion to become atheist, even if atheism were true by default, would hurt them and their families more than it would help.

And besides, what's the point? If atheism is true, why does it matter what people believe, as long as they are happy with it?

 

[GhostWriter16]

So you never discovered that Santa doesn't exist?

Actually, I didn't, since my parents told us Santa never existed from the beginning (Which I am happy with, though I don't think its a big deal either way.)

 

[Perfection]

And besides, what's the point? If atheism is true, why does it matter what people believe, as long as they are happy with it?

1. We value truth. If a belief of mine is false, I'd want to know about it!

2. Beliefs have consequences. If you believe that science is false people who disagree with you are going to hell for all eternity, you're going to take different actions someone who believes differently.

Actually, I didn't, since my parents told us Santa never existed from the beginning (Which I am happy with, though I don't think its a big deal either way.)

Whatever, it's still a clear counterexample. I'd say discovery is a perfectly apt descriptor.

(also reread lucy's post)

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I did not mean that atheists intentionally tore families apart, but rather, that some families would disown their children if they didn't follow the religion (Which is a horrible thing, but it does happen), it could make the family sad and upset, exc.

I also had issues with the bolded word there.

Atheist proselyting only tears families and people apart.

I explained to you twice why an atheist would feel the urge to promote his life philosophy. I hope you remember

 

[El_Machinae]

And besides, what's the point? If atheism is true, why does it matter what people believe, as long as they are happy with it?

It's actually a wicked conundrum! If people are happy in believing a falsehood, it's a real question as to whether that falsehood should be confronted! The only way it's at all justifiable is if you think that you need to shatter the falsehood in order to give a better truth. That's awfully paternalistic, and people have to struggle with the temptation of thinking that "they know what's best for you". They might, but they might not.

Now, if someone claims to be truth-seeking, then what can you do? You just have to trust that they're being honest, and would rather know the truth (and unhappy) than happy and wrong.

But, there's also a question of the greater good. If one holds the axiom that having knowledgeable citizenry will help make the world 'better' more quickly, then you're going to want people to know true things, so that false things are not propagated.

And, lastly, there is the problem where people's false beliefs will cause a problem, because the problem is derived from their errors. If we see a problem happening, and a source of that problem is due to a false belief, then the belief needs to be confronted.

Unfortunately, sometimes we're dealing with a house of cards. Attacking the part that's a problem will upset the other parts that're not that bad. Some atheists are happy to help reconstruct the house-of-cards, in order to mitigate the 'unhappiness' they cause. Others (who're maybe more prone to self-justifying, and more prone to valuing truth over falsehood) might not bother with helping reset the house-of-cards, and are happy to knock over the whole thing.

Unfortunately, another conundrum also presents itself. An incredible number of faithful self-report that they would become 'less good' if they lost their faith. What do you do then? If you see their faith is causing some harm, but know that they might 'become worse' if you attack their faith, then it's a real balancing act! Do you trust that they're more innately decent than they think they are? Do you believe their self-report?

 

[Aegis]

It's actually a wicked conundrum! If people are happy in believing a falsehood, it's a real question as to whether that falsehood should be confronted!

The real problem is people trying to force their beliefs onto others, most notably through government legislation.

 

[Leoreth]

I did not mean that atheists intentionally tore families apart, but rather, that some families would disown their children if they didn't follow the religion (Which is a horrible thing, but it does happen), it could make the family sad and upset, exc.

I hoped you would say that.

Isn't it more the fault of the intolerant religious families in this case? I don't want to suggest that this is the norm, but atheist families disowning their turned-religious children is basically unheard of.

 

[Fr8monkey]

And besides, what's the point? If atheism is true, why does it matter what people believe, as long as they are happy with it?

If I am exploring Atheism, why are religious people so upset with me? I guess it isn't a two way street... I tolerate your beliefs but you cant tolerate mine.

(not you in particular... you know what I mean. )

 

[PeteAtoms]

Obligatory "atheist coming out to religious mom" video:


Link to video.

Nothing for Christmas! Christmas is about Jesus! lol.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

See how atheism tore that family apart?

 

[SG-17]

I hoped you would say that.

Isn't it more the fault of the intolerant religious families in this case? I don't want to suggest that this is the norm, but atheist families disowning their turned-religious children is basically unheard of.

Atheist parents having children who become religious is basically unheard of.

 

[El_Machinae]

Atheist parents having children who become religious is basically unheard of.

My daughter got baptised a couple weeks ago. Her uncle & aunt invited her to church, so that's how she got to church often enough to convert.

She's just a teenager, though I think it's gonna stick.

And now, it's not unheard of!

 

[SG-17]

If she has any curiosity at all it won't stick.


Also I said basically unheard of.

 

[GhostWriter16]

My daughter got baptised a couple weeks ago. Her uncle & aunt invited her to church, so that's how she got to church often enough to convert.

She's just a teenager, though I think it's gonna stick.

And now, it's not unheard of!

Does this bother you a lot? A little? Not at all? Do you encourage it?

 

[PeteAtoms]

Does this bother you a lot? A little? Not at all? Do you encourage it?

Why should it bother any atheist? As long as she doesn't turn into a religio-zombie, there is no issue. (sorry if I'm putting words into anyone's mouth) There is no harm in a religious belief as long as that belief doesn't have a negative impact on other issues. If I felt my child was doing him/herself a disservice by sacrificing other parts of life for the sake of religion, I would take issue.

 

[SG-17]

I wouldn't let any children that I may have become religious. To me it is akin to letting them hang out with the Applewhite gang.


I am an Anti-theist though.

 

[Fr8monkey]

Why should it bother any atheist? As long as she doesn't turn into a religio-zombie, there is no issue. (sorry if I'm putting words into anyone's mouth) There is no harm in a religious belief as long as that belief doesn't have a negative impact on other issues. If I felt my child was doing him/herself a disservice by sacrificing other parts of life for the sake of religion, I would take issue.

+1

I would be a hypocrite to say anything else.

 

[timtofly]

I wouldn't let any children that I may have become religious. To me it is akin to letting them hang out with the Applewhite gang.


I am an Anti-theist though.

Do you believe in brain-washing then?

 

[Whiskey_Lord]

Again, I'm not sure how you can brainwash some one into atheism.