What do atheists believe?
If you're an atheist you no doubt have your own beliefs, some positive and others negative; however, if you follow the media atheists are often depicted as purely pessemistic or unified as if atheism itself is a synonym for rationalist. In the Christian community it is often stated outright or assumed that atheists have no beliefs, or that atheists must be scientific in their mindset.
In this perspectives debate I would like the atheists on CreateDebate to explain their beliefs, the basis of their morality, what they hold important, and what they find positive or uplifting to hope for. This way if anyone says that atheists are pessemistic, or don't believe in anything, they can merely be directed to this page to see otherwise.
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I am an atheist and have been for a couple years now. I've also seen people try to generalize all atheists as believing one thing, when in reality the term atheist applies to such a diverse group that you couldn't possibly meaningfully define them as a whole except for the fact that they tend to reject the idea of a personal god. I can't really speak to the ideas of others so I'm just going to speak for myself. In general I guess I would consider myself a positivist: I will accept an interpretation of reality as true so long as it explains the evidence. That interpretation which best explains the evidence is the one I tend to "believe". I try though to separate those things which I believe from what I know. I often here people saying that they "know" things which they obviously only believe. Beliefs can be irrational, so I do my best to believe where the evidence leads...I'm only human though, so pure objectivism is almost impossible, but I try. When it comes to morality, I often here the claim that atheists must be amoral because they have no higher authority defining their morality. I take issue with this because I truly believe that humans are naturally good. Some might argue is an irrational belief which lots of evidence contradicts, but I would contest that point. In general though I think most people live by the fairly simple moral rule of: be good. The only difference is how people define what constitutes good. The best way (in my own opinion) to determine whether something is moral or not, is to determine if that action helps or hurt society. 1
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I am atheist. But based on the popular perception of what kind of person the average vocal atheist is, I would be ashamed to be associated with that imaginary group "The Atheists" I think of theism a little differently than your ordinary atheist. Unthinking trust for authority, or worship makes one theist (whether it's claimed or not). People who do nothing but regurgitate what's been educated into them are theistic. I have even met professed theists whom upon diligent enough examination I have found them to be less theistic (as I understand the root human tendency) than most atheists I've met. I am atheist, even anti-theist (in a sense) but I disagree with most others who share that label with me. I don't condemn the practice of religion. As opposed to the ordinary atheist who is fond of bashing religion as if it were something we could do away with. I look at religion as an evolving human tradition, which merits deep respect AND criticism. I can find something honorable and objectionable in just about every tradition Find me another atheist who doesn't think of prayer as a complete waste of time, but rather a valuable instrument of action - I would be surprised. When an atheist prays, who do they think they're talking to? They're either talking to themselves (And they don't think themselves perfect) or they're talking to someone else (who is also imperfect) It is during my self dialog that I developed my morality. While reflecting upon my past actions and their motivations, I found that (according to who I wanted to become) some were fitting and I approved of them, while others I recognized as impeding my ability to get what and where I desire. This brings to mind another word that the common atheist likes to discredit. Faith. Their rhetoric would have you believe that they are somehow beyond the practice of faith... (the related arguments invariably restate the following sentiment: My standards for proof are more well formed than yours) I can't help but consider the level of faith vested in the bioengineering of food. Again find me another atheist who embraces the concept of faith - I would be surprised I think wisdom itself could be reasonably referred to as the appropriate application and withdrawal of faith. "Proof consists merely of what is convincing." ~atypican |
