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 What is your description of an atheist? (199)

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notmymuse(10) pic



What is your description of an atheist?

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".  An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.  Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.  Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.  They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's.  They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.  I consider atheists to be elitists.  What a shame.

 

 

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7 points

To answer the question: an atheist is one who lacks belief in God. They can be divided into agnostic atheists and Gnostic atheists, more typically split as weak and strong.

To answer your description:

puts faith into "science" and "logic"

Atheists do not have faith. A lack of X does not make X true.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts

Sorry buddy, but Christmas is older than Christianity. It was originally a celebration of the Pagan God's Mithras and Sol (By the way, Mithras is almost identical to Jesus, really interesting, you should look it up). 'Twas the theists that hijacked Christmas.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

Again, I present to you Hitchen's challenge of naming one moral action I can't do as an atheist that a theist can.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians

Not all atheists, unless you have some kind of proof that suggests otherwise. And please, don't make out that the Christians are the prime targets. Any and all God's are rejected by "complete" atheists (by which I mean, everyone is an atheist, I just believe in one less God than you).

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's.

Example?

they love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

The vast majority I've encountered are. That's not true in all cases, Richard Swinburne and Alvin Plantinga spring to mind.

I consider atheists to be elitists. What a shame.

I prefer the term "intellectual snobs" :)

1 point

Go Chuck, Go Chuck, Its your birthday lol. You did an awesome job responding, and I didnt want to put the effort in, so i am just supporting you here.

Yeah, Why do christians think that we have faith in science? I dont even really understand what faith is as a concept in a rational world, to me it seems like more of a rejection to reason rather than what many think of it as - belief for belief. Faith as I understand the definition is the belief in something without reason, one believes independent of facts or reasoned thought, faith is belief for belief's sake.

However, I cant think of an incident where people believe without good reasons to believe - and by 'good reasons' i mean experiences that support an idea (they are only perceived to be good). Religious people could easily have been born in a different part of the world into a different religious tradition - it would be crazy to think that someone would have become a christian in a Hindu country by Hindu parents - it just doesnt happen - Faith seems to be based on experience, but I dont really understand how this makes logical sense - a causal reason for a faith without reason? Seems like people are ignoring the origins of faith. The good reasons why people believe in religious conceptions has to do with the experiences that one has all through early life and are thus the reasons why they have "faith." To me, the word faith is a poor word to use - Confidence in experience is what seems to be in opperation here. Religious people have confidence in the experiences of their childhood (religious indoctrination) and Secular science and reason based people have confidence in the understanding that has been built and built from learning about science and history. Some people have more confidence in how their experience has been directly manipulated rather than in the unadultered experiences that invalidate the innitial experiences (we all used to believe in santa but dont now because we appeal to the latter invalidation of the concept - faith seems to eliminate the potency of the latter experiences that should in a reasonable world be invalidating). Childhood psychology has a lot to do with "faith." I also think that most religious people realize this and are, in some places, hardening their indoctrination processes. I dont think religious people should be able to get away with the word "faith" because it is essentially saying that their indocrinated experiences are more valid than the experiences that are not intentionally manipulated toward a circular reasoning pattern regarding reality. The difference between confidence in religious delusion and confidence in scientific process of discovery and understanding is that religious delusions are necessarily bound to circular reasoning and scientific process is diametrically opposed to circularity of thought. Perhaps my point is semantic but I really think the word faith is a nonsensical word that should be undermined as a valid activity to assent to. To be gnostic is to claim objective knowledge about something to which there is no objective measure. This is why i am angnostic atheist.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
2 points

Chucky has lots to learn. Did you know it takes more faith to be an atheist that to be a Christian. Faith is complete confidence in something. I have utmost faith in Jesus Christ. First, positions like this tend to rely heavily on equivocations over the definition of "faith." There is a tremendous difference between the sort of "faith" which lies at the heart of Chrisitan theology and the "faith" we talk about when we expect our car brakes to work or the sun to rise in the morning. No such distinctions are admitted to in these arguments, though, which is not only a fallacy but is arguably dishonest because it's often hard to believe that the people making the argument sincerely don't know about the multiple definitions of this key term.

So if we say that I have "faith" that my brakes will work, we can't say that this is an evidence-free faith that is like "faith" in the existence of gods. There is not only a lot of reliable evidence to support such confidence, there is also simply the regularity of the world around us. This is why it's probably better to say that my belief is more a matter of confidence than faith, but isn't the same arguably true in my reliance on the idea that there exists an external world?

Events seem to happen in a way that is consistent with the existence of an independent, external world but not in a way that would be consistent with any plausible models that don't involve such a world. If you postulate a "brains in vats" scenario where everything is exactly as they would be in a real world, then you are postulating a scenario where there is no difference between it being true or false, where there is no set of evidence that isn't consistent with it being both true and false. In that case, it's not a model that is meaningful or explanatory. It's at best a thought experiment, not a serious attempt to explain our experiences.

So once again, there's no reason to talk about "faith" in the same way that it appears in religion; on the contrary, attempts to "prove" that we have "faith" in the world entail postulating scenarios which have as much explanatory power and meaning as so-called religious "explanations" for the world. If you have to make up non-explanatory speculations to "prove" that non-speculative, reliable explanations for the world are not superior to non-explanatory religious speculations, then you are definitely doing something wrong. Clearly a lot more than just the first semester of Philosophy 101 is required here.

Yeah, Why do christians think that we have faith in science?

Because they don't know how to use a dictionary.

I dont even really understand what faith is as a concept in a rational world, to me it seems like more of a rejection to reason rather than what many think of it as - belief for belief. Faith as I understand the definition is the belief in something without reason, one believes independent of facts or reasoned thought, faith is belief for belief's sake.

I absolutely agree. Faith is irrational behaviour.

However, I cant think of an incident where people believe without good reasons to believe - and by 'good reasons' i mean experiences that support an idea (they are only perceived to be good).

True, but then those beliefs are dependent upon the recipient and become worthless from an objective stance.

To be gnostic is to claim objective knowledge about something to which there is no objective measure. This is why i am angnostic atheist.

As am I. I detest and refute every notion of a God, but if I looked up tonight and saw written in the stars: "Rhys, you fucking tit, I was here all along!", I would change my mind. Even Richard Dawkins says that he isn't a gnostic atheist.

Yep I am a theist and I am supporting Chuck. I use science, the only faith in science is when it comes to theories. To me, faith needs science to make sense but science does not need faith to make sense. That is not a bad thing by the way. Wouldn't you agree?

Liber(1730) Disputed
1 point

Atheists do not have faith.

They mayn't have religious faith, but they do have faith that their logic and mathematics and science holds up.

'Twas the theists that hijacked Christmas.

And those who worshipped Mithras weren't theists?

They mayn't have religious faith, but they do have faith that their logic and mathematics and science holds up

I thought the context made the type of faith obvious.

And those who worshipped Mithras weren't theists?

You're right, I need to change that.

Thewayitis(4071) Disputed
1 point

Chuck, Atheist have tons of faith. How many atheist have seen first hand proof that anything science has boasted is true? Very, very few. The vast majority have only read what was printed, sounds a lot like what most theist do.

ChuckHades(3197) Disputed
1 point

We don't have religious faith, is what I was getting at. Atheism is not a religion, so we don't have religious faith. I have faith in everything I do, but it's very different to your faith.

norincomak90(25) Disputed
0 points

You put FAITH into the belief of science, I put FAITH into the Christian beliefs. Some science is true some science is not and I don't believe all that science has to offer.

Atheists do not have faith. A lack of X does not make X true

Atheist do have faith, they have faith in science.

Sorry buddy, but Christmas is older than Christianity. It was originally a celebration of the Pagan God's Mithras and Sol (By the way, Mithras is almost identical to Jesus, really interesting, you should look it up). 'Twas the theists that hijacked Christmas.

Well guess what by calling it "Christmas" your celebrating the Christian version

Again, I present to you Hitchen's challenge of naming one moral action I can't do as an atheist that a theist can.

The type of morality I see atheists using is the type that believes that killing babies is normal and fine.

Not all atheists, unless you have some kind of proof that suggests otherwise. And please, don't make out that the Christians are the prime targets. Any and all God's are rejected by "complete" atheists (by which I mean, everyone is an atheist, I just believe in one less God than you).

As I see it atheist always attack Christians

Example?

You need proof you always need proof! How about this you accuse me of crapping in the toilet and leaving a turd in the toilet, wheres your proof I did it?

The vast majority I've encountered are. That's not true in all cases, Richard Swinburne and Alvin Plantinga spring to mind.

You guys do because we disagree with your lies and sick ideals.

I prefer the term "intellectual snobs" :)

Shows how self indulgent you are ;D

casper3912(1581) Disputed
4 points

How did this convolution between science and atheism start? They really have very little to do with each other.

One is a methodology, the other an metaphysical position.

While an atheist can use science for support, science is unnecessary as such for the atheist.

Science is simply observation and modeling of that observation according to the scientific method. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

Via that method, science doesn't really even have faith in itself(since it is continually self correcting); so why any atheist would have faith in it as being some infallible thing is beyond me.

ChuckHades(3197) Disputed
3 points

You put FAITH into the belief of science, I put FAITH into the Christian beliefs. Some science is true some science is not and I don't believe all that science has to offer.

It's fine that you don't believe everything science has to say. But I don't have faith in science. Faith is belief without evidence. Science is dependent on evidence.

Atheist do have faith, they have faith in science

See above.

Well guess what by calling it "Christmas" your celebrating the Christian version

Not really. For example, China is communist in name. It's not communist in practice. All the other things associated with Christmas are Pagan.

The type of morality I see atheists using is the type that believes that killing babies is normal and fine.

I'm going to try to remain calm about that outrageous claim you just made. Atheists absolutely do not think that killing babies is normal. We have moral values and duties like everyone else, please don't make such offensive claims in the future.

As I see it atheist always attack Christians

Firstly, atheists do not always attack anyone. Only the four horsemen are famous for it. Challenging your views with skepticism and rationality is not an attack. Secondly, atheists have no particular care as to which religion they challenge. I'm assuming you're living in the West, so you're obviously going to see more Christians being challenged. But there are actually plenty of debates with Jews and Muslims on religion, just YouTube it.

You need proof you always need proof! How about this you accuse me of crapping in the toilet and leaving a turd in the toilet, wheres your proof I did it?

Your attempt at reductio ad absurdum is both misplaced and a red herring. I need proof because you, the claimant, carry the burden of proof. Look up the celestial teapot for further information.

You guys do because we disagree with your lies and sick ideals.

Which would be what?

Shows how self indulgent you are ;

Lol, it was a joke. As I said earlier, elitist, snob, bigot, all meaningless. It just detracts from the main point.

1 point

I support your beliefs here. Keep on speaking the truth. Never give up doing that.

0 points

Yes, exactly. They have faith in science. And again yes, why don't they use the pagan name for Christmas then. And yes, many atheists are liberal as one can get. Why don't they accept it? Yes, they are always in attack mode. The turd part really got me laughing. What is the name of the turd? Oh, I guessed it - Atheism.

-1 points

Oh, now you pulling out the good atheist/bad atheist card. How can anyone believe in anything with faith? In regards to Christmas, just admit you atheists are a self centered group and all about personal gain. The one moral action you can't do is believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart and be obedient to His word. Obedience to Jesus is the moral action you lack. It's nice that you admit that "some" atheists just flat out hate Christians. No, you don't believe in one less god than me because that is idolatry. I only believe in the one and only true God, you are just an idolater. As far as the cliche's, you atheists have the same attacks. Listen to ShockofGod on youtube. He was once an atheist and wised up. I could care less about Richard Swineburn and whomever else. They are doomed if they don't get their hearts right with Jesus. If that makes you feel like you are someone to refer to yourself as an "intellectual snob", you are quite pitiful.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
-1 points

Oh, now you pulling out the good atheist/bad atheist card. How can anyone believe in anything with faith? In regards to Christmas, just admit you atheists are a self centered group and all about personal gain. The one moral action you can't do is believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart and be obedient to His word. Obedience to Jesus is the moral action you lack. It's nice that you admit that "some" atheists just flat out hate Christians. No, you don't believe in one less god than me because that is idolatry. I only believe in the one and only true God, you are just an idolater. As far as the cliche's, you atheists have the same attacks. Listen to ShockofGod on youtube. He was once an atheist and wised up. I could care less about Richard Swineburn and whomever else. They are doomed if they don't get their hearts right with Jesus. If that makes you feel like you are someone to refer to yourself as an "intellectual snob", you are quite pitiful.

ChuckHades(3197) Disputed
4 points

Oh, now you pulling out the good atheist/bad atheist card

I don't get it.

How can anyone believe in anything with faith?

Do you mean "without faith"? I assume so, seeing as believing with faith is exactly what you practice. To believe without faith is easy. I believe there is no God, but it is not faith based. If evidence came out that there was a God, I would believe he exists, although I still wouldn't worship him.

In regards to Christmas, just admit you atheists are a self centered group and all about personal gain.

Believe what you will, you've still ignored the issue that I raised regarding Mithras and Sol.

The one moral action you can't do is believe in Jesus Christ with all your heart and be obedient to His word. Obedience to Jesus is the moral action you lack.

That's not a moral action to me. By that reasoning, there are 4.7 billion people that fail to meet that requirement. In fact, I would say dogmatic obedience cannot be considered moral in the slightest.

It's nice that you admit that "some" atheists just flat out hate Christians.

Thank you, but it works for anything. It's just us atheists don't carry out crusades when we hate people. :)

No, you don't believe in one less god than me because that is idolatry.

It's actually kindergarten level mathematics. Let me present it in a deductive argument.

1. I believe in no God's.

2. You believe in one God.

3. Zero is one less than one.

Ergo

4. I believe in one less God than you.

only believe in the one and only true God, you are just an idolater.

And how do you know that your God is true? What if you die and Allah is waiting, or Zeus, or Wotan, or Jupiter, or any other God. By the way, I assume that you are referring to pejorative idolatry, seeing as by definition all theists are idolaters.

As far as the cliche's, you atheists have the same attacks

The reason they're the same is because they're all valid, we're not changing our arguments because you can't rebut them.

Listen to ShockofGod on youtube. He was once an atheist and wised up.

I already have, he's another example of "I am/ was atheist but...", who are essentially sheep in wolfs clothing. He says nothing I haven't heard and rebutted before.

I could care less about Richard Swineburn and whomever else. They are doomed if they don't get their hearts right with Jesus

I think you misunderstood me. Richard Swinburne and Alvin Plantinga are theists, and incredibly intelligent ones at that.

If that makes you feel like you are someone to refer to yourself as an "intellectual snob", you are quite pitiful.

Lol, it was a joke. Elitist, snob, bigot, I've heard them all before. They are all just impotent ad hominems from those with nothing meaningful to say.

1 point

I am not an atheist, but i believe in the right to let people make their own choices about religion. If God really wants to judge them for it, let him do it and stay out of it.

Of course their are atheists who are total pricks, but there are people like that in every social group. We shouldn't judge them as a whole for their innoprotirite brethren, just as they shouldn't judge us for ours.

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ

That is a correct statement.

and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

Science and logic are antithetical to faith.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

Unquantified generalisation.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

Unsupported, and at any rate arbitrary nonsense.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

Hate is irrational. I do not hate religion. I loath and detest it.

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's.

Abject, ridiculous claptrap.

They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

You often are. Nothing you have said here is verified, or new.

I consider atheists to be elitists.

I am an elitist, I cannot speak for or implicitly represent the population of atheists.

What a shame.

That what?

notmymuse(10) Disputed
2 points

Each and every response of yours is so old hat. Good day. You are too redundant. ((Snore))

6 points

Each and every response of yours is so old hat.

I beg your pardon, sir?

Good day.

And a good day top you, sir.

You are too redundant.

The phrase "too redundant", is itself a redundancy.

Liber(1730) Disputed
1 point

I agree with your general sentiment, but I believe that your arguments are flawed.

That is a correct statement.

Jesus Christ the man is believed by most to have been a real historical personage; that is to say that even atheists believe in the historical Jesus, therefore your appraisal of the statement I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ is incorrect.

Science and logic are antithetical to faith.

I was hoping for more from you. The word faith has been usurped by the religious; it comes from the Latin fides which, as you should know, can mean trust. Every human activity - be it mental or physical - requires some level of faith. You have faith that 2 + 2 = 4; you've faith that your senses are not deceiving you; you've faith that argon truly does have an atomic weight of 39.948.

Furthermore, as the lesser-minded creator of this debate stated, an atheist is one who puts faith into "science" and "logic". This is wrong simply that one needn't be an atheist to place their "faith" in science or logic.

Hate is irrational. I do not hate religion. I loath and detest it.

Loathe, and to loathe indicates a stronger sensation of hatred than is to hate.

3 points

I agree with your general sentiment, but I believe that your arguments are flawed.

Then I shall endeavour, sir, to assuage your doubts, and to acquit myself of these charges.

Jesus Christ the man is believed by most to have been a real historical personage

What you say is correct.

therefore your appraisal of the statement I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ is incorrect.

Your statement cannot be true; for you have severely misapprehended the appraisal, and the assertion that was appraised. It is self-evident, so much so that to dally further on the subject would be a fruitless and grotesque waste of our time, that the belief refers specifically to the divinity of Jesus Christ, and not to his existence.

I submit, sir, that the belief in the general existence of Jesus Christ is impertinent to the state of being an atheist, as it implies only that one rejects Christian doctrine, and is therefore a rejection to which a person of any other faith may safely be admitted.

I was hoping for more from you.

I hope you do not think me too quick to take offence, when I say that I find this statement highly officious.

The word faith has been usurped by the religious; it comes from the Latin fides which, as you should know, can mean trust.

This, sir, is a consummately semantic argument, and as such is unworthy of admission into civilised and elevated discourse. When rejecting an argument, we should take care not to confuse the perfect definition of a term, with the context in which one's opponent has employed it.

The argument that I refuted had a very clear understanding of the word 'faith', viz., the conviction that something is true, without any real evidence to support the belief. This is the absolute, inarguable antithesis to any philosophy built upon foundations of evidence and trial; a group among which science has the singular privilege of being the utmost chief and paragon.

The context in which you or I might use faith is not at all relevant to this discussion, unless one wishes to correct the actual use of the word. Indeed, any correction of the word in this context would itself be erroneous; for the definition of faith that is herein made subject is perfectly acceptable to me, and indeed to the Reader's Digest Universal Dictionary, from which I now quote:

"Faith: 2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence."

You have faith that 2 + 2 = 4

Let P(n) => 2n+2n = 4n

P(1) => 2+2 = 4

4 = (1+1+1+1)

2 = (1+1)

2+2 = (1+1) + (1+1)

2+2 = (1+1+1+1)

But 4 = (1+1+1+1)

Ergo 2+2 = 4

Assume P(k) is True.

P(k) => 2k+2k = 4K ......... 1

P(k+1) => 2(k+1) + 2(k+1) = 4(k+1)

=> (2k+2) + (2k+2) = (4k+4)

=> (4k+4) = (4k+4) TRUE .........2

By combining 1 & 2 we may conclude that P(n) is true for n E Z.

I did not go through the tedium of proving by induction the elementary truth that 2+2 = 4, for you to deny what has been logically proven, so if you wish to refute the proven mathematical convictions held by mathematicians, such as Leibniz and Newton, whose intelligence was so far beyond our own that we are to them as the radiance the moon is to that of the sun, you may do so in the knowledge that I will make no reply, so ignorant, arrogant and intolerably perverse as must be any such refutation.

you've faith that your senses are not deceiving you

Forasmuch as the human senses are the only means whereby we may ultimately perceive the universe, and insofar as any truths that are susceptible of that imperfect understanding are the only truths that can possibly be intelligible to us, I am of the opinion that any deception in those senses, if it be communal, cannot possibly be rectified; nor that any such deception can possibly manifest itself in a perceptible detraction from our limited and frail existence.

you've faith that argon truly does have an atomic weight of 39.948.

If the carbon-12 isotope is given an atomic weight (mass, really) of 12 in units that are defined by mankind, it is a measurable fact that the average Ar (not referring to Argon, but atomic weight) of all the isotopes of Argon, as they occur naturally, taking abundance into account, is 39.948.

This is wrong simply that one needn't be an atheist to place their "faith" in science or logic.

That is a correct statement, though it be stated by one who has previously said "They [atheists] mayn't have religious faith, but they do have faith that their logic and mathematics and science holds up."

Loathe, and to loathe indicates a stronger sensation of hatred than is to hate.

It is my opinion that to have an understanding of the causes that impel one to loath some thing, produces a far more concentrated and potent dislike than would be observed in some person whose hatred was not based upon rational arguments.

4 points

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

Faith means belief without evidence, or even despite evidence. Science and logic do not require faith because it is based on perception and evidence. This is a common but false equivalence.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

Some Christians celebrate Christmas just to get gifts. Due to the Christian stranglehold on society most are forced to celebrate Christmas to an extent at least even if they don't believe. I for one would rather not have to as would most atheists. As for getting gifts, that's just silly. Most adults play along to keep kids happy. Having a couple nieces I assure you I give exponentially more than I receive each Holiday.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

You have no evidence of this. I'm actually pretty moral despite my lack of belief, more so than some Christians I know. It seems to me a belief system rarely serves to increase morality, if anything it acts as a means of justifying immorality.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

This is nearly impossible. Being such a small minority, and nearly all having been born into a family that believed in some theist doctrine, innevitably an atheist will have friends, family and others they do not hate and who are Christian. I would argue the religion is a negative force, at least how it is used in society, so I do dislike the religion.

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's. They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

No. But perhaps we are known for pointing out the lack of logic in the many religious cliche's Christians throw about. The second sentence has merit. I do enjoy telling Christians how predictable and close-minded they are. I don't see anything here to change my mind so far.

I consider atheists to be elitists. What a shame.

It's a shame you consider atheists elitists? Good to see you've done a little self-evaluation amidst your judgments at least.

Liber(1730) Disputed
2 points

Faith means belief without evidence, or even despite evidence.

No, faith means trust.

Science and logic do not require faith because it is based on perception and evidence.

As a fallibilist I argue that the reliance on perception requires faith in your senses.

as would most atheists.

Generalization.

iamdavidh(4856) Disputed
1 point

No, faith means trust.

It may also mean trust. However that does not make the definition of belief without evidence incorrect, nor that belief and faith are two different things.

As a fallibilist I argue that the reliance on perception requires faith in your senses.

Alright. It would explain other views as well I suppose.

Generalization.

What was I generalizing? You only quoted a portion of what I said. I find when people do this they are taking me out of context, but I have no way of knowing from what you've left me.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

Faith means belief without evidence, or even despite evidence. Science and logic do not require faith because it is based on perception and evidence. This is a common but false equivalence.

Perception and evidence must have an origin, right? To believe in anything you are having faith in what you believe to be true.

Some Christians celebrate Christmas just to get gifts. Due to the Christian stranglehold on society most are forced to celebrate Christmas to an extent at least even if they don't believe. I for one would rather not have to as would most atheists. As for getting gifts, that's just silly. Most adults play along to keep kids happy. Having a couple nieces I assure you I give exponentially more than I receive each Holiday.

Any true Christian celebrates Christmas in the spirit of giving. A true Christian is also thankful for any gift he/she may receive. Christmas, though not really the correct day for Jesus' birthday, is about Jesus birthday. We give and receive gifts in remembrance of Him. It's a shame any adult would play along and allow their child to thank Old Saint Nick also. I didn't say that there may not be atheists who are made of good stuff. As a Christian, it is my responsibility to spread the Word of Jesus as I want to be with all my sisters and brothers in Heaven, including YOU.

You have no evidence of this. I'm actually pretty moral despite my lack of belief, more so than some Christians I know. It seems to me a belief system rarely serves to increase morality, if anything it acts as a means of justifying immorality.

This is good that you are moral but how can you actually compare yourself to the "christian" you know when you may be dealing with a wolf in sheep's clothing. There are many wolves in sheep's clothing and if you were a Christian, you would know it is best to test each spirit to see if he/she/it is good.

This is nearly impossible. Being such a small minority, and nearly all having been born into a family that believed in some theist doctrine, innevitably an atheist will have friends, family and others they do not hate and who are Christian. I would argue the religion is a negative force, at least how it is used in society, so I do dislike the religion.

This is probably the most annoying statement you have made. Christianity is the minority as satan is the prince of the air. Being a true Christian isn't easy as we must endure spiritual warfare for the rest of our days because satan is having his reign right now on this earth. I do agree, religion is a negative force. I am not religious one bit. I am spiritual. Atheism has gained itself into being categorized as a religion now.

And in your last sentence, while I thought you were doing pretty good at being civil, you showed your hate. You did good up until the last two sections and then your hatred spewed out on how you really feel about Christians.

iamdavidh(4856) Disputed
2 points

Perception and evidence must have an origin, right? To believe in anything you are having faith in what you believe to be true.

Belief only equates to faith when the belief is not based on something observed in some way. You are using belief as a synonym for faith, but it is not. They are words with a few shared characteristics, but still different.

Any true Christian celebrates Christmas in the spirit of giving. A true Christian is also thankful for any gift he/she may receive. Christmas, though not really the correct day for Jesus' birthday, is about Jesus birthday. We give and receive gifts in remembrance of Him. It's a shame any adult would play along and allow their child to thank Old Saint Nick also. I didn't say that there may not be atheists who are made of good stuff. As a Christian, it is my responsibility to spread the Word of Jesus as I want to be with all my sisters and brothers in Heaven, including YOU.

Giving a gift as some sign of one's fealty to a religion is no more or less chartable or enriching than giving one simply because you want to see someone happy.

In fact there is a very good argument to be made, that one giving a gift with no hope of eternal life or other reward is being a better person than the one who requires some incentive to do such.

As for eternity in heaven, fine. I'd choose not to participate if given the choice, nothingness sounding more attractive to me than what I've seen Christians represent on earth. I also would not be willing to enjoy any eternal life with the knowledge the god providing it were at the same time damning others to any type of hell based on a silly belief system. So I would pass even should the Christian doctrine inexplicably prove correct.

This is good that you are moral but how can you actually compare yourself to the "christian" you know when you may be dealing with a wolf in sheep's clothing. There are many wolves in sheep's clothing and if you were a Christian, you would know it is best to test each spirit to see if he/she/it is good.

lol, you have no way of deciphering if one is good or bad more or less so than an atheist. If anything it appears from my perspective that Christians are far more easily lead astray. Whoever yells "Jesus" loudest and prettiest leads the way, often to the destruction of self and others.

And when I speak of the harm Christianity has inflicted on earth, I'm not speaking of individual cases of Christians doing something wrong, I'm speaking of a tendency support social ideas that cause more harm than good, from denying AIDS riddled African countries condoms based on their idea of morality until only recently in the Catholic church, to the uncanny ability for Christians to dismiss every ill from children starving to mass slaughter based on "gods greater plan" or whatever.

Without religion, dismissing world evils is not so simple.

This is probably the most annoying statement you have made. Christianity is the minority as satan is the prince of the air. Being a true Christian isn't easy as we must endure spiritual warfare for the rest of our days because satan is having his reign right now on this earth. I do agree, religion is a negative force. I am not religious one bit. I am spiritual. Atheism has gained itself into being categorized as a religion now.

Yes, cults do tend to maintain an "us vs. them" mentality, much of their power comes from this. You see it in the manufactured "war against Christmas" to the twisted idea that two people getting married on the other side of the country, and who they will never meet, is somehow suppressing your own freedoms magically and in scores of other examples.

But here's reality: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religious_populations

Christianity is the largest single group in the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_by_country

Christianity is over 78% of the U.S. population.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Members_of_the_111th_United_States_Congress

And with over 78% of the U.S. population, Christianity also represents well over 80% of all representation in this country.

Christianity is the most powerful entity in the U.S. despite the actual intent of separation of church and state, and it is also the most powerful entity in the world. By far.

Perhaps you've confused who truly represents satan? Of course it's all silliness, but should there be a "great satan" secretly in charge it would according to the numbers have to be Christians.

And in your last sentence, while I thought you were doing pretty good at being civil, you showed your hate. You did good up until the last two sections and then your hatred spewed out on how you really feel about Christians.

Yep, victim mentality. I clearly said I dislike the religion. I said nothing about individuals tricked by it.

3 points

An Atheist is someone who does not believe in God.

That is it. An Atheist could believe in Ghosts, but most of them don't because there is no evidence of Ghosts and Atheists tend to not believe in God because there is no evidence of God.

notmymuse(10) Clarified
0 points

An atheist has no real, solid evidence of their own beliefs either.

iamdavidh(4856) Disputed
3 points

... you do realize a lack of evidence more logically would lead to disbelief than belief. You are not equating belief in something without evidence to disbelief in something without evidence I hope.

casper3912(1581) Disputed
1 point

what beliefs would those be ?

3 points

My description of an atheist is someone who thinks that they know that there is no God.

2 points

That's a pretty basic description and fits well. It's quite a shame when you hit the nail right on the head that they may even still attempt to debate your point. I support you on this one.

1 point

Thank you. I support you too .

casper3912(1581) Disputed
1 point

You actually described a subset of atheism, atheism also includes a larger group of people; those that simply lack a belief in a god.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

Well, isn't that a shame that there are more weak people and that would be those that lack a belief in God.

Saurbaby(5581) Clarified
1 point

This is not very debatable. Because that's what atheism is.

Though you said think. Atheist KNOW that a god doesn't exist in the same way you KNOW that your God does.

You are right, though slightly biased :)

casper3912(1581) Disputed
1 point

On the contrary, you are equating faith with non-faith.

Well some atheists may have faith that there is no god, many simply lack faith that there is a god.

2 points

The description is very simple. An atheist is a person who has no faith in god(s). That is it.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

Wait, then why do you care what others believe? And why you also condone filth?

BlackSheep(203) Disputed
1 point

It is like being a sports enthusiast. Some care what other believe and some do not. It has no relation.

I don't condone filth, you just judge it that from your book guided morality.

2 points

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ

And all other gods of humanity

one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

Science and logic do not require faith (extreme forms of rationalism aside).

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

an unfounded assertion.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

You have yet to present a case for god-given moral objectivism. And if atheists are so immoral, why are there 385 times more Christians than atheists in our prisons?

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

Ad hominem and an unjustified assertion.

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliché's.

What?

They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

Ad hominem and an unjustified assertion.

I consider atheists to be elitists.

By 'elitist,' do you mean educated?

What a shame.

A shame? That's what you call people who deal with facts and logic, not bullshit and fallible experience?

Uspwns101(444) Disputed
2 points

Christian is not just something that one claims to be, I agree there are many self proclaimed Christians out there, that does not mean they are Christian. Christianity is a way of life not a set of beliefs.

casper3912(1581) Disputed
1 point

I challenge that notion, a way of life requires beliefs or else it would be an undefined way of life. Further more a way of life can be derived from different belief sets and the same belief set can support different ways of life. If Christianity is merely a way of life, then I am rather christian since I follow the morality better than most that actually hold christian beliefs.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

I have already answered all of this. You are double posting.

2 points

An athiest is someone that has managed to extricate themselves from at least one thought limiting narrow minded ideology within this neurotic culture. This is an ideology more perverse than most others in how it seeks conformity by regimentation of the mind, which in-turn produces comformity of opinion and behaviour, people who take the written word of the Bible or Koran literally are not holy, they are needy, insecure, and power hungry monters.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

No, those who believe the Holy Bible are separate from those of you who are neurotic and we do not conform to this world. Rather we stand and let our light shine. Our only prayer is to bring others to know Christ. You atheists are full of hate and it's a sad thing. That is a result of allowing the enemy to control your mind.

2 points

A dude who don't give no fucks bout 'yo gods n' shit, bruddah. Dey be sayin' dat they don't exist, yo.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

Yo, you be stupid and headin straight to hell then. Yo choice then, yo.

Warlin(1213) Disputed
2 points

Dey be makin' funno me widout dems propah knahledge. Be makin' a real big joke all de time. Talkin' crazy out deah ass mon. Be talkin' wid dem real trufs of de people, sistah. Talkin' aint no feah, baby, aint no feah.

2 points

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ

Belief in Jesus Christ the man can be had by an atheist. I know many atheists, none who would deny that Jesus Christ was a living, breathing man some two thousand years ago.

and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

I would not call one who has faith in science and logic an atheist, for a Christian can also have faith in science and logic. I have only faith in logic, myself.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

Be honest here, that's also the main reason most Christians celebrate it, too.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

Morality is something which is had by everyone in some way or another. Perhaps they lead a life which you may view as being immoral, but, in their mind, their life is moral.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

Those are mostly antitheists like Dawkins; the atheists like Penn Jillette are a lot more logical.

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's.

With this I agree.

They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

Many do.

I consider atheists to be elitists.

Most people, atheists and theists alike, are elitist.

An ignorant self centered group of people only wanting to force their misery and lack in faith on everyone else. You know what they say misery loves company.

iamdavidh(4856) Disputed
2 points

lmao. I actually thought you were talking about Christians until I saw the other arguments. That would make more sense given their recruitment efforts and atheist's lack of this.

So have many atheists knocked on your door with Hawking in hand? Telling you you're doomed to eternal hellfire and whatnot?

Yeah, those Christians and their hellfire, quite the party.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

Yes, there will be hellfire and brimstone. God will have his wrath and I wouldn't be making lightly of it.

casper3912(1581) Disputed
2 points

Most atheists are rather happy people, it seems you are projecting your thoughts on what you think you would be like if you were an atheist. Which makes me wonder how you are as a theist?

Are you happy with the thought of hell fire at your back?

Do you become tired of blaming the out-group for all of societies problems? Does the Hypocrites and neediness in many churches bog you done? Are you tired of being continually degraded as unworthy? Does your own lack of self-worth make you crabby towards others? If so then I don't only not have snake oil, but this wondrous non-book proclaimed though out the ages to cure all! Yes ladies and gentlemen, it has all the questions one could dream to think and you don't even have to look in the back of the book! my my, come one and all for this glorious deal, it'll only cost you your chains!

Ok, now that I'm done mocking you with some of your own medicine, allow me to be a little serious.

Atheists are more common amongst the educated and high academic performers(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Demographics_of_atheism#Population_attributes_of_atheists_in_the_US) .

Many atheists volunteer and denote their time to various causes(google will give you a ton of hits on the topic).

Many enjoy their lives rather well (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_atheism#Personality_profiles). Despite attitudes such as yours which only serve to persecute and demean them via building up nothing but an imaginary straw-man to have as the bogyman.

notmymuse(10) Disputed
1 point

If you are one of the happy atheists, I would hate to see the rest. And if there is happiness it is only worldly happiness which will soon pass. I am not a theist. I am a Christian who belongs to no religion. I blame satan for being such a vile creature and spreading sin and I pray for the lost ones such as you. I see no neediness in church. In fact, I see many non-believers with their hands out wanting the church to take care of them and we take care of even the non-believers anyways. The Holy Bible is amazing and so inspiring. I don't care how educated any atheist is. Perhaps it is the enemy who lurks in the public education system that first began the belief system of the atheist. It doesn't matter how much a Christian OR an atheist donates good works, good works will get no one anywhere - like to Heaven. We should love thy neighbor and do this out of the fruit of the Spirit though. Yes, probably many atheists do enjoy the worldliness and temporal things here on earth. It's only for a little while, it will all soon pass.

Uspwns101(444) Disputed
1 point

You seem like the type to do this so I will respond in kind..."Most atheists are rather happy people."

Prove it...

1 point

The atheists surely have the enemy working in their life and satan has them so confused. It is a shame that these atheists strive in doing satan's work for him.

1 point

Atheism is simply having the belief that there is no god.

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

They lack belief in all gods, not just yours.

And it's not faith that they put into Science and logic, it's thinking for there self that they have all this proof against religions and believing it.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

That's why almost everyone celebrates Christmas. The original reason for Christmas has been long lost in celebration. And it was not originally for Christians either.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

They have different morals than you. They still live by morals, they're just different than yours.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

No more than Christians are towards them. Though, on both sides, we're generalizing.

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's.

I think Atheist's are best known for their lack of belief in a god actually...

They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

I think everyone who stands strong in their beliefs is pretty predictable in their arguments. At least someone who argues with Science alters when we discover new things.

What a shame.

Yes this is.

1 point

You are a reasonable person and I agree with much that you say. No, Christmas was not for Christians, I already knew this. There is only true set of morals and that is those that are in the Bible. I guess the dislike could be mutual. The only difference is that Christians hate the sin, not the atheist. Atheists just flat out hate Christians, in general. There may be exceptions.

Saurbaby(5581) Clarified
2 points

There is only true set of morals and that is those that are in the Bible.

How can that be true if there are other morals that people follow? Obviously there is not only one set. And much of what the bible has in the old testament is something nearly EVERYONE disagrees with. Murder, slavery, sexism, and rape are prime examples. That is all in the bible, but I think we can both agree that it is all morally wrong.

Atheists just flat out hate Christians, in general.

I actually find this very untrue. Atheists hate trying to explain something to someone and them not understanding it and telling them they're going to suffer for their individual thought.

I personally am not atheist, I'm agnostic. And even with my choice I am told I will "suffer in hell" and I'm also told I"m a bad person who makes more choices. These are all things I've heard from Christians. Not very loving, is it?

2 points

"here is only true set of morals and that is those that are in the Bible"

What about the Hebrew bible, or the Koran, surely that's not all bad.

A very lost soul that is walking in the darkness knowing where the light is but continuing walking farther and farther in the dark.

1 point

Yes, they are so very lost and it breaks my heart but after awhile, I just hate the sin of atheism. I am always praying for God to give me the patience to witness to these type people. Jesus was persecuted just as all Christians will be before the end is here. I can't imagine the world being any more evil than it already is, but I know it will happen though Jesus will return before it gets to unbearable. I just want to hurry His coming and let everyone from every end of the earths hear his name. Once they have all heard His name and have either rejected it or received it, He will return.

garry77777(1796) Disputed
2 points

"Yes, they are so very lost and it breaks my heart but after awhile, "

Everyone is lost, but some resist the temptation to subscribe to ideologies that claim make sense of chaos.

"before the end is here."

Ever heard of a self fulfilling prophecy?

"I can't imagine the world being any more evil than it already is,"

We need to be light upon ourselves in a world of darkening light, be the change the you want to see. Or to put in a way that may be more palatable, God helps those who help themselves.

"Once they have all heard His name and have either rejected it or received it, He will return"

Is this assertion based on official Christian doctrine?

A- prefix for non or without, basically negates whatever word its attached to.

theism- belief in god

Atheism- non-belief in god, or without belief in god

"I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic"."

yes, but not just specifically jesus, then islamics would be considered atheists. also you cannot put faith in science and logic, science is a discipline on the collection of knowledge, you observe and conclude data depending on what you observe. logic is making sense of something, its completely objective and factual (you can use logic on subjective matters, but whatever logic you use is simply back up on facts that you are using to backup opinion, the opinion itself is not fully logical, but somewhat subjective.

"An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts."

to a lot of atheists christmas is either a holiday for the pure fun of it, or for generosity. originally christmas wasn't christmas, there was actually a lot of different types of "christmas's" that we eventually "christianized" it and the christmas version became vastly more popular. originally christmas had nothing to do with christianity therefore I believe that anyone should be able to celebrate christmas in the name of anything they want, I don't believe there is an official christmas.

"Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it."

well thats quite a statement, first of all the definition of an atheist is someone who lacks belief in a god, so if one lacks belief in god then they automatically lack morality, if you agree with that statement then i guess we have a REAL argument and not simply someone who is trying to poke at a minority they don't like anymore. the reason we talk about morality is because we have less reason to put little thought in it, since we can't simply say "if god approves then it must be good, if not then its not" we have to actualy give good well thought reason why something is "bad" or "good".

"Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians."

once again, the description of an atheist doesn't have anything to do with hate towards christians. these statements are (dare i say it) geometrically incorrect. (we learn about logical statements in geometry.) I know what you are talking about with these statements, but you would sound a bit more logicall if you called them correlations (which even then you are quite wrong.) an atheist doesn't automatically have to be scientific, its just the common philosophy behind atheism (which is also a correlation, in fact i would say its a big one) also goes hand in hand with science, and mathematics, therefore atheism goes hand in hand with science and mathematics by correlation. atheists aren't generally immoral, where are your statistics to back that up?

"They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's."

like what exactly?

"They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments."

well on the topic of religion, by correlation, theists in my opinion are, but only because of todays society. and every theist iv ever argued with has been predictable, not one has made a good argument towards me.

Based on the majority of the ones here, I'd say egotistical, narrow-minded, dim wits, whose sole purpose in life is destroy that which is beyond their comprehension. Evangelistic atheists, who would have thought.

1 point

A person who values truth and logic.

Thewayitis(4071) Disputed
1 point

The truth is that you don't want to hear any. Where is the logic in that?

Dremorius(861) Disputed
1 point

Where is your proof to what you see as truth?

Dremorius(861) Disputed
1 point

I will ask you again. Where is the proof of for your "truth."

1 point

Description:

Most inclusively, anybody who lack a belief in any deities. There are sub-groups of atheists, but the previous description is the only one that includes all atheists.

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ

Or any other deity. But about Jesus specifically- an atheist would definitively only disbelieve in the divinity of Jesus, not necessarily his existence as a historical figure. Technically, a spiritual atheist might even believe that Jesus had "powers", but not that he was any kind of divine being. This is extremely rare, but I have encountered at least one atheist who espouses this belief.

one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

Frequently, but this is not a requirement of atheism. This is more descriptive of scientists and rationalist. Although most scientists and rationalists are atheist, not all are, and not all atheists are scientists or rationalist. The interest in these methodologies does appear to be higher among atheists than theists, however.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

I don't celebrate it at all.

Besides, in modern American society, Christmas has been elevated beyond being a purely religious holiday for many people. It is holiday closely linked to materialism and capitalism now, as well as traditionally being a general reason to celebrate and be with family memebers and friends. I would argue that many Christians don't celebrate Christmas as a purely religious holiday any more, and atheists who celebrate it could have any number of reasons.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

There are plenty of moral atheists out there. Besides, religion does not hold the monopoly on morality. Basic morality is biological in nature, and one's morality actually has less to do with their religion or even their upbringing than it does their genetics.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

Many Christians hate atheists, members of other religions, and homosexuals. Atheists, not having any system of beliefs to fuel hate, have a less of a reason to be hateful. And also, many atheists are attacking the religion, not the person.

And the remaining accusations could all be stated about Christians and how they treat non-Christians.

Pretty Simple, one who doesn't believe in the existence of an deity or God.

1 point

briefly i want to say that atheists can quickly change their position if the situation requires. For example they can be as Muslims in order to get charities during Ramadan month or accept other religions if there are some necessary things for them.

Saurbaby(5581) Disputed
1 point

I don't understand what you mean?

They don't change their positions...

riahlize(1573) Disputed
1 point

How are atheists more capable of doing that than any other individual?

A Christian can change their position and become a Muslim in order to "get charities during Ramadan month or accept other religions if there are some necessary things for them" as well.

1 point

I look at atheists just as I look at hipsters. They're fun to laugh at, but all they want to do is go against the grain.

Gah, damn hipsters. Do they really not realise that by deliberately not conforming, they're conforming to non-conformism?

But what do you mean when you link this to atheists?

1 point

I know plenty of "off-line atheists" and most of them seem more like apatheists, but they intentionally make their atheism known as though they are trying to use the issue to not conform.

An atheist is someone who lacks belief in an intelligent cause to our universe. Atheism is like darkness, belief is like light. Darkness is nothing more than the absence of light.

burnjuan(59) Disputed
1 point

"Atheism is like darkness, belief is like light". That is FUNNY!

1 point

that not what i meant, I meant that Atheism is a lack of belief like darkness is a lack of light or coldness is a lack of heat. Atheism is the lack religious belief.

1 point

In my opinion atheists are those people who are not clever or who didn't got good knowledge about human and environment and the appearance of things.

Saurbaby(5581) Disputed
1 point

or who didn't got good knowledge

... Yes, it's the atheists that didn't get good knowledge. Obviously you have though, good for you.

An atheist is a person that lies to thyself, they claim there is no God. If they truly believed this, then why do they call to him? Nobody goes around saying unicorns don't exist. If they believed God didn't exist, God wouldn't be the center of their life.

zombee(1026) Disputed
1 point

You're probably never going to come in contact with someone who's going to try to convince you unicorns are real and you'll get in trouble if you don't believe in them. If unicorn believers were everywhere, and constantly trying to convince people that unicorns were real, then yes, plenty of people would go around saying they don't believe unicorns exist.

Past discussions have shown me that you tend to ignore questions unless they're specifically pointed out to you as real, so I'll preface this by saying these are real questions. For you to answer. With words.

~~REAL QUESTIONS COMING UP.~~

By your definition, atheists are not lacking a belief in god, but are just not happy with him, is this right? If so, does this mean you don't think there is anyone in existence who actually lacks a belief in god? If this is also true, then can you imagine a world in which people exist who genuinely lack a belief? How does this change your worldview? Does it make you uncomfortable/angry/apathetic/confused/etc. when you think of people genuinely deciding that they don't believe in gods? How do your opinions differ between atheists as you perceive them, and the people who really lack belief?

Thewayitis(4071) Disputed
1 point

First off, I only ignore those questions in which I have already answered or questions in which the asker already has a predetermined answer. This is like asking a Christian if they believe in God.

Of course an atheist believes in God, they just choose not to follow him. There are people that lack a belief in God, they just aren't atheists. These people just go through life without ever mentioning God, not making him the center of their life.

My world view isn't changed because I already see it this way. It is only the atheist that is uncomfortable, angry, confused, etc.

Your last question I already answered in the above. The difference between some that lacks belief in God and an atheist, the one that lacks a belief in God doesn't acknowledge his existence all the time. Every time an atheist says God doesn't exist, it only reinforces the existence of God. Why else would God be so important?

Elvira(3446) Disputed
1 point

I have eight DDFON's and a score of minor deities. Anyone asks me about god- I say 'which one?'

1 point

One who doesn't worship .

1 point

First off; there is no evidence of any magic people existing at any time, including Jesus, Heracles, Mithras and Cuchulain.

Secondly, Christians ripped off the entire holiday of Christmas from the Pagans.

Most Atheists tend to live by what is known as the "Golden Rule". As in "act towards others as you would like others to act towards you".

1 point

I think an atheist is someone who doesn't believe in God and that they have no knowledge of God.

1 point

A atheist is a person who doesn't take the words of a 2000 year old book as true just because the people who wrote it down were smart enough to add that they were guided by the "Holy Spirit". An atheist is a person who remembers celebrating christmas not as a day worshipping Christ, but a day when family gathered together around a fireplace and learned giving was better than recieving. An atheist is a person who looks at many religions and see they all have three similar features: An invisible force you simply must believe in, the promise of a reward that isnt tangable because they promise it behind the veil of death, and that it regiments your beliefs stating if you dont, when you pass that veil of death you'll find evil and pain. So i apologize that I DONT want to follow the words of a book that tells me everyone is equal*, oh, except for: Black people, Arabic people, women, the poor, and those of other religions.

I consider Athiests hypocrites. Athiests do not have faith/believe in an all powerful being and use science to try and prove their point. My belief is that God exists and the universe is his proof. I may not have experienced God or Jesus or any of the stories in the bible but it's my faith. Athiests supposedly don't have faith/believe in anything however that statement and legal definition is hypocritical. There is no real proof of how the Earth/universe was formed, there are theories. Theories aren't proven yet Athiests believe in them and use them as proof that God doesn't exist however, Athiests don't believe/have faith in anything so their point is invalid and hypocritical.

An atheist is a person who does not have a belief in a god or gods. They are not a group unified by anything meaningful like a higher level of intellect, logic, belief in science, humanity or absence of supernaturalism. A true atheist can be seemingly religious and even tell you he is a believer.

1 point

That is ridiculous. Atheists aren't materialistic, in fact religious people are more so.

1 point

Someone who can think for themselves.

1 point

I think an atheist is a person who lacks belief in Jesus Christ

Thanks for not saying "someone who asserts God/religion/Jesus is not real. However, a lot of us do believe Jesus existed, but don't believe he was the son of God, as we don't believe God exists. We don't assert he doesn't, we just don't believe what Christians/religious people say.

and one who puts faith into "science" and "logic".

Wow, second point and you've lost it already. Science is the act of performing testable studies on matter and whatever else. It's experimentation. What I think you're saying is stuff like origins of the universe, evolution, life span of Earth, etc? If so, we have evidence for evolution and have witnessed other Earth-like planets being formed, so not only is it not impossible for planets to naturally form, the chance that ours formed like any of the other billions is a lot greater than the invisible guy in the sky put it here. It's basically common sense now that Earth is a hell of a lot older than 11,000 years. We haven't come to a concrete conclusion on how the universe was created, but we have lots of hypothesis, and reasonable suspicion that there was an enormous explosion which is why the planets and galaxies are drifting apart. And seriously, faith in logic? What the shit kind of question is that? We blindly believe in logic? Give me a break.

An atheist also celebrates Christmas just so he can get gifts.

...And to spend time with family. Same with Easter. We get chocolate eggs and turkey and stuff.

Atheists also enjoy speaking about morality yet they do not live it.

It is possible to have your own moral standards. Just because you do what the invisible guy in the sky tells you to doesn't mean that's the only way to live.

Atheists tend to be full of hate especially towards Christians.

No. We tend to debate/argue with them because it's not only fun, but productive. Ever heard of the Christian dark ages? 1000 years of zero progress. The human race didn't advance at all because of Christianity. We could be exploring different galaxies by now, but hey, we aren't, and one of the reasons we aren't is probably because Christianity came in and said "nope, believe in the invisible guy in the sky instead of basic logic." There's a reason we took forced prayer out of schools. It accomplishes nothing.

They are best known for their repetitive religious cliche's.

They're pretty funny too. Those damn Atheists, celebrating Christmas to get gifts instead of bow down and worship the invisible guy in the sky. Ruining the world, I tell you!

They love to tell Christians they are close minded and are pretty predictable in their arguments.

Because they are, most of the time. I'll bet you my eternal torment in Hell that if I said you can't prove God exists, you would come right back with "you can't prove he doesn't." - It isn't up to me to disprove something somebody made up. You make a claim, you prove it. Simple as that.

I consider atheists to be elitists.

Thanks.

What a shame.

Oh yes, it's a shame that after 1000 years of zero progress and advancement of the human race, people stopped believing in Christianity and the human race actually started evolving and advancing. What a shame that we moved on from slaughtering people and burning them alive for not being Christian. I wish we lived back then, too.

1 point

I am an atheist, and not all atheists are assholes, actually most atheists don't give two shits about what you believe in. Please don't generalize, by saying that all of us are evil, christian hating bigots. I will respect your beliefs if you respect mine.

An atheist is someone who is not a cheapskate and wants to spend money on Christmas gifts for others.

1 point

This really is a much watch.I would love to here your responses.

If you can watch this and still be an atheist, your fate of an unreasonable mind just really may be fatally sealed.

https://youtu.be/ChWiZ3iXWwM

1 point

It is very simple. You, as a theist, make the claim that a god exists. I, as an atheist, examine that claim, balance it against my own knowledge and experiences, and ultimately reject that claim.

And that's it. It's that simple. You make the claim, I reject the claim.

Of course, it doesn't just apply to the claim of Jesus or the Christian god. It applies to Baal, Vishnu, Thor, Zeus, Satan, the Flying Spaghetti Monster, fill in the blank.

Other than that, we're pretty difficult to generalize. We cover nearly all demographics and political spectrums. Shit, I'm a veteran, atheist, gun toting, liberal, capitalist, humanist patriot who's happily married to a Catholic; from a distance I'm a walking contradiction in a lot of ways.

But, in terms of "faith in science", here's my rebuttal. I don't have faith in science. I have faith in evidence (which makes it not faith, but knowledge, as the definition of faith is "belief without evidence"). And from where I'm standing, there's not a shred of credible evidence that points to a creator or a deity, and certainly not one deity over the thousands that have been dreamed up throughout human history. We have so many gods and other superstitions, but we have one scientific method, and I follow the teachings of the scientific method because it works. If you want to cure diseases, you can either pray about it or put research into vaccines. If you want to fly you can either get on a magic carpet or get on an airplane. If you want to know the composition of stars you can either believe stories of gods tossing bears into the sky by their tails to create the big and little dipper or you can look at the findings of radio telescopes. Similarly, if you want to know the origin of our species you can either side with the consensus held by respected biologists, geologists, paleontologists, geneticists, archaeologists, etc, or you can believe a guy in a robe that gives the blanket, easy-to-digest explanation of "goddunit". I believe in science because it works, and while often inconvenient, it will always lead us closer to the truth than shit we just made up to feel better about ourselves.

1 point

An atheist has no belief in any gods. This takes zero faith, and faith is antithetical to atheism. Science is not required to not be convinced there's a god, and though most of us do believe in science, that's not faith - it's evidential.

Maybe you'll understand it if I put it this way - if I drop a ball, it falls. This is not faith, it's evidence of gravity.

There are atheists that deny gods. Gee, so does everybody else. Find me a christian that doesn't deny Thor. How about Athena? Is one mythology any more likely than any other?

0 points

Anyone with whom SaintNow has a disagreement. ............................