Re: What use does an atheist have for deities?

[ChristineM]

From another thread, where I unfortunately can not post:


Deities (in this case, the Hindu Devas) are powerful symbols of certain ideals or doctrines.

It is not only possible for an atheist to make constructive use of them (at least if the misconception that we actually believe in their literal existence as deities proper can be avoided), it is in my opinion the proper way of using deity-concepts, even for theists.

I truly wonder if early theists ever expected people to go to the lengths that some modern theists go.

I have no need for gods/deities/demigods/supernstsupe/worship etc. With the definition of atheism including lack of belief in gods i would assume atheists in general don't.

That said, i have a strong belief in humanity, nature, my family. If people wish to call them deities they are welcome.

 

[The Hammer]

Even Lord Xargoltus, the god I just made up on the spot?

Of course? Why wouldn't it be?

 

[syo]

All the Gods are real, and they are also powerful symbols. You can be both, just as a ship Captain is both a real person, and the walking embodiment of the ship itself.

I want to point out that the Gods are not imaginary.

 

[Enoch07]

. Still, odd to me that an instrument of torture and death came to symbolize what it has. I don't know if Jesus would be very comfortable around such imagery upon his return.

It's the perfect symbol for Christ. It's hard to explain in a few words.

But whereas you see only the instrument of torture and death.

We see the love, sacrifice, and the conquering of death.

 

[Enoch07]

OK, so like the buddhist Dharmachakra, then?

I have no clue, I am fairly ignorant of Buddhism.

 

[crossfire]

I have no clue, I am fairly ignorant of Buddhism.

Is the cross a Christian ashtamangala?
Ashtamangala - Wikipedia

 

[Father Heathen]

You sound like a christian.

There are a lot of similarities between your god and mine.

 

[Enoch07]

Is the cross a Christian ashtamangala?
Ashtamangala - Wikipedia

No

 

[The Hammer]

I want to point out that the Gods are not imaginary.

I never said, nor intended they were. Merely stated that something can be a God and a symbol.

 

[Father Heathen]

Of course? Why wouldn't it be?

Your belief gives him life.

 

[Shadow Link]

Maybe, someday, they'd be interested to ponder the meaning behind why Hope was not allowed to escape Pandora's Box, no?

 

[crossfire]

No

So is the cross used in the manner that one might use a desktop icon--you click on it to access the content associated with it?

 

[Enoch07]

So is the cross used in the manner that one might use a desktop icon--you click on it to access the content associated with it?

No it's used to represent ideas. Just not enlightenment.

 

[crossfire]

No it's used to represent ideas. Just not enlightenment.

And it serves as a token-reminder of the ideas and concepts? (It brings the ideas you associate with it to mind when you see it?) More like a long term reminder, as contrasted to a short term reminder such as when you tie a string around your finger to remind you to do something?

 

[74x12]

From another thread, where I unfortunately can not post:


Deities (in this case, the Hindu Devas) are powerful symbols of certain ideals or doctrines.

It is not only possible for an atheist to make constructive use of them (at least if the misconception that we actually believe in their literal existence as deities proper can be avoided), it is in my opinion the proper way of using deity-concepts, even for theists.

I truly wonder if early theists ever expected people to go to the lengths that some modern theists go.

You mean using deities as archetypes or idealistic examples/moral teachers. In which case you don't have to turn to deities at all. Just by using the concept of personification you can achieve the same result. For example justice has long been personified as a female with eyes blindfolded holding scales. In the Bible wisdom is personified as a female. So, no need for false deities.

I only have one God so have no need for idolatrous gods.

 

[Enoch07]

And it serves as a token-reminder of the ideas and concepts? (It brings the ideas you associate with it to mind when you see it?) More like a long term reminder, as contrasted to a short term reminder such as when you tie a string around your finger to remind you to do something?

No and yes, those ideas are already deep in my heart/soul, so I don't need reminding per say. But it can be a reminder when you get lost in the craziness of the daily struggle. Sometimes we as humans just get caught up in our own BS. So it's nice to have that reminder when you normally wouldn't be thinking of it. Hmmm I don't think I explained that very well. These ideas are complex and hard to correctly put into words.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

No and yes, those ideas are already deep in my heart/soul, so I don't need reminding per say. But it can be a reminder when you get lost in the craziness of the daily struggle. Sometimes we as humans just get caught up in our own BS. So it's nice to have that reminder when you normally wouldn't be thinking of it. Hmmm I don't think I explained that very well. These ideas are complex and hard to correctly put into words.

I think symbols can also be useful short hand in communicating to others.

 

[crossfire]

No and yes, those ideas are already deep in my heart/soul, so I don't need reminding per say. But it can be a reminder when you get lost in the craziness of the daily struggle. Sometimes we as humans just get caught up in our own BS. So it's nice to have that reminder when you normally wouldn't be thinking of it. Hmmm I don't think I explained that very well. These ideas are complex and hard to correctly put into words.

I understand the Christian concept of having the law/the way "written in your heart." So, does the cross represent a "crucified heart?" (A transformational change where the old unconscious patterns/habits/characteristics/ways are "nailed to the cross" so new unconscious patterns/habits/characteristics/ways can take their place?)

 

[Enoch07]

I think symbols can also be useful short hand in communicating to others.

Can be sure, but you have to be careful. A lot of intentional misinformation and black propaganda out there. Those that use the symbols to communicate can be tricky lil hobbitsis.

 

[Enoch07]

I understand the Christian concept of having the law/the way "written in your heart." So, does the cross represent a "crucified heart?" (A transformational change where the old unconscious patterns/habits/characteristics/ways are "nailed to the cross" so new unconscious patterns/habits/characteristics/ways can take their place?)

You are very close so I can agree with that more or less!