Why are atheists interested in religion?

[HiddenHijabi]

Religious tend to be vocal about religions that are not their own.

Some religions I've come across, such as Sikhism, Judaism and Buddhism, typically take the attitude that people of other religions are really not that big a deal, and the more important thing is that those who call themselves followers of that religion should be practicing it.

Even with those who hold that their religion is the only correct one, the overall impression I get is that outreach and education is far more important than denouncing other religions as being wrong.

 

[Parsimony]

Kids don't generally believe that Pikachu exists even though they may have an interest in Pokemon.

I'd actually consider an atheist with an interest in religion to be a good thing, as that would insinuate that they have actually researched and continue to research the matter instead of rejecting it without critical analysis.

 

[HiddenHijabi]

Kids don't generally believe that Pikachu exists even though they may have an interest in Pokemon.

I'd actually consider an atheist with an interest in religion to be a good thing, as that would insinuate that they have actually researched and continue to research the matter instead of rejecting it without critical analysis.

Most atheists I have met are typically more knowledgeable of religion than many followers of said religions. I've had some of the best conversations on religion not with religious people themselves but atheists.

 

[Gjallarhorn]

Kids don't generally believe that Pikachu exists even though they may have an interest in Pokemon.

You must have only known the "normal" kids then.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

I suppose I should ask whether you are kidding.

I jest not.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

You mean anti-theists. Those are ones who get all preachy and make other atheists look bad.

I guess so, my friend, although I don't know the difference between an Atheist and an Anti-Theist.

However, and that being said, I should probably let Atheists answer this one, as I believe in God now and should be focusing on that.

Any discussion that's not about my God, I tend to get into deep water anyway.

:run:

 

[Sunstone]

Atheism is a religion within itself. A religion with the core tenet of 'God does not exist'.

Like any religion, Atheists do their fair share of proselytizing and preaching their philosophy to all and sundry.

They are just as passionate about their 'no God policy' as believers are about God.

Atheists all want to 'wake up deluded people' who still believe in an illogical, irrational deity, because they see it as being the downfall of society and also, others beliefs in a God are having a negative/detrimental effect on their personal lives and they wish to change that.

They cannot change another's beliefs, so they become officially 'Atheist' to cement their resolve.

Atheists shouldn't worry about what other people believe in if they don't, but like I said, Atheists are just as mad about proselytizing as Muslims and Christians are - if not moreso!

They want to see a world ruled by science and logic, where God has no part of that.

Little do they know, they actually have no say in it.

Thank goodness I'm an atheist...so I don't have to believe this crap about atheists!

 

[LuisDantas]

I jest not.

That is shocking. I wonder why you hold such a view.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

That is shocking. I wonder why you hold such a view.

Through my own observations and experience which never, ever matches anybody else's, so I constantly get this anyway, but that's just a part of my life I am resigned to.

Hey! You didn't have spray me with the garden hose when I offered you my pamphlet at your front door.
(I'm copying my JW friends' tactics.)

Yeah, this is what happens when I post while sober.....and there's a lesson in that for me. :yes:

 

[Revoltingest]

I guess so, my friend, although I don't know the difference between an Atheist and an Anti-Theist.

Atheists don't believe in gods. We aren't necessarily opposed to theism.
Anti-theists oppose theism. But they aren't necessarily atheists.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

Atheists don't believe in gods. We aren't necessarily opposed to theism.
Anti-theists oppose theism. But they aren't necessarily atheists.

How can an anti-theist not be an atheist?

 

[Revoltingest]

How can an anti-theist not be an atheist?

I can't think of any, but it's possible that one can believe in a god, but oppose dogma.
But even if this is a very rare bird, tis still true that not all of us heathens are anti-theism.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

I can't think of any, but it's possible that one can believe in a god, but oppose dogma.
But even if this is a very rare bird, not all of us heathens are anti-theism.

Meh...it's just easier to believe in a God then. lol

This is all way too confusing for me, so I shall go and study the Vedas...that's much easier.

Although, from the only perspective I can understand this from, Advaita Vedantins are Atheist, but they are still Hindus.

 

[Revoltingest]

Meh...it's just easier to believe in a God then. lol

Easier for some.
But for me it was never even an option.

This is all way too confusing for me, so I shall go and study the Vedas...that's much easier.
Although, from the only perspective I can understand this from, Advaita Vedantins are Atheist, but they are still Hindus.

We each do what we're drawn to.

 

[Alceste]

I guess so, my friend, although I don't know the difference between an Atheist and an Anti-Theist.

However, and that being said, I should probably let Atheists answer this one, as I believe in God now and should be focusing on that.

Any discussion that's not about my God, I tend to get into deep water anyway.

:run:

Atheist: a person who does not happen to believe in any gods. Example: virtually all of the atheists you encounter on RF.

Anti-theist: a person who actively opposes the practice, promotion and doctrines of religious theism. Example: the occasional Dawkins fan-boy who thinks RF is the perfect place to start threads attacking theism, but never lasts more than five or six discussions before leaving unsatisfied or being banned.

Happy to help!

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

Atheist: a person who does not happen to believe in any gods. Example: virtually all of the atheists you encounter on RF.

Anti-theist: a person who actively opposes the practice, promotion and doctrines of religious theism. Example: the occasional Dawkins fan-boy who thinks RF is the perfect place to start threads attacking theism, but never lasts more than five or six discussions before leaving unsatisfied or being banned.

Happy to help!

Thank you for the clarification.

I know what it is I must do now, and I have also learned an important lesson, so I am going to reflect on that... I know now not to post and refrain until I am in the right 'frame of mind' to do so.

With that, I am done with this thread and if anything, at least my reply provided you all with some healthy misconceptions you can all dig your teeth into. Ciao.

Om Namah Shivaya.

 

[Revoltingest]

I know what it is I must do now, and I have also learned an important lesson, so I am going to reflect on that... I know now not to post and refrain until I am in the right 'frame of mind' to do so.

Don't refrain too much.
I say you're doing just fine.

 

[LuisDantas]

Through my own observations and experience which never, ever matches anybody else's, so I constantly get this anyway, but that's just a part of my life I am resigned to.

I hope you don't take this personally, but what you describe does not seem to be realistically possible. There are inherent limitations in atheism itself that make it difficult to even imagine it being abused that way.

And that is before considering what so-called "new atheists" actually say, which is in fact a very respectful and moderate message. Hardly even "new".

Personally, I think of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris as some of the best allies religion can possibly have in these days, albeit in a "tough love" kind of way.

And when we come to consider the work Peter Singer, who is the actual "preacher" of the Atheistic set... well, it is difficult to even find something to fault, really.


This article, I think, makes a pretty good presentation of the case for us godless heathens:

http://www.salon.com/2014/01/11/15_ways_atheists_can_stand_up_for_rationality/

 

[dyanaprajna2011]

There's many reasons.

1. religion as an area of study of itself
2. religion as a study of a broader topic, like sociology
3. to learn about religion, and it's many facets
4. to try to turn people to a more logical way of thinking
5. because some are religious; some Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, Quakers, and others identify as atheist

 

[SkylarHunter]

This article, I think, makes a pretty good presentation of the case for us godless heathens:

15 ways atheists can stand up for rationality - Salon.com

Very interesting article Luis, thanks for posting. I'm a theist but I have to admit I frequently have more interesting conversations with atheists than with people who claim to believe in god, and I say claim because many so called believers out there are nothing but a bunch of hypocrites that make the real believers look bad.
I appreciate the chance to talk to people with different views from mine.