The World Beyond BetterMost > Anything Goes
Atheists: Come out, come out, wherever you are
ednbarby:
--- Quote from: nakymaton on May 29, 2006, 04:26:35 pm ---It really astounds me that so many people assume that a world without a deity would necessarily be meaningless. I think the universe is amazing -- stars, planets, gravity, quantum mechanics, evolution, plate tectonics... it's just so cool. And randomness... just calling all that "randomness" oversimplifies it.
I don't need to believe in some celestial busy-body in order to experience awe.
So, count me as a proud atheist, too. :)
--- End quote ---
Hear, hear. Really, the very randomness of it is what's so miraculous to me. That we all came to be here in this place and time as the result of a random explosion billions of years ago never ceases to amaze me. I find that much more awe-inspiring than the thought of some all-knowing, all-powerful being who looks like a giant version of Santa Claus floating around on a celestial cloud, watching us all and pulling the strings. And I wonder at the thought of being made up of the very stuff that makes up the stars. That's heaven to me - I'm already there.
vkm91941:
--- Quote ---It's terrifying that fundamentalists, whether christians or muslims, have control of the button to launch nuclear weapons, or soon will. In their belief system, to launch a nuclear war is a rational act... they get to be harp-playing angels that much sooner! I'd much rather have an atheist in control of that button, wouldn't you?
--- End quote ---
I'll start by saying that I am not an atheist but that I have great respect for all the views shared on this thread. Now to my reason for posting, re the above quote, I don't care what the spiritual or religious persuasions of the person in charge of that firing mechanism is as long he or she is a balanced and rational individual with a secure sense of self and a profound love for his fellowman and this earth we all share. Otherwise heaven or providence help us all
Lynne:
Impish - Thank you for starting this discussion. I think it is a terrific thread and the responses have been outstanding.
For myself, I tend to waffle between agnostic and atheist depending on my mood. On the subject of bumper stickers, I once saw one that appealed to me: "Militant Agnostic: I Don't Know and Neither Do You." :)
You're right, though, about these being typically 'closeted' opinions, especially in the rural area I now inhabit. (I've found urban areas to be quite a bit different.) I think much might be accomplished if people were more open about their thoughts. I see the issue as intertwined with those of gay rights because, typically, the most vocal opponents of gay rights are also the most outspoken evangelicals. That person who said Americans have freedom of religion, but not freedom from religion was right-on. I believe that maintaining separation of church and state has to be of paramount importance in this country.
I've been thinking about why I waffle and I think it boils down to a couple of things.
First, I am a scientist by vocation and avocation, and I find mythology in any form as an insufficient and unsatisfying way to explain what is not understood. It's completely understandable for mankind to look for these answers in religion, and has been since the dawn of time, but religion does not provide me with satisfactory answers. Still, I label myself 'agnostic' because I have this inherent resistance to telling other people that I think they are 'wrong'. And anytime I say 'I don't believe in God' to someone I know does believe, I feel like I'm criticizing their own personal choice.
That said, I wish most of these people would afford me the same courtesy. This subject comes up all the time with a friend I've had for years and I've finally just had to terminate all discussion by saying, 'It find it insulting that you don't trust and respect me to make my own decisions in this.' And I repeat as often as necessary.
Secondly, Another reason that I don't want to reject 'faith' outright is because I do believe in the existence of other ideals that are intangible. Just because this is one that I haven't felt personally, I don't want to reject or undermine others' experiences. Hope, love, charity, etc...I have firsthand experience with...so who am I to tell someone else that because I haven't had some experience with faith that it doesn't exist?
This post has become too long, so I'll end it here...wonderful opinions by all here..Thanks again, Impish.
-Lynne
Aussie Chris:
--- Quote from: vkm91941 on May 29, 2006, 05:33:26 pm ---I'll start by saying that I am not an atheist but that I have great respect for all the views shared on this thread. Now to my reason for posting, re the above quote, I don't care what the spiritual or religious persuasions of the person in charge of that firing mechanism is as long he or she is a balanced and rational individual with a secure sense of self and a profound love for his fellowman and this earth we all share. Otherwise heaven or providence help us all
--- End quote ---
I with Vic here, in both my non-atheist persuasion but also my tolerance for world leaders believing in whatever they want as long as their decisions are made with the betterment of humanity in mind. Unfortunately, I fear that no one meets that criteria, so I also send "good thoughts and best wishes into the ether" (notice I didn't say pray) and hope that world's leaders remain well rested and well fed, but not bored because we know about idle hands now don't we. That's right, they perform "random acts of naughtiness" (as opposed to devil's work).
TOoP/Bruce:
--- Quote from: Impish on May 26, 2006, 07:57:18 pm ---Anyway, if you don't believe in gods either -- or if you consider yourself agnostic -- I encourage you to come out of the closet, letting those around you know your beliefs. It's important to increase our visibility, and to let others know that there is moral behavior without it being caused by fear of a god.
Cheers! ;D
--- End quote ---
Another non-believer here.
What sort of morality do you really have if the only reason you do "God's will" is to buy real estate in heaven? Give me a break...
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