Atheism

A double header

That is my question.
That's what informs my belief.
That's the only question I have, so whose questions am I skipping?
And what if if that person's question isn't mine?
Can you even tell me what question I'm skipping?

I allow you your belief - I'm just asking you to explain its basis.
I've explained the basis of my belief.
I'm just asking you to respond in kind.

Trying not to swear at you, Aidan.

My lack of theism is not a belief.

Get a grip on that. It is a void, not a belief.

You might look back, I edited my bit.

Oh. You're right- I didn't get that- I hadn't thought of it as that - as an absence.

Does it feel like an absence to you?

((This is not a bash to anyone religious, for I am Christian, but I'm explaining a few points in human nature that will probably answer this question. None is intended to offend anyone.))

I think it's mainly those who are deeply entwined within their religion to an extreme point that consider anything outside of their beliefs 'unusual' since they are so passionate and feel strongly for their own perspectives alone. Sometimes, when we convince ourselves that an idea or outlook is what everyone should obtain to better their lives, we become critical of different mindsets because of how one-sided our opinions are (which is caused by our strong beliefs we instill in these views).

I do know a few atheists that often are misanthropists when it comes to Christians. They claim that because we have faith, we are irrational and idiotic. On the other hand, I also know a few Christians who are so demanding of others when it comes to religious affairs. They claim that those who don't share the same values and religious system with them deserve to go to hell. I honestly think that every religion constantly contradicts themselves in one way or another...but whatever category you would like to place yourself, there will always be someone criticizing another. Whether who does it more, I cannot say...but what I do know is that any insulting comments because of close-minded behavior from any party is filled with disrespect, hatred, low tolerance, and (contradictions for those who are religious.)

It's human nature to defend what we value most in our lives. Just like how we are hurt if someone close to us is being threatened. We would automatically desire to help protect them, as our actions are channeled through our strong emotions for that person. It's a similar concept with ideas, mindsets, and perspectives. Those are what compose us as people, so it's only natural some are more defensive than others about what means most to them.

In my opinion, an open-mind is the way to go. Having the ability to understand and appreciate "all sides of the story" is a talent that grants a more in-depth view on life itself.

There is no one answer to that question - we're not a religion, we don't have entrance exams - we each have our own thoughts on cosmogony, even if they consist of 'f*cked if I know'.

Belief in a god(s) doesn't make the theist position any more valid, because you're still left with the question 'where did god(s) come from?' It's just a way of pushing the issue to the back of your head, without acknowledging you're pushing it to the back of your head.

Just to be clear - I don't believe in hell - I also didn't even consider people who didn't believe in God to have/feel a void.

I just thought they probably had different coping strategies and attribute life/the world to something other than what I did. That's why I didn't have the concept of 'VOID' - I had the concept of 'OTHER'.

I sincerely wasn't being obtuse.

No. It's been near forty plus years since I engaged in theological wrangling.
Absence is right, but to me it was at the start and then later relief and freedom. At this point I don't exult in those, they are givens; I probably still hold relief, I had a tight religious childhood, but freedom is natural to me now.

But also, don't ascribe VOID as negative or missing. It's like having a headache and not having a headache. Not having a headache is not a bad thing.

I'm not sure I understand this absence, of which you speak. Does this mean you never feel as though you are part of something larger than yourself?

That's the fundamental thesis of George Steiner's classic Real Presences. That art must presuppose a God and music being the best example.

Such an argument necessarily assumes that an atheist is posing when he/she is using art to impress.

I understand, which is why I kept hammering at you.
I used to be more religious than this world dreams of (that's a joke, from what I remember of Family Theater in hollywood).

Void, absence - the point is that one isn't interested, not engaged.
Me, I'm interested in my own history past my romping away (irish), and religion history, especially italian, re my interest in that country (she laughs).

Cripes, the vatican may stop pumping Berlusconi?

okay- and I guess that could work if you equate a miracle with the absence of a headache - the absence of pain (no headache)= the world in its beauty and intricacy as we know it.
Sorry - I don't equate the two - but if you do - and that works for you - that's fine.

I'd still love to know how you think it all came about.

That's easy Rebecca. An object of infinite density and infinitessimal volume popped. We cannot know its antecedent history.

I'll get back to you, but not right now.
Nag me if I don't, but wait a few days.

But on absence, tell me, what do you feel when you watch really bad tv shows? Let me guess - lack of interest. And certainly not some belief in your lack of interest in the shows, gathering members as you go. You would change the channel.

But some of us need an origin that makes sense.
I know I couldn't have come up with it - could you have- have you ever met anyone else that you think could have?

To me, it doesn't make sense that it was of this earth or world as we know it.
It makes sense that it was something outside...

Atheists don't need to impress. You are on a horse with no name.

I think of it when my Mum first gave my Dad the green light.

I don't equate it to a miracle. I simply accept it as is. I don't know how it came about, I don't wonder how it came about, I don't care how it came about. It simply is.

I do equate not having a god-figure and the religious trappings that go along with a religious dogma with not having a headache.