Are Atheists Unsure And Worried?

[naomi24]

According to some of the religious people here, the reason atheists argue religion is because they ‘are not sure and are a bit worried’ (Keyplus’ words). Religion is an option available to all – atheists choose to reject it. What then, do those who say this think we are unsure or worried about? The question has been asked several times on different threads, but as far as I’m aware, no one has given their reasons for thinking that. Can someone please explain?

[Khandro]

LG; So to summarise your outlook then; The Universe (even though you don't understand it ) is without purpose, and humanity finding him/herself accidentally within it, has to make up own its meaning regarding being present and what to do? Lives of other sentient beings; the tigers and butterflies presumably have no meaning whatsoever, because they are incapable of dwelling on such matters.
That does sound rather bleak.

[ludwig]

// Ludwig, I thing 'bigger' here means thicker (than a thumb). //

I know. ;o)

[Octavius]

Khandro, it was me what said that. I think.

[Octavius]

oops, sorry....


;o)

[ludwig]

// That does sound rather bleak. //

Does it? Why do you think so?

[chrisgel]

Get new powerful religion. For those dark moments when you realise that the universe wasn't created just for you. For when you need a big powerful being to put right all those wrongs and to tell you how to behave.

Or alternatively - Deal with it, It's what grown ups do.

[LazyGun]

@Khandro - I do not think it sounds bleak at all. What does a butterfly care about whether the universe is imbued with purpose or not? How could they appreciate it anyway?

@Octavious ""everyones life has meaning and purpose" Does it? What if it was a just a brief existence with no purpose and meaning, we are just a chance birth/life in the endless cycle of the universe. We come, we go.

We give life meaning through our own actions and inner creativity don't we? We invent a purpose for ourselves and aim to carry it through."

I assume that was in response to my reply to Khandro? Are you arguing with me or agreeing? I cannot tell.

Everyones life will have meaning and purpose to them, regardless of the level of creativity invested in it and certainly not requiring an external agency.

There will be people rushing to judgement on others, of course - thats human nature - deeming the lives of others wasted or worthless, but those offering judgement look for any excuse to feel superior....

[Octavius]

LG, I wasn't arguing, merely countering your claim. You have pretty much agreed with what I said.

Regarding your last point, I could say that Amy Winehouse wasted her life. In reality what she had of it she used very well, but the sentiment is that she could have / might have achieved a lot more. No smug superiority there, nor mention of external agents. Just a judgement and opinion.

[LazyGun]

@ Octavius. Yes, I know people like to pass judgements. Its their opinion though - does not have any objective weight.

I am trying to reform my own tendencies in that direction, because being judgemental of others is a pretty unpleasant character attribute...

How were you countering my statement though? Still not sure what point you are trying to make. I contend that, however short our lives might be in relation to the age of the universe, what meaning we get from life and the universe we imbue ourselves; It is an internal framing, rather than something granted by an external agency...

[Khandro]

LG; You are not a butterfly, so how do you know what they do or do not appreciate?
I was though hoping you would take me up on my assertion that you didn't understand the universe meanwhile claiming it was without meaning or purpose, but you seem to have avoided that.

[WyeDyed]

Are Atheists Unsure And Worried?

No, no more than any intelligent theist.

[tamborine]

ainchya the lucky ones, is the invite for 'men only' ?

[cupid04]

I'm an intelligent theist.

[naomi24]

Keyplus, you’ve been very fortunate up until now in that the inhabitants of R&S aren’t noted for reporting people. In Birdie's case you haven't restricted your comments to personal insults as you've done with the rest of us - it's gone much further than that - and what he has done is not before time. You're a stranger to him and your posts to him over a number of years are disturbing to say the least.

[LazyGun]

@Khandro - What a strange comment. For any individual to have an appreciation of their universe around them and be able to consider the meaning or purpose of their own life in relation one needs the capacity for abstract thought, sentience, a considerable degree of intelligence, and time.

Butterflies, however pretty they might be, fail in all categories.

Really, you do come out with the most extraordinary nonsense in your efforts to justify your faith.

Next you will be telling us all that evolution did not occur because "we did not see it happen in front of our eyes", or because no one has ever found a fossil of a crocoduck or other similar absurdity.

[lightbulb247]

//Religion is an option available to all – atheists choose to reject it. //

Yes, if atheists choose to reject it, fine, but as you say to believers, stop trying to force your beliefs on us. Yes, debating is healthy and good (that is why i am here), but when you constantly try to criticize religion and make the religious look less intelligent, then that is going a bit far, especially when you criticize people who are religious of doing the exact same thing.

[Khandro]

LG; What an absurd post; you are now a spokesman for butterflies, and speculating on what I might say next. I think if you are typical representative of atheism my answer to the OP question is an unconditional "yes!".