Do You Think Atheists Are Insecure ….

[naomi24]

… and if so, why?

This has been said twice today. Could someone please explain the reasoning behind that claim?

[vetuste_ennemi]

I got the shakes last night, Naomi.

[naomi24]

Haaa! Probably best I don't ask why. ;o)

[anaxcrosswords]

Not me, no, although I don’t call myself an atheist as it has negative connotations. Rather than spout what I don’t believe in, I stick to what I do believe. For me that’s decency, honesty, being helpful to others and all the rest of it. If I’m going to give myself a label I’d say ‘moralist’ but, whatever word I’d wish to use, I’m perfectly secure about it.
Also, remember that in the eyes of someone religious an atheist is anyone who doesn’t follow the same religion. There are countless religions/cults to follow, of course, but (helpfully) it’s easy to arrange them in order of truth, value and relevance:
1) Mine
2) All the others

[Canary42]

No, it's the theists who are insecure, hence needing the prop of fairy tales.

[gness]

Have no idea what the reasoning is, Naomi......but to answer your question.. No I don't think atheists are insecure....quite the opposite because I don't know how you can be insecure about a certainty.

Feeling insecure about something you believe in but of which there is absolutely no evidence would be understandable though.

[sandyRoe]

Quite the opposite, I'd say. Judging from the ones on AB they seem to be as strong in their faith in nothing as the most devoutly religious person is in their belief in the hereafter.

[ummmm]

Nope :-)

[jim360]

There is a significant difference between belief in nothing, and lack of belief in something, sandyroe.

[berniecuddles]

i'm an atheist and i'm not insecure whats it got to do with anyone else what i am?

[sandyRoe]

I suppose a nihilistic view must bring its own heavy burden.

[sandyRoe]

vetuste_ennemi, have you thought to take more water with it?

[vetuste_ennemi]

It keeps turning itself into alcohol, Sandy. (It's not what you know...)

[joko]

it is surely extreme insecurity that makes a person cling to something wholly illogical, fantastical and actually ludicrous, and not only believe it, but run their entire life by it, no matter how hypocritical and all encompassing that may be.

there are not many things in the world that a person will allow to rule them quite so thoroughly

[jomifl]

How can not believing in something be an indication of insecurity. Clinging to an irrational belief is an indicator of insecurity as if one felt secure there would be no need for the comfort (albeit with a few strings attached) of belief in an afterlife, going to heaven, not going to hell, crossing the rainbow bridge (if you are a domestic pet with an enhanced empathy with your owner), etc.

[jomifl]

Sandy there is a big difference between a faith in nothing and no faith at all. Surely you can see that?

[pixie373]

I'm presuming these claims have been made by believers, who are illogical by definition. Why should their reasoning about atheists make any sense either?

[keyplus90]

Yes, to answer to you question,

And why? why don't you find out yourself I thought atheists knew about everything.

[naomi24]

Keyplus, that's a silly answer. If you think atheists are insecure, why don't you try - for once - to give a reasoned and sensible response?

[Khandro]

'With any kind of mean girl, or anyone who bullies anyone, there's always a reason for it. There is that sadness in them or insecurity that makes them feel like they need to act out or hurt other people.'

[naomi24]

Ah, there we go. Déjà vu. You know what 'they' say about people who shoot the messenger. A failing argument. Still, from your point of view far preferable to having to come up with an explanation - and you one of the accusers. Proof positive that you don't actually know what you're talking about. Happy days. ;o)