Internet atheists.

[flobadob]

I have a question for all the atheists who give answers here on answerbank and who always fervently stand up for their beliefs, or lack of as the case may be. My question is in relation to real life situations where in conversation with someone else the topic of religion comes up. If, for example, you were talking to someone and they mentioned god in relation to what you were discussing would you
1. Just agree with them
2. Tell them you don't believe in god
3. Try to turn the conversation so that you don't have to be at odds with your true feelings;
or something else which may be the case. I find if you mention atheism a lot of people are horrified.
By the way I'm more talking here about in conversation with people you wouldn't necessarily interact with on a regular basis, rather than amongst your friends.

[China Doll]

If it was in relation to what we were discussing I'd just state that I don't believe in God so religion doesn't have a bearing on my opinion with regards to whatever we're discussing. If they want to ask about that then it's fine but otherwise I just carry on with the chat. I'm generally not that interested in random strangers religious beliefs so I don't suppose they'd be interested in mine.

[Bathsheba]

I wouldn't call myself an atheist, but i do believe there is a time and a place for such conversations.
For example, a few months ago i came across an acquaintance i had met through mutual friends, and i smiled at her, and said, hello, how are you etc. Her response was that she was much much happier since she let Jesus into her life.
Not really a suitable topic to discuss with a virtual stranger in the frozen food section of Sainsburys, in my opinion. I'd only gone in for some onion rings.

[sara3]

I don't think I've expressed my religious (or lack of) views on here and would describe myself as agnostic.. a fence sitter!

if someone expressed their religious views I would probably nod politely .. I wouldn't want to offend someone who "believes" with my "you've got to be kidding!" viewpoint. if asked, I would say that it's not really my thing, but each to their own.

[sara3]

big lol for Bathsheba!

[Buenchico]

I believe in being honest. When I spoke to the vicar who was conducting my father's funeral I told him:
1. "I don't believe in funerals. If I had my way, my Dad, like everyone else who's dead, should have gone straight into the council's refuse incinerator. I'm only doing this to keep the rest of his family happy".
2. "I'm a committed atheist and I've been involved in anti-Christianity protests, outside churches, on Sunday mornings. So don't bother asking me about the hymns because they're all meaningless trash to me".

Strangely, I nearly always find I get on quite well with committed Christians (and other deists) once I've made my position clear. I think that they simply write me down as a lost cause ;-)

Chris

[Buenchico]

PS: Further to your sentence "I find if you mention atheism a lot of people are horrified":

My father's sister (and her husband) hated me even describing myself as an atheist. When I first told them, they reeled back in horror and said "No, you don't really mean that. You're an agnostic". When I pointed out that the probability of me believing in God was about as likely as me believing that there was a giant invisible rabbit in the room, they looked extremely offended. However, that was only consistent with their very conservative views. They'd listened to 'The Archers' for most of their lives, and were among the programmes most devoted fans. However, they never listened again from the day that the programme introduced a gay couple into the script because they simply refused to believe that such relationships really existed or, if they did, that they should ever be acknowledged by the BBC!

[Theland1]

Bathsheba will not anything or anybody stand between her and her onion rings!
However, in my experience, the majority of people claim to believe in, "something," maybe by believing, they are hedging their bets, and keeping a foot in the door of heaven.
I think it is a brave or foolish person, who can categorically deny God.

[Ice.Maiden]

Hi there Theland. Hope you're feeling better.

To flobadob - Yes, quite an intereswting question, but I wouldn't be so rude as to try and force my own ideas upon anyone. I've had some very lively debates with people of varied beliefs, but I think it's each to their own, as there's no solid proof either way.

[terambulan]

I dont have time to worry about any offence I may cause over my views on religion....am just as fervent of enlightening ppl on the folly of beliefs, especially due to the blood-shed it leads to.

I consider myself more 'humanist' than athiest as am concerned for the welfare of ALL.

[Ice.Maiden]

As a Pagan - I agree with you, terambulan! : )

[Theland1]

Ice.Maiden - Thank you. Feeling a bit better of late, and missing you lovely ABers.

[flobadob]

Chris, what do these protests outside churches consist of? They sound a little worrying to me. It sounds to me like a surefire way of getting completely octracised from one's community to take that sort of a stance in public.

[Theland1]

TRUE New Testament Christianity never lead to violence.
Pacifism was always the wattchword, unless confronted by evil such as the Third Riech. So how could Christianity be held responsible for bloodshed?

[Theland1]

How can people hate pacifists?

[terambulan]

Theland, am not apportioning blame to any sect.....IRA?

Just think its all poppycock dreamed up by MCPs lolling around in tents, puffing hookas in the desert while their women-folk fetched and carried.

[Ice.Maiden]

Eventually, pacifists win, despite what we're observing in today's world. People get fed up of being forced to obey by means of being terrorised. You only have to look at the relief of the Iraqi people, who now feel more free to go about their daily lives.
Religion's alright for those who choose to follow/believe in it, but it becomes ugly when forced down peoples throats. Far better, in my opinion, to just care for yourself and your fellow men - literally treat people as you wish to be treated yourself, with respect and warmth.

[terambulan]

Easier said than done Ice.... Unfortunately indoctrination begins at birth.

How can I tell I'm not indoctrinated.....I know I was and think I have broken free through enlightenment/age & experience.

[Ice.Maiden]

Me as well hun - and that's why I haven't labelled my children, by having any form of baptism.

[naomi24]

I'm not an atheist, but I don't believe that the biblical God was God, and therefore my views are often difficult, or more often, impossible, for those who do to understand. Until recently I would always have said immediately that I don't believe in God (meaning he that others believe in). However, a couple of weeks ago I was talking to a very gentle, and very elderly lady who was almost blind and walked with a stick, but nevertheless possessed the most beautiful smile emanating from what appeared to me to be a deep inner happiness. It sounds odd, but her face seemed to shine - it really did. Anyway, she spoke of her enduring faith which seemed so very genuine that I didn't have the heart to tell her I didn't believe in her God. It did go against the grain for me, but she was clearly so content in her faith, that I felt it would have been an act of extreme cruelty to do otherwise than simply listen to her. Had I spoken my mind, I know it would have confused her, and it would have hurt her, and I couldn't possibly have done that to her. Odd really. I spoke to her for only a few moments, but I know I will never forget her. I can honestly say I've never witnessed faith like hers. It was simple, selfless, gentle, and, quite honestly, truly beautiful.

So, my answer to the question a few weeks ago would have been 'yes, I would always say I don't believe in God', but now I would have to say 'it depends on the circumstances'.