David Mathews

Hello Everyone,

Are atheists evangelical?

When I say "evangelical" I am speaking about actively seeking converts. Do atheists actively seek to convert Christians and theists to atheism?

If that is the case, exactly what does atheism offer the convert to atheism?

I look forward to your comments.

Thanks,

David Mathews<a href="http://www.geocities.com/dmathew1" target="_blank">David Mathews' Home Page</a>

Autonemesis

No.

David Mathews

Hello Kind Bud,

Are you being serious? Atheists really do not -- atheists never -- attempt to convert Christians and theists to atheism?

I am utterly astonished.

Do atheists parents indoctrinate their children into atheism?

Sincerely,

David Mathews

katlynnhow

As an atheist, I can tell you that my oldest daughter is an atheist, my middle daughter is a baptized Christian and my youngest will make her own mind in time.

Mageth

When I say "evangelical" I am speaking about actively seeking converts.

Convert them to what? Atheism is a lack of belief, not a cult.

If that is the case, exactly what does atheism offer the convert to atheism?

Atheism doesn't "offer" anything. Atheism is a lack of belief, not a department store.

Do atheists parents indoctrinate their children into atheism?

A hard task that, as their is no atheistic doctrine.

Mageth

Doctrine (n) - a belief, theory or set of beliefs, esp. political or religious, taught and accepted by a particular group.

Such does not exist for atheism. Atheism is an expression of lack of belief.

Autonemesis

I don't know. Do parents that don't collect stamps indoctrinate their children into aphilately?

Grizzly

David Matthews,

Atheism is not a religion. There are no commandments or rules. We only have one thing in common - a lack of belief in a supernatural being. If you are asking if I have ever attempted to argue with a theist that his position is incorrect, the answer is yes.

Do I indoctrinate my children? Well, that is an interesting way of putting it. From my point of view, we are all born atheists until we are indoctrinated otherwise. We are all born with a lack of belief in God. Is maintaining this nonbelief considered indoctrination?

Grizzly

PS - this topic may not be appropriate for C-SS.

liquid

I think the best way to describe it is this:

Short answer: Not really

Long answer:

Atheists have no evangelical doctrine (which is, after all, what evangelism if). There is no requirement to do anything in order to be an atheist except for non-belief in god. This contrasts with the gospel mission of Xians, and similar religious doctrines. *Most* atheists don't even talk about it except when the subject is raised, because it's like talking about the Invisible Pink Unicorn - if you don't believe in it, it's a waste of time.

However, atheists can and do promote atheism(Although, as noted above, it is more just persuasion rather than strict doctrinal evangelism). This is usually very low intensity, and in character is no different to persuading people about anything you believe to be correct, whether it is a philosophical position or recommending what you saw on TV last night. Most of the II, for instance, would fall in this category.

The third situation is more active promotion of atheism. This tends to be a very minor thing, especially when compared to the missionary efforts of Christians and the like. It mainly occurs in response to perceived threats, such as the use of 'under god' in the pledge or the drive to get evolution removed from science classes on dubious religious grounds.

This theoretical analysis is backed up in practice by the relative prominence of non-religious people as a whole. They form about 14% of the US population, but a tiny part of the 'propaganda', for want of a better word.

Seth K

Moderators: Shouldn't this topic be shipped off the Misc. Religion topic?


No, we don't try to convert anyone. It would be against the principles of rationalist freethought to evangelize. People should come to their own conclusions, not the ones that are forced upon you. We don't even really seek others out to "preach" to uninvited. All we do is lay out our evidence, reasoning and critical analysis when asked.