GunnerJ

I'm going to assume you mean "cause."

The biggest problem with your question is that "atheist" (literally, "non-believer in god[s]") is not really a valid way of defining and describing a group of people, just as any other negative qualifier is. I don't think you'd ask about the beliefs of "non-Republicans" or "non-grunge fans" and expect a definitive answer on the political persuasion or taste in music of those who fall under those categories. Likewise, it's nonsensical to ask what metaphysical beliefs a group has based solely on their shared lack of belief in a diety.

Or, more simply, as pz put it, "atheists believe in a lot of different things." I just wanted to expand on why this is a meaningful reply.

Kimpatsu

If god created the universe, who created god?

pudgyfarmer

no one God is self existent

Flynn McKerrow

I like cheese.

Autonemesis

The universe is self-existent.

RevDahlia

i have no idea what the first cause was. i don't know if there was one at all. i do not think that the first cause is relevant to my life, personally. i also don't have the scientific vocabulary to discuss the mechanics of the beginning of the universe. at least not with any authority.

in my experience, theists ask this question rhetorically. they presuppose the existence of brahma the creator, and reason backwards from there in an attempt to coerce others into admitting that brahma exists.

this is pretty silly, because even when skillfully articulated the first cause argument only informs a kind of theoretical deism.

if there WAS a first mover, there is still no indication whatsoever that it was brahma the creator. or the judeo-christian god, for that matter. so it's really irrelevant, if what you're trying to do is argue in favor of hinduism. (or christianity. or whatever.)

(we all know it was REALLY the ipu, natch.)

Goliath

ROFL!!! :notworthy :notworthy :notworthy

Kimpatsu

Then the same claim can be made for the universe. Adding god adds an unnecessary layer of complexity, which violates the principle of Occam's razor.

Kimpatsu

It's not that difficult. The universe started from a quantum singularity. Particles wink in and out of existence all the time. One just happened to spark the big bang. No need for any god, nor any divine hand.

The Naked Mage

From this thread:

Imagine, I even captured the illiteracy of the whole thing!