rfwu

I was wondering if there are some types of people of whom atheism does not fit? That it's actually better if they weren't atheists?

Sorry for the grammer as I have a splitting headache as of right now.

AJ113

I voted 'yes' on principle but I think it would be pretty grim for a priest who was an atheist.

WCH

I said no, because there are people out there who psychologically need something greater to hold onto as an anchor. That is, without theism, there are people who would not be able to cope. These people are the exception, however.

Bright Life

I said no. My gramma is in her mid-eighties, and desperately clings to the hope that she will see her momma, daddy, brothers and sisters in heaven. She dreams about it, and it seems to ease her grief. I've noticed that when people deconvert, it is often followed by a period of grief-induced depression.

I could very likely deconvert my gramma with some work, but it would break her heart. I don't think she would ever recover.

BL

Dyrwen

Pretty much what WCH said^

Some people need that extra being, others can do without. All comes down to what you can handle. I'm personally anti-social and enjoy being alone, yet my cousin is very social and needs others to be there for her no matter what. It only makes sense that I can do without a god there beside me, while she feels there has to be one there beside her or it wouldn't all make sense.

thegdin

i voted yes. i dont see atheism as something you choose to be. i see it as a by product of thinking, and thinking is always good. so,, thinking is for everyone. i dont want to sound too cold here, but for those who cant cope with life without a god to "talk" to,, sorry. maybe its time to thin the herd. sink or swim. feel free to throw in any other cliches.

Chili

I said "other" because atheism is an impossible position to hold since before we can deny the existence of God we must recognize that which is to be denied.

Impoverished believer, yes, but atheist no.

The proof here is that we have to potential to become God and be God as in "I am that I am."

It's OK to deny some explanations of God but if that would be required to validate the atheist position only those who are God would be atheists since are the only ones who hold the correct opinion of God.

reprise

Ditto.

I find it extremely disturbing when atheists make it their "mission" to "break through the denial" they perceive as existing in an individual believer. I think it's an extremely dangerous thing to do and that none of us should be prepared to damage another human being by dissolving the glue which binds their life together (and religion does exactly that) simply to have someone agree with our viewpoint. It's akin to "proving" to someone that their spouse is a worthless, lying, cheating, piece of shit - even if we're "right", we need to consider the consequences of our actions and recognise that those consequences of our "winning" could be appallingly negative for some individuals.

Soul Invictus

This is the precise reason that I am not as assertive about my critiques of religion. I see how important of a coping mechanism it is for those who I care about. It's the essence of their being...a foundation so to speak. Everything reconciles to it. It offers comfort and assurance. I wonder at what price does the truth really cost or is worth having...

Bill B

I understand your point, but I respectfully disagree. The truly disturbing atheists are those who deliberately lie to a believer so as not to hurt that person's self esteem, and who go out of their way not to say anything that might get that person to seriously examine the validity of his/her worldview. Of course, the truth often hurts and stings, but it's only for a little while. It can be put forth in a thoughtful way, and the benefit to a believer of being forced to confront the truth, deal with it, and to become truly enlightened by it, is one of life's great transforming experiences. Theists should not be denied this experience by the inaction of atheists. Atheists, in particular, should have the courage to try to reach out to theists and tweak their seeds of doubt whenever the opportunity arises.