JohNeo

Everyone is atheist, only nearly everyone doesn't realize it

Seriously though, I have read that it is only by chance that people believe in God. Long ago, someone created the idea of gods, but there is really nothing universal about it, other than referring to a phantom to explain the unexplained. Many other theories could have been offered, but the way things worked out, the hoax was hatched and it just snowballed from there. Once it got started it just couldn't be stopped.

JohNeo

reprise

You are presuming an outcome which is by no means certain. Bullying people into non-belief is as reprehensible to me as attempting to bully someone into being a believer. Some people may well seek enlightenment from other directions if they are "forced to confront the truth", others will simply spiral downwards into despair and find the vacuum of disbelief unbearable. There is simply no way that I am going to bully someone in who is in a palliative care unit or who has a baby struggling for survival in a NICU into "confronting the truth" - very often their belief in God (which I personally consider to be wishful thinking) is the only thing keeping them from unravelling altogether. Even if I did think that forcing someone to "confront their denial" was a good thing, it is utterly irresponsible to do so under circumstances where the person does not have adequate immediate and ongoing support to help them the following turmoil, and unless I'm prepared to make myself available to offer that support 24/7, I really have no business being the person who precipitates the need for it.

Magus55

No, atheism is not for everyone... like the people that believe in God.

Magus55

Here is a little clue for you bill. Atheists don't posess the "truth". You aren't forcing theists to confront the truth, because you don't know what it is.

Hazel-rah

Sort of in the vein of "one death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic":
I think that atheism would be great for Everyone. But I would have a hard time destroying the coping mechanisms of individuals know and love.

So, I answer questions, explain why I feel the way they do when they ask, and let them make their own decisions, just as was done for me.

reprise

Magus, could I have your permission to use you as an example of the kind of destructive impact which someone bullying you into disbelief (yeah, I know it's not going to happen) would have on your life and the far-reaching negative consequences which would follow for you personally and those close to you?

JohNeo

Atheists don't have a monopoly on truth, but at least they seek it based on real, tangible evidence rather than conjecture and assumption. So you know what truth is? How about you say "we don't know what it is." You only believe, you don't know . Show a little humility.

JohNeo

Bill B

You seem to be saying that the truth is often simply too ugly to face. And for someone in a pallitive care unit who has only been exposed to a theistic worldview, you are probably correct---it is probably too late to alter that person's philosophy or worldview.

And even though most of us aren't currently in that situation, facing our mortality honestly is still very difficult. But if we are of sound mind and body, shouldn't we strive to find the courage to honestly face it and think it through? Life is an awesome phenomenon that can be viewed as an immensely positive experience even under the worst of circumstances, whether we're non-believers or not.

I personally think that it's better to come to terms with the truth than to agonize over such ludicrous things such as: "Why is God causing me such pain?" or "What did I do wrong? Why is God so angry at me?" or "Have I been good enough to get into heaven or will I have to suffer this pain for all eternity?"
Reality is not a bed of roses. Let's face it. We don't have the answers. We may not like it, but accepting it provides a peace and comfort that can never come from denial. While it should, of course, never be done in a bullying manner, atheists, I think, can provide a comforting, alternative perspective to those in turmoil.

JohNeo

I agree with you, too often it is too late to introduce someone to the alternative to theism. I have made a few posts about a friend who has had a horrible time with cancer since he was diagnosed with it a year ago. I don't dare broach the subject of atheism with him. He continues to be blindly faithful, and many people admire this while I simply admire his positive outlook. He could very easily die soon, and leave behind his wife to really wonder why god let this happen. If she is like most believers, she will continue to rationalize this loving god from whom all blessings flow in a hopeless spiral.

To me, taking on more religion, more prayer, more faith is just burying one's true feelings of sadness, bereavement and anger, and I really don't think it's healthy.

I don't have a lot of animosity that atheism was not an option for me when I was younger, but I don't think I could raise my (future) children in good conscience to believe in something that has no real answers or is ever-elusive.

JohNeo

Bill B

Precisely. The truth is that none of us knows the "truth" . THAT is what should be confronted. Unfortunately, theists claim otherwise and tout faith over reason. I think atheists should make precisely the point you have raised to me in your post to all theists-- in a thoughtful way when the opportunity is right.