99Percent

David Mathews: Are atheists evangelical?

Not really. Atheist are generally freethinkers. That is we believe that everyone is free to think whatever they want to believe as long as no one forces their beliefs on others (unlike the pledge). However the opposite is not true regarding Christians, they think that atheists should and must be Christians or lest they go to hell.

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

No. However sometimes I challenge theists when they challenge my atheism.

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

Its actually called "deconversion". Atheism offers free thought.

One point of clarification; This topic is relevant to church - state separation because I suspect that there is an atheistic religion which contains its own set of dogmas, moral & ethical values, and preferred worldview.

There is no set of dogmas, moral or ethical values in atheism. Just look at the Moral Foundations and Principles forum and see for yourself how we debate these values between ourselves. Atheist only have one thing in common - the rejection of a belief in God or gods.

I don't imagine that all atheists are (for want of a better word) religious atheists. I do believe that it is possible that some atheists are religious in their approach to atheism.

You can't be really religious toward atheism itself since atheism denotes a lack of belief. However while atheistic you certainly can be religious in other things say in your work or your hobbies or sports or whatever else you might believe in.

copernicus

Has anyone ever heard of an atheist missionary? I suppose that, if they are to be found, one ought to look in pizza parlors and coffee houses. I'd especially check out those in the vicinity of college campuses. Apparently, few are prepared to risk getting held hostage by terrorists in some godforsaken country.

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: copernicus ]</p>

Sephiroth

Most atheists are not evangelical. And what is this atheistic religion you think exists like? Elaborate, please.

Also, this line in your first post, "If that is the case, exactly what does atheism offer the convert to atheism?" struck a bad note with me. Isn't the point of religious beliefs (or lack thereof) to determine what's true and what's not rather than picking the flashiest religion at the latest religion bargain-sale?

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: Sephiroth ]</p>

Toto

Here's one evangelical atheist: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1573927554/internetinfidelsA" target="_blank">Queen Silver: The Godless Girl </a>. I met her a few years before she died. She had been a fiery lecturer, but during the McCarthy era decided to take a low profile, and worked as a court reporter in LA.

There was a <a href="http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/william_young/evangelicalagnosticism.html" target="_blank">Society for Evangelical Agnosticism</a>, but that was more tongue in cheek than an actual evangelical effort.

Otherwise, you can do an internet search on evangelical atheism, and you will mainly find a few former believers like <a href="http://www.jcnot4me.com/" target="_blank">Mark Smith ("JC not 4 me")</a>, or <a href="http://www.chestnutcafe.com/cafe/index.html?manifesto" target="_blank">someone who just wants acceptance of atheism.</a>

But the main reason you will not find many evangelical atheists is that "there is no money in atheism." No one is going to pay money to hear that there is no god, but people will pay money to hear that an incorporeal being loves them. An entrepreneurial person would do better to start a new religion or cult (as L. Ron Hubbard did), or preach the gospel (see Pat Robertson, or any other televangelist).

(edited for spelling)

[ July 05, 2002: Message edited by: Toto ]</p>

99Percent

Actually, people will pay money, lots of money, to hear that they will live forever and ever in heaven. Now that is religions greatest racket!

Queen of Swords

Originally posted by David Mathews:
<strong>I suspect that there is an atheistic religion which contains its own set of dogmas, moral & ethical values, and preferred worldview.</strong>

Could you tell me what you think this " set of dogmas, moral & ethical values" is? After dealing with atheists for so long, surely you must have formed some detailed opinions about the Atheist Religion. I'd be interested in hearing more of your speculations.

David Mathews

Hello QueenofSwords:

David: I am speaking theoretically. It seems quite possible for an atheistic religion to originate. The religious would lack official structure and creed but would contain a uniform set of dogmas (such as a naturalistic creation myth) along with several esteemed values (reliance upon science, logic, reason) and might even contain some moral principles.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

Grizzly

If this were to happen, it would have to call itself something other than atheism. Actually, it sounds like you are descibing Humanism.

HelenM

Fwiw, I have observed that people of all beliefs and lack thereof can be more or less dogmatic in their views.

I don't think that being dogmatic makes a person 'religious'. I don't see them as the same.

I need to look up 'religion' but I thought it had to do with 'faith'.

I don't view someone whose understanding of how things are, is determined by evidence from the physical world around them, as religious per se, myself, just because they might be somewhat 'dogmatic'.

love
Helen

Eudaimonist

There are plenty of atheistic philosophical movements -- e.g. Existentialists, Secular Humanists, Objectivists, and Eudaimonists. They aren't religions per se, but argue for certain views and values. However, good luck getting all, or even a majority, of atheists to belong to any one of these movements!