I started out as a believer. The realization that the bible story just did not add up made me search for the truth. I would have spent the time in any case because i was looking for answers myself. Now that i have learned the truth i share it. What benefit do i receive? None really. In america being an atheist is almost worse than being a criminal. You are shunned by family and friends once they learn that you do not believe the story anymore. I receive the same benefit that a top trader receives when he shares his experiences on this website. He gets to share his knowledge even though he is attacked for doing so by some. I know that those already indoctrinated will probably never change their minds but i think there are many lurkers still on the fence who want to know what the truth is. Judging by the almost ten thousand page views this thread has i think that proves many people want to learn.
I admire your courage and your patience. But I take issue with two things that you said. 1. Top traders do not share their secrets here. 2. People view this thread not for their education, but for their entertainment. We now return to your regular program.
How about settling all disputes with a simple test: If you want to prevent your child from contracting polio, do you pray or get him vaccinated?
My questions earlier today were merely an attempt to understand the benefits of being an atheist. Surely there must be benefits... why else would such a (negative) belief system exist? * Christians attempt to spread their belief with hope that such will uplift the other person. Christians hope their message will lead to comfort, security, peace, release of anxiety & fear... not to mention eternal life. It is a positive mindset, designed to be empowering for others. Christians are motivated to spread their belief in personal benefit to others AND selfish benefit of those rewards: helping someone else improve their lot in life gives the helper personal statisfaction in many ways. * My question remains: what benefit(s) do atheists derive from spreading a doctrine of disbelief? Atheists take a defensive stance, i.e. liberal use of the word "NO" and its derivatives. Please count how many "no" and "not" and "doesn't" words in the posts of any atheist and that negative slant of belief is clear. Christians hope to grow, empower and uplift others by spreading their belief. What would an atheist belief add to my life? Security? Peace of mind? Absence of fear = anxiety = depression? Positive outlook on life? Desire to uplift and enhance others around me? Can anyone please explain what benefit to me (or others) atheists attempt to share?
You speak as a true relativist--as if only utility mattered, and the truth or falsehood of a belief system has no bearing at all. It is not the case. Fervent belief in falsehoods leads to a willingness to distort reality, and eventually even the necessity of distorting reality, which in turn usually leads to bad ends. Incorrect beliefs about the universe tend to have consequences. Believe something outrageous enough (Christian Scientists' rejection of medicine for example) and the belief can kill you. Oh really? How is it empowering and uplifting, exactly, to believe that 99% of all humanity is destined to be tortured in eternal hellfire for all time? How is it empowering and uplifting to have a belief system that forces distortion and contortion to hold on to it in the face of overwhelming evidence that the central tenets of the belief system are false? How is it empowering to embrace a worldview that thrives on ignorance and withers in the face of logical examination? (By the way, before you assume me an atheist in your reply, I'll save you the trouble by pointing out that I am agnostic.) In putting the question of truth or falsehood aside, you basically promote Christianity as a superior metanarrative vis a vis atheism. But you are ignorant to do this, because: 1) Atheism in itself is not a metanarrative; a lack of belief does not speak to the state or composition of the things one does believe is true. An atheist may yet lead a life full of joy and rich in meaning, apart from metaphysical questions. In assuming that the metaphysical must imbue meaning, you incorrectly project your own reality onto others. and 2) There are far more compelling, and logical, metanarratives that one can embrace if one chooses. Even from a purely utilitarian perspective, the idea that the Christian life is the best life is easily punched full of holes. Popular religion survives and thrives by avoiding meaningful confrontation with the alternatives, not by actually winning in a fair fight. Most intellectual / philosophical victories that Christians claim were actually false battles waged against poorly constructed strawmen. Nor is this to pick on Christians alone, as such applies to all dogmatic popular religions.
I don't know about ancient atheists. Modern atheism seems to arise mostly as a reaction to the extremist religious influences on society. Christians may genuinely believe that their belief system can "grow, empower and uplift others." But just like absolute power, a religious belief without an opponent can become extremist and irrational.
If you believe in your God and have faith, they why not just pray? If not, it seems to me you lack faith or don't really believe. Weaseling out not allowed. Seneca
I do not disagree with any posts that follow my previous. Points are all well made. That said, <b>I will pose the same questions again:</b> What benefit is there to me / anyone for atheist belief? How would that lifestyle = belief system benefit one more than faith in God? I respectfully request specific benefits to being an atheist, so that all those "on the fence" can make an educated decision. Does a disbelief in God enable peace of mind? Lack of fear and all its many negative manifestations? Ability to overcome addictions? What would an atheist lifestyle do for anyone that a belief in God and its New Testament lifestyle lack?