What atheism is all about

[Classik]

Someone defines it as: Aren't those guys wasting their time serving and worshipping a GOD that does not exist!? It didn't make sense at first. I didn't understand the satement until I read meaning into it. The image athiesm projects is: there are those religious people who waste their time worshipping and serving a GOD that does not exist

 

[Aardverk]

No Classik. That is not how atheists define themselves nor is that the image they project :toofunny :biglol

The 'someone' you refer to is presumably yourself?

Go and find an atheist to ask. I am sure they would be delighted to meet you on their web-site. Many of them are fairly articulate and will quickly put you right. :yes

 

[Classik]

The someone...myself? When did I learn calling a spade a shovel?

 

[Vanguard]

I always thought it was about not believing in God or any type of higher power. At least that is the definition of atheism.

 

[Classik]

That is exactly that. And from the view: Thus the people who believe are - (see the OP)

 

[Danus]

Atheism:
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities.<sup id="cite_ref-eb2011-atheism_1-0" class="reference">[1]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-encyc-philosophy_2-0" class="reference">[2]</sup> In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities.<sup id="cite_ref-RoweRoutledge_3-0" class="reference">[3]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-encyc-unbelief-def-issues_4-0" class="reference">[4]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-oxdicphil_5-0" class="reference">[5]</sup> Most inclusively, atheism is simply the absence of belief that any deities exist.<sup id="cite_ref-encyc-unbelief-def-issues_4-1" class="reference">[4]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-oxdicphil_5-1" class="reference">[5]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-religioustolerance_6-0" class="reference">[6]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference">[7]</sup> Atheism is contrasted with theism,<sup id="cite_ref-reldef_8-0" class="reference">[8]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-OED-theism_9-0" class="reference">[9]</sup> which in its most general form is the belief that at least one deity exists.<sup id="cite_ref-OED-theism_9-1" class="reference">[9]</sup><sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference">[10]</sup>

<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference"></sup>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism


My guess is that an atheist will argue this since it came from Wikipedia, so I'll see if I can find more.

1. • a·the·ism
     
     /ˈāTHēˌizəm/
     <table class="vk_txt ts" style="margin-top:20px"><tbody><tr><td>Noun
     <table class="ts"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:0">The theory or belief that God does not exist.</td></tr></tbody></table>
     </td></tr></tbody></table>

Well, so far I think we can all agree that Atheism is nonbeliever that any God exist, much less God. However, in my discussions with atheist they usually are quick to point out that I still don't get it, or what they are about.

The funny thing about atheist is that many of them like to argue what they claim does not exist. They go out of their way often to do this, even so much as joining a Christian forum. Many do this I think because they want Christians to "prove" what they (The Atheist) say they do not believe in to begin with. ???? It becomes a circular argument if you engage in it.
<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference"></sup>

Personally I have no problem with atheist. God tells us that not all are saved. the bible is clear on this. Back when I was an atheist I had no problem with Christians or any one else for that matter. I truly did not believe in "A" God and never saw a reason to argue it.



<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference"></sup>
<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference">
</sup>

 

[Vanguard]

I'm the same way. I have no problem with atheists, agnostics or any other non-Christians. If they want to debate the principles of Christianity, I welcome it. Often they want to dive right into the Bible, and start talking about certain hand picked verses and apply them to today's thinking, and I quickly correct them and tell them to use the verse within its original context (that's usually where I lose them).

They ask me to prove God's existence.
I ask them to prove His non-existence.

Neither side can win (though I get my hits in lol).

 

[P31Woman]

I'm the same way. I have no problem with atheists, agnostics or any other non-Christians. If they want to debate the principles of Christianity, I welcome it. Often they want to dive right into the Bible, and start talking about certain hand picked verses and apply them to today's thinking, and I quickly correct them and tell them to use the verse within its original context (that's usually where I lose them).

They ask me to prove God's existence.
I ask them to prove His non-existence.

Neither side can win (though I get my hits in lol).

Most of the atheist I know grew up in the Church. Most in my opinion know scripture better than the "average" weekly church attender. Many were church leaders or were very active in the Church.

 

[Vanguard]

Most of the atheist I know grew up in the Church. Most in my opinion know scripture better than the "average" weekly church attender. Many were church leaders or were very active in the Church.

I grew up in the church. Deep rooted, Bible thumping, KJV only, Southern Baptist.

I later identified myself as agnostic (borderline deist) because I was having some serious doubts as I got older, more intelligent, and wiser (and started studying history as a hobby).

I now claim to be a Christian, though I do not accept any particular denomination (they're all wrong in some aspect, lol). I've come full circle and will enter the ministry one day.

 

[P31Woman]

I grew up in the church. Deep rooted, Bible thumping, KJV only, Southern Baptist.

I later identified myself as agnostic (borderline deist) because I was having some serious doubts as I got older, more intelligent, and wiser (and started studying history as a hobby).

I now claim to be a Christian, though I do not accept any particular denomination (they're all wrong in some aspect, lol). I've come full circle and will enter the ministry one day.

I don't trust Christians who have never struggled with their faith. Growing up in Chruch it's too easy to have religion become part of who you are without having a relationship with Christ.

Glad to see you have come full circle. God promises those who seek Him will find Him. I take that promise!

What caused you to leave the faith? Legalism, doubts, science, simple exposure to new ideas?

How do you think the Church could have helped you in your struggle?

 

[Vanguard]

I could answer here, but it strays from the topic. I'll do a personal testimony soon. Look for the answers there.

 

[GKC]

I grew up in the church. Deep rooted, Bible thumping, KJV only, Southern Baptist.

I later identified myself as agnostic (borderline deist) because I was having some serious doubts as I got older, more intelligent, and wiser (and started studying history as a hobby).

I now claim to be a Christian, though I do not accept any particular denomination (they're all wrong in some aspect, lol). I've come full circle and will enter the ministry one day.

You and I have a very similar story, except that I got my degree in Biology instead of history. Also, I have come back to my Southern Baptist roots...it is where I am most comfortable.

I once had an atheist tell me that Christians are all atheists too, since they only believe that one God exists, and deny all the others. I told him I didn't think he understands his own terminology. ;)

 

[evenifigoalone]

You and I have a very similar story, except that I got my degree in Biology instead of history. Also, I have come back to my Southern Baptist roots...it is where I am most comfortable.

I once had an atheist tell me that Christians are all atheists too, since they only believe that one God exists, and deny all the others. I told him I didn't think he understands his own terminology. ;)

Yeah, I think that would be monotheist.