Why do you think Atheists argue against something they don't believe in?

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   CertifiedHandyposted 11 years ago

   Why do you think Atheists argue against something they don't believe in?
   
   Is it rational to argue against a belief that you don't ascribe to? Why would my personal belief impact someone with different beliefs. Can denying someone a right to believe be considered normal.

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   MickSposted 11 years ago

   Probably for the same reasons, whatever they may be, that Christians argue against something in which they disbelieve.

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   mintinfoposted 11 years ago

   I think that its just human nature just as the believers are on a constant crusade with a directive from god/allah to convert the non believers. As a non believer I try my best not to argue religion but I procrastinate then I get distracted and fall into the time wasting black hole. On the other hand I have noticed that on HP religion is among the top traffic pullers so admittedly I stir up a bit of controversy from time to time to attract traffic.

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   junksellerposted 11 years ago

   It is rational to argue against allowing someone else's imaginary beliefs from being an authority in one's own life.

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      CertifiedHandyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      @junk why not just ignore them and their "imaginary beliefs"? No one can be an authority in your life unless you allow them to. When you allow others to impact your life with their beliefs you are saying that they have power over you.

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      junksellerposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It's not their beliefs that have authority, it is the public policy those beliefs shape (e.g. marriage, abortion, contraception, school curriculum, etc.)

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      Spikologyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      So, junkseller, I guess what you are saying is that no matter what, at least now when the vast majority of people in this country believe in some sort of deity, there is no way to separate church and state, which aggravates you.

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   Deepes Mindposted 11 years ago

   It is no more or less rational than it is to argue for a belief you subscribe to. A lot of atheists argue against it for a couple of reasons. 1) They simply think the idea of God is a fairy tale based on outlandish claims. 2)Christianity is so prominently expressed and (by some) shoved down peoples throats that atheists take exception to the treatment of being force fed beliefs and then threatened with eternal torment and Hell for their lack of belief.
   
   At least that is what I've gathered from atheists I have encountered

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      CertifiedHandyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      @Deepes If they don't believe in Hell or God why does it matter?

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      Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You got me there...lol. Not too many people like things force down their throats i guess

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   Borsiaposted 11 years ago

   When was the last time you heard a knock on your door, or had some one approach you in public, and thought "I hope that isn't another atheist trying to make me believe they have all the answers to life"?
   I can count the number of times that has happened in my life using all the fingers on one knee.
   The main reason is that theists are constantly trying to get their beliefs inserted into education, government policy and laws.
   Another is that theists ask questions or challenge discussion points based on religious doctrine as though it is somehow a totally accepted truth rather than a simple personal belief, from our perspective an irrational one at that.

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   EGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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      getitriteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      And this is why your beliefs cause such hatred.  How insulting.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree. You can have have your own beliefs, just don't insult mine and there will never be reason for such frivolous debates.

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      MickSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      And Christians don't argue for the same reason?

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No Mick, if debating we are normally having to take up for our God, or someone has rudely interrupted in our conversations. There is no reason to belittle someone's God, what is the point?

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      getitriteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      As long as your beliefs are ridiculous, I will point out that they are ridiculous. If you had beliefs that made any sense, there would be no reason for such frivolous debates.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      We do agree, your beliefs are ridiculous.

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      MickSposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Quit right, there is no reason, JT, - never blaspheme another man's God... Even if that is a lack of god. However your arguement sounds like the old, - ah, it's different when we do it.  It ain't, it's exactly the same thing.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Mick!!

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      Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      There are a lot if Christians (from my experience) who are ruled by their ego and think their beliefs are the correct ones.(I'm playing advocate here)

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You seem to do this quite often Deepes.

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       Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       If you're talking about playing advocate, Yea I do. I believe in at least taking the belief of others into consideration in my posts. But make no mistake, I still Believe in God. But there are some comments that I address because it is necessary.

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       CrescentSkiesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Deepes is right, your comment is a condemnation that you are guilty of the same crime as those you would judge. The truth is you don't know because you never tried to understand.

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Quite understandable Deepes. God bless you.

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       Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       God bless you too. By taking the stance I do you will notice that I'm treated with more respect than others by atheists (even though they still disagree with me). This is because I am not dismissive of their views nor do I attack their views

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You are a very patient man Deepes. I admire that.

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       Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       We are supposed to be patient and long suffering. Even Jesus was mocked in his return to Nazareth. But he didn't fight back or beat anyone over the head. He helped those that believed and asked for help then kept it moving. I try to do the same.

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I know this and try my best, although sometimes I fail. I am praying about my temper and intolerance for certain attacks.

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       Deepes Mindposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       But that is in your power to control. One thing I learned is that nobody can "make" you angry. It's all in how you choose to respond to what is happening. Sometimes God allows things to happen to show us our shortcomings so that we can make changes.

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   M. T. Dremerposted 11 years ago

   A few people already said it, but I'll also reiterate. In general, I don't think atheists have any problem with other beliefs, it's when those beliefs impact the atheist (usually through harassment or government influence) that we start to push back. Many religions over step their bounds, then, when we point it out, they hold their hands up as if they're being victimized. Religion has a very powerful and dangerous influence on our society, and if left unchecked, can result in the numerous atrocities we've seen over our history. I'm not saying that religion is at the heart of every bad thing that happens, but its undeniable that people do horrible things in the name of one god or another. So, really, atheists aren't arguing against the things they don't believe in, they're arguing against the people who want to use those beliefs to harm others, whether mentally or physically.

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Those who claim to do bad in the name of God are hypocrites. Plain and simple.

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      Spikologyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      M.T. Cool pic btw. I understand that atheism is supposed to be about a secular existence, but it is usually not presented that way by atheists. If you look through the posts, they are negative towards religion, not positive towards secular.

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   CrescentSkiesposted 11 years ago

   I only argue when people argue with me. I tend to avoid religious arguments otherwise, I don't believe in it and it annoys me to waste 4 hours explaining all the reasons why

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    getitriteposted 11 years ago

    Not if it did not affect us nonbelievers...but it does, as these beliefs are the basis of much abuse.  When believers are allowed to promote this nonsense, they are spreading it to more people, who would otherwise probably never buy in to such idiocy, therefore it is the responsibility of the rational opposition to curtail the spread of this affliction.

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       What does this accomplish? Christians are only trying to help those who are lost to accept Christ as their "Personal" savior. Shouldn't you leave it personal between the two people? Why do you feel you are on a crusade against God. What tells u this?

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       getitriteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Because if you weren't so indoctrinated, you would see that your beliefs are brain destroying nonsens, meant to enslave the mind through irrational despotic foolishness.  Left alone, religion has nothing but silly delusion for the afflicted.  Grow up

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       LOL...... Grow up? I am an adult and know the truth. Hopefully, one day you will find it before it's too late.

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       CertifiedHandyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       @belief in God is an "affliction".  Then most people suffer and u are rational. How intolerant. I bet if u could u would kill believers to rid them of their affliction.  U people are frightening

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       JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Amen Certified!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Spikologyposted 11 years ago

    I am not a devout religious person or a professor in psych, but usually athiest come from a very religious background and are rebelling against the religion or their upbringing/parents, not God.

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       Dan Barfieldposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       This is inaccurate I'm afraid. It is increasingly the case that the majority of Atheists are born and raised in secular families with no religeious indoctrination whatsoever. In Europe at least, this is largely the case.

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       Spikologyposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       At atheistcensus.com, scroll to the bottom. Only 17.7% don't come from a religious background.

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       Dan Barfieldposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Yes it must be quite intense over there when religious debate occurs between Atheists and the faithful. There is none so zealous as the fresh convert and this applies to Atheists as well as born again Christians.

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12. 72

    Dan Barfieldposted 11 years ago

    A response to CertifiedHandy's question 'Why do you think Atheists argue against something they don't believe in?' read more

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