Why are Atheists more obsessed with religion than the religious?
Magical
2012/06/21 21:00:02
I just found this statement on-line: "I find it odd that most of the comments on topics dealing with religion are made by atheists. I have noticed this phenomenon on many message boards on the internet. It seems that atheism is more than just the belief that God does not exist. Atheists actively and aggressively condemn religion and belittle those who believe in God. Atheists seek to discredit, mock and belittle religion and harass it's followers. They seek out internet forums that discuss religion only to mock and taunt the believers."
There are many Atheists on Soda Head -- all of whom believe that all religions are myths. Personally, I do not find such a statement to be offensive. It is a statement of what they believe to be true. Such a statement isn't targeted against one group or another.
However, some Atheists on SH -- but certainly not all -- will go a step further, posting cartoons of Jesus, posting polls ridiculing the beliefs and traditions of Christianity, Scientology, Muslims, etc., and some certainly "mock and taunt the believers". It is my observation that it is only a few who go that far. It is my personal opinion that when they do mock the beliefs or belittle the believers, that such behavior crosses the line.
What I also find is that many Atheists are quite knowledgable about the specific beliefs of one religion or another, and it seems that they dwell on the topic of religion, even moreso than those that are followers.
Do you find that Atheists are more obsessed with religion than the religious? If so, why so?
There are many Atheists on Soda Head -- all of whom believe that all religions are myths. Personally, I do not find such a statement to be offensive. It is a statement of what they believe to be true. Such a statement isn't targeted against one group or another.
However, some Atheists on SH -- but certainly not all -- will go a step further, posting cartoons of Jesus, posting polls ridiculing the beliefs and traditions of Christianity, Scientology, Muslims, etc., and some certainly "mock and taunt the believers". It is my observation that it is only a few who go that far. It is my personal opinion that when they do mock the beliefs or belittle the believers, that such behavior crosses the line.
What I also find is that many Atheists are quite knowledgable about the specific beliefs of one religion or another, and it seems that they dwell on the topic of religion, even moreso than those that are followers.
Do you find that Atheists are more obsessed with religion than the religious? If so, why so?
While I will have to agree that the early teachings spoke of violence - Concepts, for example of an "eye for an eye" and more -- I'm still not convinced that there is "far more of that sort of thing being promoted then you will ever find of anything productive or of any value", certainly not in this day.
I must say, though, that most of the religious people I know - Christians, Jews, Buddhists, etc. abhor violence and abuse and are peace-loving.
"One of the core commandments of Judaism is "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18), sometimes called the Great Commandment. This commandment stands at the center of the central book in the Torah.[2]"
These Jewish services I attended were usually in the more reformed temples.
As to "texts concentrated on instilling fear", I personally found that to be true of the Christian sermons I attended with threats of burning in hell, etc. (I don't recall the denominations of the Christian services I attended)
I also believe that Buddhism is a religion and it is a fact that it is considered as such by most, but it really depends on your definition of 'religion'. "Like all major religions Buddhism contains an explantion of the origin of existence, a morality, and a specific set of rituals and behaviors."
Wikipedia defines religion as follows: "an organized approach to human spirituality which usually encompasses a set of narratives, symbols, beliefs and practices, often with a supernatural or transcendent quality, tha...
"One of the core commandments of Judaism is "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18), sometimes called the Great Commandment. This commandment stands at the center of the central book in the Torah.[2]"
These Jewish services I attended were usually in the more reformed temples.
As to "texts concentrated on instilling fear", I personally found that to be true of the Christian sermons I attended with threats of burning in hell, etc. (I don't recall the denominations of the Christian services I attended)
I also believe that Buddhism is a religion and it is a fact that it is considered as such by most, but it really depends on your definition of 'religion'. "Like all major religions Buddhism contains an explantion of the origin of existence, a morality, and a specific set of rituals and behaviors."
Wikipedia defines religion as follows: "an organized approach to human spirituality which usually encompasses a set of narratives, symbols, beliefs and practices, often with a supernatural or transcendent quality, that give meaning to the practitioner's experiences of life through reference to a higher power, God or gods, or ultimate truth." Buddhism would fall within this definition
And another quote: "For our purposes, religion may be defined in a very broad sense as a body of moral and philosophical teachings and the acceptance with confidence of such teachings In this sense. Buddhism is a religion."
As a matter of fact, Buddhism is an official religion in a number of countries, such as Cambodia and Thailand. In addition, many groups in North America:
recognize Buddhism as a religion and there are books that talk to the religions of the world and list Buddhism as a religion along with Christianity, Hinduism, etc.
However, I do agree with your statement that in the end it all depends on each person.
The problem with your argument regarding Buddhism, is that it wasn't what I was saying, but the predominence of the results of my research. I would categorize Buddhism as a 'religious philosophy." Interestingly, "Religious philosophy" as defined here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... uses "Buddhism" as an example. Here, it is defined as " philosophical thinking that is inspired and directed by religion. There are different philosophies for each religion such as those of :Buddhist philosophy, Christian philosophy, etc
If you google "Buddhism" all the references refer to it as a religion. Here is an example: http://www.thefreedictionary....
Bud·dhism n.
2. The religion represented by the many groups, especially numerous in Asia, that profess varying forms of this doctrine and that venerate Buddha.
(I think I'm beating this point to death - so I will move on...)
Here is one area that you and I agree upon 100%: A society that lives by rules that will kill any being that doesn't believe in its God is indeed a sick society. However, thank goodness, most societies do not support killing people who don't believe in God. I live in the US and t...
The problem with your argument regarding Buddhism, is that it wasn't what I was saying, but the predominence of the results of my research. I would categorize Buddhism as a 'religious philosophy." Interestingly, "Religious philosophy" as defined here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... uses "Buddhism" as an example. Here, it is defined as " philosophical thinking that is inspired and directed by religion. There are different philosophies for each religion such as those of :Buddhist philosophy, Christian philosophy, etc
If you google "Buddhism" all the references refer to it as a religion. Here is an example: http://www.thefreedictionary....
Bud·dhism n.
2. The religion represented by the many groups, especially numerous in Asia, that profess varying forms of this doctrine and that venerate Buddha.
(I think I'm beating this point to death - so I will move on...)
Here is one area that you and I agree upon 100%: A society that lives by rules that will kill any being that doesn't believe in its God is indeed a sick society. However, thank goodness, most societies do not support killing people who don't believe in God. I live in the US and this country is based on tolerance where people such as Atheists and Agnostics have every right to live in peace.
Generalizing in the way that you have is, in my opinion, a dangerous thing. I find your views too radical and I am certain, Robb, that you and I will not have a meeting of the minds.
On this note, I suggest that we just go our separate ways.
Peace
Share with a desperate humanity the Good News that there are no gods!
There are also a sect of atheists that believe religion itself is a detractor to things like freedom, peace, tolerance and critical discovery processes. A cause of more angst in this world than anything else. Denouncing religion to them produces an overall "good".
Another reason is that if most of the people in the world still believed in Santa Clause--including adults--wouldn't you want to shake them and tell them to wake up?
That being said, I will tell you why I often reply to questions of religion. It is because those same questions are about life. Example: Do you support same-sex marriage? Example: Is evolution correct? Example: Why can't the 10 Commandments be displayed in public buildings? Questions like that are topics I feel I should comment on. Personally I do not argue with Christians about the existence of God. There is no point. I tend to argue about applying religious beliefs to a secular world.
I have certainly joked about religion with other atheists but I do not ridicule anyone.
There is a flip side to your question I think should be addressed. Why do some Christians reply to those same polls with words like homo, fag, commie, immoral, etc...There are four people I can think of right off the top of my head who pop up on every poll and use those slurs and much worse.
My point is there are plenty of people on both sides who are guilty of the behavior you're describing, though each side is convinced the other does it far more.
I think you covered all the points and made some excellent ones. You are so right - there are those on both sides of the fence who are guilty of the behavior Magical describes. Your comment about trolling, that while you joke with other atheists, you don't ridicule anyone, are examples of the qualities of Atheists on SH that I want to call 'friend'. I went to add you - and what a surprise! You already are!
As shucks ANGEL...
For example, Public Transportation not running (or hardly running) on Sundays because it is a religious day of rest. Or not being able to receive your mail on Sunday. People can not get abortions when they want to. Gay marriage is still illegal in the majority of the states.
If you were Atheist you will realize that every day you are bombarded with religious ideals you can't help, and you are forced to follow these ridiculous ideals.
Where as religious people see it as an every day natural thing. They don't have to complain about anything. It is the norm for them.
I agree with you about those who cross the line. My particular pet peeve are those who insist they aren't against people believing as they choose - but they are against the Church -- and then they proceed to hold the beliefs up for ridicule. Hypocrites, in my book, are a class below roaches and leeches. However, it is also my experience that most of the Atheists I've met on SH, do not belong in that category. While they hold viewpoints that differ from mine, they have been respectful of me, of my right to believe, as I am of them and their right not to.
Enjoy your weekend ANGEL.
And that concludes my sermon on how to make SH a kinder and more gentle web site. LOL...
Hmm...
-Well I use to have dreads, that was when I was religious. Now my hair is a buzz cut.
-Yes I believe in evolution
-I slouch like every other Christian Does
-My hands are never idol, bacon in one hand beer in the other.
-I wear slim fit jeans, sometimes skinny jeans
-I have a well trimmed beared which a lot of religious fundamentalist have.
-Credit cards, keys, guitar picks are always in my pocket. If those are seeds of Satan I guess you are right.
-Who wears chains anymore. Nobody wears chains.
-Well of course I wear comfortable footwear, why would I wear something that hurts my feet. I wear Vans and Aldo Boots.
I think you should get your time back, because this portray is highly inaccurate... ... Oh Oh! guess what I read... .. ... you guessed it... "The Bible".
You say you have read The Bible? Did you ever believe what it says, part of what it says, none of what it says? Just wondering.