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Permalink Reply by Akshay Bist on May 3, 2011 at 3:26pm

Welcome to TA Nicholas :)

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Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on May 3, 2011 at 3:31pm

"...and my religious friends don't know I'm an atheist."

Do you mind if I ask why not? Normally I don't ask, but if you know of their philosophical/ religious views and show them respect, why not provide them the same insight into your views?

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Permalink Reply by Walter Maki on May 3, 2011 at 3:39pm

I'll second that.

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Permalink Reply by Nicholas Adams on May 3, 2011 at 4:12pm

That's my bad for not being entirely clear, there.

 

I'm starting to slowly let my religious friends know of my beliefs.  Some are more than ok with that, and some have stopped talking to me.  Really there's only one that I haven't told yet on purpose, which I suspect is because he's my best friend, and I don't really know how he'd react.  More of a fear thing than anything.

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Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on May 3, 2011 at 6:05pm

I guess this touches on one reason why many atheists are down on religion.  Now, I make no statement on your friends or on their respect for you as a person, but if atheism was respected in your cultural circle, why would being openly atheist be this much of an issue?  It's very difficult to be respectful when that respect isn't mutual.  Obviously not all religious people and religious values are disrespectful and marginalizing of atheism (or other groups), but still is pretty common.  

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Permalink Reply by Apple on May 3, 2011 at 3:42pm

Hello and welcome to Think Atheist!

 

First of all, I would like to make a clear distinction between religious belief (specifically theism) and religious people.  Our philosophy tends to be something along the lines of, "People deserve respect, but ideas must earn it."  Keep in mind that while being an atheist tells you nothing about what a person believes, many atheists are also humanists.  One of the humanist goals is to be kind to and cooperate with others who have differing yet humane beliefs.  So yes, on one hand we do not allow any hate speech or bigotry to be directed at theists on this site.  (Theists come here from time to time).

 

On the other hand, however, it sounds to me like you are someone who "believes in belief" when you make this statement: 

 

"The idea that you can believe in something that you can't see is amazing to me, and to have that sort of faith in something is great."

 

Belief in belief is something you will probably not find much support for here.  While we certainly respect religious people themselves, we tend not to automatically respect their beliefs simply because they believe them.  For example, most Christians believe that atheists will burn in hell for eternity for not excepting Jesus into our hearts.  Many Muslims believe that atheists are physically impure, and that physical contact with us transfers that impurity to them.  They need to wash themselves in a special way before prayer to cleanse off the dirtiness of the non-believer.  Why should such beliefs be respected simply because they are held by certain religious people?  We tend to prefer to be honest about the vast differences in our world views and encourage open discussion rather than trying to pretend that no differences exist.  This is also why we tend to encourage critical thinking skills and honest rational inquiry rather than simply pushing for atheism. 

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Permalink Reply by Iain on May 3, 2011 at 4:45pm

Agreed Apple.  The part you quoted leapt out at me too. A big 'why?' is in order there.

 

p.s. Welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Apple on May 3, 2011 at 4:35pm

Very well said.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Green on May 3, 2011 at 4:40pm

Hello Nicholas. Just read your post. I think that the views people take and the degree to which they take them is a key point here. Some people come across as being what you might describe as militant Atheists. Maybe they have an extremely negative view of organized religions because of what they may have been through themselves. Maybe they are just very forthright and possibly opinionated. I can empathise with this because of the negativity I've experienced from those with faith. I like to think that I at least respect people for their beliefs but that doesn't make me any less the strong Atheist that I am. In my opinion it is a question of finding some balance when sharing opinions with other Atheists and Theists alike. I think that people are more likely to listen if you can offer some thoughtful debate and listen to all opinions.

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Permalink Reply by William C. Walker on May 3, 2011 at 9:30pm

I've been an Atheist for over 66 years now, but I still have  relatives, & 'kids' who  believe. I don't 'look down' on them - just their beliefs.

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Permalink Reply by 3equ3cp1fsw0n on May 4, 2011 at 1:17am

Welcome to TA. I placate to Christians all the time. Maby one day I will be inspired to take a firmer stance in my atheism. I learn a lot of positive things about atheism here at TA.

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Permalink Reply by Lucas Diaz on May 4, 2011 at 2:32am

Hey, welcome first of all. I guess it is a nice thing to have the power to believe and have faith in something that doesn't exist. But then again they should have the same respect towards you and your beliefs. Maybe some new friends will do it

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