Why do atheists always have to explain themselves?

[Temporal Renegade]

Why is it, whenever a 'Believer' lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord" or some such, they always expect people to just accept it, and ask no questions.

But, if they realize you're an agnostic or atheist, all of a sudden, you are the one who has to explain why.

"What?! What about your soul? Aren't you scared that you're going to Hell because of that?"

"How can you not believe in God? Won't your loved ones be sad that you're not in Heaven with them?"
...and so on.

Sorry, but I don't think we're the ones who need to be explaining ourselves...

[geni]

Why do people insist on comitting logical fallacies in thread titles?

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Because thread titles are meant to attract attention, so a little hyperbole is just fine.

~~ Paul

[.13.]

"How can you not believe in God? Won't your loved ones be sad that you're not in Heaven with them?"

I thought it was all "happy happy joy joy" in Heaven... :)

[Tricky]

Why is it, whenever a 'Believer' lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord" or some such, they always expect people to just accept it, and ask no questions.

But, if they realize you're an agnostic or atheist, all of a sudden, you are the one who has to explain why.

"What?! What about your soul? Aren't you scared that you're going to Hell because of that?"

"How can you not believe in God? Won't your loved ones be sad that you're not in Heaven with them?"
...and so on.

Sorry, but I don't think we're the ones who need to be explaining ourselves...
It depends on where you are, I would guess. In Scandanavian countries, atheism is so common that they probably don't need to explain at all. In the U.S., Christianity is assumed as the default. But it does seem odd that proselytizing Christians seem more concerned with us of no faith than with those of the "wrong faith". Its as if they are thinking, "well, at least you believe in an afterlife of some kind, so you're not crazy, just misguided."

[Marquis de Carabas]

Why is it, whenever a 'Believer' lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord" or some such, they always expect people to just accept it, and ask no questions.

But, if they realize you're an agnostic or atheist, all of a sudden, you are the one who has to explain why.

"What?! What about your soul? Aren't you scared that you're going to Hell because of that?"

"How can you not believe in God? Won't your loved ones be sad that you're not in Heaven with them?"
...and so on.

Sorry, but I don't think we're the ones who need to be explaining ourselves...
We explain (or are asked to; I seldom do) because they're curious. We don't ask because we're not.

[c4ts]

You think it might have something to do with trying to shift the burden of proof?

[Lord Muck oGentry]

You think it might have something to do with trying to shift the burden of proof?

I salute you, sir.

[Belz...]

It depends on where you are, I would guess. In Scandanavian countries, atheism is so common that they probably don't need to explain at all. In the U.S., Christianity is assumed as the default. But it does seem odd that proselytizing Christians seem more concerned with us of no faith than with those of the "wrong faith". Its as if they are thinking, "well, at least you believe in an afterlife of some kind, so you're not crazy, just misguided."

À La Huntster.

[Tricky]

À La Huntster.
Exactly. He could concieve of people believing in different fantasies than him, but he could not concieve of living without fantasy.

[a_unique_person]

Why do people insist on comitting logical fallacies in thread titles?

It sounds like it's his experience.

[Mercutio]

We explain (or are asked to; I seldom do) because they're curious. We don't ask because we're not.
I like this...

...but then, I am particularly cranky at the moment...



re: the OP...I find this my experience as well...years ago (I would not do it Today) I would tell people I was a Druid, because If I said Druid, they would say "oh, really? tell me..." but if I said Atheist, they would say "Oh, no, why not..."

Anyway, I honestly found that anything at all was accepted more readily than Atheist...but sorry...I do not know why...

[Tricky]

I like this...

...but then, I am particularly cranky at the moment...



re: the OP...I find this my experience as well...years ago (I would not do it Today) I would tell people I was a Druid, because If I said Druid, they would say "oh, really? tell me..." but if I said Atheist, they would say "Oh, no, why not..."

Anyway, I honestly found that anything at all was accepted more readily than Atheist...but sorry...I do not know why...
I like to tell them I'm a Frisbatarian. We believe that when we die, our soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down.

[fruit_loup]

I tend to ask both ends why. It is a personal curiousity to me what makes people form the beliefs they hold. I take great interest in attempting to understand a person's personal experience and how it leads them to make the decisions they make. Here in the states I do not believe most Christians make the choice to become Christian based on personal experiences though. It seems they default to what could be called a spiritual laziness. When asking Christians why they are Christian I often get answers that boil down to "I don't know it has just always been like that." When I look at it that way then it occurs to me that they may take such interest in a non-believer because it requires a great deal more thought and searching then they have ever put into their own existence. Essientially I see the question as being "Why in the world would you put so much effort into searching for nothing?", from their viewpoint.

[Ladewig]

I like to tell them I'm a Frisbatarian. We believe that when we die, our soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down.

Score another point for the FSM in the FSM/IPU debate. No roof is too high for the true FSM to retrieve souls from it. Ha!

[Iacchus]

Why is it, whenever a 'Believer' lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord" or some such, they always expect people to just accept it, and ask no questions.Really? That's about the time I start looking for the first exit sign.

[Tricky]

I tend to ask both ends why. It is a personal curiousity to me what makes people form the beliefs they hold. I take great interest in attempting to understand a person's personal experience and how it leads them to make the decisions they make. Here in the states I do not believe most Christians make the choice to become Christian based on personal experiences though. It seems they default to what could be called a spiritual laziness. When asking Christians why they are Christian I often get answers that boil down to "I don't know it has just always been like that." When I look at it that way then it occurs to me that they may take such interest in a non-believer because it requires a great deal more thought and searching then they have ever put into their own existence. Essientially I see the question as being "Why in the world would you put so much effort into searching for nothing?", from their viewpoint.
I know exactly what you mean.

It is not so evident here, but if you have ever gone to Christian forum boards, they are heavily weighted in people who are just like you describe. They mostly have some variation of the same story, almost as if they had been reading the same cereal boxes. Most of them have never learned even the rudiments of another religion, and many don't know the difference between Catholic and Protestant (except that Pope thingie). Evangelical types are the worst. They believe the bible is literally true, though most don't seem to have read it themselves. They go from what their minister says.

Still, there is the rare skeptic (about some things) who can engage you in intelligent discussion. It's much better here. Say what you like about Meadmaker and BJQ87 who might seem to be a bit "party line" type Christians here. Belive me, they would be the cream of the crop on Christian boards.


Back on topic though, I find Temporal Renegade's opening salvo a bit whiny. Sure, it's true, but so what? I really love when people engage me like this. It is all too rare in the "real world" when I can even get into a religious discussion because there's too much chance for long-term damage to a friendship. I welcome the opportunity to explain to a religious person why I am not. That's why I spent a long time over on some Christian boards, giving my testimony. Eventually I was kicked off for taking the Lord's name in vain. But it was fun. I got called a troll a lot, and perhaps by some definitions I was , but I was always truthful and straightforward.

[Jas]

Well, the first question always seems to be, "So you don't belive in anything? How do you think we got here then?". I'll try and keep it under 90 seconds.

Unless of couse, the "How do you think we got here", is replaced with "But then, how do you explain ghosts and psychics and stuff". To which I'll respons, "Stupidity", and leave.

It doesn't come up that often though. I'll talk about it with certain friends, but not with most ppl.

[Temporal Renegade]

It sounds like it's his experience.

Pretty much....

And, yes, I know I get a little illogical and (dare I say it?) cranky myself when I start a thread; not trying to rile anyone up, just posting a thought when it hits me. :)

[Pope130]

After many years of dealing with this sort of question, I've decided that the best thing to do is head it off one question earlier.
When they ask what religion I am, the correct answer is "None of your business."

Robert

[RandFan]

I like to tell them I'm a Frisbatarian. We believe that when we die, our soul goes up on the roof and you can't get it down.:D Your wit is missed in the politics forum. Unless of course I'm just missing (not seeing) your posts.

[RandFan]

A comedian said it best but I can't remember exactly how he/she said it:

"Why are some people so willing to share their testimony but not so willing to share other people's?"

[Tricky]

:D Your wit is missed in the politics forum. Unless of course I'm just missing (not seeing) your posts.
Thanks RF. It is true I'm not posting in Politics as much any more. It's just gotten so nasty in there, and I find it harder and harder to work myself up into a state of spittle-emitting rage.

But check out Flame Wars. Cleo and I have gone from bad to verse there.

[BJQ87]

Why is it, whenever a 'Believer' lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord" or some such, they always expect people to just accept it, and ask no questions.


either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17

[bluess]

either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17


What? I've read this twice and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. Rephrase in modern english please.

[Odin]

either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17
Who is of questionable faith?

[Luciana]

I don't get in the defensive anymore, I refuse to do so. I'm much more assertive these days. Once you realize you have nothing to be afraid or ashamed of, it is their problem if they can't understand my stance. It is quite simple: there is no God. I refuse to be apologetic. I absolutely do not want looks of pity or hints of condescension.

I do not proselytize anyone and I truly respect all religions equally, specially considering that I'm in a neutral position. I dislike all religions alike. I can even admire some aspects of it, but I believe the cons outweight the pros in this regard. Therefore, when asked, I'll announce I don't believe in God and end the discussion quickly. I will just not be able to offer my stance in a brief conversation, so I don't even try. My position is - I'm an atheist, I'm happy with that and I could not care less what anyone thinks about it.

They: "You do not believe in God??"

Me: "Not at all, why would I?"

Or: "For 29 years, I never believed in God or prayed. Look at me, do I look unhappy? Is God taking revenge on me? Not at all. I never needed a God, I never needed to believe in one. I live very happily without a God. Prove to me there is God and I might reconsider, but not before that."

Or: I'm an atheist, and atheist don't believe in God. I don't think there is one. Just a sec, I need to make a phone call.

Let THEM ponder for a little while. Can't hurt.

[BJQ87]

Who is of questionable faith?


The "believer" that lets it be known that they are "one with the Lord", as temporal renegade put it. I'd assume he was referring to people who are seemingly to be called "christian"

I believe the cons outweight the pros in this regard.

could you possibly find a different regard? I never really liked religion much either.

My position is - I'm an atheist, I'm happy with that and I could not care less what anyone thinks about it.


yea, i agree with you on that one, not that im an atheist but that other peoples thoughts are over-rated.

Let THEM ponder for a little while. Can't hurt.


definately can't hurt, just lets you know whats out there, that not everyone has the same viewpoint.

It is quite simple: there is no God. I refuse to be apologetic.

Different conclusions come from different walks of life. I'd advise an open perspective.

[BJQ87]

Originally Posted by BJQ87 :
either you dont ask which is understandable and common among atheists because they dont want to hear it, or they may indeed be of questionable faith that needs growth in devotion, for it is written "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good coscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good coduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Peter 3:15-17



What? I've read this twice and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. Rephrase in modern english please.


-A follower of Christ should sanctify the Lord in his/her heart, making Him Lord of his/her life and thus being ready to answer anyone who asks about his/her faith, ready to answer about the hope that is in him/her. But this person should do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. So that anyone who slanders righteousness kept in Christ's name, will be ashamed of their slander. Suffering may be brought about through righteousness, but it is better than suffering brought about from doing evil. Because both ends of the spectrum are alike in that they both infect.

[bluess]

-A follower of Christ should sanctify the Lord in his/her heart, making Him Lord of his/her life and thus being ready to answer anyone who asks about his/her faith, ready to answer about the hope that is in him/her. But this person should do so with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. So that anyone who slanders righteousness kept in Christ's name, will be ashamed of their slander. Suffering may be brought about through righteousness, but it is better than suffering brought about from doing evil. Because both ends of the spectrum are alike in that they both infect.


Hmmm .... well, that would mean that the bulk of the christians i've met are in violation of this verse/phrase/whathaveyou.

[BJQ87]

Hmmm .... well, that would mean that the bulk of the christians i've met are in violation of this verse/phrase/whathaveyou.


Yea this is the case in a corrupt society. This may be related to the fact that statistically more and more people who call themselves "christians" are uncertain about their faith. What would be some of the context of the bulk of those christians you've met?

[Tricky]

Yea this is the case in a corrupt society. This may be related to the fact that statistically more and more people who call themselves "christians" are uncertain about their faith. What would be some of the context of the bulk of those christians you've met?
The bulk of the ones I've talked to on various forums spend a lot of time telling us which Christians are "real" Christians. Oddly, they have various standards for determining this.