Most Atheists

by rebel8 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  rebel8

  True or false?

  Most atheists' beliefs are so much a part of them that they barely speak about it and infrequently even think of it.

  This differs from ex-cultist atheists who tend to be more emotional about it because the topic pushes their buttons (i.e., this forum's atheists are far from being a representative sample of atheists in the world-at-large and sweeping conclusions about all atheists cannot be accurately drawn from us).

  There are a few rabid atheists with no cult background and an affinity for Internet forums who do talk/think about it constantly, but they're the vocal minority.
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  donny

  That is probably true. As a fairly recent agnostic/atheist, I normally do not speak about it to others unless I am asked or put on the spot. I believe one must reach this state on through their own research and study. I do find it funny that most folks think I must prove my non-belief when in reality, it's the believers who have the burden of proof.
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  Narkissos

  I agree, but there is also a broader cultural factor imo. Atheism is way more widespread and less vocal in Europe than in the US generally. Discussions tend to focus on other topics (e.g. politics), and even when religion is involved (as in the latest decisions and declarations by the pope which have brought up a lot of debate) the "sides" do not exactly coincide with "believers vs. unbelievers". All in all the existence of God is rarely a topic for discussion.
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  slimboyfat

  In the past some sociologist have made the mistake of assuming that the secularity of a country or population can be measured by the number of atheists. However British sociologist Steve Bruce has argued that the number of people who identify themselves as atheist actually declines as a society becomes more secular. It stands to reason: atheism is a hot topic in societies that are still highly religious, or among people (such as fromer Jehovah's Witnesses) who come from a religious background. In societies where religion plays a diminished role in the lives of most people from childhood on, (as is the case in Britain) to define oneself as a non-believer in God seems irrelevant.
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  Spook

  I think it's probably false on a few technicalities. Those who self identify as atheists vs. "no religion" probably aren't aware of any of the philosophical jargon and what not; this may include any number of people who never bought into religion as per the OP. I think that religious ideas are so prevalent in Western society that even the non-religious check in on the issue responding to outside prompts on a regular basis.

  There are a significant amount of these non-religious people around whom theists hang their hats. Most theists can trump up arguments that an un-read atheist can't deal with well. I'd say all well-read atheists can raise serious problems with theism that only the best theistic rheteriticians can deal with.

  Most debates on chat forums like this get chock full of often repeated non-arguments about dinasaur footprints on one side and the problem of evil on the other.
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  WTWizard

  When atheism is widespread, people don't have to waste much time discussing it. But, when it is isolated, people have to waste a lot of time discussing it to prevent Christians or Muslims from trying to get them into their religions.

  If people were less inclined to hound others into a pro-God religion, there would be fewer militant atheists--who see the damage religion is doing. Damage, as in stagnation. As in wars. As in wasted time and energy going to churches. As in stifled scientific progress. They are on a mission, like Jesus was, to free man from these religions that hinder society's progress. And, like Jesus, most of them get ignored by the majority.

  Ultimately, like Jesus, the governments get infested with religion to the extent that atheism is practically against the law. And they end up getting forced to retract statements that are not part of the religion that the government is infested with. Science suffers, and we are all held back.
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  rebel8

  Atheism is way more widespread and less vocal in Europe than in the US generally.

  In societies where religion plays a diminished role in the lives of most people from childhood on, (as is the case in Britain) to define oneself as a non-believer in God seems irrelevant.

  There are a significant amount of these non-religious people around whom theists hang their hats.

  If people were less inclined to hound others into a pro-God religion, there would be fewer militant atheists--who see the damage religion is doing.

  Interesting points! I didn't know that about Europe. I guess I can't imagine what it's like for society to not be so focused on the non-issue of secularity.