Okay, first let's get something off my chest. I recently read(skimmed and feel asleep) the new rules for posting threads on AP.

Now my question, how can we post any threads that promote a decent debate? If it's not allowed to have any "flames"(that word is debatable depending on how sensitive you are), in it? Or any real arguing? And frankly I love the hot topic rule,(no not the store!), because how else are we supposed to vent or see the other side of the story, if we have no one to bounce our opinion off of but our-selfs? I also disagree with the recommendation rule, but that's another time and place.

Aaaaannnyways, my question is more directed at atheists and more or less what happens when they "win/get their way".

First let's look at the definition of atheism ala dictionary.com!

a·the·ism
–noun
1. the doctrine or belief that there is no God.
2. disbelief in the existence of a supreme being or beings.


Now! let's look at the definition of religion, this where it gets fun to me.(there were a couple of definitions, but let's look at number 2)

re·li·gion
–noun
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.


So my point is, why are atheists so against religion, if they are technically a religion themselves?
Also what happens to atheists when they have wiped humanity clean of all other religions and are now worshipping the almighty Dick(Richard Dawkins, I call him Dick (_/)..).

Well I'm done for now, I look forward to the responses.

Atheists are just a group of people who just dont believe in a supreme being etc. they are more of a group of people who still believe that there is a life somewhere after death etc.

but as myself im no religious i cant remember what its called again. so as you have said above that atheist is a religious group itself it really is. rather than whats the misconception that they are just non believers of anything.

but i would like to say about religion they have been tricky in their ways. not to offend anyone but the main thing is life after death

1. how does anyone know what life after death will be if you can really only die once.
2. the religions have used it to their advantage as saying follow this follow that and you get this when you die. it never gives you anything that is in the living world. i just say why bother.

anyway ill leave it up to you to decide whether what is right and what is wrong. just a small opinion

Hey, it's fun sometimes just to rant, right, hehehe! i'll take that to be the nature of this thread and go with the flow, oro oro~ X}

to answer your first question, kiddo, why are atheists against religion. i think your annoying, judgmental, unrealistic, dividing, holier-than-thou attitude lacking entirely of understanding and compassion answers that question well enough.

to answer your second question, what will atheists do when they wipe humanity clean of religion. lord knows that's what they were born to do, right. well they'll probably throw a big bonfire party to burn all the crosses, cows, and little black books they can think of, all the while laughing maniacally and twirling their mustaches like the mad robber barons they are. and from then on it'll be an endless sinfest, thank god, and there won't be any rabbis or monks or jedis to stop it! mwahahaha! ...oh but wait a second, then again, you're right, atheism is a religion. so no celebrating for the poor atheists, there will still be one religion left on the planet no matter how they scheme... unless they annihilate themselves, or just become too lazy to form an opinion. :<

*gasp* but don't tell them that their disbelief is actually an ironic belief of some sort, that's just messin' with the laws of nature! why, you wouldn't be trying to undermine their faith now, would you? you wouldn't be trying to *gasp for dramatic effect* wipe their religion off the face of humanity, now would you?? why, you should be ashamed of yourself XD akekeke by that reasoning you must be an atheist! lolol :P

*sigh* frustrated energy is a thing better spent doing some good for the world like volunteering at a homeless shelter or something... seriously, bleh bleh :P

<(U_U ) = ( U_U)/ *360spin* lol that was fun kekeke but yeah please don't take it seriously. i'm no atheist, but i am kinda in a bad mood. :P

Religion by far is a "grey area" in all forums I think. I've been to lots of forums and moderated a few. Religion will always grab the attention of anyone who wants to make a quick buck out of their debates.

I guess its better not to talk about religious/atheist stuff at all if its gonna bring nothing but senseless debate.

I agree with FSN that Atheists are a group of people who don't believe in a god/supreme being..

Now, I don't know what/how atheists think/feel but I don't think it is a religion itself as the definition you have posted above states religion as "a set of fundamental beliefs and practices as a group" I'm sure there are groups who may possibly congregate together as Atheists but there are also probably those who consider themselves Atheists based solely on the 'not believing in a supreme being' concept.

I wonder if there are other beliefs/concepts that serve as Atheism, but I feel that it's just a way to identify oneself when put in a situation where religion or a God is brought to question. Therefore, I don't think they are trying to 'win' per se or 'get their way'; what is 'get their way'? Unless there are extremists (which there always will be) I don't think the majority of Atheists are trying to abolish or get rid of religions.

With regards to why Atheists may be so against religion, I think some people feel that the beliefs, principles, actions of religions and what the 'higher being' represents does not mesh with what their values and beliefs are. I can very well understand why one would choose to be Atheist; and there's nothing wrong with that. In no way do I think that Atheists are more or less moral than people who are 'religious'. It's just a way they have chosen to identify themselves.

Bottom line, practicing or believing in a religion doesn't make one any better than another individual, it's ones actions that is the most important thing and what will define them. If they use religion to guide them, that's fine, if it's something else, why not?

DistortionL05

Now my question, how can we post any threads that promote a decent debate? If it's not allowed to have any "flames"(that word is debatable depending on how sensitive you are), in it? Or any real arguing? And frankly I love the hot topic rule,(no not the store!), because how else are we supposed to vent or see the other side of the story, if we have no one to bounce our opinion off of but our-selfs? I also disagree with the recommendation rule, but that's another time and place.

No one said you can't argue, we said you can't flame. Flaming being the following...
guy1: I like cheese
guy2: people who like cheese worship the devil
guy1: You should die and burn in hell
guy3: you are both gay!
and of course to worse extremes.

Topics where people actually engage in intelligent conversation are fine. Conversations like this are all we ask for:
guy1: I like cheese
guy2: I don't care for cheese, but i respect your opinion on it.
guy1: Why don't you like cheese? Did you undergo a traumatic cheese related event as a child?
guy2: Why yes, When I was a child, I was walking down past a cheese shop and a Giant block of cheddar nearly crushed me to death because the guy dropped it out the window.

get it?
the reason we do not allow hot topics is because they have no conclusion and ALWAYS end up in flaming. Typically we prefer if these topics are just not made. But if they ARE made we give them the benefit of the doubt and allow them to stay open until the flaming begins.
If you have any other questions, just PM me.

Anyways, to answer your questions about atheists. Atheism isn't a religion. It's the lack of a religion. Well, one of them. The other being Agnostic. Atheism is more like the denying of any sort of religion while agnostic is not saying either way...they just don't know. So, atheism is not a religion.
As for what happens to them? Who knows. it's impossible to completely wipe the world of religion because there are always people who will want something to believe in. Being Atheist is kind of an easy way out because you don't believe you have to answer to anyone when you die. I'm not saying if they are right or wrong, but most of the people I know that are Atheists, are that way because they don't want to be troubled by the "requirements" of religions, and they just don't like it. to each his own I guess.

A religion is based off a cult, a large enough cult enjoys religion status.
such group is centered on belief.

Atheism is not "a belief in no supreme being who created the world and the universe etc"

Atheism simply means, the NOT BELIEVER.
I don't believe there is no God,
I simply know, and understand that there is no God.

Note the difference.

Atheism does not worship a deity of sorts, it also does not promote activities based on religion standards, (ie. Sunday church, Buddhist Vegetable fiesta) we don't do anything, we just do not believe.

It lacks all standards and criterion to determine a religion.
Therefore, NO, it is not a religion.

Whatever you read, is written most likely by a believer, a rather stupid one obviously.

DistortionL05

So my point is, why are atheists so against religion, if they are technically a religion themselves?
Also what happens to atheists when they have wiped humanity clean of all other religions and are now worshipping the almighty Dick(Richard Dawkins, I call him Dick (_/)..).

Not all atheists are against religion. I'm an atheist myself, and my family are Buddhists. I don't try to convert their belief, nor do I try to interfere with their religious activities...heck, sometimes I even do join them when they go to the temple to pray. Most atheists are certainly not so fanatic in their beliefs, that they would want to alter someone else's beliefs...at least my friends who are atheist are like me.

I want to stress that atheism is NOT a religion...it's more like the lack of it. Atheists simply don't worship any god.

And I seriously don't get the second part >.<

Kalico

because they don't want to be troubled by the "requirements" of religions, and they just don't like it.

Requirements? I cannot say this for all religions, but Christianity does not have any requirements. All you have to do is to believe it's teachings. I know that going to mosques for Muslims is required for being a Muslim. Going to church is a good thing, but by doing so that does not make you a Christian nor is it a requirement for being a Christian.

Omnidevil

I don't believe that there is no God, I simply know, and understand that there is no God

You know? If you could be so kind to explain your accusation that would be much appreciated. Saying that theres no God means nothing if you do not explain why thats the reality.

kartarae

Requirements? I cannot say this for all religions, but Christianity does have any requirements. All you have to do is to believe it's teaches. I know that going to mosques for Muslims is required for being a Muslim. Going to church is a good thing, but by doing so that does not make you a Christian nor is it a requirement for being a Christian.

Christianity does have requirements. At the very least, it has the requirement of believing in God, as well as that Jesus Christ is the son of God. If you don't believe in God and Jesus...well, you're not a Christian. Each branch of Christianity beyond that has various different beliefs that set them apart from one another, such as the Virgin Mary being sacred or not, so those differences would also be a requirement for the religion, because if you DON'T believe in it, you are not a part of it.
The idea of going to church is not a requirement, it is a practice that is recommended. The 10 commandments are not rules, that if you break you are no longer Christian, they are rules that if you break just make you a bad person. God won't strike you down, and you won't be out of the religion, they are guidelines, as well as the rest of the teachings, to be a decent human being.

Before anything else i didnt read what everyone posted it seemed to long to read and i dont realy have that kind of time

ok first of all i am an atheis so most of ya are getting the wrong idea

atheis well most of us dont want to deystro religion what we want is a clear differernce and split between religion and councious thought cause most people will make sure that what they think will follow what their religion thinks and wont allow themseves to question everything

second atheism is not a religion is just a differernt way of thinkikng that most people try to get rid off because they beleive we are evil or something like it and that it will throw the world in to destruction if alot of people think that way

i have had people try to change my way of thinking and by the end of the discussion i have been the one to change their minds and turn them atheist

i dont beleive that atheism is the easy way out because when you beleive in religion like catolic to make sure you dont go to "hell" all you have to d ois talk to some one and tell him/her what you did and then "pray" a little and your forgiven so thats a lot easier and if you do that and confess to an actual crime the person you told wont have to tell the police because they are protected by law the only time atheism is the easy way out is if you also dont have morals or a counciense to tell you what you did was wrong you may have rules in religion but their will allways be ways around those rules if you think hard enough

im bored of this topic now

Okay, okay, I think most are getting the wrong type of tone from my rant that I had before my topic, so let me say my tone right now: lackadaisical, with some upbeatiness(Not a word until now!) inserted.

And I would like to be clear here mainly for Omnidevil, what I read was a dictionary, and an article that was an interview with Richard Dawkins. After that I formed my own opinions from personal experiences with atheists. I don't believe in any religion, maybe celtic, but that's just for the holiday's(which, yes, I can do on my own but more fun to celebrate something isn't?).

As for fye-lover, on how you don't get the second part. My question is what happens when the active atheists, actually do get rid of religion? Will they still call themselves atheists? etc.

Ah shijirou... these are the kind of comments I love, first off, I never tried to "make a quick buck" thread. Second I never find any type of debate senseless, why? because I can learn from almost any debate, by hearing the other person's side/opinion.

FSN you are right, religion is a trick technically, when led by one man who has the power to say what is right and wrong for the beliefs of the religion. Yes, yes it is a trick.

crimsontide14, you say atheism is a different way of thinking, not a belief, but when you think about it, it is a belief in some ways. Why? because you can't prove there is a (let's go with the most common supreme-being) God, but you also can't dis-prove that there is not a God. So it's more or less that an atheist doesn't believe in a religion because they believe their point of view is the truth, but to the person who does believe in a religion their point of view is the truth.


fye-lover, I love your attitude(seriously, not joking), but you say that, "Atheists simply don't worship any god." But neither do agnostics, which brings me to one of my other two questions.

What is the difference between an atheist who's not considered an "active" atheist and an agnostic?

Also I've heard some, shall we say "arguments", from some atheists saying that people who believe in a religion are weak minded, and I would like to know why they thing that. That is if any atheists or others on this board think that.

I enjoyed reading your comments and now I ask for more knowledge!

But im just wondering what is right and wrong in the world. is it because of our morals and what we are told to do when we grow up? since someone might see it right to kill while others see it as a wrong thing to do. same with religion who has the right to say which religion is the right one and causing trouble to another religion.

there have been so many wars fought over religion as nowadays people see Islam as a terrorist group when its only a minority that do it. just another stereotypical thing. just as they see Christianity is a well behaved religion. but you have to look into the past of each of these religions and see how they were formed.

i think atheism is just a word for the people who dont believe in anything they might even go with their religious friends to their churches but might find it uninspiring and boring.

ive personally gone to churches and just found it outright boring and i dont get how the things they talk about relate to my life so thats why i guess its not anything for me. if my family are buddhist islam christians or belong to any other religious groups i can never understand why they do it but i have nothing against it.

Ha ha ha, aw FSN I know how you feel about going to church, cause from what I remember when I was forced to go as a child in catholic school it was the most boring time of my life, that's why I enjoy things like this, where we can talk and get feedback from each other.

As for right and wrong, it is determined by the society you are currently in or decided to be in. Although what society determined was right and wrong was thought up by one, or a handful of people, it just happened that the majority of the people in that society agreed with the thoughts of those people who decided what was right and wrong.

How they decided, well you'd have to ask them yourself, or atleast someone who is more of an expert on the subject than myself.

New Dictionary = New, probably more accurate meaning...

I am Atheist simply because I do not believe in a higher power. Most of my family vary from being extremely religious, to believing something is out there, to being a fellow atheist.

I hardly see Atheism as an "easy way out." If anything, it is harder to defend, seeing as most religious discussions/arguments I've been in include the word "faith," which requires no explanation whatsoever. (Just a strong "faith.") I think religion makes the world a lot easier. It's also the best marketing campaign to ever exist in the history of mankind. Even so, I respect and admire what religion does for people and society and don't try to convert everyone I come across into Atheists...

What I believe happens after death? Soil fertilizer. I look forward to it.