Current Events > Why is atheism so popular?

(+) Yeah! (+)

hockeybub89 posted...

Veggeta X posted...

WaterLink posted...

Because while science doesn't have all the answers (or claims to) it at least tries to provide logical explanations for everything, while religion is more of an "I'm right, don't ask questions" philosophy

The assumptions that all Atheist are believers of science without question is another illogical fallacy you modern day Atheists portray. Keep at it with the ignorance it's fucking hilarious.

Where did he say that? He said science does not have all the answers nor does it claim to. But religions are "This is how things are. Trust me." It's about faith and interpreting life within the framework of a particular belief system. Religion and science are not the same and Yes, people who treat the latter like the former are just as stupid.

Well first of all what does Science have to do with the point of this topic in the first place? Asserting Science ITT says more than enough.
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Veggeta X posted...

Another problem with modern day Atheists is that they are oppressors. They are just as bad as the Church guy walking to your door trying to get you to convert.

Those poor oppressed Christians and Muslims. Atheists just can't help themselves.
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hockeybub89 posted...

SSJ-JohnLennon posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

darkphoenix181 posted...

but the real truth is even if God came down and sat somewhere on the earth, they would be atheist because he tells them they can't do things they want to do

he doesn't exist

You don't know that until you die.

Why would I live my life giving a fuck about that? Literally anything could happen after I die or eventually be given evidence. But there is no point banking your life on hopes and what if's. What if the stuff we are told God wants is exactly what will send us to Hell? Speculating what fiction could potentially be fact is not a mindset to live by. There are infinite future possibilities. How can anyone hope to possibly bank on one?

Another issue is that even if we pretend that it's an assumption to not believe, believing is just as big of an assumption. There are like a billion religions out there, and assuming that your (relatively young) religion is the true one is a huge assumption. Why are you going to the pearly gates instead of rejoining Brahman or sitting in Valhalla with Odin?

hockeybub89 posted...

Veggeta X posted...

Another problem with modern day Atheists is that they are oppressors. They are just as bad as the Church guy walking to your door trying to get you to convert.

Those poor oppressed Christians and Muslims. Atheists just can't help themselves.

Thanks for more evidence about how bad modern day Atheists are.
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Here's what you guys should exclusively label yourself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism

Congrats. You're going to be an extremist.
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Veggeta X posted...

Here's what you guys should exclusively label yourself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism

Congrats. You're going to be an extremist.

I'm none of those things, calm the fuck down.

Veggeta X posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Veggeta X posted...

WaterLink posted...

Because while science doesn't have all the answers (or claims to) it at least tries to provide logical explanations for everything, while religion is more of an "I'm right, don't ask questions" philosophy

The assumptions that all Atheist are believers of science without question is another illogical fallacy you modern day Atheists portray. Keep at it with the ignorance it's fucking hilarious.

Where did he say that? He said science does not have all the answers nor does it claim to. But religions are "This is how things are. Trust me." It's about faith and interpreting life within the framework of a particular belief system. Religion and science are not the same and Yes, people who treat the latter like the former are just as stupid.

Well first of all what does Science have to do with the point of this topic in the first place? Asserting Science ITT says more than enough.

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.
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Dash_Harber posted...

Veggeta X posted...

Here's what you guys should exclusively label yourself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism

Congrats. You're going to be an extremist.

I'm none of those things, calm the fuck down.

You disagree with this?

This modern-day atheism is advanced by a group of thinkers and writers who advocate the view that superstition, religion and irrationalism should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever their influence arises in government, education and politics.[3][4]

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Veggeta X posted...

Another problem with modern day Atheists is that they are oppressors. They are just as bad as the Church guy walking to your door trying to get you to convert.

You first attack me for assuming all atheists are science worshippers then you turn around and say atheists are militantly trying to get people to drop their religions. Do you not see the hypocrisy here? Chill man
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Veggeta X posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Veggeta X posted...

Another problem with modern day Atheists is that they are oppressors. They are just as bad as the Church guy walking to your door trying to get you to convert.

Those poor oppressed Christians and Muslims. Atheists just can't help themselves.

Thanks for more evidence about how bad modern day Atheists are.

What is this oppression?
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hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

You can believe whatever the fuck you want. Just don't think your belief is holier than thou. Being an Atheist isn't about telling people they are wrong. Being an Atheist these days another nerd trait to transparently think they are better to make up for being an outcast.
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@hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

what about aliens then?

the universe is really big you know

this is not to say if you believe in aliens you should believe in God
but rather consider the bolded text
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WaterLink posted...

Veggeta X posted...

Another problem with modern day Atheists is that they are oppressors. They are just as bad as the Church guy walking to your door trying to get you to convert.

You first attack me for assuming all atheists are science worshippers then you turn around and say atheists are militantly trying to get people to drop their religions. Do you not see the hypocrisy here? Chill man

They are the same.
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Ammonitida posted...

This modern-day atheism is advanced by a group of thinkers and writers who advocate the view that superstition, religion and irrationalism should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever their influence arises in government, education and politics

Is this what you disagree with, Veggeta? Or are you just angry at how certain people practice this philosophy?
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hockeybub89 posted...

Ammonitida posted...

This modern-day atheism is advanced by a group of thinkers and writers who advocate the view that superstition, religion and irrationalism should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever their influence arises in government, education and politics

Is this what you disagree with, Veggeta? Or are you just angry at how certain people practice this philosophy?

Honestly tell me you ain't none of that.
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Ammonitida posted...

Dash_Harber posted...

Veggeta X posted...

Here's what you guys should exclusively label yourself.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Atheism

Congrats. You're going to be an extremist.

I'm none of those things, calm the fuck down.

You disagree with this?

This modern-day atheism is advanced by a group of thinkers and writers who advocate the view that superstition, religion and irrationalism should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever their influence arises in government, education and politics.[3][4]

No. I think atheism only denotes that you don't believe in any gods. That is it. They can believe in literally anything else. They can be flat-earthers, or hollow-earthers, or anything like that. They can believe in scientific evidence or they can believe in nothing. Literally all atheism means is that you don't believe in a god or goddess. It's not a doctrine or a religion.

That being said, I think the vast majority of atheists, at least the ones I've encountered, believe in the scientific method.

Veggeta X posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

You can believe whatever the fuck you want. Just don't think your belief is holier than thou. Being an Atheist isn't about telling people they are wrong. It's just another nerd trait to transparently think they are better to make up for being an outcast.

Again you are lashing out. I'll give you there are probably just as many militant atheists as the hardcore religious folk. But this topic had a question, and many people are just simply answering the question, yet you're acting like it is a direct attack on religion or trying to get people to denounce their faith.
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darkphoenix181 posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

what about aliens then?

the universe is really big you know

this is not to say if you believe in aliens you should believe in God
but rather consider the bolded text

They might exist just as God might. Some vague signs of life and the vastness of the universe might make it a little more likely, but I would not be comfortable assertingg there is advanced life out there yet. Neither does mainstream science afaik. People ask these questions and hopefully one day we will have more answers.
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darkphoenix181 posted...

@hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

what about aliens then?

the universe is really big you know

this is not to say if you believe in aliens you should believe in God
but rather consider the bolded text

Alien microbes? That's likely. Intelligent aliens? Not likely.
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WaterLink posted...

Again you are lashing out. I'll give you there are probably just as many militant atheists as the hardcore religious folk. But this topic had a question, and many people are just simply answering the question, yet you're acting like it is a direct attack on religion or trying to get people to denounce their faith.

That's right yall better back the fuck up.
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Ammonitida posted...

Veggeta X posted...

For example, most people here don't even know you can be an Atheist and be religious at the same time. They think being Atheist means they are anti-religion which is complete false. And then there are people who likes to make up their own definition of what being an Atheist is.

I'm an Atheist in the sense that I have no doubt that the "Gods" of the various religions around the world do not exist. I leave open the possibility that a "God" does exist but has not revealed himself to man. I also reject all paranormal/supernatural beliefs due to lack of any convincing evidence. I painstakingly say that because I wish there was evidence, especially regarding Alien visitation and the chupacabra (that was the craziest thing I ever believed in).

That would make you a deist.
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darkphoenix181 posted...

@hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

what about aliens then?

the universe is really big you know

this is not to say if you believe in aliens you should believe in God
but rather consider the bolded text

Let's assume for a minute that you are right. Why believe in one specific god over another?

Veggeta X posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

You can believe whatever the fuck you want. Just don't think your belief is holier than thou. Being an Atheist isn't about telling people they are wrong. Being an Atheist these days another nerd trait to transparently think they are better to make up for being an outcast.

I think I am an atheist because I don't believe in a God, not because I question everything.
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hockeybub89 posted...

but I would not be comfortable assertingg there is advanced life out there yet

that is consistency which is rare to find

many people with your same view that they need to see evidence would defend a statement like this:
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-nasa-search-alien-life-20150407-story.html

"I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,"

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Veggeta X posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Ammonitida posted...

This modern-day atheism is advanced by a group of thinkers and writers who advocate the view that superstition, religion and irrationalism should not simply be tolerated but should be countered, criticized, and exposed by rational argument wherever their influence arises in government, education and politics

Is this what you disagree with, Veggeta? Or are you just angry at how certain people practice this philosophy?

Honestly tell me you ain't none of that.

I am all of that specific paragraph, but I don't see anything in those words that would anger another atheist.
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Who goes out of their way to tell someone they are wrong?
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Veggeta X posted...

Who goes out of their way to tell someone they are wrong?

You mean besides yourself?

@Dash_Harber posted...

darkphoenix181 posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

Because there is no logical reason to believe in a god without evidence. One speculation isn't any better than the. I am open to literally anything existing, but I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses. And I will adjust any beliefs I have if new evidence suggests to me that the old beliefs are no longer accurate.

what about aliens then?

the universe is really big you know

this is not to say if you believe in aliens you should believe in God
but rather consider the bolded text

Let's assume for a minute that you are right. Why believe in one specific god over another?

did you look at the spoiler text?

like I made no statement that you can say is right

rather I asked that after asserting:
"One speculation isn't any better than another"
"I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses"

do you or even how can you believe that aliens do indeed exist out there?

being open to the possibility is fine, but many literally say they do exist, there is basically no way they cannot

do you take this stance dash?

edit: didn't mean to ping hockey again sry
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Anyways I don't think atheism is as popular as people say it is (well in America that is). It's started getting popularity because of the internet. There's a lot of societal and cultural repercussions in real life to declare your atheism, but thanks to the anonymous aspect of the internet you can say things without having to face repercussion for it (just so long as people don't know who you are lol). So yes that does lead doors to getting "angstheist", but it also leads doors to people being exposed to new things, one of them being atheism.
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Veggeta X posted...

Who goes out of their way to tell someone they are wrong?

So you are angry with the practice not the philosophy. One doesn't need to go out of their way to challenge superstition and irrationality. You are asserting it is impossible to think such a way without screaming it at every passerby.
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darkphoenix181 posted...

hockeybub89 posted...

but I would not be comfortable assertingg there is advanced life out there yet

that is consistency which is rare to find

many people with your same view that they need to see evidence would defend a statement like this:
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-nasa-search-alien-life-20150407-story.html

"I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years,"

But at least with the belief in alien life, we have a solid foundation. Life on Earth and trillions of planets undiscovered. We haven't proven the existence of even one alleged supernatural phenomena.
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But that's literally what you just said you was with New Atheism.
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darkphoenix181 posted...

"One speculation isn't any better than another"
"I won't believe it until there is proof I can feel with the senses"

Except atheism isn't a speculation. It's the lack of a speculation.

darkphoenix181 posted...

do you or even how can you believe that aliens do indeed exist out there?

I don't know. I haven't seen evidence of either, so it would be pure speculation to believe in either of them.

darkphoenix181 posted...

being open to the possibility is fine, but many literally say they do exist, there is basically no way they cannot

I am not one of them.

darkphoenix181 posted...

do you take this stance dash?

No, clearly.

Ammonitida posted...

But at least with the belief in alien life, we have a solid foundation. Life on Earth and trillions of planets undiscovered. We haven't proven the existence of even one alleged supernatural phenomena.

so what you are saying is you will believe in something that you cannot experience empirically?
"proof I can feel with the senses"
I mean, what does a foundation do when you have lack of empirical evidence?

Dash_Harber posted...

Except atheism isn't a speculation. It's the lack of a speculation.

that was a quote >.>
and I was comparing belief in God with militant belief that aliens must be out there
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Lightsasori posted...

It's started getting popularity because of the internet. There's a lot of societal and cultural repercussions in real life to declare your atheism

This is still true. I felt like there was something wrong with me when I stopped being able to convince myself Catholic God was watching me. My mom still loves me, but she to this day is a little taken aback that I left the Church after high school. I only share the truth about me with trustworthy friends given there are still many preconceived notions about non-believers.
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Veggeta X posted...

But that's literally what you just said you was with New Atheism.

Atheism is not an enterprise or a collective philosophy, though. It has no dogma, no structure belief, no agenda. It is literally the lack of anything you described. It's not about putting atheists in positions of power and or them lording their life over others. It's just the fact that you don't believe in gods. That's it.

Garioshi posted...

Ammonitida posted...

Veggeta X posted...

For example, most people here don't even know you can be an Atheist and be religious at the same time. They think being Atheist means they are anti-religion which is complete false. And then there are people who likes to make up their own definition of what being an Atheist is.

I'm an Atheist in the sense that I have no doubt that the "Gods" of the various religions around the world do not exist. I leave open the possibility that a "God" does exist but has not revealed himself to man. I also reject all paranormal/supernatural beliefs due to lack of any convincing evidence. I painstakingly say that because I wish there was evidence, especially regarding Alien visitation and the chupacabra (that was the craziest thing I ever believed in).

That would make you a deist.

I only consider it possible which I guess makes me "agnostic". I also think it's possible that an advanced alien lifeform created this universe as a simulation. Something that Elon Musk believes in.
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Presumably two fold. 1st is the fact that more and more people are finding it more difficult to accept a god claim out of hand. 2nd is that at least a portion of it is probably rebellion against tradition.
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darkphoenix181 posted...

so what you are saying is you will believe in something that you cannot experience empirically?

Mostly, yes. I definitely don't devote my life to something I see zero evidence for.

darkphoenix181 posted...

"proof I can feel with the senses"

No reason to be condescending.

darkphoenix181 posted...

and I was comparing belief in God with militant belief that aliens must be out there

And I disagree with those people, as well.

darkphoenix181 posted...

Ammonitida posted...

But at least with the belief in alien life, we have a solid foundation. Life on Earth and trillions of planets undiscovered. We haven't proven the existence of even one alleged supernatural phenomena.

so what you are saying is you will believe in something that you cannot experience empirically?
"proof I can feel with the senses"
I mean, what does a foundation do when you have lack of empirical evidence?

Dash_Harber posted...

Except atheism isn't a speculation. It's the lack of a speculation.

that was a quote >.>
and I was comparing belief in God with militant belief that aliens must be out there

I'm not convinced that alien life is out there, but I understand why some atheists/scientists are more likely to believe in that than God.
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Dragonblade01 posted...

2nd is that at least a portion of it is probably rebellion against tradition.

It's the majority IMO.
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Veggeta X posted...

Dragonblade01 posted...

2nd is that at least a portion of it is probably rebellion against tradition.

It's the majority IMO.

I thought you hated presumptive atheists.
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Bumble_ posted...

Multiple reasons...

1. You no longer get beheaded, burned on the stake etc. for it. Hmph... in civilized parts of the world anyway.

2. Because most sane people would require current, tangible evidence to believe. And they are smart enough to see, that the age old religious argument of that being "Arrogance" and "God conveniently does not work like that", is horses***.

3. Yep, most of those little storybooks are riddled with all sorts of nonsensical crock and heinous crap... obviously to just justify all manner of primate behavior, back in the day. Of course... certain groups of people still do that today, but we can't name names of course. That would be racist... ugh... what a horses*** too.

4. Most people watch/read the news sometimes. That alone, makes serious theological discussions... difficult. Because either, God is an aloof a******, who is content to do jack s***, and allow atrocities, perversions, primate yahoo behavior. OR he, does not exist at all. To see, which is more likely scenario here is pretty easy to be honest...

This
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hockeybub89 posted...

Veggeta X posted...

Dragonblade01 posted...

2nd is that at least a portion of it is probably rebellion against tradition.

It's the majority IMO.

I thought you hated presumptive atheists.

Wow. Why are you presuming this?
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hockeybub89 posted...

Lightsasori posted...

It's started getting popularity because of the internet. There's a lot of societal and cultural repercussions in real life to declare your atheism

This is still true. I felt like there was something wrong with me when I stopped being able to convince myself Catholic God was watching me. My mom still loves me, but she to this day is a little taken aback that I left the Church after high school. I only share the truth about me with trustworthy friends given there are still many preconceived notions about non-believers.

It's honestly why I never revealed to my parents that I'm an atheist, because I know they would get a heart attack if they figured the truth about it. The only negative is when they do their mandatory prayer session at their house and they invite me to not only do prayers, but do the opening and closing prayer (it can go up to 4 hours >_>). But since I've done it so many times, it got very easy to BS.
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Jesus Hussein Christ, fake Vegy is melting down hardcore in this topic.

You okay, brotato chip? Do you need a hug or something?
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Veggeta X posted...

Dragonblade01 posted...

2nd is that at least a portion of it is probably rebellion against tradition.

It's the majority IMO.

Well, even if that's true, that says nothing about the reasonability of atheism itself.
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It's impossible to believe that only a small fraction of people in the world would enter their respective Heaven and that everyone else wouldn't and suffer for it.
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Atheism is popular because it's a convenient crutch.
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