What motivates atheists?
- Thread starter bayGIANTS
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No it wasn't, and if it was that doesn't mean you have to do it.
No, what he did was ask what the reason was instead of assuming atheist do not have a reason. What he did was ask instead of saying atheist have a reason and that reason is "X". What he did was imply the religious person is motivated by life after death, but the atheist is motivated by (FILL IN THE BLANK)
No it doesn't. You simply WANT to do so Hutch, and the fact is ONLY A GULITY HORSE FLINCHES.
For the next couple of minutes I'll be an atheist, and watch how I answer the question without brining up religion.
ATHEIST HERESY: Many things motivate me such as my dedication to my family, my passion for the technical aspect of music, law, and life.
ATHEIST HERESY: At times, it could be, because it ends procrastination and allows me to snap back in reality.
ATHEIST HERESY: Life is full of ups and downs, and the downs actually motivate me to roll my sleeves up and continue to work hard so I can enjoy teh good times better. Living paycheck to paycheck and working two jobs can be easy if you enjoy what you do, have a lot of free time on your hands, and prefer to live a simple life.
Do you see that Hutch? No mention of religions, God, magical beings or any of that. Just answers to this mans questions. No insults, no knocking religion off the high horse etc.
Does that make it right?
And this is incorrect. Don't use the name of one religious group to denote all other theistic religious followers. That is not doing a justice to the religion and followers, and it makes yourself look uneducated when you willingly generalize.
But many atheist believe science makes them better (or more intelligent) than theists. Many atheist are self-centered and exhibit self-centered behavior, but should we condemn all atheist for this? Should we blame atheism as a whole?
No, what he did was ask what the reason was instead of assuming atheist do not have a reason. What he did was ask instead of saying atheist have a reason and that reason is "X". What he did was imply the religious person is motivated by life after death, but the atheist is motivated by (FILL IN THE BLANK)
No it doesn't. You simply WANT to do so Hutch, and the fact is ONLY A GULITY HORSE FLINCHES.
For the next couple of minutes I'll be an atheist, and watch how I answer the question without brining up religion.
ATHEIST HERESY: Many things motivate me such as my dedication to my family, my passion for the technical aspect of music, law, and life.
ATHEIST HERESY: At times, it could be, because it ends procrastination and allows me to snap back in reality.
ATHEIST HERESY: Life is full of ups and downs, and the downs actually motivate me to roll my sleeves up and continue to work hard so I can enjoy teh good times better. Living paycheck to paycheck and working two jobs can be easy if you enjoy what you do, have a lot of free time on your hands, and prefer to live a simple life.
Do you see that Hutch? No mention of religions, God, magical beings or any of that. Just answers to this mans questions. No insults, no knocking religion off the high horse etc.
Does that make it right?
And this is incorrect. Don't use the name of one religious group to denote all other theistic religious followers. That is not doing a justice to the religion and followers, and it makes yourself look uneducated when you willingly generalize.
But many atheist believe science makes them better (or more intelligent) than theists. Many atheist are self-centered and exhibit self-centered behavior, but should we condemn all atheist for this? Should we blame atheism as a whole?
No I don't. You're over here talking about apples and what not, and just because something is red or appealing does not make it an apple.
The INTENT differentiates them from real christians. The MOTIVATION differentiates them from real christians, and the bible itself distinguishes between the two. Those with lip service, those that are lukewarm, those who kill in the name of God, those who say "Lord Lord" etc. Again, your ACTIONS play a big role, and as I said before most of the so-called christians are NOT in line with biblical dogma/doctrine.
So blame the people. Blame the ones that have done it in the past, have done it now, and will do it in the future.
Here is a question to every atheist who is NOT a person of color. Would it be ok for a black man to blame the entire white race for the horrors of Afrikan slavery? A yes or no will suffice.
And this goes back to INTENT and MOTIVATION. I don't believe in God because of trends or because of my family. My belief in God is based on MY experiences and MY passion for knowledge (in a religious/spiritual context.) But, if people are going to discuss the current issues or even try to solve the problem, there needs to be understanding on BOTH sides, and BOTH sides need to stop pointing the finger.
It usually garners support from WHITE CHRISTIANS (most of whom are probably middle to upper class.) Do you think the average african american christian is going to support this man after his response to Katrina? Do you believe the majority of the latino christian population is going to support him when they are not having their needs met when it comes to illegal immigration? A TRUE christian will most likely ask:
WHAT GOD IS HE TALKING ABOUT AND ARE HIS ACTIONS LINED UP WITH BIBLICAL DOGMA/DOCTRINE?
The sheep (the people who rally behind him) won't ask these questions.
No, the person CLAIMS the acts are supported by God. Just because he claims so doesn't make it true.
The INTENT differentiates them from real christians. The MOTIVATION differentiates them from real christians, and the bible itself distinguishes between the two. Those with lip service, those that are lukewarm, those who kill in the name of God, those who say "Lord Lord" etc. Again, your ACTIONS play a big role, and as I said before most of the so-called christians are NOT in line with biblical dogma/doctrine.
So blame the people. Blame the ones that have done it in the past, have done it now, and will do it in the future.
Here is a question to every atheist who is NOT a person of color. Would it be ok for a black man to blame the entire white race for the horrors of Afrikan slavery? A yes or no will suffice.
And this goes back to INTENT and MOTIVATION. I don't believe in God because of trends or because of my family. My belief in God is based on MY experiences and MY passion for knowledge (in a religious/spiritual context.) But, if people are going to discuss the current issues or even try to solve the problem, there needs to be understanding on BOTH sides, and BOTH sides need to stop pointing the finger.
It usually garners support from WHITE CHRISTIANS (most of whom are probably middle to upper class.) Do you think the average african american christian is going to support this man after his response to Katrina? Do you believe the majority of the latino christian population is going to support him when they are not having their needs met when it comes to illegal immigration? A TRUE christian will most likely ask:
WHAT GOD IS HE TALKING ABOUT AND ARE HIS ACTIONS LINED UP WITH BIBLICAL DOGMA/DOCTRINE?
The sheep (the people who rally behind him) won't ask these questions.
No, the person CLAIMS the acts are supported by God. Just because he claims so doesn't make it true.
wrong.
See thats the difference between me and you. You need A GOD...I dont. I dont need something that isnt there ...to pretend its there so that I can feel better about myself. You are no different that a kid that has imaginary friends and just wants to play with them every now and then cause no one else will play with them.
I think the whole "ill feel empty with out god" is total bullshit. Thats why we have jesus camps now and 20,000 member churches cause people like you go around preaching that Jesus is the answer to your emptyness. Bull fuckin shit....I know people that have Jesus and are still empty and need someone to talk back....and I mean really talk back.
like...this..
Friend: Man my wife has been giving me a hard time lately always nagging and bitching about bullshit....what should I do?
Jesus: **silent**
Me: Homie look from personal experience....do this.......**goes on about it**
Most religious folks just need to lead regular lives like anyone else. But they are so caught up or get caught up in their beliefs and other peoples beliefs that they cant....cause they gotta change the world. No....please dont try to change the world....change yourslef.
5000
I'm just asking the question this is about, without gettin in your argument.
My motivation is to make something in my life, before it is over. When you are dead, you are dead. That's it. So I set myself goals I want to achieve. I will get married soon, that was goal no. 1. Then I will buy an apartment, that will be goal no. 2. And then I want to become a father. As I already managed to get a good job after struggling and gettin kicked outta High School, I don't have any more goals, except maybe buyin a car and shit like that...
My motivation is to make something in my life, before it is over. When you are dead, you are dead. That's it. So I set myself goals I want to achieve. I will get married soon, that was goal no. 1. Then I will buy an apartment, that will be goal no. 2. And then I want to become a father. As I already managed to get a good job after struggling and gettin kicked outta High School, I don't have any more goals, except maybe buyin a car and shit like that...
It's human nature to continue to live through the struggles. You don't need the belief in god to have motivation or morality, it's in our genetic makeup. Humans evolved as social animals- we are social and compassionate by nature. It goes against our instincts to want to give up on life.
Of course, they're are atheists that give up just as their are theists that give up. But for the most part, we continue to struggle and we are generally concerned for mankind and the quest for knowledge
Of course, they're are atheists that give up just as their are theists that give up. But for the most part, we continue to struggle and we are generally concerned for mankind and the quest for knowledge
u r COMPLETELY wrong about self-gratificaion...
if any of u guys REALLY understood life u would realize u dont even need religion..
most of ya'll r just scared cuz u dont know whats gonna happen afterdeath..
but thats just a mind game cuz humans r always searching for an answer or an explanation...we dont like dealing with the "unknown"...
w/e happens....happens...all we can control is now...
make the best of it...
if any of u guys REALLY understood life u would realize u dont even need religion..
most of ya'll r just scared cuz u dont know whats gonna happen afterdeath..
but thats just a mind game cuz humans r always searching for an answer or an explanation...we dont like dealing with the "unknown"...
w/e happens....happens...all we can control is now...
make the best of it...
and for the people who act like they "need" religion thru struggles r just soft...they r not strong individuals...
a human being is capable of overcoming anything on its own(friends and family too)...
religion is more of a hobby...to get that persons mind centered on sumthing else..
say sumone is a big drug addict and they act like "god" saved their lives..
i think that religion is just a tool to concentrate feelings and emotions away from drugs..which is good...but "god" didn't save u..
u could have very well found another hobby to get u away from drugs...sports,exercising, etc...ITS ALL ABOUT FOCUSING....OVERCOMING..
listen, drug addicts r dedicated to drugs...all u need to do is find a different dedication...u feel me?...it doesn't have to b religion and "god" didn't save u..
people get VERY caught up in religion and its "powers"...motherfuckers r telling themselves that god is helping them so they truely beleive it..
but its just that they have found a new dedication...
people r easily coerced with religion...like i said earlier because it attempts to explain r biggest questions and fears...
a human being is capable of overcoming anything on its own(friends and family too)...
religion is more of a hobby...to get that persons mind centered on sumthing else..
say sumone is a big drug addict and they act like "god" saved their lives..
i think that religion is just a tool to concentrate feelings and emotions away from drugs..which is good...but "god" didn't save u..
u could have very well found another hobby to get u away from drugs...sports,exercising, etc...ITS ALL ABOUT FOCUSING....OVERCOMING..
listen, drug addicts r dedicated to drugs...all u need to do is find a different dedication...u feel me?...it doesn't have to b religion and "god" didn't save u..
people get VERY caught up in religion and its "powers"...motherfuckers r telling themselves that god is helping them so they truely beleive it..
but its just that they have found a new dedication...
people r easily coerced with religion...like i said earlier because it attempts to explain r biggest questions and fears...
i would think some are motivated by the question "why". non-atheists, or spritiual people already have that question ingeniusly answered with "because thats the way the higher powered made it". on the other hand atheists place "faith" in sciences, something tangible that they can watch evolve and change and hopefully progress, they take notice of the progresses that have already been made, and seek a continued trend.
I'll respond to everyone in one post to JMACLN, and 007Agent. To JMACLN, again a man who fell of his faith, it's obvious you just gave up. To a mere non-believer it's easy to say, God aint real, bullshit! To us he is alive and well, but I've already stated my stand on God, and you already know the consequences of rejection of him, so that's on you.
For Agent707, how are men of religion weak? Some of the most religious and godly men are strong, are activists and humanitarians weak? Mother Teresa? Was my grandfather a weak ass christian with a low budget ministry? How does it make us weak. IMO It makes us stronger, not weaker.
For Agent707, how are men of religion weak? Some of the most religious and godly men are strong, are activists and humanitarians weak? Mother Teresa? Was my grandfather a weak ass christian with a low budget ministry? How does it make us weak. IMO It makes us stronger, not weaker.
Damn, im glad i found this thread... JLMACN and AGENT707, I couldnt agree with you guys more, and nhojsmith too....
What motivates me is that with life on earth so precious, no matter what you believe, you really dont want to die, so make the most of what you got... You dont have to be perfect, you just work with what you got, and try and better yourself and the ones around you, or maybe better the world, but if you fail, take responsibility for it, and move on, dont fuckin dwell on it, its all life experience, and thats all the experience your gonna get...
In the end I hope that I am an accomplished person of some sort... i am working toward that goal now, and will continue...
but i am doin all of this along the way, not god, and by no help of god...
What motivates me is that with life on earth so precious, no matter what you believe, you really dont want to die, so make the most of what you got... You dont have to be perfect, you just work with what you got, and try and better yourself and the ones around you, or maybe better the world, but if you fail, take responsibility for it, and move on, dont fuckin dwell on it, its all life experience, and thats all the experience your gonna get...
In the end I hope that I am an accomplished person of some sort... i am working toward that goal now, and will continue...
but i am doin all of this along the way, not god, and by no help of god...
To Stockton...
You said that rejection of god results in consequence...
That is only in your belief, the belief in god... If I dont believe in god or jlmacn or whoever, why the fuck say that? to get some good feeling that you are not going to hell because YOU believe in god, and you should shout it from the mountains that all others will fuckin burn. So when you say that, i just dont understand... are you compelled to say it? hahaha
Look at it like this, out of all the different religions and atheist beliefs, when you get to the end, only one is right... so be a little more tolerant of each other because from a gambling outlook, The Odds Don't Look Too Good That Anyone Is Right...
I am tolerant of everyones beliefs, i can sit down and hash out anything with anyone and respect them while i am doing it, because of the fact that no one knows if they are right or not until the end... I dont care if you KNOW you are right or not, religious or atheist... I dont try to push my belief on anyone else... Ill let people know what i believe, but im not gonna try and say, hey, if you believe in god thats just a big ass let down in the end.
You said that rejection of god results in consequence...
That is only in your belief, the belief in god... If I dont believe in god or jlmacn or whoever, why the fuck say that? to get some good feeling that you are not going to hell because YOU believe in god, and you should shout it from the mountains that all others will fuckin burn. So when you say that, i just dont understand... are you compelled to say it? hahaha
Look at it like this, out of all the different religions and atheist beliefs, when you get to the end, only one is right... so be a little more tolerant of each other because from a gambling outlook, The Odds Don't Look Too Good That Anyone Is Right...
I am tolerant of everyones beliefs, i can sit down and hash out anything with anyone and respect them while i am doing it, because of the fact that no one knows if they are right or not until the end... I dont care if you KNOW you are right or not, religious or atheist... I dont try to push my belief on anyone else... Ill let people know what i believe, but im not gonna try and say, hey, if you believe in god thats just a big ass let down in the end.
Do you understand Jesus, who he was, what his mission was. His death, and resurrection? Do you understand Jesus? If you do and you reject him...then.
To unrepenting homos, murderers, and pedophiles yes. But as a Chrsitian, I can still make them repent to God, and whether you are willing to forgive him, it's not like it matters, it's in the hands of God. As for saying those who reject Jesus, it's hard for me to see people like Ghandi and 206 and other atheists on this board that are active withing their communities to go to hell. But as a Christians, I just tell them who Jesus was and what he did, it's not my job to convert them. So if they reject him, that's all.
Well you stated what you believe and I'll tell you what I believe. I agree, but in the bible, since no one is right, Jesus' sacrifice was to make his followers righteous in the sense that he'll guide them with his spirit. But enough of that, since it's an opinion, I'll just have to say oK.
Then if you respect my beliefs, you should know that I'm just trying to spread a message, not force it. Do you see me doing what the Roman Pagan Catholic Church did in the Crusades?
To unrepenting homos, murderers, and pedophiles yes. But as a Chrsitian, I can still make them repent to God, and whether you are willing to forgive him, it's not like it matters, it's in the hands of God. As for saying those who reject Jesus, it's hard for me to see people like Ghandi and 206 and other atheists on this board that are active withing their communities to go to hell. But as a Christians, I just tell them who Jesus was and what he did, it's not my job to convert them. So if they reject him, that's all.
Well you stated what you believe and I'll tell you what I believe. I agree, but in the bible, since no one is right, Jesus' sacrifice was to make his followers righteous in the sense that he'll guide them with his spirit. But enough of that, since it's an opinion, I'll just have to say oK.
Then if you respect my beliefs, you should know that I'm just trying to spread a message, not force it. Do you see me doing what the Roman Pagan Catholic Church did in the Crusades?