Should atheists believe in the God of christianity if...

[jayem]

I'm just speaking for myself. I'm 67 years old, and honestly, I have never believed in any kind of god. My family was not particularly religious. Though as a kid, I went to bible school for a while. But even then, deep down, I had a strong feeling that those bible stories about talking donkeys, burning bushes, walking on water, and rising from the dead were just fairy tales. I was always a natural thinker and could not internalize, or relate to any kind supernatural claims. It's how my brain processes information. There is evidence to support that some people--probably a minority of the population--are like that. And I'm not claiming to be more intelligent or rational. I just think differently.

But also, I've never felt my life lacked anything. I have a loving family and wife of 31 years. Who's also a non-believer. (Our marriage has lasted a lot longer than those of most religious believers I know.) I'm fortunate to be in good health. I had a rewarding 40+ year professional career and I have a measure of financial security. And good friends with whom I stay in touch. What more can anyone ask for? If there is a God, for some reason he's been very good to this non-believer. I worked in health care, so I know I'll die eventually. I'm at peace with that--I know it's a natural part of life. I can understand why someone would want to live on in some kind of eternal spiritual existence. But the analytical part of my brain tells me it's nothing more than wishful thinking. And all the religious falderal that goes along with it--like those bible stories--is just make-believe.

 

[Tanj]

I'm just speaking for myself. I'm 67 years old, and honestly, I have never believed in any kind of god. My family was not particularly religious. Though as a kid, I went to bible school for a while. But even then, deep down, I had a strong feeling that those bible stories about talking donkeys, burning bushes, walking on water, and rising from the dead were just fairy tales. I was always a natural thinker and could not internalize, or relate to any kind supernatural claims. It's how my brain processes information. There is evidence to support that some people--probably a minority of the population--are like that. And I'm not claiming to be more intelligent or rational. I just think differently.

But also, I've never felt my life lacked anything. I have a loving family and wife of 31 years. Who's also a non-believer. (Our marriage has lasted a lot longer than those of most religious believers I know.) I'm fortunate to be in good health. I had a rewarding 40+ year professional career and I have a measure of financial security. And good friends with whom I stay in touch. What more can anyone ask for? If there is a God, for some reason he's been very good to this non-believer. I worked in health care, so I know I'll die eventually. I'm at peace with that--I know it's a natural part of life. I can understand why someone would want to live on in some kind of eternal spiritual existence. But the analytical part of my brain tells me it's nothing more than wishful thinking. And all the religious falderal that goes along with it--like those bible stories--is just make-believe.

15 years behind you, heading in the same direction.

 

[JoeP222w]

why would you claim Atheists actually believe in God as if we are only pretending not to?

Not a claim, it is the truth. Atheists know God exists. There is no such thing as an Atheist.

 

[JoeP222w]

As true as the statement I was responding to.

What is your basis of truth?

You don't know that. You believe that.

Yes I do know that, because my basis of truth is in God, not in myself. It is not merely belief.

Just like in North Korea, it's about the glory of the Dear Leader.

Except that Kim Jong Un is not God.

 

[Desk trauma]

Not a claim, it is the truth. Atheists know God exists. There is no such thing as an Atheist.

Christians know their god doest not exist, there is no such thing as a Christian.

Not very persuasive is it?

 

[DogmaHunter]

What is your basis of truth?

"True" is that which demonstrably corresponds to empirical reality.

Yes I do know that, because my basis of truth is in God, not in myself. It is not merely belief.

Knowledge is demonstrable.
What you have, is just a mere (religious) belief.

Except that Kim Jong Un is not God.

No matter. The concept is the same.

 

[DogmaHunter]

Not a claim, it is the truth. Atheists know God exists. There is no such thing as an Atheist.

Hi, I'm an atheist.

 

[JoeP222w]

"True" is that which demonstrably corresponds to empirical reality.

Is that true?

Knowledge is demonstrable.
What you have, is just a mere (religious) belief.

Is that true?

No matter. The concept is the same.

Is that true?

 

[DogmaHunter]

Then you are choosing to play the moral fool.

No, I don't "choose" my beliefs.

Psalms 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Every religion says something similar about those that don't follow that specific religion.
It's not surprising.

Also, you don't know anything about me. I suggest you do not accuse me of being immoral or engaging in "abominable deeds".

 

[DogmaHunter]

Is that true?



Is that true?



Is that true?

It is what the words mean. You understand how language works, yes?

 

[Brother Billy]

It improves their well being, their families well being, their friends well being, the environments well being?

Now a quick answer one would say is yes but it doesn't. And I think this is where the discussion really begins. Because theres no question, even among atheists who were former christians they admit to missing or at least no longer having certain benefits that christianity gave them. So I don't think it's too hard to imagine it being actually true that it could not only improve their well being, but their families, their friends, the environment etc. And if this is the case, even if someone is 100% certain God doesn't exist. Shouldn't they still believe in God? Because its clearly what is best for them and everyone else. Or you can ask another question which is should an atheist remain an atheist even when this results in the worst possible suffering for them and every thing else in the universe?

I ask this because I believe that belief in God, being a christian does actually improve your well being. Which can lead to a trickle down effect across the world. Because atheists always try to say they want to behave in a way in which there is the least amount of suffering, if belief in God does lead to the least amount of suffering then shouldn't they believe?

I think one of the most famous modern philosophers who ever lived, answered this question very well:

 

[JoeP222w]

No, I don't "choose" my beliefs.

In a sense you are correct, your choices are limited by your nature.

Every religion says something similar about those that don't follow that specific religion.
It's not surprising.

Not true.

Also, you don't know anything about me. I suggest you do not accuse me of being immoral or engaging in "abominable deeds".

It is what the word of God says about you. I don't have to know you in this regard. Everyone who rejects God is playing the fool.

 

[JoeP222w]

It is what the words mean. You understand how language works, yes?

Apart from God, you cannot know truth, because only God gives you knowledge. You are stealing from the Christian worldview when you claim to know truth apart from God.

 

[Ken-1122]

Not a claim, it is the truth.

What do you base this on?

Atheists know God exists. There is no such thing as an Atheist.

So why do you think a Theist lie and pretend to be an atheist?

 

[JoeP222w]

What do you base this on?

The word of God.

So why do you think a Theist lie and pretend to be an atheist?

Because they love their sin and hate God.

 

[Ken-1122]

The word of God.

Then either the word of God is wrong, or your interpretation of the word of God is wrong, or perhaps both; but you're wrong.
I'm curious; do you also believe those who worship other Gods are pretending, but actually know your God is real and the one they worship is fake? Or do you only apply this leap in illogic to Atheists only.

 

[Phil 1:21]

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:44

Atheists don't believe because they're not drawn by God. They are the walking path.

 

[Ken-1122]

Then you are choosing to play the moral fool.

Psalms 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Doesn't Matthew 5:22 say you are in danger of Hell fire if you call someone a fool?

 

[ImAllLikeOkWaitWat]

Doesn't Matthew 5:22 say you are in danger of Hell fire if you call someone a fool?

I can't imagine why an atheist would want to play this game.

 

[MoneyGuy]

That’s a pretty lousy reason to believe in God.