Well, for those who aren't aware, I am an atheist. I am a godless, moraless, commie, or atleast that's what some people think. This first post isn't going to be me trying to bring you to my side, that's what later posts are for, but to debunk a lot of the myths about atheism that get tossed around.
Atheists Have No Morals
Let's address a freakishly common argument, since the atheists have no god, they have no moral basis. This is simply not true. The normal atheist, excluding those examples from the USSR and others, has been taught by society and their parents that violence is wrong. In fact, most atheists in modern countries tend to be passive, as they have no god to back them up, where as Islamic Extremists attacked the World Trade Center on 9/11 because they thought Allah would reward them. It's a common counter argument for this point saying that being a moral person just for fear of god is not really being a moral person at all, just being scared into it.
Atheists Hate Christians
Another argument atheists often face is that Atheists hate, well not just Christians, but all Theists. While, again, you can site the example of the USSR, most atheists in modern countries are actaully quite friendly. The reasons we point them out as mean atheists in the first place is attacks from devout Christians, extremists, and seemingly mocking practice of our belief.
The first I will address by mentioning the different groups that go door to door handing pamphlets out. We understand they want to spread their message, and more often than not we say we're not interested and they leave, but sometimes they argue with us. This is normally what you would hear about. Another example of attacks by devout members would be in public areas. Often, we have civil conversations with people of faith and never think about it, but when they learn we're atheist often get offended and attack out position.
The second almost explains itself. Extremists that do not represent the mass of people creating a bad example for everyone. It's like saying every Muslim is in Al-Queda, or every Mormon has multiple wives and marries them off at 14, or that every Liberal is as radical as the radicals inside Code Pink.
The third, can be explained in counterargument. Some people take offense to seeing people reading "The God Delusion" or some other piece of atheist literature, or promoting their atheism. Well the truth of the matter is, we have just as much right as any other religion. While some go too far and hunt Christians down to argue with them, most atheists keep to themselves and just read or express themselves. It's the same as having a bible or wearing a cross. Most atheists don't express themselves though, as most are mildly afraid of the public opinion.
I will debunk more arguments in further posts if they are presented, but I will not promote atheism in respect for those of other faiths, but only defend it against attacks.
-Hodges
Atheists Have No Morals
Let's address a freakishly common argument, since the atheists have no god, they have no moral basis. This is simply not true. The normal atheist, excluding those examples from the USSR and others, has been taught by society and their parents that violence is wrong. In fact, most atheists in modern countries tend to be passive, as they have no god to back them up, where as Islamic Extremists attacked the World Trade Center on 9/11 because they thought Allah would reward them. It's a common counter argument for this point saying that being a moral person just for fear of god is not really being a moral person at all, just being scared into it.
Atheists Hate Christians
Another argument atheists often face is that Atheists hate, well not just Christians, but all Theists. While, again, you can site the example of the USSR, most atheists in modern countries are actaully quite friendly. The reasons we point them out as mean atheists in the first place is attacks from devout Christians, extremists, and seemingly mocking practice of our belief.
The first I will address by mentioning the different groups that go door to door handing pamphlets out. We understand they want to spread their message, and more often than not we say we're not interested and they leave, but sometimes they argue with us. This is normally what you would hear about. Another example of attacks by devout members would be in public areas. Often, we have civil conversations with people of faith and never think about it, but when they learn we're atheist often get offended and attack out position.
The second almost explains itself. Extremists that do not represent the mass of people creating a bad example for everyone. It's like saying every Muslim is in Al-Queda, or every Mormon has multiple wives and marries them off at 14, or that every Liberal is as radical as the radicals inside Code Pink.
The third, can be explained in counterargument. Some people take offense to seeing people reading "The God Delusion" or some other piece of atheist literature, or promoting their atheism. Well the truth of the matter is, we have just as much right as any other religion. While some go too far and hunt Christians down to argue with them, most atheists keep to themselves and just read or express themselves. It's the same as having a bible or wearing a cross. Most atheists don't express themselves though, as most are mildly afraid of the public opinion.
I will debunk more arguments in further posts if they are presented, but I will not promote atheism in respect for those of other faiths, but only defend it against attacks.
-Hodges
1 comment:
I agree that people should just not stereotype and make assumptions of people based on things like religion, political views or background. We all do it but the more we strive to not categorize people I think the better people will treat each overall.
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