Why are Atheist Atheist?

[Seraphotic]

Originally Posted by Kyouken

After reading some of the posts here, I thought to say something:

Some people are probably atheists because they look to God and ask Him to do everything and expect something unrealistic because they don't have an understanding of how He works. Because they don't see immediate results, they don't believe. Thus, they don't receive. They might also think that God will magically fix all their problems because they ask Him to without understanding how He works. Also, when I say they, I don't mean all atheists, or even the majority, by the way. This is a problem with a lot of Christians, too.

People also blame God for a lot of crap in the world which God didn't do.

The blind end up leading the blind into a ditch.

I have seen my fair share of this too, lost a friend over it. There is something you can do though, read the bible and tell them how God works, and some may find this statement a life changer.

"I'd rather live my life believing there is a God an die to find out there isnt than to die and find that there is."

Some people can be scared of the truth too, they don't wanna give themselves up to something, even though what they're really doing is giving themselves to the world.

The most viewed atheist on YouTube cried bc a viewer sent him a bible, they know they're wrong, they don't want to admit it... But some are different, there really isn't a status quo, just variations.

Originally Posted by Seraphotic

I have seen my fair share of this too, lost a friend over it. There is something you can do though, read the bible and tell them how God works, and some may find this statement a life changer.

"I'd rather live my life believing there is a God an die to find out there isnt than to die and find that there is."

Some people can be scared of the truth too, they don't wanna give themselves up to something, even though what they're really doing is giving themselves to the world.

The most viewed atheist on YouTube cried bc a viewer sent him a bible, they know they're wrong, they don't want to admit it... But some are different, there really isn't a status quo, just variations.

While I've got a good understanding, I'm still figuring out how He works (aren't we all :P)
Thanks for this; I'll keep it in mind.

[kewl42]

it's not that they don't believe that someone doesn't love them, it's that they think that there is no, hard, scientific evidence to back up their beliefs. it's much easier to believe something with evidence than without. also, more people have been killed in the name of god than for any other reason. and mostly because the people that are killed are so because they pray to a different being than we do. and to be honest, all monotheistic rekigions believe in the same god. god himself, allah, and any other god are 1 and the same. just look at how similar the koran and the bible are in their messages. nuff sed.

[Jullianna]

Originally Posted by Helloimandrewyo

For me, i was an athiest because there were christians. I would say for the most part, there is no group as flesh hungry as christians; at least the ones i was around. Sometimes i really think we give God a bad name.

After i understood not all christians are the same, and there are varying levels of sanity within every major religion. That is the major thing that i feel allowed me to come around.

I didn't become an atheist, but did turn away from the church when I was much younger for the same reason. I was so thankful that God didn't give up on me, but rather taught me how foolish it is to look at other human beings rather than Christ, Himself, to understand His righteousness.

Many of the atheists I have talked with over the years don't like the idea of being accountable or submissive to a higher being. We have probably all experienced that sort of arrogance to a degree at some point in our walk...when we wanted to be our own gods and do as we pleased without consideration of the consequences, not only for ourselves, but those around us and entrusted to us.

[Dogma]

Originally Posted by JustinFoundChrist

Heres what I always thought about atheist:

What is so hard to believe that there is someone who cares about you? To believe that there is eternal life with nothing to fear or cry about. To believe that someone died for you and loves you so much. To believe someone can save you and defeat all your enemies. To believe that someone will do anything for you, as long as you believe in him and trust him.



Care to answer why they don't believe?

Hello. As a former Christian, I can help shed some light on your question "Why are atheists atheists".

But first, let me ask you a question of my own: Why are atoothfairists atoothfairists? What is so hard to believe that there is someone who cares about you and your teeth? To believe that there is truly a supernatural entity that is willing to collect all your baby teeth and give monetary compensation? I think we can all agree that the toothfairy is a marvelous idea. As an atoothfairist myself, I will admit that the world would be a better place if the toothfairy existed. I also think the world would be a better place with renewable energies, sustainable food systems, and cures for all natural diseases.

Let me make one crucial point here: Belief is NOT a choice. No matter how hard I try, I could not bring myself to believing the toothfairy, even if I am cognizant of all the potential benefits it could bring me. Similarly, I think it would be great to be able to live for eternity in complete bliss and happiness. But believing in something doesn't make it true, and dealing with reality on reality's terms is the best way (for me personally) to maximize is the best way to maximize your contribution to humanity, your life experience, and your happiness in this life; the only life that we truly are guaranteed to live .

Now obviously I can't speak for all non believers because not everyone rejects the claim of a God for the same reason. There are some people that are born into completely secular societies, and receive education about many different religions as a youngster, and develope objective opinions on God(s)/ religion via latter research and rational inquiry. There are others who are influenced by personal experiences, and others who are highly humanistic by nature. There are also some who choose to stop believing due to negative experiences they had within the church.

Like I said I before, I was a Christian for 16 years. I spent a large amount of time learning about the history of the religion and the bible. I studied old manuscripts and even personality translated sections of the Dead Sea scrolls and Greek manuscripts to Latin. I read many books on Theology and Christian Apologetic. I studied biology and genetics in great detail. And after years and years of research, I realized that I personally just could not believe in the Bible anymore, nor could I accept Christian dogma/ doctrines as a whole.

I called myself a deist for many years after as I continued my research. I started to realize that I no longer had any reasons to hold onto my belief of a God/ deities. I started calling myself an atheist in 2011, however I do not recall when I actually stopped beleving in a diety. I am currently a PHD student at UNC Chapel Hill focussing on early Christian manuscripts and Greek Manuscripts from the 8th & 9th Centuries.

Please feel free to shoot me some questions if you have any


Ethan

[Johnxxxx]

You really don't get why it's hard to believe in God? Really think about what God is, really REALLY think about it. And come back to me. I'm not saying you're wrong about it, only that it isn't quite like believing the sun exists. It takes faith, and a lot of it.