I want to know why Theists are always being accused of having an illusionary coping mechanism (ie God) when it seems to me that Athieists that talk about 'love' and 'meaning' are involved in a form of comforting self delusion by refusing to accept that, taken to it's logical conclusion, Atheism = Nihilism. Is this how Atheists cope ? By not facing the full implications of their belief? Are you not giving yourselves an intellectual get out with all this talk of 'love' , 'meaning' and 'morality' ? You may believe it but do you feel it? Whatever happened to the 'void'? I'm sorry if this sounds like Atheist baiting , but for me a lot of what's talked about on this forum sounds like watered down Atheism in order to make it more comfortable. Where are the real Atheists who have popped the bubble? It all sounds far too cosy!
Originally posted by knightmeister I want to know why Theists are always being accused of having an illusionary coping mechanism (ie God) when it seems to me that Athieists that talk about 'love' and 'meaning' are involved in a form of comforting self delusion by refusing to accept that, taken to it's logical conclusion, Atheism = Nihilism. Is this how Atheists cope ? By not facing the ...[text shortened]... ere are the real Atheists who have popped the bubble? It all sounds far too cosy!
You have yet to show why love and meaning require God.
Originally posted by knightmeister I want to know why Theists are always being accused of having an illusionary coping mechanism (ie God) when it seems to me that Athieists that talk about 'love' and 'meaning' are involved in a form of comforting self delusion by refusing to accept that, taken to it's logical conclusion, Atheism = Nihilism. Is this how Atheists cope ? By not facing the ...[text shortened]... ere are the real Atheists who have popped the bubble? It all sounds far too cosy!
Atheism does not equal nihilism, no matter how much you theists claim it does. You do not need a god to have a life full of love and meaning. The fact that we do not believe in an afterlife does not invalidate these things.
What you refer to as "real atheists" is nothing more than a caricature that you religious folk like to propogate. But it has no basis in reality.
Originally posted by rwingett Atheism does not equal nihilism, no matter how much you theists claim it does. You do not need a god to have a life full of love and meaning. The fact that we do not believe in an afterlife does not invalidate these things.
What you refer to as "real atheists" is nothing more than a caricature that you religious folk like to propogate. But it has no basis in reality.
Originally posted by dj2becker Whence would you derive 'meaning' if life ended in 'nothingness' at death?
How far does your love go? Would you turn the other cheeck if your enemy slapped you in the face?
Since I do not believe in an afterlife, most meaning that my life will have will be during this life, however finite that may be. But if I had children, for example, my concern would not be solely with my own life. They would inherit the world I have helped to create. As our lives would be interconnected, I would hope the world would be a better place for them after I'm gone. These things matter to me in my life, here and now.
As for love, what is this, a love competition? Are you saying that your love is better than mine because you have a bible that tells you to "turn the other cheek?" Nice advice. Maybe you christians should put that into practice sometime.
Originally posted by rwingett Since I do not believe in an afterlife, most meaning that my life will have will be during this life, however finite that may be. But if I had children, for example, my concern would not be solely with my own life. They would inherit the world I have helped to create. As our lives would be interconnected, I would hope the world would be a better place for t n the other cheek?" Nice advice. Maybe you christians should put that into practice sometime.
Since I do not believe in an afterlife, most meaning that my life will have will be during this life, however finite that may be. But if I had children, for example, my concern would not be solely with my own life. They would inherit the world I have helped to create. As our lives would be interconnected, I would hope the world would be a better place for them after I'm gone. These things matter to me in my life, here and now.
What meaning would your life have if you never had children or if they were suddenly taken away from you? What meaning would you have if you were to be paralysed and failed to create the perfect world for your kids?
As for love, what is this, a love competition? Are you saying that your love is better than mine because you have a bible that tells you to "turn the other cheek?" Nice advice. Maybe you christians should put that into practice sometime.
Just thinking. What would motivate you to love someone who wronged you? How would you cope if someone were to murder your wife or children? How would you find peace and meaning in such a situation?
Also, what meaning would pain, sorrow and suffering entail in your life? How would you deal with this?
Are Atheists kidding themselves?
19 Mar '06 19:47
Back to Top