Most atheists that I know that are at all ‘active’ seem to be less motivated (at a deep level) by ideology than they appear to be motivated by the feeling of being abused on some level. Since there is no monolith when it comes to atheism, this entire discussion of course is but a partial ‘reality’.
The above mentioned abuse, as fare as I can tell is found in the USA where the prevailing theological belief structures have more than seeped into what approaches a theocracy. Some say they resent having religious holidays imposed upon them and the workplace. Others do resent having evangelicals constantly in their faces. In many cases atheism more appears to be a reaction to the social mores here (USA) that assume and require specific behaviors. Over the last few decades, such reactionism has fomented a general movement in differing versions of paganism. While there has always been those who celebrate the solstices, this and other rituals aimed towards nature etc. has become rather faddish as of late. And, as I suggest, in many cases it seems to be but a reaction to that which society attempts to foist upon us all. So, in a way, a different form of belief has supplanted an earlier one. Again, this in no way is universal…it just is representative of many whom I interact with. The more abused some feel, the more radical their reaction. This seems to be quite natural. An analogy is when the teen rejects the parent’s rules and values in the attempt at some sort of a personal identity. Yes, I know that one area I have left out here are those who deal with atheism on more of a philosophical level. Perhaps this is what the rhetorical questions here are about. There are as many differing brands of atheism in this sense as there are sects of religions. So, such a discussion is difficult at best. In general, I don’t think that the majority of atheists ‘proselytize’ with a foundation of ideology but more as a way of attempting to create a little space where other belief structures are not felt so much as they are being imposed upon them. As to uncertainty, the very notion is fraught with uncertainty! Some atheists admit to being agnostic in the sense of not knowing. In fact, some theists take a similar stance. The CNS will create any and all beliefs possible. This is its nature. As to motivation, most motivations are more of a reactive nature than anything else. Yes, I do find that a rare few have transcended perceived abuses and no longer are run by the past when it comes to thinking however, this state seems to be quite rare. Since humanity is a true rainbow, any argument that attempts to foist a specific belief structure upon others no matter the motivation is nothing but abuse. This can even be said of those like Kierkegaard as well as other forms of negative theology. On Jan 10, 8:08 pm, Kierkecraig <[email protected]> wrote: > The way I see it, if Atheism truly is just an absence of belief in a > deity, then it makes no sense for them to even label themselves. I > don't believe in Pink Unicorns, but I don't call my self a Unicorn > Atheist. I don't believe in Reincarnation either, but I don't call > myself a Reincarnation Atheist, and I don't storm the streets of New > Delhi trying to convince others that Reincarnation is a farce. > > So where does the motive for the Atheist to convince Theists they are > wrong come from? The theist usually has a motive such as believing > that the non believer will find their soul in hell, or some other > doctrine that motivates them to proselytize. What doctrine or belief > do Atheists have that motivates them to convince the believers that > their belief is wrong? I would imagine that a true Atheist would be > disinterested in what the Theist believes. > > I believe an Atheist's passion comes form the same place the Theist's > passion comes from, and that is uncertainty. It was Kierkegaard (my > google nickname's sake) who talked about the relationship between > uncertainty and passion. The level of passion is directly > proportionate to the level of uncertainty one has. This is why > Kierkegaard suggested that a believer in God should not try to prove > God's existence, or look for rational explanations. He believed that > such a task was inconsistent with what it means have Faith (passion). > > On Jan 10, 3:42 pm, Slip Disc <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > KC! It's wonderful that you should grace us with your presence in the > > beginning of this new year! Have a Happy! > > > The Atheist movement somehow reminds me of the gay thing. It is fine > > that people are what they are but why go around waving flags and > > banners insisting that people recognize the identity. Are "Atheist > > Parades" looming in the near future? > > Be what you are and be happy being what you are. Isn't that the best > > case scenario in life? Note that I'm Not saying xtians are any less > > culpable in my view but as well add to my observation of group > > proselytism. > > I think people dislike being alone in their chosen path and must for > > some reason "recruit" others in order to establish a more powerful > > standing in the social arena. It's the age old power trip; world > > domination. Those that increase in number become the ruling party. > > According to gruff's outdated data we still have to add the deity > > believer Muslims and Xtians to summarize a ratio of 2.344 to 0.933 > > Atheists. Not including "Other" deity based groups. So Atheists > > still rank in the minute sector. Which reinforces my assertion that > > there is a greater assumption of deity over non deity in the world. > > Let's face it, the existence of life remains enigmatic and people want > > answers; ergo, anyone who can offer something even remotely believable > > can instantly create a following, however large or small. > > > Now that I have all that said and done I would like to tell you all > > that I have discovered a serum that stops the aging process. I > > guarantee that you will feel younger the instant you use it. Just > > send $19.95 plus shipping and handling to receive you order. But > > Wait!!! If you order now I will double the order. That's a > > $12,000,000.00 value for just $19.95. But that's not all!! Use your > > credit card and I will also send you the lifetime supply guarantee. > > You will never run out for the rest of your life. You may still die > > tomorrow but you will die feeling younger. Guaranteed!! Supplies > > limited! Order NOW!!! Call 1-800- ima sucka! Must be 18 or over! > > Not sold in stores! > > > Molly>>Let's laugh 'till we cry, nothin's better... You got that > > right!! <<Slip > > > On Jan 10, 12:30 pm, Kierkecraig <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > Where do Atheists find such passion? > > > > On Jan 9, 10:07 am, "Ian Pollard" <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > > Two questions I've been mulling over... > > > > > 1. The recent atheist bus campaign in London, saw buses with the slogan > > > > "There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." > > > > Members > > > > of Christian Voice -- in attempt to have the adverts removed -- have > > > > complained to the Advertising Standards Authority about the accuracy of > > > > this > > > > slogan. Would it be correct for atheists to now complain about the > > > > accuracy > > > > of the commercial activities of Christian churches (such as the Alpha > > > > Course)? Or, in reality, are said atheists far too busy arguing on > > > > Internet > > > > forums about whether the slogan is in fact *agnostic* and what the most > > > > accurate meaning of the word "probably" is? > > > > > 2. Should John Travolta be brought to trial for child neglect following > > > > the > > > > death of his son? Reports are claiming that his son, who suffered from > > > > autism, was denied prescription drugs and psychiatric counselling for > > > > his > > > > illness (that could have helped control his seizures) because of his > > > > father's Scientology beliefs. > > > > > Happy New Year! > > > > > Ian- Hide quoted text - > > - Show quoted text - --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ""Minds Eye"" group. 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