Ask me (an atheist) anything!

[Simple_Person]

Simple_Person,

I admit that I was a bit weirded-out by your earlier posts because they came off with confrontational tone. I never intended for this to be a debate thread, but rather a "get to know me, a friendly atheist" questions and answers thread since I'm the new here and I don't really know any of the posters here. Simple and lighthearted. That's why I also said that people can ask me about other things as well, other than just questions centered around atheism/religion.

I don't even like debates and I don't seek them out, because I don't find them interesting. Especially atheist/religious debates. So I'm sorry if you came here seeking "intellectual debates" :embarrass....but I really didn't come here for that.

Isn't that a bit strange, death is a FACT of life, by not having such debates/discussions doesn't make it go away you know. I have met people that indeed do not want to talk about death as they get all feeling of anxiety because they don't know how to answer it that is logical, rational and reasonable with evidence.

It is not even that you have to have that debate/discussion with us or any other religious or non-religious person, but that debate/discussion you MUST have it with yourself sooner or later. If not you will either end up with suicide because of emptiness that you don't know how to answer it or have a miserable life until your death.

Anyways, it is clear you don't want to talk/discuss the whole religious debate as you haven't really any knowledge or interest in it. Do remember that you are responsible for many questions that are focused on religious debate/discussion as you are the one that added (Ask me (an atheist) anything!), because that rather indicates of wanting religious discussion/debate.

Peace

 

[sister herb]

Somebody who doesn't know if a God exist, is NOT a atheist,

What if you leave this kind of matters for person himself. It is not you who can decide who is atheist and who isn´t. Let people describe themselves as they like - also when their atheism isn´t similar like you understand what atheism is.

I too am ex-atheist and I have no idea if my atheism was similar like yours (or Lana´s). But still it was real atheism, if I by myself felt so.

 

[Simple_Person]

What if you leave this kind of matters for person himself. It is not you who can decide who is atheist and who isn´t. Let people describe themselves as they like - also when their atheism isn´t similar like you understand what atheism is.

I too am ex-atheist and I have no idea if my atheism was similar like yours (or Lana´s). But still it was real atheism, if I by myself felt so.

Sister, no offense, but it is not the matter what "my" atheism or person x's definition is of atheism. It is just the universal definition of what x, y and z is, including the definition of atheism and agnosticism.

====Definition of agnostic===

An agnostic is a person who believes that the existence of a greater power, such as a god, cannot be proven or disproved; therefore an agnostic wallows in the complexity of the existence of higher beings.

Source used: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=agnostic
====================

====Definition of atheism====
Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

Source used: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/atheism
=====================

As in both of the definitions the word "belief" is used. Belief is based on certain data. Belief simply is the conclusion of that data. In case of atheist they simply refuse to look at new data (proof - Qur'an) as everything about religion is based on assumptions. In case of agnostics if they even would look at the evidence (ie Qur'an or logical, rational and reasonable argument) their conclusion is not based on data, rather still this firm stance of "we do not know" =_=!. These people including many other religious people (some Muslims included) irritate me the most i must say. People who refuse to use their head. Nobody is saying person X knows it all, however at least let's have a discussion and adjust our stance if we come to know of new information.

The OP, is rather a agnostic as she doesn't have a firm stance of there is no God. I myself was really an atheist, as i myself really with 100% certainty back then rejected the idea of there being a Creator. This mentality is way better if you ask me than that of a agnostic, as when one takes a firm stance, it is rather based on logical argument that you can make somebody see otherwise (if there is any honesty in them). A agnostic as i said earlier never takes a firm stance as everything is a doubt even him/herself being alive =_=!.

So what she says or believes because she wants to make up her own definition, sorry but life doesn't work like that =_=!.

 

[Reminder]

Simple_Person,

I admit that I was a bit weirded-out by your earlier posts because they came off with confrontational tone. I never intended for this to be a debate thread, but rather a "get to know me, a friendly atheist" questions and answers thread since I'm the new here and I don't really know any of the posters here. Simple and lighthearted. That's why I also said that people can ask me about other things as well, other than just questions centered around atheism/religion.

I don't even like debates and I don't seek them out, because I don't find them interesting. Especially atheist/religious debates. So I'm sorry if you came here seeking "intellectual debates" :embarrass....but I really didn't come here for that.

- - - Updated - - -



Hello Reminder,

Could be that there is a higher intelligence that created humans, or everything else in existence. I don't believe that there is, but anything's possible.

I admit, however, that I don't really care for the "what ifs" of what may/may not have happened billions of years ago. That's all in the past now, so I'm more concerned about the here and now.

Does that make sense?

Anyways, thank you for the question.

No, it doesn't make sense. I never once said "What if". You put words in my mouth, which is normal for Atheists.

Anyways, you are welcome.

 

[L a n a]

No, it doesn't make sense. I never once said "What if". You put words in my mouth, which is normal for Atheists.

Anyways, you are welcome.

Okay.

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

[Reminder]

You put words into my mouth... no apology?

 

[happymuslim]

I’m sort of new to IslamicBoard and I’ve been wanting to be more active on this site. However, I feel like I can’t really participate on many of the threads, as I’d be inserting myself into topics/discussions that don’t really concern me (i.e. Islamic marriage, Islamic advice, etc.).

So…I decided to start this thread. You fellas/ladies can ask me questions about literally anything; my particular flavor of atheism, my views on religion, politics, music, etc., they don’t have to be related to religion at all. I most likely won’t get offended by anything, so ask away.

Hopefully this will be a good way to talk to and get to know some of you

I've been noticing your posts and I'm glad to say your very respectful and after witnessing some very rude and disrespectful agnostics and atheist I'm really glad that you don't have that approach. [emoji5]

Anyways I'd like to ask,

1. I feel like, and correct me if I'm wrong but, I do feel like your not very into the intellectual debates and how the universe began and all, and there are many who share that aspect with you but I must ask, even if you feel like the question is irrelevant, does the question of how the universe began disappear?

2. Do you believe in the Big Bang and the expansion of the universe?

3. I recall you mentioning something about spirits or stuff idk I forget but how can you explain possessions and magic? Aliens perhaps?

4. Are you a person of logic and reasoning, and if you are, if Islam is a rational and logistic, truthful, ideology which is the truth but you hadn't looked in to it, would you accept this truth if it made sense to you?

 

[keiv]

Another poster asked a similar question, so I'll copy and paste the answer I wrote to her here and just add on to it a bit , if you don't mind:





Ooooo this is a good question. My guess is as good as anyone else's, but I'd like to think that we would be more technologically advanced and more knowledgeable about the inner workings of the universe, probably would have even established colonies on the Moon, Mars, and moons of the gas giants by now.

Or maybe would have installed various world philosophies in religion's place. They would function in place of religions, but without the presence or need for deities.

Or maybe we would have developed nuclear weapons too quickly for our own good, started all types of international conflicts over petty squabbles (over land deeds and such), and rendered humanity extinct by now.

But who knows what would have really happened. This is another perfect question for Futurama's "What-If?" machine.

Oh my mistake. I haven't followed the thread completely.

I understand the nature of 'what if' questions as we get our fair share of them but, these aren't the "what if God created a rock big enough..." type of questions. This was more about your opinions on the impacts of the existence of religion. It seems you feel religion has held us back intellectually and technologically in a way. What do you feel it is about religion, Islam specifically, that's holding humanity back? Because of the vast info that's out there, I'll simply direct you to doing a search on Islamic philosophy. As a Muslim, we see and accept that all creation is from Allah but we are encouraged to ponder the world around us and to continually seek knowledge of such things. I don't have hard facts here but, based on what I've seen, there seems to be a lot of easterners who occupy the fields of science, medicine and technology and I can confidently say that there are a lot of Muslims among them.

Now, in terms of pondering and stopping to look at the world around us, there doesn't appear to be a lot of that going on these days in regards to humanity as a whole because, who cares about the universe when we have the Kardashians to keep up with, right? Hang on, I just got my hair cut. Let me upload this selfie on the internet. Wait, what were we talking about again? :facepalm:

 

[L a n a]

You put words into my mouth... no apology?

I'm really sorry if it appeared that way, as it wasn't what I meant to do. I know what it's like to have people accuse me of saying things I never said/meant, so I would never intentionally do that to anyone else. I think I mostly just went off tangent at the end of my response to you. I'll give your question another go, and try to stay on topic this time:

"Given that we can build a robot, but not a Human, what is your explanation for why there is not a higher intelligence that does it?"

There may very well be a higher power that created/built everything. So I, an agnostic atheist, can't "explain" why there is/isn't a higher intelligence capable of these feats. I just don't believe that there is.

Again, I'm sorry about earlier.

 

[L a n a]

I've been noticing your posts and I'm glad to say your very respectful and after witnessing some very rude and disrespectful agnostics and atheist I'm really glad that you don't have that approach.

Awww, thanks! I'm just a friendly and respectful person in general so it just isn't in my personality to be rude to people, even if we disagree on many things/don't see eye-to-eye on issues (abortion, gun rights, etc.).

1. I feel like, and correct me if I'm wrong but, I do feel like your not very into the intellectual debates and how the universe began and all, and there are many who share that aspect with you

I love astronomy and the mysteries of how the universe in all of its immensity came into being. Debates can be a good way to be presented with dissenting views, and they can be informative at times, especially when they are not heated and both sides are respectful. It's just debates between the non-believers v. religious experts/clerics that lose my interest.

2. Do you believe in the Big Bang and the expansion of the universe?

I don't know if "believe in" would be the right term, but yes since it's a theory that makes much more sense to me than Creationism. However, I'm sure that it isn't perfect, and the researchers who study the universe will make their corrections as technology advances and observational methods used become for precise.

3. I recall you mentioning something about spirits or stuff idk I forget but how can you explain possessions and magic? Aliens perhaps?

Oh yeah, I was talking about Astral Projection in one of the earlier posts. Some people believe that it's an Out-of-Body experience and their "spiritual body" leaves the physical body and travel through different dimensions, planes of existence, and all of that. I've had some of these experiences, and was able to "talk" to dead family members, views all sorts of landmarks on earth, travel through space, view beautiful otherworldly landscapes, and such. I'm not a spiritual person though, so even though these experiences seemed so vivid and fun, I'm certain that I was just dreaming.

I don't believe in possessions. Most of what people have believed to be possessions throughout history would be diagnosed as seizures/epilepsy, hallucinations, and/or mental illnesses today.

I also don't believe in magic. Illusions are very much real though and can definitely be interpreted as magical to the untrained eye.

4. Are you a person of logic and reasoning, and if you are, if Islam is a rational and logistic, truthful, ideology which is the truth but you hadn't looked in to it, would you accept this truth if it made sense to you?

If I ever came across Islam, or any other religion that spoke to me and I found it to be my truth, then I probably would accept it. Lol I wouldn't have any other choice at that point.

Thank you for the questions happymuslim. They were thought provoking .

 

[L a n a]

Oh my mistake. I haven't followed the thread completely.

I understand the nature of 'what if' questions as we get our fair share of them but, these aren't the "what if God created a rock big enough..." type of questions. This was more about your opinions on the impacts of the existence of religion. It seems you feel religion has held us back intellectually and technologically in a way. What do you feel it is about religion, Islam specifically, that's holding humanity back? Because of the vast info that's out there, I'll simply direct you to doing a search on Islamic philosophy. As a Muslim, we see and accept that all creation is from Allah but we are encouraged to ponder the world around us and to continually seek knowledge of such things. I don't have hard facts here but, based on what I've seen, there seems to be a lot of easterners who occupy the fields of science, medicine and technology and I can confidently say that there are a lot of Muslims among them.

-What do you feel it is about religion, Islam specifically, that's holding humanity back?

I don't think that it is necessarily religion that is holding humanity back, but rather some fundamentalist religious people. I'm speaking about the people who hate any type of technology, believe that higher education is wicked/sinful/worldly, believe that society needs to regress back to that of the 1st century to be holy, etc.

The religions in and of themselves are fine, and their adherents include doctors, teachers, researchers, mathematicians, etc. very bright people. I don't believe that being religious has anything to do with intelligence/lack of intelligence, but rather faith, which is a very personal thing. That's something that even some atheists need to understand.

Now, in terms of pondering and stopping to look at the world around us, there doesn't appear to be a lot of that going on these days in regards to humanity as a whole because, who cares about the universe when we have the Kardashians to keep up with, right? Hang on, I just got my hair cut. Let me upload this selfie on the internet. Wait, what were we talking about again?

Haha, you speak NO lies!!

 

[Serinity]

Hello..

What is your opinion on fashion clothing? The bad? The Good?

And.. What is your opinion on shame/modesty?

What is your opinion on gender roles? Is having it ok? If not, why so? Is it good or bad? What are goods, in your opinion, and the bads?

What influence does the media have over how people think?

What is your opinion on the Hijab? Would you ever try it?

I am trying to keep my questions as open ended as possible.

 

[L a n a]

Hello..

Hi Serinity.

What is your opinion on fashion clothing? The bad? The Good?

I think fashion is a great way for people to express themselves, since there are many different styles that suit many different types of people. Personally, I'm a hoodie/pullover, skinny jeans, and sneakers kind of girl, so I'm definitely not the most fashion conscious person out there lol.

And.. What is your opinion on shame/modesty?

Modesty is cool in my book. Not everyone can be super flamboyant and "out there", personality wise.

What is your opinion on gender roles? Is having it ok? If not, why so? Is it good or bad? What are goods, in your opinion, and the bads?

If people themselves want to live by the stereotyped gender roles in their daily lives, then it's fine by me. I don't think there are is anything "good" or "bad" about gender roles, so long as they are not being forced upon people. For example, if a married couple decides that the husband will be the sole provider of the family, while it's agreed upon that the wife will look after the home and rearing the children, then that's great for them. However, as much as I appreciate and respect all the housewives/stay-at-home mommas out there (it's really hard, thankless work that's often very unappreciated in this society), I wouldn't want to be in the same position.

What influence does the media have over how people think?

Media has a LOT of influence over people, whether they realize it or not. I'll use politics as an example; Conservatives are influenced by their preferred media sources to believe that all Liberals are evil anti-American, anti-war welfare enablers, Liberals are influenced to believe that all Conservatives are backwards, uneducated, bigoted sadists, and I could go on and on. It's really annoying, and gets to the point where grown adults (45+) can't even agree to disagree with one another over their views, choosing instead to insult and character assassinate each other, when none of this is necessary.

What is your opinion on the Hijab? Would you ever try it?

Hijabs are alright with me, and I don't see why some people make such a big deal over muslim girls and women wearing them. Like, some women want to cover up for modesty. Does this negatively affect you and your life in any way? No, so leave muslim women and their hijabs alone.

Would I ever try on a hijab? Probably not, because I can't of any situation or scenario where I would ever need to wear one/try one on. Maybe I would if I ever came across a "wear a hijab" demonstration.

 

[Reminder]

I'm really sorry if it appeared that way, as it wasn't what I meant to do. I know what it's like to have people accuse me of saying things I never said/meant, so I would never intentionally do that to anyone else. I think I mostly just went off tangent at the end of my response to you. I'll give your question another go, and try to stay on topic this time:

"Given that we can build a robot, but not a Human, what is your explanation for why there is not a higher intelligence that does it?"

There may very well be a higher power that created/built everything. So I, an agnostic atheist, can't "explain" why there is/isn't a higher intelligence capable of these feats. I just don't believe that there is.

Again, I'm sorry about earlier.

There you go again! I didn't say it created/built everything.

It creates/builds everything. There is a BIG difference.

"The higher the intelligence of anything, the more complex things it can build."

Monkeys can't build robots. Humans can't build Humans.

Get it?

 

[L a n a]

There you go again! I didn't say it created/built everything.

It creates/builds everything. There is a BIG difference.

"The higher the intelligence of anything, the more complex things it can build."

Monkeys can't build robots. Humans can't build Humans.

Get it?

Yeah, I get what you're trying to say.

 

[Happy feet.]

You came here to make conversation and you got it. They all falling over there feet to try and make you understand what you choose not to. Many people live like there is no Higher power not only Atheists. yes Atheism isnt a religion you just dont believe. Others believe they just dont follow. This is the state of happening in the world today. Yet even those who dont believe will run to prayer should something bad happen to them, who do you run to? You must feel so alone. Spirituality gives you strength and comforts. How do you cope? Have you ever experienced real fear? THose old books have a lot of answers , specifically Quran.

Someone asked you how do you think you got to be a creature on this planet? I leave you with a verse from Quran. Revealed to our Prophet PBH, approximatley 1300 years ago, wasnt until the 1800s that scientists only discovered.

[COLOR=var(--bbQxAb)][FONT=&quot]Then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood, and of that clot We made an embryo; then We made out of that lump, bones, and clothed the bones with flesh. Then We developed another creation out of it. So blessed is God, the best of Creators” (Qur'an 23: 12-14).

[/FONT][/COLOR]The Almighty guides whom he wills.