Ask me (an atheist) anything!

[M.I.A.]

However, I don't claim that some type of impersonal, creating force-couldn'tpossibly exist.-

...what does this mean o_0

 

[L a n a]

To the atheist!!! Hi,

Hello Sir Scimitar,

Were you created from nothing?

My parent's played a large part in creating me. You know how the whole egg+sperm merging typically goes...

or, did you create yourself?

No, haha.

or, did you create the heavens and the earth?

I have no idea what the specifics/exactly how the universe was formed (I wasn't there), but the "big bang" seems to be the go to theory by most these days.

Or will you be honest and say, "i am not certain" ???!!!

Lol, I say "I don't know" all the time!!! When my friends and I try to have "fake deep" philosophical discussions, my apatheistic side will take over and I'm always the one to conclude with "At the end of the day nobody knows how it all started, maybe it was god/a creator, maybe it was aliens, maybe we're all just a big random mess of randomness. But that was billions of years ago and humans are too stupid/trifling to ever create a backwards time machine, so we'll most likely never know. And I don't really care tbh. Let go get some lunch, I'm starving!!" Usually something along those lines.

 

[Simple_Person]

I've never read the quran or any other islamic material, so much of what I said was based on assumptions. However, I'm respectful enough to not assume that Muslims or any other religious group are non-thinking beings who just follow whatever is written in old books. Rather, they are people who think that the religion and their holy books makes sense to them.

I personally don't think there is much "logic, rationality, or reason" in most of the religious beliefs/practices out there, but if it makes sense to the faithful, then good for them. Doesn't have to make sense to me (and they often don't). If that is what gets them up in the morning, and makes them the best person they can be, then great.

This is what I'm trying to say, *but I've never been the best at expressing myself in written format. So bear with me if maybe something I write isn't clear enoug

Concerning "blind faith", I'm sure there is a great degree of that in any religion out there. Being able to say that one's faith is the "one and true" is an example of that. But we put blind faith in a lot of things, so it's not really specific to religion at all.

Again you are contradicting yourself.

You said

Well, because I don't believe in the deity that Muslims believe in

Not believing in the deity Muslims believe in IS BASED ON YOUR OWN RESEARCH. So now you are saying..well i do not know anything about Islam and what's all about, "but i just don't believe in it". This is what one calls blind belief by not even assessing it. In other words is like saying person X has not killed the victim, based on i just don't believe it. If one says have you looked at the evidence? You're reply is, well no just i don't believe he has done it.

Now you see how foolish you look if you would do such a thing right..well you are doing it right now. We are not talking about Christians (no offence) saying well Jesus(pbuh) died for our sins, based on illogical, irrational and unreasonable argument.

Sister you said

I personally don't think there is much...

It is not matter of thinking as you are rather referring to YOU ASSUMING. In Islam is matter of accessing the evidence. Based on the evidence certain steps are taken including becoming Muslim. That is what i have done thus became a Muslim. So that is what i with a serious face am looking at you as ..what is wrong with you? I EXPECTED seriously more of you because you say you are an atheist. As atheists base their thinking on evidence. What is going on? Are you also a sheep just like many religious people out there, that believe without using logic, rationality and reason with proof? Please give me some good firm argument, because you are really letting me down with this blind-follow-belief mentality.

 

[L a n a]

...what does this mean o_0

Exactly what I wrote. I don't believe in any gods.

Howeveeerr, I don't claim that an impersonal (i.e. doesn't care about us) higher power/creator/"the source" couldn't/doesn't exist. I 100% don't believe in any of the religions and their deities here on Earth tho.

Maybe I should have clarified what I meant, my bad.

 

[fschmidt]

I view all of the religions and their deities as the creation of the human mind

Are the laws of physics a creation of the human mind?

 

[L a n a]

Are you also a sheep just like many religious people out there, that believe without using logic, rationality and reason with proof?

Atheists don't all think alike (other than simply not believing in any gods).
-There are gnostic atheists who also take the firm position that they know that there aren't any gods/creator/higher power/"main source". I don't.
-I'm more agnostic and apatheistic in my approach to atheism: believe that it would be impossible to ever know if a god/gods exists, and I'm rather indifferent when it comes to religion and/or "proving" the existence/non-existence of gods in the first place.

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Are you also a sheep just like many religious people out there, that believe without using logic, rationality and reason with proof?

Atheists don't all think alike (other than simply not believing in any gods).
-There are gnostic atheists who also take the firm position that they know that there aren't any gods/creator/higher power/"main source". I don't.
-I'm more agnostic and apatheistic in my approach to atheism: believe that it would be impossible to ever know if a god/gods exists, and I'm rather indifferent when it comes to religion and/or "proving" the existence/non-existence of gods in the first place.

 

[M.I.A.]

Exactly what I wrote. I don't believe in any gods.

Howeveeerr, I don't claim that an impersonal (i.e. doesn't care about us) higher power/creator/"the source" couldn't/doesn't exist. I 100% don't believe in any of the religions and their deities here on Earth tho.

Maybe I should have clarified what I meant, my bad.

And what does the source do? "/

..what is it allegedly responsible for?

..im just asking because if you have thought about it, you must have thought about it.

:|

 

[Simple_Person]

Atheists don't all think alike (other than simply not believing in any gods).
-There are gnostic atheists who also take the firm position that they know that there aren't any gods/creator/higher power/"main source". I don't.
-I'm more agnostic and apatheistic in my approach to atheism: believe that it would be impossible to ever know if a god/gods exists, and I'm rather indifferent when it comes to religion and/or "proving" the existence/non-existence of gods in the first place.

Sister, i know to your heart is seems just ridiculous that a BOOK has come from a Creator. You are not the first, i was also one of them. Also to you it sounds ridiculous that religion can be based on logic, rationality and reason. Again you would not be the first one to think like that.

However it is something so strange that it is exactly that, based on logic, rationality and reason. In the Qur'an it says "Truth is clear from falsehood".

"And say, "Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed is falsehood, [by nature], ever bound to depart." Qur'an 17:81

This indeed is true, if one would assess the evidence every bit of lie is revealed..(ie all other religions). No religion survives when critical questions are being asked, except the truth whatever that might be. So the question and even advice to you is to question EVERY single religion including atheism. You will see how no lie can survive, this is also with all man-made religions or better said religions that have been tempered with by humans. You are still alive, in other words you still have given time to do so. After death there is no way back, if you have not done your research and you say well all religions were man-made. If after you die and there is a God it was asked did you not have internet to search? Did you not have any time to search? Did you not have anybody to ask questions to? What will you say?

Islam says question, reflect, ponder, THINK. Don't be a sheep. Ask questions.

 

[Scimitar]

Hello Sir Scimitar,



My parent's played a large part in creating me. You know how the whole egg+sperm merging typically goes...



No, haha.



I have no idea what the specifics/exactly how the universe was formed (I wasn't there), but the "big bang" seems to be the go to theory by most these days.



Lol, I say "I don't know" all the time!!! When my friends and I try to have "fake deep" philosophical discussions, my apatheistic side will take over and I'm always the one to conclude with "At the end of the day nobody knows how it all started, maybe it was god/a creator, maybe it was aliens, maybe we're all just a big random mess of randomness. But that was billions of years ago and humans are too stupid/trifling to ever create a backwards time machine, so we'll most likely never know. And I don't really care tbh. Let go get some lunch, I'm starving!!" Usually something along those lines.

So you basically know nothing!!! ok got it!

I have no further questions, your uncertainty is hardly educational, no offence!

 

[L a n a]

So you basically know nothing!!! ok got it!

I have no further questions, your uncertainty is hardly educational, no offence!

None taken!

 

[noraina]

Assalamu alaykum and hi,

@L a n a, I found your answers interesting. You don't seem to be one of those zealous or militaristic atheists (which is a good thing, although they are fun to debate with ), you do really seem quite indifferent to religion, or indeed, having no religion at all.

So do you not really care at all what someone does or does not believe in? Do you have some sort of goal or idea about how you would want society to be, and on what moral and ideological foundations an 'ideal' society should be based? What do you think your purpose is, if at all?

Do you think religion is a good thing, or is the world better off without it?

You were born in 1996? I'm three years younger than you. We're both young (relatively, lol), female, and have grown up in a Western society. Similar, but different. I'm a Muslim who passionately (in a good way ) believes in her religion. I dress as a Muslim, eat as a Muslim, practice as a Muslim, and God is the most central part of my life. What do you think of people like me with really firm religious convictions? Do you feel sorry for them, or frustrated, or nothing at all?

Sorry for all these questions, lol. I'm looking forward to your answers. x.

 

[Umm Malik]

No, thank you for the questions Maryam!

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I want to add some more details about me.

I tend to just call myself "non-religious" or "atheist" when people ask me, because those terms are fairly easy enough for most people to understand.

However, I would actually best be classified as an "apatheistic atheist". As in, I don't believe in god(s), but I'm also very indifferent/apathetic towards the idea of whether god(s) exist or not, in general. You'll never see my debating for or against the existence of gods, for example. It's just not something I care enough about to ever do.

Just thought I'd squeeze this in here, before there are any more replies.

thank you Lana ... but if there is a god is better to know him
if you want this ... than I think this video can give you some ideas about this
you know sister that I belive in that and I am sure about it I want you to know this ... because I want the good for you
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9RuQMD4yYWg
welcome on IB forum
good staying

 

[Simple_Person]

-

sister, as brother scimitair also said, "you know nothing". It is rather strange to open a topic as ask me anything, but there isn't anything you know be it about atheism or agnosticism one even could say. All is based on feelings and no intellectual debate to be found. While "asking you anything" is rather sort of indication of starting intellectual debate, but what intellectual debate if you know nothing??

I would say "retreat" yourself and go gain some serious intellectual knowledge about religions but also about atheism itself. Because you will only loose face if you try to sound intelligent and try to start a debate with somebody be it on internet or in real life.

Don't think i am insulting you or putting you down, i am only throwing reality in to your face. One could see it as a insult what i just said, while the wise person sees it as .."this guy has a point and takes the advice".

 

[sister herb]

I don´t think that any outsider can describe what atheism is than only a person himself as atheism is not proportional like some religion with scriptures or philosophy theory with it´s sources. Everyone has right to describe atheism what suits to he (she in this case) and what it means to he (or she). But thats my opinion and I am not atheist.

 

[Simple_Person]

I don´t think that any outsider can describe what atheism is than only a person himself as atheism is not proportional like some religion with scriptures or philosophy theory with it´s sources. Everyone has right to describe atheism what suits to he (she in this case) and what it means to he (or she). But thats my opinion and I am not atheist.

Somebody who doesn't know if a God exist, is NOT a atheist, rather agnostic. They say i don't know if a God exist or not exist. As an ex-atheist i can relate as my firm stance WAS that there was no Creator back then.

The agnostics if you ask me are a bit problematic, as these people don't take a stance. They are the wanders of belief. Neither belief neither disbelieve so to say. However their way of life is based on atheistic lifestyle and what they deem worthy and not worthy..all based on their desires.

Because these people don't take any firm stance when it comes to existence of a Creator or not, it is if you ask me just futile to even start a discussion with such people. If you even throw a stone at their face, they would still say but i don't know if stones exist. They even refuse to use their head, while atheist cling on "no there is no Creator"-mentality. The agnostics if you ask me are in the same boat a bit like Christians (no offense). Their stance is based on feelings and NOTHING on logic, rationality and reason. Atheist do use logic, rationality and reason, although the outcome is wrongly concluded, but they at least try to use.

Being a Muslim for about 4 years i have noticed that things are SOO SIMPLE. It is like searching something, but it is RIGHT under your nose and you NEVER noticed it. It all comes down on simply using logic, rationality and reason. Because Qur'an often talks about pondering, reflecting ..don't they think etc., this is a confirmation that everybody who disbelieves are able to think logically, rationally and reasonably. The problem doesn't lie in inability to use their brain. It is their dishonesty, arrogance, pride, lack of interest, etc. etc. So it comes really down on feelings (ie the heart).

You see this very often that when atheist even start a discussion with Muslims, it is not as if Muslims lack the intellectual side or inability to use logic, rationality and reason, they are baffled by the firm stance Muslims take but all based on logic, rationality and reason with proof. However they suddenly make the debate/discussion about "winning" it not really pursuing what the truth might be.

Anyways, death doesn't wait for anybody..be it a Muslim or somebody of other faith.

 

[Reminder]

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

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?

(don't forget the more complex something is, the more intelligence that is required to create it)

 

[keiv]

Do you think the world would be a better place without religion? If so, why? If not, why?

What do you think the world would be like had religion never existed?

 

[L a n a]

Assalamu alaykum and hi,

Hi noraina.

@L a n a, I found your answers interesting. You don't seem to be one of those zealous or militaristic atheists (which is a good thing, although they are fun to debate with ), you do really seem quite indifferent to religion, or indeed, having no religion at all.

Haha I'm a fairly laid back person, so being "zealous" and "militaristic" is definitely NOT my brand.

So do you not really care at all what someone does or does not believe in?

No, not really. I know wayyyyy too many people who are religious (to certain extents), and it has never once crossed my mind to put down, insult or call them out on their beliefs.

Do you have some sort of goal or idea about how you would want society to be, and on what moral and ideological foundations an 'ideal' society should be based?

Ideally, I would like to see societies (worldwide) transcend beyond bigotry, racism, corruption, greed, class-ism, war, etc. so we can focus on taking care of all people, especially the most vulnerable. Seeing to it that all people at the very least have access to adequate shelter, nutritious food, clean water, basic education, and healthcare. It can be done but people are selfish and would much rather see the billions of $$$s being pumped into defense budgets to kill innocents, than see even a fraction of these funds being used to feed hungry kids/elders or help failing school districts.

What do you think your purpose is, if at all?

I would like to become a Black History/Civil Rights Historian, wife, and mommy some day.

Do you think religion is a good thing, or is the world better off without it?

I really think it depends. I don't think that religions are "good" or "bad" in and of themselves, but they can definitely be used for either. Religion can be used to inspire others to love their brethren and neighbors, help the poor, be respectful. Or it can be exploited by charismatic leaders to manipulate others into paying for their megachurches and mansions (televangelists), or killing or displacing other groups of people (terrorist groups).

It's easy for someone like myself who has lived a very comfortable life and never faced any serious hardships to dismiss the necessity of religion, but for another person halfway across the world who has lost everything (their children, home, etc.) they love to war and conflict, religion and faith might be the only thing that gets them to continue living day to day and remaining hopeful and positive despite all of their suffering. So I'm not going to say that religion needs to go.

You were born in 1996? I'm three years younger than you. We're both young (relatively, lol), female, and have grown up in a Western society. Similar, but different. I'm a Muslim who passionately (in a good way ) believes in her religion. I dress as a Muslim, eat as a Muslim, practice as a Muslim, and God is the most central part of my life. What do you think of people like me with really firm religious convictions? Do you feel sorry for them, or frustrated, or nothing at all?

How do I feel about religious people? I can't say that I've ever felt sad or frustrated for religious people, since I have no reason to. I'm mostly indifferent to religion, but think religious people should be able to do their own thing so long as they aren't harming anyone.

Sorry for all these questions, lol. I'm looking forward to your answers. x.

Awww don't be sorry, I'm the one that asked people to be nosey, remember lol?

Thank you for the questions noraina.

 

[L a n a]

sister, as brother scimitair also said, "you know nothing". It is rather strange to open a topic as ask me anything, but there isn't anything you know be it about atheism or agnosticism one even could say. All is based on feelings and no intellectual debate to be found. While "asking you anything" is rather sort of indication of starting intellectual debate, but what intellectual debate if you know nothing??

I would say "retreat" yourself and go gain some serious intellectual knowledge about religions but also about atheism itself. Because you will only loose face if you try to sound intelligent and try to start a debate with somebody be it on internet or in real life.

Don't think i am insulting you or putting you down, i am only throwing reality in to your face. One could see it as a insult what i just said, while the wise person sees it as .."this guy has a point and takes the advice".

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.

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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?

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.

 

[L a n a]

Do you think the world would be a better place without religion? If so, why? If not, why?

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:

I don't think that religions are "good" or "bad" in and of themselves, but they can definitely be used for either. Religion can be used to inspire others to love their brethren and neighbors, help the poor, be respectful, forgive those who have wronged them, etc. Or it can be exploited by charismatic leaders to manipulate their poor and desperate followers into paying for their megachurches, private jets, mansions (televangelists), or killing or displacing other groups of people (terrorist groups).

It's easy for someone like myself who has lived a very comfortable life without religion and never faced any serious hardships to dismiss the necessity of religion, but for another person halfway across the world who has lost everything they loved (their children, home, etc.) to war and conflict, religion/faith might be the only thing that gets them to continue living day to day and remaining hopeful and positive despite all of their suffering. So I'm not going to say that religion needs to disappear, or that everything will be better 100% without it.

What do you think the world would be like had religion never existed?

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.