Is it wrong to be Atheist?

I've been agnostic for a few years now but I think my beliefs are starting to lean towards being atheist. I do not claim to know that a god does not exist, but I also lack a belief in any religious god. It seems impossible to know which deity really exists, if any do, with all the choices out there. To be honest, I really have no belief in anything (god, evolution, ect.). If I have any belief, its the belief that everything is unknown, and I wonder how anyone could be so certain on gods existence without questioning it once.

The reason for the posed question is because people have told me that you have to believe in something. You can't just have no belief in nothing. If being atheist is the lack of a belief, or agnostic is just a "I don't know" and I should pick a side, am I in error?

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

I've been agnostic for a few years now but I think my beliefs are starting to lean towards being atheist. I do not claim to know that a god does not exist, but I also lack a belief in any religious god. It seems impossible to know which deity really exists, if any do, with all the choices out there. To be honest, I really have no belief in anything (god, evolution, ect.). If I have any belief, its the belief that everything is unknown, and I wonder how anyone could be so certain on gods existence without questioning it once.

The reason for the posed question is because people have told me that you have to believe in something. You can't just have no belief in nothing. If being atheist is the lack of a belief, or agnostic is just a "I don't know" and I should pick a side, am I in error?

dog64

No. If it's okay to be religious, it's sure-as-hell okay to believe religion is complete and utter supersticious crap.

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

chase_arizona

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

[QUOTE="dog64"]

I've been agnostic for a few years now but I think my beliefs are starting to lean towards being atheist. I do not claim to know that a god does not exist, but I also lack a belief in any religious god. It seems impossible to know which deity really exists, if any do, with all the choices out there. To be honest, I really have no belief in anything (god, evolution, ect.). If I have any belief, its the belief that everything is unknown, and I wonder how anyone could be so certain on gods existence without questioning it once.

The reason for the posed question is because people have told me that you have to believe in something. You can't just have no belief in nothing. If being atheist is the lack of a belief, or agnostic is just a "I don't know" and I should pick a side, am I in error?

raynimrod

No. If it's okay to be religious, it's sure-as-hell okay to believe religion is complete and utter supersticious crap.

Which, of course, doesn't mean that religion is utter supersticious crap.

In reply to the TC though, I don't believe it's wrong to be an Atheist or Agnostic. I believe it's wrong to murder people. I believe it's wrong to steal. I believe it's wring to commit adultery. I do not believe it's wrong to decide to be an Atheist.

As far the 'you can't believe in nothing, I guess I can see where that comes from. An Atheist who believes there is no God still believes in something. That something is that there is no God. Is that not still a belief?

If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

dog64

If a God exists who actually is deserving of worship, then it sure as heck does not want you to worship it simply for personal gain. :P

Pascal's Wager is the worst.

[QUOTE="chase_arizona"]

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

dog64

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

[QUOTE="dog64"]

If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

GabuEx

If a God exists who actually is deserving of worship, then it sure as heck does not want you to worship it simply for personal gain. :P

Pascal's Wager is the worst.

I suppose so, but if all god asks is worship, maybe it doesn't matter. I mean, I don't want to go to hell but, if there's a way out.....

From your post it sounds like you're firmly agnostic.

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="chase_arizona"]

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

LJS9502_basic

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

It depends on who god is. If all he asks is worship, no matter what the persons reasoning for doing so, the wager would be valid. Afterall, god doesn't want people to go to hell so it should make him happy.

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

chase_arizona

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"][QUOTE="dog64"]

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

dog64

It depends on who god is. If all he asks is worship, no matter what the persons reasoning for doing so, the wager would be valid. Afterall, god doesn't want people to go to hell so it should make him happy.

[QUOTE="chase_arizona"]

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

dog64

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

Which god wants only worship?LJS9502_basic

Not sure, I think some Christians do. I also think theists who have no religion have a simular belief: Worshipping god isn't a religion but a way of life.

It's about as wrong as sex with condoms.

Of course theres nothing wrong with being atheist.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

[QUOTE="dog64"]

If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

dog64

If a God exists who actually is deserving of worship, then it sure as heck does not want you to worship it simply for personal gain. :P

Pascal's Wager is the worst.

I suppose so, but if all god asks is worship, maybe it doesn't matter. I mean, I don't want to go to hell but, if there's a way out.....

Let's put it this way: if there's a god where the dividing line between heaven and hell is whether or not you worship it, do you really want to spend an eternity with that entity?

I think the problem lies in the fact that people tend to stereotype Athiest as Self-Absorbed Religion-haters who think they're better than smarter than everyone else. Religious people, especially Christians, are stereotyped similarly.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Which god wants only worship?dog64

Not sure, I think some Christians do. I also think theists who have no religion have a simular belief: Worshipping god isn't a religion but a way of life.

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

If a God exists who actually is deserving of worship, then it sure as heck does not want you to worship it simply for personal gain. :P

Pascal's Wager is the worst.

GabuEx

I suppose so, but if all god asks is worship, maybe it doesn't matter. I mean, I don't want to go to hell but, if there's a way out.....

Let's put it this way: if there's a god where the dividing line between heaven and hell is whether or not you worship it, do you really want to spend an eternity with that entity?

Let's put it this way: if there's a god where the dividing line between heaven and hell is whether or not you worship it, do you really want to spend an eternity with that entity?

GabuEx

No, which is why I have no belief in such god. At the same time, though, I can't tell anyone who believes such that they are wrong cause I have no certainty.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

Let's put it this way: if there's a god where the dividing line between heaven and hell is whether or not you worship it, do you really want to spend an eternity with that entity?

dog64

No, which is why I have no belief in such god. At the same time, though, I can't tell anyone who believes such that they are wrong cause I have no certainty.

Well, that's why I like my view on it, because it really is entirely unaffected by the question of whether or not such a being exists. :P

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Which god wants only worship?LJS9502_basic

Not sure, I think some Christians do. I also think theists who have no religion have a simular belief: Worshipping god isn't a religion but a way of life.

Yes but how do you love him and have a relationship with him? Just by going to church? By not doing evil? By reading the Bible? And if all were doing that just so you wouldn't go to hell, would that be deemed selfish? Along the same line, would you still be interesting in worshipping god if there was no gift of heaven?

No

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"][QUOTE="dog64"]

Not sure, I think some Christians do. I also think theists who have no religion have a simular belief: Worshipping god isn't a religion but a way of life.

dog64

Yes but how do you love him and have a relationship with him? Just by going to church? By not doing evil? By reading the Bible? And if all were doing that just so you wouldn't go to hell, would that be deemed selfish? Along the same line, would you still be interesting in worshipping god if there was no gift of heaven?

No, but it's wrong to be Christian.KHAndAnime

So it's wrong to believe in something?

[QUOTE="KHAndAnime"]No, but it's wrong to be Christian.arad96

So it's wrong to believe in something?

[QUOTE="dog64"]

[QUOTE="chase_arizona"]

So is believing that a man in the sky created everything any better? There's nothing wrong about being agnostic or atheist.

PernicioEnigma

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

To be fair the Big Bang Theory doesn't address the question of what was before, just how the Universe, in its present state, began.

Well heaven is basically "with God". And I'm not sure how you get selfish when you're supposed to treat others well and do for them. Aspiring to be somewhere is not selfish.LJS9502_basic

Escaping the punishment of hell would be a personal gain, at least I would think so. Even though you were doing good, if you were only doing good so that you would earn gods approval incase he exists (Pascal's Wager) then that would be selfish right?

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Well heaven is basically "with God". And I'm not sure how you get selfish when you're supposed to treat others well and do for them. Aspiring to be somewhere is not selfish.dog64

Escaping the punishment of hell would be a personal gain, at least I would think so. Even though you were doing good, if you were only doing good so that you would earn gods approval incase he exists (Pascal's Wager) then that would be selfish right?

[QUOTE="PernicioEnigma"][QUOTE="dog64"]

I have many questions that have no answers on the universe and the like, but I'm not one to believe that something came from nothing. I also find it unreasonable to believe that a god has always been. If a god really does exist, though, would it make sense to play it on the safe side like Pascal's Wager?

worlock77

To be fair the Big Bang Theory doesn't address the question of what was before, just how the Universe, in its present state, began.

[QUOTE="worlock77"]To be fair the Big Bang Theory doesn't address the question of what was before, just how the Universe, in its present state, began.

PernicioEnigma

[QUOTE="worlock77"]

[QUOTE="PernicioEnigma"] You can be an Atheist and still not have 100% faith in the scientific theories. I believe the in the Big Bang theory, but I'm open to the possibility that maybe something existed before it, maybe it's responsible for the big bang, who knows! On the other hand I have no faith in any organised religion and think it's all a load of ****. All this heaven and hell stuff and sins sounds to me like a very human invention for controlling the masses.PernicioEnigma

To be fair the Big Bang Theory doesn't address the question of what was before, just how the Universe, in its present state, began.

Not really, no.

You shouldn't worry so much about lables. Just enjoy life.

Well technically hell means without God. So if you didn't believe in Him then the only difference would be that in Hell...you'd know for a fact that He did exist...and you are not with Him. I believe a God would see through Pascal's Wager. He'd be God after all.:P Though I'm not getting why it's considered selfish to be somewhere. You want to go to the best college so you apply yourself to do so. Is that selfish? You want to go on a great vacation so you plan and save for it. Is that selfish?LJS9502_basic

Those are personal gains, especially the vacation, so they could be. If someone was just working hard at a job just to get money for fancy vacations and not supporting their family, then yes that is selfish. It doesn't have to be though, its not wrong to enjoy life.

The point is if believing in a god or worshipping a god just for the rewards (heaven, life forever, ect.) is wrong. Also, most Christians believe that hell is a place of eternal punishment, and who would want that? If you were told that you had a choice of that or worshipping so and so god that you previously didn't believe in, what would you choose?

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Well technically hell means without God. So if you didn't believe in Him then the only difference would be that in Hell...you'd know for a fact that He did exist...and you are not with Him. I believe a God would see through Pascal's Wager. He'd be God after all.:P Though I'm not getting why it's considered selfish to be somewhere. You want to go to the best college so you apply yourself to do so. Is that selfish? You want to go on a great vacation so you plan and save for it. Is that selfish?dog64

Those are personal gains, especially the vacation, so they could be. If someone was just working hard at a job just to get money for fancy vacations and not supporting their family, then yes that is selfish. It doesn't have to be though, its not wrong to enjoy life.

The point is if believing in a god or worshipping a god just for the rewards (heaven, life forever, ect.) is wrong. Also, most Christians believe that hell is a place of eternal punishment, and who would want that? If you were told that you had a choice of that or worshipping so and so god that you previously didn't believe in, what would you choose?

An atheist can't be wrong. They believe in facts and real evidence.

No, but it's wrong to be Christian.

An atheist can't be wrong. They believe in facts and real evidence.

Alacoque72

An atheist can't be wrong. They believe in facts and real evidence.

Alacoque72

[QUOTE="Alacoque72"]

An atheist can't be wrong. They believe in facts and real evidence.

LJS9502_basic

Wait what is the definition of Atheist? I thought it was just not having a religion and believing in science. There is a possibilty of a creater.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"][QUOTE="Alacoque72"]

An atheist can't be wrong. They believe in facts and real evidence.

Alacoque72

Wait what is the definition of Atheist? I thought it was just not having a religion and believing in science. There is a possibilty of a creater.

Short answer: No.
In-depth answer: Indeffinitely pending.

[QUOTE="Alacoque72"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"] Well if a God exists then the atheist would be wrong....would he not?LJS9502_basic

Wait what is the definition of Atheist? I thought it was just not having a religion and believing in science. There is a possibilty of a creater.

Of course not. Believe what you believe and leave it at that. I'm always astounded at the debates that explode on forums about religion. Some people believe one thing and others will believe another. I say just do what you want and leave others be...