Why does Atheism seem to dominate the internet?

[QUOTE="Ace6301"][QUOTE="CondorCalabasas"]Its just like most gamers are unhealthy, anti-social, and unexperienced with the opposite sex. Its like a way of them overcompensating for their lack of ego or self esteem to feel superior to others.CondorCalabasas

Actually, atheism doesn't dominate the internet at all. Just go over to Metabunk and check out the Quotes Debunked sub-forum, or anything under Debunked.

Or anything on the website, really. You'll see that atheists don't exactly make up a majority over there.

In fact, gaming and technology forums are probably the only ones that I frequent where atheists are overwhelmingly more prominent than theists of some sort.

[QUOTE="Nibroc420"]Religious bigotry? I dont think you're using that word properly... It's not like people are judging them on something that is innate, you choose a religion, you choose to accept the values that religion teaches. You're saying "Religious bigotry" as if it were like hating on black people. It's more for hating KKK members, who adhere to the KKK and choose to accept the KKK's values. Sure, I'm intolerant of that group, and i hate that group and it's members, and although technically by definition that would make me a bigot... well, guess bigot's aren't so bad after all.musicalmac

Bigotry is the state of mind or attitude of a bigot, defined by Merriam-Webster as "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially {but not limited to}: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance". Bigotry may be based on real or perceived characteristics, including age, disability, dissension from popular opinions, economic status, ethnicity, gender identity, language, nationality, personal habits, personal feelings, political alignment, race, region, culture, religious or spiritual belief, sex, species, or sexual orientation. Wikipedia

I'm verbalizing that hating a group, based on the collective beliefs, and actions of that group, isn't that bad.
Or are you suggesting that some members of the KKK might be perfectly morally straight guys, who've got no prejudice and no intent to harm others.
My thoughts is that if you choose to associate yourself with a group, and agree with their values, you're just as bad as the group.

Likewise, If you're a part of the collective mass comprising a religion, You in a sense must agree with the ideals of that group.
One cannot be a Nazi and hate Jews, just as one cannot be Christian and hate Christ.

Unless you'd educate yourself on the horrific teachings of holy books, you wouldn't understand...

as one myself its quite impressive.grinchh

[QUOTE="grinchh"]as one myself its quite impressive.buccomatic

So much anger.

[QUOTE="buccomatic"]

[QUOTE="grinchh"]as one myself its quite impressive.tenaka2

So much anger.

i felt no anger while telling the truth btw.

[QUOTE="tenaka2"]

[QUOTE="buccomatic"]maybe it's because atheists are hate-filled a$$holes who can't make friends so they live their lives aloneand online while espousing their venemous hatred so others will be as misreable as they are?

buccomatic

So much anger.

i felt no anger while telling the truth btw.

I think christians miss the good old days.

There was a time when chritians could just set you on fire if you didn't believe in god.

I think christians miss the good old days.

There was a time when chritians could just set you on fire if you didn't believe in god.

tenaka2

Perhaps it is people like yourself, with comments like that, that give atheism a bad name.

Freethinking is an ever increasing entity, the anonimity of the web makes people feel more confident in expressing themselves. Atheism is growing in the west rapidly, but sadly isn't driving politics yet. It is far more popular to harrass people with your own beliefs, and tell them why they can't marry or have rights.

[QUOTE="tenaka2"]

I think christians miss the good old days.

There was a time when chritians could just set you on fire if you didn't believe in god.

RationalAtheist

Perhaps it is people like yourself, with comments like that, that give atheism a bad name.

Atheism doe not have a bad name, and reminding religion of its past crimes is not a bad thing. The christian method of hiding the truth is at an end.

I don't think Atheism dominates the Internet since there is no proven statistic that says so. You're just assuming most people on here are Atheists. Ever hear of the vocal minority?

Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of Atheist elitists on these boards, and it makes me sad. Maybe if they sat down and read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis or "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller instead of spewing hatred towards God and Christianity they could learn a different point of view that would show them "hey guys! Life isn't completely pointless, and here's a valid, logical argument why God might actually exist". Not everyone that has strong faith is mentally slow, that's just plain bigotry and closemindedness at the highest level.

Just because certain groups or individuals have misrepresented God doesn't mean He doesn't exist, and no, there is no physical proof either for or against the existance of God. Really it's just "cool" to hate on God around here. I don't hate on Atheism, I have some very smart Atheist friends. We might not always see eye to eye but at least we can respect our beliefs and boundaries with each other, and though I would be ecstatic if he converted to my faith, I would hope it would be for the right reasons.

Honestly if you want people to really believe what you believe, you need to show that what you believe and practice makes you a truly happy, fulfilled person, not a hateful bigot. In order to love an idea or a way of life you need to see someone else love it passionately. I would argue that being a committed Christian is about 100 times better than any drug, alcohol, or sex driven adventure I've had in my past. Sometimes it's not about knowledge in a physical sense, but something much deeper.

I don't think Atheism dominates the Internet since there is no proven statistic that says so. You're just assuming most people on here are Atheists. Ever hear of the vocal minority?

Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of Atheist elitists on these boards, and it makes me sad. Maybe if they sat down and read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis or "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller instead of spewing hatred towards God and Christianity they could learn a different point of view that would show them "hey guys! Life isn't completely pointless, and here's a valid, logical argument why God might actually exist". Not everyone that has strong faith is mentally slow, that's just plain bigotry and closemindedness at the highest level.

Just because certain groups or individuals have misrepresented God doesn't mean He doesn't exist, and no, there is no physical proof either for or against the existance of God. Really it's just "cool" to hate on God around here. I don't hate on Atheism, I have some very smart Atheist friends. We might not always see eye to eye but at least we can respect our beliefs and boundaries with each other, and though I would be ecstatic if he converted to my faith, I would hope it would be for the right reasons.

Honestly if you want people to really believe what you believe, you need to show that what you believe and practice makes you a truly happy, fulfilled person, not a hateful bigot. In order to love an idea or a way of life you need to see someone else love it passionately. I would argue that being a committed Christian is about 100 times better than any drug, alcohol, or sex driven adventure I've had in my past. Sometimes it's not about knowledge in a physical sense, but something much deeper.

mynameisjosh657

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

I don't think Atheism dominates the Internet since there is no proven statistic that says so. You're just assuming most people on here are Atheists. Ever hear of the vocal minority?

Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of Atheist elitists on these boards, and it makes me sad. Maybe if they sat down and read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis or "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller instead of spewing hatred towards God and Christianity they could learn a different point of view that would show them "hey guys! Life isn't completely pointless, and here's a valid, logical argument why God might actually exist". Not everyone that has strong faith is mentally slow, that's just plain bigotry and closemindedness at the highest level.

Just because certain groups or individuals have misrepresented God doesn't mean He doesn't exist, and no, there is no physical proof either for or against the existance of God. Really it's just "cool" to hate on God around here. I don't hate on Atheism, I have some very smart Atheist friends. We might not always see eye to eye but at least we can respect our beliefs and boundaries with each other, and though I would be ecstatic if he converted to my faith, I would hope it would be for the right reasons.

Honestly if you want people to really believe what you believe, you need to show that what you believe and practice makes you a truly happy, fulfilled person, not a hateful bigot. In order to love an idea or a way of life you need to see someone else love it passionately. I would argue that being a committed Christian is about 100 times better than any drug, alcohol, or sex driven adventure I've had in my past. Sometimes it's not about knowledge in a physical sense, but something much deeper.

toast_burner

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

I would like to read that study, sounds interesting.

And I know more about Atheism than you think, considering I was an Atheist and then converted, but what do I know?

I would like to read that study, sounds interesting.

And I know more about Atheism than you think, considering I was an Atheist and then converted, but what do I know?

mynameisjosh657

The study sounds like so much meaningless self-aggrandisement to me.

You say you know more about atheism than we think, but at the same time you say atheists "spew hatred towards God". I'd say those statements are contradictory.

You also say there is "a valid, logial argument as to why God might exist". I could get behind such an argument if it weren't only inference-type logic, so what is it? I presume you are referring to a trinitarian Christian God, yes?

[QUOTE="toast_burner"]

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

I don't think Atheism dominates the Internet since there is no proven statistic that says so. You're just assuming most people on here are Atheists. Ever hear of the vocal minority?

Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of Atheist elitists on these boards, and it makes me sad. Maybe if they sat down and read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis or "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller instead of spewing hatred towards God and Christianity they could learn a different point of view that would show them "hey guys! Life isn't completely pointless, and here's a valid, logical argument why God might actually exist". Not everyone that has strong faith is mentally slow, that's just plain bigotry and closemindedness at the highest level.

Just because certain groups or individuals have misrepresented God doesn't mean He doesn't exist, and no, there is no physical proof either for or against the existance of God. Really it's just "cool" to hate on God around here. I don't hate on Atheism, I have some very smart Atheist friends. We might not always see eye to eye but at least we can respect our beliefs and boundaries with each other, and though I would be ecstatic if he converted to my faith, I would hope it would be for the right reasons.

Honestly if you want people to really believe what you believe, you need to show that what you believe and practice makes you a truly happy, fulfilled person, not a hateful bigot. In order to love an idea or a way of life you need to see someone else love it passionately. I would argue that being a committed Christian is about 100 times better than any drug, alcohol, or sex driven adventure I've had in my past. Sometimes it's not about knowledge in a physical sense, but something much deeper.

mynameisjosh657

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

I would like to read that study, sounds interesting.

And I know more about Atheism than you think, considering I was an Atheist and then converted, but what do I know?

It was over a year ago that i saw that study so finding it is difficult.This one says that on average atheists know more about Christianity than average Christians. unfortunately the original source is just a 404 message now.

If you know more about atheism than I think, why are you saying obviously incorrect statements about it?

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

[QUOTE="toast_burner"]

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

I would like to read that study, sounds interesting.

And I know more about Atheism than you think, considering I was an Atheist and then converted, but what do I know?

why are you sayiong obviously wrong facts about it?

[QUOTE="toast_burner"]

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

I would like to read that study, sounds interesting.

And I know more about Atheism than you think, considering I was an Atheist and then converted, but what do I know?

EmpCom

why are you sayiong obviously wrong facts about it?

Leave me alone, it's 11 in the morning and I'm nocturnal, or it was an intentional oxymoron, or I'm just dumb.

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

I would like to read that study, sounds interesting.

And I know more about Atheism than you think, considering I was an Atheist and then converted, but what do I know?

RationalAtheist

The study sounds like so much meaningless self-aggrandisement to me.

You say you know more about atheism than we think, but at the same time you say atheists "spew hatred towards God". I'd say those statements are contradictory.

You also say there is "a valid, logial argument as to why God might exist". I could get behind such an argument if it weren't only inference-type logic, so what is it? I presume you are referring to a trinitarian Christian God, yes?

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

I don't think Atheism dominates the Internet since there is no proven statistic that says so. You're just assuming most people on here are Atheists. Ever hear of the vocal minority?

Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of Atheist elitists on these boards, and it makes me sad. Maybe if they sat down and read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis or "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller instead of spewing hatred towards God and Christianity they could learn a different point of view that would show them "hey guys! Life isn't completely pointless, and here's a valid, logical argument why God might actually exist". Not everyone that has strong faith is mentally slow, that's just plain bigotry and closemindedness at the highest level.

Just because certain groups or individuals have misrepresented God doesn't mean He doesn't exist, and no, there is no physical proof either for or against the existance of God. Really it's just "cool" to hate on God around here. I don't hate on Atheism, I have some very smart Atheist friends. We might not always see eye to eye but at least we can respect our beliefs and boundaries with each other, and though I would be ecstatic if he converted to my faith, I would hope it would be for the right reasons.

Honestly if you want people to really believe what you believe, you need to show that what you believe and practice makes you a truly happy, fulfilled person, not a hateful bigot. In order to love an idea or a way of life you need to see someone else love it passionately. I would argue that being a committed Christian is about 100 times better than any drug, alcohol, or sex driven adventure I've had in my past. Sometimes it's not about knowledge in a physical sense, but something much deeper.

toast_burner

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

Well from what I am aware of and I may be wrong, the internet isn't in the list of Gods accomplishments, sooooo yeah.

Here is the study, it has been reported in a variety of science magazines and journals. http://news.discovery.com/human/religious-belief-critical-thinking-120426.htmlTeetotal_Kitten

I thought that was a link to an article about critical thinking, linking to another article:

http://news.discovery.com/human/atheists-best-informed-about-religion.html

that linked to the "Pew Foundation's" survey that now has 404 error instead. I don't dispute the study existed, but wonder at it's relevance, aside to fluff the egos of some atheists.

It seems meaningless to suggest that atheists know more about faith than the faithful. The adage "the more we think we know, the more we need to learn" springs to mind.

Any atheist who thinks life has a "point" or meaning is being inconsistent and possibly irrational.Rhazakna

Since when did atheism exclude a personal meaning and "point to life" from existence?

[QUOTE="buccomatic"]

[QUOTE="tenaka2"]

So much anger.

Ace6301

i felt no anger while telling the truth btw.

think straight, it works wonders.

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]

Any atheist who thinks life has a "point" or meaning is being inconsistent and possibly irrational.RationalAtheist

Since when did atheism exclude a personal meaning and "point to life" from existence?

[QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]

Any atheist who thinks life has a "point" or meaning is being inconsistent and possibly irrational.Rhazakna

Since when did atheism exclude a personal meaning and "point to life" from existence?

[QUOTE="toast_burner"]

[QUOTE="mynameisjosh657"]

I don't think Atheism dominates the Internet since there is no proven statistic that says so. You're just assuming most people on here are Atheists. Ever hear of the vocal minority?

Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of Atheist elitists on these boards, and it makes me sad. Maybe if they sat down and read "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis or "The Reason For God" by Timothy Keller instead of spewing hatred towards God and Christianity they could learn a different point of view that would show them "hey guys! Life isn't completely pointless, and here's a valid, logical argument why God might actually exist". Not everyone that has strong faith is mentally slow, that's just plain bigotry and closemindedness at the highest level.

Just because certain groups or individuals have misrepresented God doesn't mean He doesn't exist, and no, there is no physical proof either for or against the existance of God. Really it's just "cool" to hate on God around here. I don't hate on Atheism, I have some very smart Atheist friends. We might not always see eye to eye but at least we can respect our beliefs and boundaries with each other, and though I would be ecstatic if he converted to my faith, I would hope it would be for the right reasons.

Honestly if you want people to really believe what you believe, you need to show that what you believe and practice makes you a truly happy, fulfilled person, not a hateful bigot. In order to love an idea or a way of life you need to see someone else love it passionately. I would argue that being a committed Christian is about 100 times better than any drug, alcohol, or sex driven adventure I've had in my past. Sometimes it's not about knowledge in a physical sense, but something much deeper.

Rhazakna

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

That is such ignorance.

An atheistic idea of meaning is essentially just adding a layer of mysticism over subjective values. Most western atheists want to keep things that are rooted in religion without belief in god (meaning, purpose, morality to name a few). Few atheists realize just how culturally Christian they are.Rhazakna

Meaning is not an atheist idea - its an existential idea. There need be no mysticism to personal meaning and it is a subjective evaluation, which differentiates it from an objective religious one.

Atheism is not confined to "Christian" cultures, so I wonder at your odd statement about being culturally Christian.

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"][QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

Since when did atheism exclude a personal meaning and "point to life" from existence?

toast_burner

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]

An atheistic idea of meaning is essentially just adding a layer of mysticism over subjective values. Most western atheists want to keep things that are rooted in religion without belief in god (meaning, purpose, morality to name a few). Few atheists realize just how culturally Christian they are.RationalAtheist

Meaning is not an atheist idea - its an existential idea. There need be no mysticism to personal meaning and it is a subjective evaluation, which differentiates it from an objective religious one.

Atheism is not confined to "Christian" cultures, so I wonder at your odd statement about being culturally Christian.

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"][QUOTE="toast_burner"]

I remember reading a study that showed on average atheists are more educated about religion than anyone else. Obviously a Christian is more likely to be more educated on Christianity, but there are much more religions than Christianity.

Being an atheist doesn't mean you think life is pointless, you say people should be more educated about religion yet you clearly don't understand much about any view point but your own.

MikeMoose

That is such ignorance.

[QUOTE="RationalAtheist"]

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]

An atheistic idea of meaning is essentially just adding a layer of mysticism over subjective values. Most western atheists want to keep things that are rooted in religion without belief in god (meaning, purpose, morality to name a few). Few atheists realize just how culturally Christian they are.Rhazakna

Meaning is not an atheist idea - its an existential idea. There need be no mysticism to personal meaning and it is a subjective evaluation, which differentiates it from an objective religious one.

Atheism is not confined to "Christian" cultures, so I wonder at your odd statement about being culturally Christian.

Most Buddhists are atheists. So obviusosly it's possible.

I understand, I was referring to all ideas of meaning that reject a god. To call subjective values "meaning" adds an unnecessary layer that adds nothing to the concept. What is the difference between what is subjectively valued and what gives "meaning"? If there is no difference why have two concepts at all? To claim there is a difference is secular mysticism. I was talking specifically about western atheists. The so-called "New Atheist" movement is steeped in cultural Christianity.

Rhazakna

It might add nothing to the concept to you, but religion tends to provide default meaning(s) for living faithfully. Without religion there is no objective religious meaning, only many personal and subjective ones that differ between people. It is the same "concept" of meaning to an atheist, but expressed in personal terms, rather than from religious dogma.

What is secular mysticism? What has secularism to do with this? Why confine yourself only to western atheists? Is it to suit your point of view?

What is this "New Atheist" movement? I've not heard of it personally, which I find surprising. How is this movement steeped in cultural Christianity and how do you seperate a culture from shared values with a particular religion?

[QUOTE="MikeMoose"]

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"] Any atheist who thinks life has a "point" or meaning is being inconsistent and possibly irrational.Rhazakna

That is such ignorance.

if something is alive and therefore it is alive, it doesn't need to have meaning to be alive.

no??

Then please, defend a secular idea of meaning. What gives an atheist's life meaning?Rhazakna

My life is given meaning by my partnership with my wife, my family, friends, my interests, pursuits, desires and in gaining knowledge. This not so much a secular idea, but an existential one.

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]

I understand, I was referring to all ideas of meaning that reject a god. To call subjective values "meaning" adds an unnecessary layer that adds nothing to the concept. What is the difference between what is subjectively valued and what gives "meaning"? If there is no difference why have two concepts at all? To claim there is a difference is secular mysticism. I was talking specifically about western atheists. The so-called "New Atheist" movement is steeped in cultural Christianity.

RationalAtheist

It might add nothing to the concept to you, but religion tends to provide default meaning(s) for living faithfully. Without religion there is no objective religious meaning, only many personal and subjective ones that differ between people. It is the same "concept" of meaning to an atheist, but expressed in personal terms, rather than from religious dogma.

What is secular mysticism? What has secularism to do with this? Why confine yourself only to western atheists? Is it to suit your point of view?

What is this "New Atheist" movement? I've not heard of it personally, which I find surprising. How is this movement steeped in cultural Christianity and how do you seperate a culture from shared values with a particular religion?

You seem to be agreeing with me. Religion started the idea of life having "meaning". Without god, meaning becomes a subjective valuation. If you're going to reduce the concept of meaning to subjective values, then there is no more use for the concept of meaning. It's just values. The idea is superfluous and unnecessary.

Secular mysticism is clinging to religious concepts and ideas while adhering to a nonreligious or materialistic worldview.

My whole point was that western atheists are immersed and espouse cultural Christianity. I'm confining myself to western atheists because my point is about western atheists.

"New Atheism" refers to the recent resurgance of secular humanist and/or "anti-theist" authors and thinkers like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris the late Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett and many others.

Gamespot is not the place for an in-depth discussion about the influence of Christian culture on modern atheist movements. In brief, however, all one has to do is listen to their lectures or read their books to see the similarities. The "Four Horsemen of Atheism" (mentioned above) have very culturally Christian ideas about morality, duty, meaning, justice, equality amongst other things.

Hitchens and Harris have both tried to synthesize atheism and objective morality. Hitchens' view in particular sounds very reminiscent of the idea that "God's law is written on your heart".

[QUOTE="Rhazakna"]Then please, defend a secular idea of meaning. What gives an atheist's life meaning?RationalAtheist

My life is given meaning by my partnership with my wife, my family, friends, my interests, pursuits, desires and in gaining knowledge. This not so much a secular idea, but an existential one.