What Happens When We Stop Believing in God

Apparently not. That or you didn't bother listening. But that also tracks.

 

I wasn't comparing atheism to religions, more atheism to theists, so comparisons about the full panoply of religious beliefs is irrelevant. Although I doubt I would find an atheist devoid of any philosophy. As far as supernatural, I have discovered some (although not all) fill the void of the supernatural with ESP and UFOs

 

People are not guided by atheism in the decisions they make. Atheism just means that guidance is found elsewhere (I hope).

I don't believe it is valid to call all possible sources of philosophy "religion". Religion includes the supernatural and worship.

As for ESP and UFOs, that may be true (as it is for those who hold to some religion), but that has nothing to do with the definition of atheism. So, it's off topic. In fact, it doesn't even pertain to theism!

 

Off topic? You brought up the Supernatural.

 

Yes, as something that is absent from the definition of atheism.

Then, you brought up ESP - which is supernatural and is NOT part of atheism.

 

You think you are qualified to tell me what I believe?

 

Well you don't seem to know.

Look, all we're doing is clarifying some definitions

 

If banning religion had been the only thing the tyrants did, there probably would not be mass graves. Sweden is up to 85% atheist, and they are not slaughtering people.

 

So now you're qualified to tell me what I know about what I believe?

 

Well yes since you don't seem to know the accepted definitions of what you're talking about

 

Accepted by who? I really don't care what YOUR definitions are.

I am an agnostic atheist. That means I don't know if there is a god and I don't believe there is a god.

If you can accept that those are my positions then we can have a discussion.

 

OK, I'll play your game. Let's say atheism is a belief that god does not exist. Which is more likely true: a belief in Santa, or a belief Santa doesn't exist? Which is more likely true: a belief there is some form of life elsewhere in the universe, or the belief there is no life elsewhere in the universe?

See, belief can be a reflection of the degree of rationality and logic a person can possess. Critical thinking matters.

 

Accepted as specified
I'm glad we clarified that since it pretty much agrees with mine

I don't think anything happens when we stop believing in God

 

Since this thread is about religion, which come down to lots and lots of opinions, here's my take. I went to Catholic grammar and high schools long ago. There was lots of ritual.

Now... MANY years later I don't hold by the ritual much and I don't believe God is such an egotist that he needs everyone singing and praising Him. I think He's a benevolent and loving Dad. I have also learned that we are not in charge in this life... He is. Just when you're feeling on top of the world with a great job and lots of money, your kids get sick. I've been to Iraq. Sometimes when you're world is wonderful, terrorists kill your family. Sometimes when your career is rocking along and your family is thriving, you wake up in the hospital on a pacemaker for the rest of your life. The big lesson is that YOU are not in charge.

When I was a kid I read about people that hurt other people but I never met any. Hitler, Dahlmer... Pol Pot. Now I have met some folks that hurt other people intentionally... not murderers but folks seeking revenge for personal reasons that hurt others personally or professionally. Sometimes it greed or envy.

But I have never lost my complete faith in the existence of God. Look around at a flower, a child, or the stars at night. These things didn't just happen. Somebody made them.

And as long as I can point to people I have helped like students, soldiers and my own kids who thank me for my efforts, I think I'll be ok in the next step. I'm secure in the knowledge that I have never intentionally hurt anyone in my life and I have helped a lot folks. On the negative side I never really appreciated all that God gave me and I'll owe God for that. But at the end of the day, I think I'll see God and He'll welcome me.

 

Hitler sent people to gas chambers for the sole reason that they were Jewish and we see that as some of the worst evil imaginable.

And yet, you have God who will send people to eternal torment (which is, in my opinion, far worse than just killing them) for the EXACT SAME REASON and yet most people who believe in God see him as a "benevolent and loving Dad." I'll be honest, it baffles me.

 

"What Happens When We Stop Believing in God"

if we stop believing in the Sun God... the lights go out folks.. it's over

 

Post 666. Take that, God!

 

theists disbelieve in all the same God's atheists do... minus one

 

According to his personal testimony, when the founder of the LDS religion, Joseph Smith, was fourteen, he went to the woods to pray and ask God which Church to join. God appeared to him and told him that they were all the Church's of men, and to join none of them. So for one brief shining moment, God was the champion of Atheism. Of course then God restored his true Church thru Joseph Smith. And that was the beginning and end of that.

 

No religion can cite any material, factual evidence for god. For 100,000 years all anyone ever had was belief, superstition, and hope. It's all empty, elaborate belief, and that is why it is called "faith".

 

Merely pointing out that atheists seem to run to those supernatural alternates...like UFO's

 

Are you assuming I care or even tried to make that point?

 

Then in other words, belief, without evidence, matters. Just as I was saying.

 

Whether or not you care is irrelevant.
The fact is that you tried to tell me, an atheist, what I believe.

 

What did I get wrong?