I saw a BP post that reversed this question so I wondered what religious people had to ask athiests.

#1

Im an atheist. But apparently there is 3 different sort of atheists. the nonreligious, the nonbelievers, and the agnostic. What one do you all fall under and can you elaborate? I myself am somewhere between nonbeliever and agnostic. I find it hard to believe there could be a god but also know simultaneously that i can not be certain about my non belief

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Aster (she/they)
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally I'd say agnostic, I mean the existence of a Something would explain a lot, and it's nice to think that there is something else going on in the universe, but if there was I don't believe it would be anything approaching the Abrahamic God

Mysteria
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I’m more nonreligious. I don’t believe in any gods but I think reincarnation is possible.

BeeBee Buni
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m definitely agnostic. Whatever happens, happens. If there is a god, cool, if there isn’t, cool. No one can be 100% sure.

Andres Tejeda
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am an Atheist non-religious bordering on anti-theist. I believe there is no scientific evidence for a deity. I usually ask 3 questions to all theist who try to convert me. 1. What scientific evidence do you have for a deity? 2. How do you know its you specific deity is the one that is true and what evidence do you have to support your claim? 3. Why is your deity worthy of worship?

CascadedFalls
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would say I'm more on the side of non-believers in atheism, although occasionally I may find myself leaning towards agnosticism, but that's a rare occurrence.

VonBlade
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Atheist. There clearly isn't a god in any possible form. If there was then their existence would be so obvious there would be a single religion for anyone who had "seen the light".

Jazmin
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi, I'm an atheist and I would say that I am non-believer I do not believe In any gods, in any faith, in any rules on how to live your life, in any life after death or in any reincarnation.

jolie laide
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you really want to blow people's minds, just remind them that you can be more than 1 thing at the same time. Agnostic atheism, agnostic theism, etc.

UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you)
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In casual conversation I say I’m an atheist, but if you want to back me into a philosophical wall, then my precise label is “apathetic agnostic.” There maaaaaaay be some being somewhere out there in the universe to which you could ascribe what some might call godlike powers, but if it does exist it’s just another part of the natural universe. I am 0% convinced that it knows or cares about my existence or daily life, and 100% convinced it is not the absurd and downright petulant Abrahamic god, who apparently built a universe and then gave a sh*t whether you cut skin off your penis or wore cotton and wool at the same time.

Vermonta
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

what's the difference between non religious and non believer? Agnostic is just fence sitting. I believed when I was little, Sunday school was fun. I don't believe at all in any of the gods. Native American gods make the most sense though. Some people feel empty without "back up". For some a lucky rock will do. We'd be alright with the Golden Rule. "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". "Be excellent to each other" - even Bill & Ted knew it

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    #2

    What do you think happens when you die?

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    Nick (He/Him)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that you start off dreaming, and then your dreams slowly fade away as your brain deteriorates. Somewhat poetic, and seems legit looking at science.

    Mysteria
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You die, but eventually are born again

    CascadedFalls
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From my perspective, death signifies the end of our consciousness, much like the state before we were born—utter nothingness. When we die, our brains cease to function, and our thoughts, memories, and sense of self fade away. This view highlights the value of life's brevity, urging us to cherish moments, nurture connections, and try to enjoy most of life, all in the awareness that our time is limited.

    VonBlade
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I decompose for a bit, then get burnt, then get scattered to the winds.

    Nick (He/Him)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I personally want all my useful organs to be used, and then I want to be used as garden fertilizer. I might save some lives, and make someone happy to see big flowers/trees

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    Jazmin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe nothing happens. You die and that is it- you are dead you are gone. I don't believe in any afterlife or things. You just become part of the earth.

    Aroace tiger (she/they/he)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly nothing. Some people hate the thought but I don't. It can't be scary if u just don't exist ig

    jolie laide
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have absolutely no idea, and that's the exciting part for me!

    Andres Tejeda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lots of things it just doesn't include you. More specifically nothing, you decay and become part of the earth again.

    UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your brain ceases to function, your body immediately begins to decay, and you cease to exist except as a corpse. We are our brains: it’s “hardware” and the “software” it runs.

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    #3

    What drives your life? Do you follow any philosophies that inspire you or do you live on a moment-by-moment basis?

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    UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I strive to be a good husband, friend, son, neighbor and citizen.

    CascadedFalls
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't have a specific guiding principle driving me; I simply live because of my family, the things I enjoy, and the thrill of exploring new places and experiences through travel. My perspective tends to be somewhat nihilistic. To me, life feels like something I shape through my own planning and choices, rather than being preordained by a higher power, if that makes sense.

    PHOTOBOB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My desire to show others the beauty that surrounds us. And to give my son a better life than mine.

    VonBlade
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just be good. I've always felt us non-believers are more good than religious types. We do altruistic good to do good, religious types selfishly do good to score enough points to get into their afterlife.

    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting take! As an aside, I love how pretty much each of you has responded with: be a good person! I'd like to argue though that when Christians try to do good it ideally isn't out of selfishness. I like the verse "we love because he first loved us". We think that because of Jesus' death we are more forgiven and loved by God than we could ever ask for and gratitude for this is what drives us. Of course it's one thing to say this and another thing to live this way...

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    Bisexual Axolotls
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly? The whole "I cant die because I'm not supposed to" societal thing.

    thechildreninmybasement
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i want to love and accept everyone. i don't believe a god should motivate me to do that. also, i think it's dumb that people make fun of religious people because they are living their truth

    Jazmin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just believe in being kind to everyone and not discriminating against anyone.

    Yin Lin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My life is driven by doggo beans.

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    #4

    Fellow atheists: are you frightened of death? Death seems like something of a lose/lose scenario to me. I don’t want to cease to exist, and miss out on the immensity of the future, but I also wouldn’t want to live forever. Talk about a nightmare you can’t wake from!

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    supertall
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am a afraid of a painful death, but not afraid of being dead. Like, I definitely don't want to be tortured to death by a murderer, but the actual being dead part doesn't seem scary. That's just nothingness. The world got along just fine without me for millions of years without me and I didn't experience pain or terror or anything else; I expect it'll be much the same when I am gone. But I'd defo prefer to die in bed after eating chocolate mousse and drinking a glass of wine.

    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m not afraid of *being* dead, as I won’t exist, but I am bothered by being asked to get off the ride before I’m ready.

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    Mysteria
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah. It’s why I’m more of the nonreligious atheist rather than nonbeliever. I think you get reincarnated (but don’t believe in gods of course). It’d be sad to just die and never get to experience life again.

    Nick (He/Him)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    TBH i am much more scared of being immortal, bc then I will get really bored. I will have done everything the universe has to offer, and will be left with nothing.

    CascadedFalls
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Personally, I don't. My memory of me will still be with my family, until it doesn't. That doesn't really bother me a whole lot though. If I die a peaceful death, with plenty of time to reminisce, then I would be glad to know that I have lived a decent life with a loving family, travel experiencs, my favorite tv shows/ movies, beloved pets, etc, and that alone is enough comfort for me before my time is officially up.

    Jazmin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't really know, I feel like the feeling of death would and should be peaceful, of course I'm scared of dying a painful death. But I don't know. It would just be over.

    #5

    Which religion do you respect the most/dislike the least?

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    Andres Tejeda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Buddhism, and the one I hate the most is American evangelical Christianity because they are getting increasingly more violent, are very hypocritical, some are racist, and their entanglement with the GOP has destroyed the country by creating a culture of propaganda and fear with no solutions other than taking away rights from women, lgbtq+, people of color, and anyone the deem lesser than themselves.

    Hannah McCoy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nothing you've said about christians here is true, except for some being racist. sadly some christians are racist

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    UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Sikhs and the Baha’i have faiths based on love and service to humankind, and I immensely respect that. There are aspects of them, like their opposition to abortion and Baha’ism’s opposition to marriage equality that I find offensive, but that’s religion for you.

    ForThePeople he/him
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I respect everyone based on actions. So I hate American evangelicals because they tend to be racist sexist homophobic conspiracy theorists.

    Jazmin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I respect Buddhists the most- they are incredibly kind, lovely and peaceful people that wouldn't generally hurt a fly. But for the religion I despise probably evangelical or Lutheran (WELS) Christianity. They are extremely homophobic, racist, transphobic and just spread hate. Not religion.

    #6

    Why

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    CascadedFalls
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    1. Growing up in a non-religious family is one of the factors contributing to this. 2. I've always leaned towards scientific beliefs rather than believing in a higher power. I haven't encountered convincing reasons or evidence to think otherwise. 3. Explaining the world doesn't, in my view, necessitate a belief in a god. 4. I often wonder, if a god exists, why do humans commit such awful acts? Wouldn't a god strive to reduce or eliminate such behavior?

    Andres Tejeda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many reasons, seeing the constant sex scandals of many churches, the lack of scientific evidence to support the claim a deity exist, and actually reading the religious text and seeing the inconsistencies, odd or cruel laws, and the history of genocide and violence of many religions.

    Jazmin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I have just never felt a certain way about any religions- I am an ex-Christian and that didn't work out for me. I believe that atheism does.

    ForThePeople he/him
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was raised religious, then I read the Bible, and really? No records of the flood anywhere else.

    Bisexual Axolotls
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My family never baptized me or anything, and I just dont really have an interest in it.

    Nick (He/Him)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I somewhat resent religion because it was forced on me from a young age, and I always kind of thought that there was no god. I remember when I was about five thingking "what if god is fake?"

    UpQuarkDownQuark (he/hey you)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Philosophically, it’s not something I concern myself with. It leads to a lack of questions from the incurious—“Why? God. The end.”—and infinite recursion from the curious—“Why? Because of this. Why that? Because of this. Why that? Because of this…” Scientifically, I love the same question, though it’s really the other side of the “how” coin. I don’t believe for a moment that all of our questions will ever be answered, but it’s still fun to ask them.

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