Can you please tell me why you are an Atheist and how it effects your life?

Question

I go to a nondenominational church. It is Christian based but I have often wondered about those that don't believe in God and in what way it affects your daily life. Do Atheist gather together in thought to discuss their believes and support each other?

Answer 1

I'm an atheist because I've come to the conclusion that belief in a deity is nonsensical and, more importantly, completely counter-productive to understanding life and the world around me.



As for affecting my daily life, well I still have to do almost all of the same things that you theists do: eating, showering, going to work, supporting family members, shopping, weddings, funerals, etc. I just don't have any imaginary friends.



>>Do Atheist gather together in thought to discuss their

>>believes [sic] and support each other?



For the most part, no. "Atheism" means nothing more than having no belief in deity; it's not some sort of congregational group. We don't necessarily have a lot in common beyond out stance in deity.



There ARE however many atheism internet forums, atheism organizations, etc. out there. This is because there are many atheists who DO in fact have some things in common besides their own atheism, such as holding certain political views that they'd like to lobby for, a desire to debunk pseudo-science, etc. But again, only a minority of atheists ever get involved in such networking.

Answer 2

Atheists don't *have* any beliefs to discuss -- atheism is a LACK of belief, not a belief.



Of course not all atheists are alike (neither are all christians), but generally you'll find that most of us don't "gather" together or have meetings or anything of the sort. Atheism is an attribute -- lack of belief in a god -- not a dogma or lifestyle or anything else.



I'm an atheist because there's no evidence of any kind that there's any such thing as a god, and a ton of evidence to show that every god humans worship isn't real. I don't accept any outrageous claims without evidence to support them, religious or otherwise.



I don't think it "affects" my daily life at all. I take care of my family, work, earn a living, help my kids with their homework, volunteer at school and coach little league, tutor high school kids, go to the store, etc. just like everybody else does. I just don't feel the need to pray to imaginary beings whenever I'm doing those things, that's all.



Peace.

Answer 3

There are different types of atheists.Forget the ones who just say they don't believe because they dont care and have nothing on which to base their decision.There are the more clever atheists who have read the bible, who have researched into religions, and many have been christians in the past.The thing is, that the churches teach the bible incorrectly,misinterpret what it is,and cherry pick the bits they want the flock to follow. The church does not even seem to know what the bible actually is, and therefore is guilty of a gross misdemeanor by teaching the people incorrectly. The church makes up its own rules for their people.It does NOT say in the bible that you cannot drink alcohol , or have premarital sex, in fact the whole fuss about sex is positively Victorian in attitude and certainly not the attitude of the people of 2000+ years ago when organised marriages were not the norm. Then you have events and conversations between people and because they said something at that time, the church makes you believe that they meant this to be a law for always,and it wasn't, it was just one chap talking to another , and someone writing down the events.Nothing more. It is the church leaders who are guilty of blind ignorance, and not the atheists or agnostics, if they have done their share of research as I have done for the past 50 years.

Answer 4

I don't believe in gods because I don't see any reason to.



As far as "atheist gatherings," I know there are a few groups who do that- there's an "atheist church" in LaCrosse, WI where people can do that... I have no desire to, as I am not religious and I don't miss the time when I was.



The effect on my every day life is actually pretty small- I just suffer from a lot less unnecessary guilt. I don't fear new concepts, nor do I worry about someone documenting my mistakes so they can hold them against me in some sadistic afterlife... Overall, I think its helped me find a lot more happiness.

Answer 5

Atheists are individuals, as are theists. The ONLY thing we all have in common is not having a belief in any deities.



I don't believe because there is no evidence of a deity. Same reason I don't believe in fairies, elves, leprechauns, werewolves...



Some of us do gather together. There are atheist organizations, atheist conventions, etc. We also gather with our fellow humans outside of this one belief, just as most theists do.



Without a belief in a deity and an afterlife, life itself becomes much more important, much more precious. Without a god to forgive me or a devil to blame, I alone am responsible for my behavior, thus, I aim for high ethics. I believe in compassion, altruism, love, joy, civility, education, critical thinking, friendship and more.



Atheists have the full range of human emotion, human need, and human experience. The only difference between us and theists is that belief in a deity.



~Atheist, ex-Christian, former new ager

Answer 6

I am an atheist because there is not enough evidence for me to be convinced of the existence of a higher power.



I have never gathered together with other atheists to discuss our beliefs, specifically because we're atheists. I have friends who are atheists, but the friendship is the driving factor in our relationship, rather than our atheism.



My life has been wonderful, and I am doing great.

Answer 7

I'm an atheist because after years of study I realized that there is simply no evidence that any deity is running the world.



I don't participate in any group. I wouldn't even know where to find such a thing.

Answer 8

I am an atheist because there is not one single piece of evidence anyone has produced to make me think otherwise, and more than enough against. I am not actively against a god, but am not convinced one exists.



Being an atheist has freed my mind to accept evidential rather than dogmatic truth. I find myself more optimistic about life, and realistic about it's consequences.

Answer 9

I'm an atheist because i can't put my faith into the people that wrote the bible nor could i put my faith in this 'god' character. It hasn't effect my life in any way honestly. It doesn't cheer me up when i'm down nor make me sad. It is what it is. maybe some do gather around and discuss their beliefs but, i don't and i don't konw anyone who does. That's why we have our beloved R&S.

Answer 10

After 35 years, I can't help conclude that the supernatural does not exist. From this premise, my goal is to understand the world and its inhabitant as best as possible. The better the understanding, the easier it becomes to live in peace and harmony.

Answer 11

Of course. Many of us do volunteer work, go to Unitarian church, do Buddhist practice, practice Siddha Yoga, or simply don't have any spiritual life at all. There are different ways to be atheist.

Answer 12

I'm an atheist because i don't like the idea of forcing ones religion on someone else