08th Jan 2009
Why do so many atheists in this section seem to need a god?
In all the time I visited this section, I've constantly seen "atheistic gods". There has been a Mayor, a King, a Cookie Goddess, and I've probably missed a few atheists that have been worshipped like gods.
My main problem is that they actually are treated like gods. People thumb up any opinion the "atheist gods" have, no matter how ridiculous that opinion sometimes is.
I know it's all an innocent game. But yet, it annoys me a bit. When atheists start to act like sheeple and follow a leader, it gets harder and harder for the respectful atheist opinion to be heard.
Am I the only atheist who has the feeling that many non-atheists see atheists as a homogenous group because a group of atheists plays 'follow the leader' all the time?
It's a very weird anomaly that happens here. I think we see the similar views from here, and the most outspoken person tends to be hoisted above the rest by those with the same views. Very weird.
It's possible to be an atheist and a beta (male/female)
This is an opportunity for some to poke fun at the unfortunates, the deluded, those living in fantasy-land, and, therefore, there will be a lot of sarcasm and wit and some really funny responses along the way. Satire is quite effective at combating nonsense, whether in politics or religion or any other failure of human nature.
Learn to read between the lines?
I can tell you this though. Atheists are not a homogeneous group. It is sometimes mentioned as the major factor in preventing us from getting together and yielding the kind of social and economic force that our numbers indicate we could; but, we just don't get together well because other than our disbelief in a God we have nothing in common.
We're all a bit sheepish, I think. I've noticed in other sections when an answer is given a few thumbs down, others will follow suit, even if the answer isn't that outlandish or offensive. That pattern is amplified quite a bit in R&S.
I've also noticed how many of us (atheists) refer to Dawkins as our leader, and to his book as scripture, even quoting it verbatim and with reverence. Many atheists are becoming the thing we hate the most. I understand the want and need for an atheistic voice, but there's a difference between wanting a leader and wanting a deity.
I have been known to fraternize with certain atheists more so than others. Some I get along with better than others. We may agree on their being no god, but there are plenty of other things in life to disagree on. So I "hang out" more with those who are similar in thinking to myself (scary thought).
I remember the "Mayor" thing, but not the other two you mention.
I also definitely do not see atheists here as a homogenous group. There are quite a few fairly sophisticated thinkers among us, but there are also those who seemed to have gotten as far as Biblical contradictions, and stopped thinking at that point. There are quite a few atheists here who were raised atheist, which I find surprising. There are atheists who claim to be able to prove that god doesn't exist. In responses to a recent question about why robots don't evolve, I was surprised to see that only one person besides myself recognized that the crucial factor is that they don't reproduce - many of the respondents - including atheists - seemed to think that what mattered was that they're not organic.
Since coming to this forum, I've learned that there is more variation among atheists than I'd thought.
That all being said, I think you're right to be concerned that we might idolize people. Atheists are obviously far less likely than religious believers to do that, but apparently some atheists are paradoxically prone to idol worship. The Marxist/Leninists, Maoists, and similar groups show that literal atheism does not necessarily prevent one from falling into that aspect of religion.
This isn't some 'game' is play. I use the 'thumbing' tool to add just a bit more of my own opinion to this forum.
And i don't really think there's anyone (atheists) whom we would "worship" on this forum. There are people we like/appreciate a lot, and people whom we look to for good answers. But no 'worship'.... well, not on my part anyway.
rAmen
- brought to you by Jedi Master SSej
But atheists are human too; some seek acceptance and give support to "friendlies" because they relate to them.
I realize especially here - a wide variety of ages, beliefs and maturity levels.
Sometimes I get frustrated thinking atheists are always painting us with a very broad brush - "Brain-Washed", et al.
But that's all part of the game, the fun of posting out here.
But I am on my third account already - and I do think some of the more immature members (believers and unbelievers alike) are a little too trigger happy on the abuse reporting. I for one, have recommended to YA that only "LEVEL 7" members be allowed this privilege.
They were not moved.
See yesterday's response.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
But as mentioned before atheists are human too, and as well all know about humans, we are a social creature who need to feel accepted. If you follow the theory of evolution, which I do, you will see that our ancestors and early humans banded together as a means of survival. There are two main laws in social psychology: we want to be liked, and we want to be right.
Some atheists on here treat other atheists like Gods or mesiahs for, I think, two reasons:
1. Niche picking- as humans, we tend to band together with those who are similar to us..
2. Affirmation of our beliefs: this ties in with niche picking, but basically what I am trying to say here, is that we niche pick to be with those who reaffirm our thoughts and beliefs whether it they be about politics, religion, or even which sports team is better.
I'm bothered by this "diefying of fellow atheists" because it spits in the face of what atheists are: "Free thinkers".
By that I am not putting down theists or anything, I am simply saying that Atheists don't use means, like religion, to dictate how they think, live, and approach certain situations.
Anywho, that's my two cents.
People always promote certain folks whose ideas/personalities they like as leaders. It is our nature. In this forum, however, many of us are friends with each other, and we like to have fun.
On a more serious note, this forum is one of the main reasons why I am starting to think religion is nothing but a bunch of fairy tales. Isn't that what you wanted?
I haven't seen you for a while. Then again I haven't been on here much myself. This is my first answer in Three weeks. As you have pointed out, it is mostly a tiresome game of tag with two sides playing.
The nature of our being and the source of our ethics are big questions. Sadly, they are often addressed by small people. This is particularly true here on R&S.
I have taken to writing a little on my blog, and more in a privet journal. It was useful coming here for a while. I learned a lot by having to answer questions that were challenging. Some clear headed souls like Lao Pu and Uncut Wood were of great help, but it is time for me to move on.
Be well, Herodotus
What has bothered me, at times, is when I take the time to type out a well thought-out answer -- a serious answer -- and the ten points goes to a three-word response just because the answerer happens to be "popular".
I don't happen to be an atheist myself, but one thing I've always admired about the atheist friends I do have is their individuality and the way they embrace their own ideas. It does seem that atheists in this forum have to find someone to rally around, and I will agree with you that this leads to misrepresentation of atheism in general.
Thank god I am an atheist!
Suggesting one cannot exist without the other. My own interpretation feel free to add your own.
I've noticed this trend.
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