Hemant’s Project
Hemant as a simpson
Hemant, the friendly atheist, made a list of questions he wanted people to answer in the comment thread. He wanted the answers to be short and sweet, and the questions are common ones that atheists get. Here’s my go at them:
- Why do you not believe in God?
It doesn’t make sense. The burden of proof and explanation lies in the hands of those making the extraordinary claim. - Where do your morals come from?
From my mother. - What is the meaning of life?
This assumes that there is supposed to be meaning in life. - Is atheism a religion?
No. Religion is generally a group of people adhering to set beliefs and/or doctrines, which atheists do not have. - If you don’t pray, what do you do during troubling times?
Talk to my mom. Or a therapist. Or a friend who I depend on. Someone who I can get actual feedback from. - Should atheists be trying to convince others to stop believing in God?
No, but they should try to keep it out of the government and society as much as possible. - Weren’t some of the worst atrocities in the 20th century committed by atheists?
Some of the worst atrocities in the 29th centruy were committed by Atheists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews… etc. Also… “Worst atrocities” is pretty subjective. - How could billions of people be wrong when it comes to belief in God?
How many people thought the world was flat? - Why does the universe exist?
It happened. Nature takes course. - How did life originate?
Oh for goodness sakes. …Primordial slim! The kind the ghostbusters would totally toast… - Is all religion harmful?
Religion can be harmful if the key “golden rule” isn’t applied… a rule found in all religions, in different words. - What’s so bad about religious moderates?
They promote untruths to young children and put their beliefs in the government. - Is there anything redeeming about religion?
Sure. The values and ethics of it. Just as there are lessons to be learned in greek mythology, there are lessons to be learned in religions. - What if you’re wrong about God (and He does exist)?
I have done nothing in my life that would suggest I have led a bad one, I think to live and question is better than to live and be blind. - Shouldn’t all religious beliefs be respected?
No, people should be. - Are atheists smarter than theists?
Which one? Am I (atheist) smarter than my step-dad (theist)? No. Am I (atheist) smarter than Travis (theist)? Yes. - How do you deal with the historical Jesus if you don’t believe in his divinity?
Read the Pagan Christ. - Would the world be better off without any religion?
Most definitely. - What happens when we die?
Exactly what happened before we were born.
Bored at work? You bet!!
# Why do you not believe in God?
I don’t believe in the ‘white-bearded-man-who-controls’ God. I can’t imagine a supreme omnipotent being who points to right and wrong for us — let alone being offended when we don’t pick the ‘right’ one.
# Where do your morals come from?
The ‘message’ at the end of sitcoms growing up. (See South Park– “I’ve learned something today…”)
# What is the meaning of life?
42
# Is atheism a religion?
No. The same way apples aren’t oranges.
# If you don’t pray, what do you do during troubling times?
Meditate, frag jerks online, smoke illicit herbs — usually in that order.
# Should atheists be trying to convince others to stop believing in God?
No. Unless someone starts pushing God on them and won’t leave them alone.
# Weren’t some of the worst atrocities in the 20th century committed by atheists?
Tu Quoque
# How could billions of people be wrong when it comes to belief in God?
Argumentum ad populum
# Why does the universe exist?
God Lit One (I link that here a lot). If it didn’t exist who would be here to question it?
# How did life originate?
That’s a solid question. Science isn’t 100% sure (yet), but the idea that appeals to me most is that the bare building blocks for life arrived here on a meteor.
# Is all religion harmful?
Religion can be harmful if the key “golden rule” isn’t the focus.
# What’s so bad about religious moderates?
They promote untruths to young children and put their beliefs in the government. Again, nothing is wrong at all if it’s the ‘golden rule’ they stress.
# Is there anything redeeming about religion?
Good moral stories, and some religions even have good spiritual support (though that’s hard to find).
# What if you’re wrong about God (and He does exist)?
If God is sitting on a cloud when I die, I know he’ll have respect for the children he created who questioned everything, and I’ll ask to be forgiven and he’ll tell me there’s no need.
# Shouldn’t all religious beliefs be respected?
In their church/synagogue/mosque/place of worship — absolutely. Outside of it — no.
# Are atheists smarter than theists?
Not necessarily. Book smarts — certainly not. Existential smarts — yes.
# How do you deal with the historical Jesus if you don’t believe in his divinity?
You and I are as divine as Jesus. We don’t know the true “historical Jesus” outside of what the church has crafted for us over 2 millenniums.
# Would the world be better off without any religion?
Hmm… hard to say. I think we’d be better off with a hands off approach to religion. But I think people need a spiritual component to their lives — at least until science solves everything ;).
# What happens when we die?
Who am I to say?