Atheism, What Are The "negative" Aspects Of Being An Atheist?

[RATTER15]

Please someone else start the list as I'm a bit stuck to be honest.

[naomi24]

Atheists are often demonised – and not only by Christians. The charge of ‘Atheist!’ has, on occasions, been levelled around here with such vitriol that I’m surprised it isn’t 'starred out' as one on the list of banned profanities! That said, venom of that nature is of no consequence to me - I only like nice people - and so to answer the question there is no downside to being an Atheist.

[RATTER15]

//That said, venom of that nature is of no consequence to me// Totally with you on that one, I must say that it often brings a smile to face to see the theists in their true colours!

[Mamyalynne]

" I only like nice people" - well said Naomi, me too - I don't judge people's way of life in any other aspect, so why on this aspect?

No earthly reason to do so.

[andy-hughes]

Ratter - // Andy, //most devout Christians are keen to be smug about their faith,// They dont have a copyright on smugness!! http://tinypic.com/r/2ci7g9v/8//

Indeed not!

I can't speak for other Atheists, but to me, being smug about non-belief takes effort, the same as being smug about belief - and I really can't be bothered, it's simply not that important!

[RATTER15]

Just kidding Andy. lighten up!!

[andy-hughes]

Ratter - // Just kidding Andy. lighten up!! //

No need - not a subject I get heavy about - too much effort!

[Jackdaw33]

" I only like nice people"

Some might argue that the mark of a true Christian is that they like nasty people as well.

[sandyRoe]

One negative aspect might be that a holier than thou attitude must be as uncomfortable as a hair shirt

[anneasquith]

slightly off topic, I really don't care what people believe or not. nor do I feel the need to continually discuss my or others beliefs . ( God bless you RATTER ) he he he .

[naomi24]

Jackdaw, //Some might argue that the mark of a true Christian is that they like nasty people as well.//

Congratulations! That is one of the most astute observations I’ve ever seen posted here. However, the fact is the vast majority of Christians, in reality, do not subscribe to that ethos - just like the rest of us – except the rest of us are honest enough to openly acknowledge it.

[RATTER15]

Sandy

"One negative aspect might be that a holier than thou attitude must be as uncomfortable as a hair shirt"

Nope not for one second!!

Anne, that's what makes us all different, some find the subject very interesting, as do I.

[Jackdaw33]

I know it's a cliché but the saying used to be, "Hate the sin, love the sinner."

[naomi24]

Jackdaw, //"Hate the sin, love the sinner." //

Love is a big word and that is an impossible command. That aside, unless I’m discussing religion ‘sin’ is not a word that features in my vocabulary.

[Jackdaw33]

OK, then, what about, "Hate the crime, like the criminal"?

[naomi24]

Jackdaw, 'sin' is not necessarily crime.

[Jackdaw33]

I know that. I was trying to suggest a parallel.

[naomi24]

Jackdaw, I realise that - but it doesn't work. Sorry.

[Old_Geezer]

Liking something and thinking it is great is not a reason to be. To have a reason to be one has to be part of something greater and worthwhile. An atheist can only have self satisfaction or the erroneous belief that helping others who also have no reason to be, or creating more of them, is some kind of reason. You asked for a negative, that is one.

[wildwood]

To me, the word 'atheist' is becoming an oxymoron as it is being taken by some to be anti-theist. This is not necessarily true. Most nice people are so because they respect other people's views.

As long as your views do not affect me negatively, you may believe in what you like. It is the many monetary advantages that the law of the land affords to religion that is wrong.

[RATTER15]

OG, that is only a "negative" from the point of view of a theist, to an atheist it is nonsense, however, that is your view and I accept that. I really don't believe we were put on this planet for a reason, we are just here! so we do what we can to live a good life for ourselves, our families and to help anybody else to fulfill their lives also. Spending our lives thinking there is a God makes no sense at all when common sense and lack of any proof says there is no God. So like I said, only a negative from the point of view of a theist.