Are atheists shallow?

[Postmaster]

I didn't say phycologists are shallow, or an astronaut is shallow, I say said an atheist may be shallow (and only that aspect of the person), because just as much as I can not prove there is a God you just as equal can not prove there isn't one. However because I have acceptances in a higher being I can justify wrong and right on a greater level then an atheist because I realise feelings, emotions and actions have deeper and more sincere meanings because some infinite creator has created these feelings and actions for a meaningful purpose.

[hammer]

Justify right and wrong on a greater level? Than what? What is Right? What is wrong? How do you justify what is right and wrong and what makes your justification "greater" than that of an atheist... or a buddhist, or an agnostic, how about a dolphin, cat, iguana, chimpanzee.....?

[Postmaster]

I can't, is it physical proof you need? Because I think it can't be explained...

Anyway I just want to clear that I have no problems with atheists at all, the purpose of you chosing that path is out of reasoning? I too feel the same for my monotheist path. At the end of the day it's a miracle that were all sitting on our computers communicating with each other, I refuse to put it down to chance.

[Awaiting_the_fifth]

Based on this latest argument, I would say that a Theist is actually more shallow, because an Atheist must justify everything in his own mind which often involves a great deal of soul searching and self questioning. A Theist can skip the deep thinking and just call it 'God's will'

[StarshipEnterprise]

Originally Posted by Postmaster

Faiths say that a lack of love and devotion to God is a negative, like I said before I really wish sometimes I was an atheist, I feel my life would be easier. There's no doubt I'd still want to lead an ethical life, but when you have faith in a God everything becomes more meaningful, suddenly everything can be justified right or wrong on a higher level. I think it takes more to believe in a God then it doesn't. I'm not trying to demonize atheists, in fact I was once one (but not subconsciously). I can name all parts of the Brain, I understand on a tiny scale how neurotransmitters are passed and the names of the cells which control these functions. Science can always explain HOW as long as you search hard enough for the answers but it will never explain WHY. And all it takes is a little heart and a leap of faith to give yourself up to God. I'm not one to judge atheists, in fact I've stated many times on this forum even there role in Christianity (Greek philosophers) for paving the way for Christ. But to believe in a God and not to, certainly does bring about a clash, and although this may sound judgmental , but I prefer say more opinionated I believe maybe atheists are more shallow but then again, it's one of those things that you can't talk for everyone and talking broad and general.

Alright, I understand your argument now. Theists think they have found the “ultimate answer to life and existence. The answer they have found is God. I believe you are saying that atheists are shallow because they have not found this “ultimate answer”



I believe the “ultimate answer” is unknowable at this time. We just don’t know why we exist, and this is a hard thing to accept, which is why I think many people turn to believing in God.

[Postmaster]

A Theist can skip the deep thinking and just call it 'God's will'

But is it as simple as that? I used to think deep and hard. I realised that if everything is designed for a purpose, maybe I was designed to view life from a simplistic perspective that can be universally accepted by all levels of intelligence, Theists also recognise there own sovereignty and some even souls, so we don’t put all weight on God. My reasoning lies in my acceptance and faith, whereas for others it lies in evidence and materialism.

[Awaiting_the_fifth]

So are you saying that you are deep because you do not think? and the atheists, who think deeply are shallow?

[Paladin]

Perhaps the conflict comes in when we use words like "shallow" because of their pejorative connotation.
After giving this a little thought it occurs to me that this question is posed in the spirit of honest inquiry. If so then the answers given by so many erudite souls should provide quite a bit of food for thought.
If I may sum it up:
We see that both the theist and atheist are capable of deep thinking about cosmology and question the approach to our method of understanding the nature of existence or ontology.

By methods of debate, reason, logic and awareness of the subjective experience we can share our insight, but not necessarily provide empirical evidence to prove our point. The best we can do is argue our case well.

As long as both the theist and atheist approach debate in the spirit of honest inquiry both are edified and a win/win condition will result.

Peace

Mark

[Freedom of Opinion]

I'm sorry, but you've lost me. How can you state that:

Originally Posted by Postmaster

just as much as I can not prove there is a God you just as equal can not prove there isn't one.

And then

Originally Posted by Postmaster

My reasoning lies in my acceptance and faith, whereas for others it lies in evidence and materialism.

and not contridict yourself?

Surely if we atheists can not prove that there is no god, just as you can not prove that there is, then we are taking our own beliefs in faith the same as you. We have no hard proof for our beliefs, just as you don't have any for yours. Therefore both our beliefs are based on faith, and just as "deep".

[Postmaster]

I'm sorry but I can't see the contradiction..

As long as everyone tries to respect people the way they wish to be treated and remain positive as much as they can I respect them regardless of Muslim, Atheist, Jewish, Christian. But of all belief systems I fear Atheism the most, because if you believe after death there is nothing, to me means no balance, no ultimate justice, never see your loved ones again and the ability to justify negative actions without punishment. Anyway I'm not hear to preach but, think this will be my last post on this thread cause I'm not looking to convert just opinions and I see some people feel very strongly.

[RevBrian]

Shallowness, to me, is blind acceptance of a creed (any creed) in which one has been told to believe. I once heard a quote which I quite like - "religion is spirituality in formaldehyde". What's important (to me) is that people think through their views and form their own tentative conclusiions - conclusions which will undoubtedly evolve as their lives unfold and mature. I respect anyone's views if they're theirs, of whatever religious tradition, or of none. This means Atheists too. You can see a lazy mind as much in evangelical Christianity as you can in blind atheism, or you can see an active, thinking mind in either. Ditto other religious traditions.

Brian

[hammer]

I believe you just nailed it Brian!

[path_of_one]

Great post, Brian.

Though I am not one, I know quite a few atheists, and none of them are shallow. I can't speak for all atheists of course, but if I had to generalize, I'd actually say that atheists are some of the deepest thinking people I know. The atheists I know tend to be very individualistic, and base their opinions on a lot of thought, self-reflection, and research. Aside from deep thought, many atheists I know have very high personal ethical standards, care deeply about others, and are great humanitarians. It doesn't take a belief in a god to be loving and compassionate, and to work for meaningful causes in life.

[RevBrian]

Thank you both for your kind comments .

Brian

[Mooskee]

Postmaster, With all due respect , you stated , scientists have realised that the brain has an area that is relevent to religion and worship .I am not doubting you or the scientists. However l am in a quest not directly related to this site, so to speak, and that statement is relevent in my quest . If possible could you please state where you received that information as l need to read it for myself.

Thank you. Sincerely, Mooskee.