Question for the Atheists

[VenomXI]

When you die (the point at which you pass away, you are no longer alive and breathing on this planet any more) What do you believe happens? What do you believe is the purpose of your life? Are you not concerned of anything that might occur once you die? Don't you feel some spiritual being has to be accountable for all of your good and bad deeds?


Please no childish spamming. These are honest questions that I want to see from an Atheist's perspective, to better my own understanding of an Atheist's mindset.

 

[SuF]

When your brain stops functions, the illusion of consciousness ends and then there's nothing. I personally find it hard to find a meaning or reason to live life just because no matter what you do, your going to have to live through pain and suffering and eventually die. Everything you do is just to extend your ultimately pretty meager life.

 

[matt_sells]

Don't you feel some spiritual being has to be accountable for all of your good and bad deeds?

Who is to judge whether a deed is good or bad? I have 5 pounds, my friend has 50, he gives 5 pounds to a homeless person, I also give 5 pounds. Who has done the greater deed?

I think any religious person is completely misguided by the idea of "eternal happiness" to be so idiotic as to live your one and only life in a manner said to you by a source 2000+ years ago isn't exactly intelligent.

However I'm not an atheist, the big bang is all well and good but you only have to ask yourself where did that matter come from? Another universe I can comprehend that, but then where did that universe come from? The fact is at some point, some how "something" created "something" whether you call that something that is probably nothing a god is up to you.

May god strike thy down if im wrong.

 

[Herman Li]

I used to be an atheist and my meaning to life was simply to enjoy it whilst it lasted until the day it may come to an end. Simple as that.

Currently, I do not believe in a 'religion', but I believe we are all "one" in a sense. I believe we all came from one 'source' of energy or whatever you may call it that now IS everything we are. It may seem like we are all separate entities, but I think we are all 'one'. We are 'source' (or god) experiencing itself. The meaning of life to me currently is to explore this abstract thought in a sense, but simply just to love everything and all those around me, as we are all ONE, until the day I die and return to 'source' or whatever may lie past death.

 

[Revolight]

When you die (the point at which you pass away, you are no longer alive and breathing on this planet any more) What do you believe happens?

Our body stops functioning and it decomposes after a while. That's it.

What do you believe is the purpose of your life?

Does there have to be a purpose? No real purpose, except to live and take part in the natural cycle (although we humans have fucked that up).

Are you not concerned of anything that might occur once you die?

I'm only concerned whether I'll feel pain right before I die. But I don't worry about after dying because I won't be able to feel anymore.

Don't you feel some spiritual being has to be accountable for all of your good and bad deeds?

No.

 

[Ivy Bridge]

When you die (the point at which you pass away, you are no longer alive and breathing on this planet any more) What do you believe happens?

We are simply a collection of matter into a form that allows the possibility of life. It is a privilege, but we all must face our end sooner or later. Whether or not a person is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or atheist, everyone dies.

What do you believe is the purpose of your life?

There is nothing to suggest that there is a purpose other than to fulfill our natural instincts and make sure that the cycle continues (i.e. reproduce). I've had many Christians question me on this topic and it seems as if they tout it as some sort of infallible evidence that God must be real. I live my life without purpose every day and it doesn't bother me. I have my own personal goals, of course, but there is no underlying goal for which every person is supposed to strive for. Any concept of such a thing is an illusion of the person's own mind.

Are you not concerned of anything that might occur once you die?

No, because as I said earlier we are simply a collection of matter into a form that allows the possibility of life. There is nothing special about life in and of itself, it is what we make of it that determines everything. The concept of reality is merely a very elaborate illusion produced by our brains. Once my brain stops functioning, my reality is no more.

Don't you feel some spiritual being has to be accountable for all of your good and bad deeds?

That's a big no. First of all, this pretense establishes that there are arbitrarily "good" and "bad" deeds, but this just isn't the case. Another thing this question assumes is the belief in a soul, spirit, or anything like that. Such a thing has never been observed, and many (if not all) of the functions of each have been proven to take place in the brain through natural reactions.

 

[F4TALFURY]

Personally, I would never call myself an atheist but well I feel when you die or pass away, I feel that i would go into an endless sleep without dreams. Bad and good deeds do nothing considering if there was a heaven you can always ask god for forgiveness of your sins therefore he will accept you as his one of his children and you would be accepted into heaven. Purgatory is the stupidest thing i've ever heard. But seriously, after death, nothing...

 

[VenomXI]

double post - delete this

 

[VenomXI]

We are simply a collection of matter into a form that allows the possibility of life. It is a privilege, but we all must face our end sooner or later. Whether or not a person is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or atheist, everyone dies.



There is nothing to suggest that there is a purpose other than to fulfill our natural instincts and make sure that the cycle continues (i.e. reproduce). I've had many Christians question me on this topic and it seems as if they tout it as some sort of infallible evidence that God must be real. I live my life without purpose every day and it doesn't bother me. I have my own personal goals, of course, but there is no underlying goal for which every person is supposed to strive for. Any concept of such a thing is an illusion of the person's own mind.



No, because as I said earlier we are simply a collection of matter into a form that allows the possibility of life. There is nothing special about life in and of itself, it is what we make of it that determines everything. The concept of reality is merely a very elaborate illusion produced by our brains. Once my brain stops functioning, my reality is no more.



That's a big no. First of all, this pretense establishes that there are arbitrarily "good" and "bad" deeds, but this just isn't the case. Another thing this question assumes is the belief in a soul, spirit, or anything like that. Such a thing has never been observed, and many (if not all) of the functions of each have been proven to take place in the brain through natural reactions.

Everything you said was all fine and dandy and I respect that except for your last part. I can't prove to you a spiritual being exists and neither can you prove to me a spiritual being does not exist. Denying a spiritual being exists is perfectly fine to me but don't bring it to the point that you have to impose it on others (like myself). We don't know whether or not a spiritual beings ever exists and I guess we won't ever find out until we die. Until then, that doesn't really give you the right to impose your belief of no spiritual existence on others. Same as how it doesn't give me the right to impose my beliefs of a certain presence or spiritual being (if I had) on others. There is a difference between not having any sort of beliefs of your own and trying to spread those non-existent beliefs on others.

Who is to judge whether a deed is good or bad? I have 5 pounds, my friend has 50, he gives 5 pounds to a homeless person, I also give 5 pounds. Who has done the greater deed?

I think any religious person is completely misguided by the idea of "eternal happiness" to be so idiotic as to live your one and only life in a manner said to you by a source 2000+ years ago isn't exactly intelligent.

However I'm not an atheist, the big bang is all well and good but you only have to ask yourself where did that matter come from? Another universe I can comprehend that, but then where did that universe come from? The fact is at some point, some how "something" created "something" whether you call that something that is probably nothing a god is up to you.

May god strike thy down if im wrong.

Religious people strive for eternal happiness. That is the very essence of religion. Most religions dictate that the good and bad deeds you participate now will affect how your life will turn out during the afterlife; whether you will enter Heaven or Hell. These are guidelines religious people follow and they are obviously concerned for the afterlife. The guidelines may be set by God himself or whatever type of deity they follow. Tell me why are there guidelines and rules we must follow in each and every country that we live. We are responsible for our good and bad deeds in this life; and we are punished for committing serious crimes (Murder, Theft etc.) and rewarded for contributing to humanity (peace efforts, nobel prize etc.)

I used to be an atheist and my meaning to life was simply to enjoy it whilst it lasted until the day it may come to an end. Simple as that.

Currently, I do not believe in a 'religion', but I believe we are all "one" in a sense. I believe we all came from one 'source' of energy or whatever you may call it that now IS everything we are. It may seem like we are all separate entities, but I think we are all 'one'. We are 'source' (or god) experiencing itself. The meaning of life to me currently is to explore this abstract thought in a sense, but simply just to love everything and all those around me, as we are all ONE, until the day I die and return to 'source' or whatever may lie past death.

But what would be the function and purpose of this one source? Why would we all originate from one source and than return to that same source? Unless the source involves God or similar deity I can understand; but if its some type of energy source; there must be a reason for its creation and distribution throughout the world. Ultimately, there must also be an original source for that energy source itself.

 

[Ivy Bridge]

Everything you said was all fine and dandy and I respect that except for your last part. I can't prove to you a spiritual being exists and neither can you prove to me a spiritual being does not exist. Denying a spiritual being exists is perfectly fine to me but don't bring it to the point that you have to impose it on others (like myself). We don't know whether or not a spiritual beings ever exists and I guess we won't ever find out until we die. Until then, that doesn't really give you the right to impose your belief of no spiritual existence on others. Same as how it doesn't give me the right to impose my beliefs of a certain presence or spiritual being (if I had) on others. There is a difference between not having any sort of beliefs of your own and trying to spread those non-existent beliefs on others.

Can you point to a single sentence, phrase, or anything of the sort that even gives any resemblance of me indicating authoritatively that there is no spiritual being? Or any of that bullshit you just came up with?

You asked questions, I gave my honest opinions and what I believe to be true. You are only interpreting them as me authoritatively denying the possibility of any other viewpoint than my own because YOU, yes YOU feel that way about your own beliefs. You believe that you are correct, so you see any different opinion as an open attack on you. I figured that I was going to be able to post the way I personally feel, considering that IS the whole purpose of this topic, but I guess anybody who isn't with you is against you, eh? Everything I said in my post was either matter of fact or personal opinion. I made no attempt whatsoever to explicitly say that I am correct about any of my opinions.

I'm not saying that you are wrong or that you should believe what I believe. I don't even doubt your sincerity, if you feel that you know these things whether it be you've had some sort of spiritual or religious experience, or if you were just raised as a spiritual/religious person that's fine, but I do believe the human mind is highly susceptible to delusion. Highly.. and this is the reason why I can never seem to have an intelligent discussion/debate with religious people. You come in here, asking us atheists questions, as if we're some sort of outsider, and when we answer honestly - you get mad. The whole pretense of this thread is a little disheartening to be honest, it would be different if you were just after knowledge, but after seeing your responses I can see that it is not that you're after. You're - very condescendingly, I might add - asking us to justify our nonbelief. It's like asking to prove a negative.

 

[HEHEGGG]

Can you point to a single sentence, phrase, or anything of the sort that even gives any resemblance of me indicating authoritatively that there is no spiritual being? Or any of that bullshit you just came up with?

You asked questions, I gave my honest opinions and what I believe to be true. You are only interpreting them as me authoritatively denying the possibility of any other viewpoint than my own because YOU, yes YOU feel that way about your own beliefs. You believe that you are correct, so you see any different opinion as an open attack on you. I figured that I was going to be able to post the way I personally feel, considering that IS the whole purpose of this topic, but I guess anybody who isn't with you is against you, eh? Everything I said in my post was either matter of fact or personal opinion. I made no attempt whatsoever to explicitly say that I am correct about any of my opinions.

I'm not saying that you are wrong or that you should believe what I believe. I don't even doubt your sincerity, if you feel that you know these things whether it be you've had some sort of spiritual or religious experience, or if you were just raised as a spiritual/religious person that's fine, but I do believe the human mind is highly susceptible to delusion. Highly.. and this is the reason why I can never seem to have an intelligent discussion/debate with religious people. You come in here, asking us atheists questions, as if we're some sort of outsider, and when we answer honestly - you get mad. The whole pretense of this thread is a little disheartening to be honest, it would be different if you were just after knowledge, but after seeing your responses I can see that it is not that you're after. You're - very condescendingly, I might add - asking us to justify our nonbelief. It's like asking to prove a negative.

hi man, chill, you get all serious about religious stuff.

anyway, I don't wana think about what happens when i die :/

 

[malakadang]

When you die (the point at which you pass away, you are no longer alive and breathing on this planet any more) What do you believe happens?

When your body ceases to function, your consciousness ceases to exist in reality (presumably). Since consciousness is the way we observe reality, without it, we are incapable of observing anything, and thus, there is quite literally nothingness.

What do you believe is the purpose of your life?

There is none.

Are you not concerned of anything that might occur once you die?

I'd love for their to be a 'life after death' akin to that of heaven. So, yes, I'm interested, but, I won't spend much time on it.

Don't you feel some spiritual being has to be accountable for all of your good and bad deeds?

No. If I did, then I wouldn't really be an atheist.

 

[Ivy Bridge]

hi man, chill, you get all serious about religious stuff.

anyway, I don't wana think about what happens when i die :/

If being serious about a serious matter is a bad thing then I'm okay with that. I would prefer being a critical thinker to simply absentmindedly dismissing it as you have.

 

[Jimmy]

Everything you said was all fine and dandy and I respect that except for your last part. I can't prove to you a spiritual being exists and neither can you prove to me a spiritual being does not exist. Denying a spiritual being exists is perfectly fine to me but don't bring it to the point that you have to impose it on others (like myself). We don't know whether or not a spiritual beings ever exists and I guess we won't ever find out until we die. Until then, that doesn't really give you the right to impose your belief of no spiritual existence on others. Same as how it doesn't give me the right to impose my beliefs of a certain presence or spiritual being (if I had) on others. There is a difference between not having any sort of beliefs of your own and trying to spread those non-existent beliefs on others.

What in his post gave you the impression that he is attempting to impose his non-belief (?) on others?

Tell me why are there guidelines and rules we must follow in each and every country that we live.

Because the establishment of law is a necessary prerequisite for virtually all social interactions?

We are responsible for our good and bad deeds in this life; and we are punished for committing serious crimes (Murder, Theft etc.) and rewarded for contributing to humanity (peace efforts, nobel prize etc.)

This is true.

 

[Wrote_Murder]

Atheism is a religion just like any other.

I'm a follower of Sheaism, (Shea being my name).

 

[Divine_God]

Atheism is a religion just like any other.

I'm a follower of Sheaism, (Shea being my name).

yeah atheism is a religion right?


a-theism

look at the fucking root please.


anyways, on topic.

1. When you die (the point at which you pass away, you are no longer alive and breathing on this planet any more) What do you believe happens?


You cease to exist or feel or anything, Nothing.


"But this is the most incredible nothing. See? If you think of this idea of nothingness as mere blankness, and you hold onto this idea of blankness then kind of grizzly about it, you haven’t understood it. Nothingness is really like the nothingness of space, which contains the whole universe. All the sun and the stars and the mountains, and rivers, and the good men and bad men, and the animals, and insects, and the whole bit. All are contained in void. So out of this void comes everything and you are it. What else could you be?"
Alan Watts

2.What do you believe is the purpose of your life?

Well, my purpose is different than "the purpose". There is no inherent purpose to life ( except survival and reproduction ), but rather, the purpose that I impose with my life.

3. Are you not concerned of anything that might occur once you die?

Well, I don't like that fact that I will cease to exist but I really don't have a say. I already know what it's like to be dead, I had been that way for billions of years before I was born.


4. Don't you feel some spiritual being has to be accountable for all of your good and bad deeds?

Nope.

 

[Wrote_Murder]

Religion-Details of belief as taught or discussed.
Atheism-The theory or belief that God does not exist.

Hmm, there are Atheist churches, it's accepted in the Military as a religion. It's a set of beliefs.

Many people sharing the same idea, which being there is no god, sounds like a religion to me brah.

 

[Divine_God]

Religion-Details of belief as taught or discussed.
Atheism-The theory or belief that God does not exist.

Hmm, there are Atheist churches, it's accepted in the Military as a religion. It's a set of beliefs.

Many people sharing the same idea, which being there is no god, sounds like a religion to me brah.

Atheism isn't a devout theory or belief that God doesn't exist.

THE FUCKING ROOT KID, READ MY PREVIOUS POST.


THEISM - Belief in the existence of a god or gods, esp. belief in one god as creator of the universe, intervening in it and sustaining a personal

A = ABSENCE, so absence of a theism meaning no Leif in gods, not a belief in not existing.

Many people sharing the same idea isn't a fucking religion. Same logic applied everyone who believes that runescape is a fun game = religion.

Atheism is not a set of beliefs "brah" if anything it would be a lack of beliefs...

 

[Jimmy]

Religion-Details of belief as taught or discussed.

I believe that thousands of Jews were killed during Hitler's final solution. The details of this view don't constitute a religion.

Atheism-The theory or belief that God does not exist.

How would not believing the final solution took place be any more of a religion (other than being irrational)?

Hmm, there are Atheist churches,

There are?

it's accepted in the Military as a religion. It's a set of beliefs.

And the military defines what constitutes a religion?

Many people sharing the same idea, which being there is no god, sounds like a religion to me brah.

Many people don't believe in fairies. Afairyism is hardly a religion, though.

 

[stui]

Did you read this http://sythe.org/showthread.php?t=828857 ??