[Moderated Thread] What scares you about non-belief? - PART II

[MattusMaximus]

Howdy all,

I'm going to give this a second shot, seeing as how the first thread got derailed so quickly.

I've noticed a lot of wrangling back and forth on various topics on these threads, but I wanted to pose a question specifically to the religious members of the Forum. Please note that, though I'm an atheist, I am not starting this thread with the intent to be smarmy or a jerk. Rather, I am legitimately interested in reading your thoughts on the question.

I would also ask my colleagues on the Forum to please not come in and spam this thread. I'm not interested in seeing arguments for or against atheism, stories about scary "militant" atheists, or arguments for why God exists. Just stick to the question at hand... I really would like to see some thoughts freely expressed here.

The question is: What, if anything, scares or unsettles you about the idea of non-belief in a God?

Okay, on with the discussion...

 

[Egg]

Could you clarify a little please? In the last thread you said:

I'm not talking about being scared by atheists ("militant" or otherwise), nor am I interested in seeing arguments for or against the existence of any god(s); what I'm interested in seeing is people's thoughts on what exactly, if anything, scares or unsettles them about the concept that there could be no God.

I would think that the idea of non-belief in a god and the concept that there could be no god are two different questions.

 

[RobRoy]

I've noticed a lot of wrangling back and forth on various topics on these threads, but I wanted to pose a question specifically to the religious members of the Forum.

I'm not a religious member, but I do believe in a God. Is it ok if I post?

The question is: What, if anything, scares or unsettles you about the idea of non-belief in a God?

For anyone else, nothing. I have no concern if you, for instance, don't believe in God.

 

[ParanoidAndroid]

The question is: What, if anything, scares or unsettles you about the idea of non-belief in a God?

Okay, on with the discussion...

For the 4-5 years I attended church (and I would say that I started off with some degree of faith), what I found most unsettling about the looming prospect of non-belief was that I wouldn't be "in" on the "party", so to speak. I mean, here were all these people who seemed to really believe that there was something foundational behind the beliefs. What would have to be wrong with me not to "get it"?

I eventually had to just face the fact that it wasn't for me and that to try to force it was a disservice to those who actually "believed" as well as myself. The discomfort subsided much more quickly than I had anticipated, beginning the confirmation that my migration away from faith was right for me…to each their own.

PS - thanks for the restart, MM.

 

[RobRoy]

For anyone else, nothing. I have no concern if you, for instance, don't believe in God.

Actually, I'm going to revise this.

My biggest concern is that the atheists are right. That there is no God, there is no afterlife, there is nothing following this life. It scares me in every sense of that word that all of this, this short time here, the sweat, the tears, the blood, the pain, might be for nothing. That there is no plan, no reason for being, no goal for attainment. I don't necessarily need or want everlasting glory, Buddha-hood, a mansion, a place at the table, or a planet of my own. But the idea that there is no enlightenment at the end of the tunnel, no answers, just nothing . . . yeah, that scares me.

 

[A Christian Sceptic]

I have things I'd miss if I stopped believing. Not sure if that's appropriate or what you're interested in. There's not a whole lot of believers on this forum I don't think so not sure how many responses you're expecting. Again - can't speak for others but I don't view non-belief in terms of "scary" or "not scary".

 

[MattusMaximus]

I would think that the idea of non-belief in a god and the concept that there could be no god are two different questions.

Heck, go with both.

 

[MattusMaximus]

I'm not a religious member, but I do believe in a God. Is it ok if I post?

Sure thing, go for it.

 

[KarlG]

Actually, I'm going to revise this.

My biggest concern is that the atheists are right. That there is no God, there is no afterlife, there is nothing following this life. It scares me in every sense of that word that all of this, this short time here, the sweat, the tears, the blood, the pain, might be for nothing. That there is no plan, no reason for being, no goal for attainment. I don't necessarily need or want everlasting glory, Buddha-hood, a mansion, a place at the table, or a planet of my own. But the idea that there is no enlightenment at the end of the tunnel, no answers, just nothing . . . yeah, that scares me.

I hope this isnt misconstrued as spamming the thread because im an atheist, but here goes.

Rob, those things scare the **** out of me too. But i can cope with my day-to-day life by accepting it and treating this life like the believer would treat heaven, that this is my reward, and trying to be loving and giving and helping people here and now.

This short time here should be spent wisely and enjoyed, not spent worrying what might happen after it's all over, because if we atheists are right, or the narrow definition of god and heaven you believe in is the wrong one, wouldn't that be a life wasted?

 

[RobRoy]

I hope this isnt misconstrued as spamming the thread because im an atheist, but here goes.

Since the moderator allowed it, seems like it's just fine!

Rob, those things scare the **** out of me too. But i can cope with my day-to-day life by accepting it and treating this life like the believer would treat heaven, that this is my reward, and trying to be loving and giving and helping people here and now.

This short time here should be spent wisely and enjoyed, not spent worrying what might happen after it's all over, because if we atheists are right, or the narrow definition of god and heaven you believe in is the wrong one, wouldn't that be a life wasted?

I'm not certain I follow you here. I try to be loving, giving and helpful to people here and now too. I even attempt, through my actions and choices, to leave this place a little better than I found it. Are you saying that my life has been a waste where yours hasn't, because I believe in an afterlife and you do not? I'm afraid that I'm not seeing the connection.

The question was what scares me about non-belief in God. Atheists, when they aren't slinging vitriol at the fundies who sling it at them, make a decent argument. That argument does scare me. But my fear doesn't paralyze me from action and enjoyment of this world.

 

[Piscivore]

Actually, I'm going to revise this.

My biggest concern is that the atheists are right. That there is no God, there is no afterlife, there is nothing following this life. It scares me in every sense of that word that all of this, this short time here, the sweat, the tears, the blood, the pain, might be for nothing. That there is no plan, no reason for being, no goal for attainment. I don't necessarily need or want everlasting glory, Buddha-hood, a mansion, a place at the table, or a planet of my own. But the idea that there is no enlightenment at the end of the tunnel, no answers, just nothing . . . yeah, that scares me.

I'll just say that it scared the poop out of me too, the first time.

 

[Faithkills]

Actually, I'm going to revise this.

My biggest concern is that the atheists are right. That there is no God, there is no afterlife, there is nothing following this life. It scares me in every sense of that word that all of this, this short time here, the sweat, the tears, the blood, the pain, might be for nothing. That there is no plan, no reason for being, no goal for attainment. I don't necessarily need or want everlasting glory, Buddha-hood, a mansion, a place at the table, or a planet of my own. But the idea that there is no enlightenment at the end of the tunnel, no answers, just nothing . . . yeah, that scares me.

Wow, just wow. An intellectually honest theist on randi forums. You give me hope.

 

[KarlG]

I'm not certain I follow you here. I try to be loving, giving and helpful to people here and now too. I even attempt, through my actions and choices, to leave this place a little better than I found it. Are you saying that my life has been a waste where yours hasn't, because I believe in an afterlife and you do not? I'm afraid that I'm not seeing the connection.

Yeah, i see what you're saying, it was badly phrased and typed rather hurriedly. I didn't mean to infer non-belivers act any better than believers, just that in some cases, the extra filter of religion can sometimes skew a persons world view. This would apply more to fundies than to most religious people. I apologise for painting with too broad a brush.

The question was what scares me about non-belief in God. Atheists, when they aren't slinging vitriol at the fundies who sling it at them, make a decent argument. That argument does scare me. But my fear doesn't paralyze me from action and enjoyment of this world.

What i meant was that some people live a life devoid of enjoyment and pleasure because they think their version of god dispproves, and that they will be rewarded in heaven for foregoing these earthly pleasures. Also, a lot of people go through life worring about every little decision, because if it offends god, they think they will suffer later.

I didn't mean to suggest that religious peole cant be loving and giving, that would be silly. However, a lot of this loving and giving seems to only apply with people who agree with their religion, and people outside that religion are viewed as slightly less "worthy" or, at the extreme, as "infidels".

Anyway, apologies to Mattus for this (hopefully slight) derail, if this post also makes it past the Mods

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

I'm an atheist too, so this isn't an answer to your question, MM.

I just wanted to observe that the question makes the assumption that believers are scared or unsettled by unbelief. I think embedded within that is the assumption that at least part of the reason to believe is fear of unbelief.

I think those assumptions are patronizing. (What's funny is the last time I heard virtually the same thing said it was by a theist about the Christian right--that they have the weird beliefs they have because of deep-seated fears. Again, I think that's a patronizing assumption.)

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

My previous comment didn't get past the Mod, but I hope they'll reconsider. It really is on topic.

Wow, just wow. An intellectually honest theist on randi forums. You give me hope.

I sure hope that doesn't mean that believers who deny being afraid of unbelief are being dishonest.

Again - can't speak for others but I don't view non-belief in terms of "scary" or "not scary".

I think this is a legitimate response.

MM's question in the OP of this thread makes the unfair assumption that believers are afraid of disbelief--or unsettled by it or something similar--with the implication that they are motivated to believe by fear.

As such, I think it's a loaded question and probably won't lead to any better understanding of what motivates someone to believe.

 

[Faithkills]

I sure hope that doesn't mean that believers who deny being afraid of unbelief are being dishonest.

Some yes. Some no. Understand that admission of reasons for fearing unbelief or embracing belief undermines the position so most people won't make such. I take the admission to mean there is a person that is honestly self analytical. He may have other reasons for believing, but at least he's not denying the obvious may exist.

As such, I think it's a loaded question and probably won't lead to any better understanding of what motivates someone to believe.

I think it already has.

Obviously some people do fear non-belief, so I think the question is valid. If you say you don't that's fine. I'm interested in your reasons for belief.