Atheism and VT

[Amnesiac]

Does anyone have any ideas about why VT has such a high number of atheists? Combined with agnostics, according to the poll on ROTW, the non-religious population of VT is equal to the religious population of VT.

Do you think backlash against atheists has caused some of us to "hide" our atheism except when we're on the Internet, where we have privacy?

[Rutherford The Brave]

Kinds of but remember its a sight for teenagers and their angst.

[Sugaree]

Most teenagers call themselves atheists/agnostics because they just don't want to attend church services. Some of them actually HAVE reasons. And, as Greg said, it's a teen site filled with hormones and angst.

[Amnesiac]

Most teenagers call themselves atheists/agnostics because they just don't want to attend church services. Some of them actually HAVE reasons. And, as Greg said, it's a teen site filled with hormones and angst.

So you think that they won't be atheists for long? And that their atheism is just another form of individualism?

[Rutherford The Brave]

So you think that they won't be atheists for long? And that their atheism is just another form of individualism?

It's entirely possible. But some maybe atheists forever and some won't.

[Sugaree]

So you think that they won't be atheists for long? And that their atheism is just another form of individualism?

Yes, exactly. They'll eventually go back to what they did before becoming an atheist and forget ever 'converting'. Of course, this isn't to say this goes for all teens who become agnostic or atheist.

[Amnesiac]

Yes, exactly. They'll eventually go back to what they did before becoming an atheist and forget ever 'converting'. Of course, this isn't to say this goes for all teens who become agnostic or atheist.

It's entirely possible. But some maybe atheists forever and some won't.

Would you say a majority of teen atheists will convert back?

[Kahn]

I've been Athiest. Or so I thought. Athiesm says it's not a religion, but in my opinion it is a religion all in it's own. It redefines religion for itself. It's a religion that is anti-religious.

I think it is ignorant to become Athiest. Many religions have good teachings that should be read and considered. It doesn't matter whether you take part in that religions celebrations or holidays, but sometimes you should combine them and learn from the things they preach. Some religions may not seem right to some, it may seem right to others, it doesn't matter. Religion is must be defined to fit the persons interests and morales. You don't have to worship another religions god or deity, you just have to learn from it. It's the most important thing.

[Sage]

We're all pinko commie liberal devil-worshipping scum.

[Iron Man]

I completely agree that most teens on here aren`t really atheist or agnostic. I am among the small majority that are actually atheist. I just realized that religion couldn`t answer the interesting questions. Like, how was the earth created in 6 days? Science proved that it took billions of years. Also, if there was a god, and he was all powerful, why would he let all of the bloodshed and suffering in the world (war, the holocaust, famine) happen? Also, religion set us back technologically. I bet that hundreds of years ago, or even thousands of years, if the church wasn`t all powerful, that we would probably start having industrial revolutions earlier. And with how rich the Catholic Church is, why can`t they do some damned giving back to the world for corrupting it? Controlling your destiny is way better than living in fantasy land with the easter bunny. If I have an issue or a problem in my life, I fix it, rather than wasting time praying to a deity that is false. And that is all I have to say about that.

[Zephyr]

From what I've witnessed in real life, a lot of teens who associate themselves with Atheists are a) 'rebelling' or b) using it as a way to justify living a 'sinful' lifestyle, a small minority are actually Atheist; As for Agnostic teens, they tend to be the ones who are either a) Exploring their religious options/curious about other religions, b) Are 'spiritual Christians', or c) just all around confused about a lot of things in life and tend to ride the fence on a lot of issues.

Again, as I've said, this is surveyed from what I've seen in real life from people I've known, so it's of course not going to be applicable to VT or teens the world over. I'm in no way saying that everybody here falls under those categories.

[The Joker]

I no longer think that I follow any religion, but rather take into the account of all the lessons presented in them, if that makes any sense.

[Magus]

I cannot say 'I am an atheist' or 'I am an agnostic'. But what I am sure of is that I am an irreligious sceptic. Since I am not following any specific religion, and I am doubtful in many things, you see.

[Peace God]

I've been Athiest. Or so I thought. Athiesm says it's not a religion, but in my opinion it is a religion all in it's own. It redefines religion for itself. It's a religion that is anti-religious.
Atheism (lack of a belief in god) is not anti-religious.

I think it is ignorant to become Athiest. Many religions have good teachings that should be read and considered. It doesn't matter whether you take part in that religions celebrations or holidays, but sometimes you should combine them and learn from the things they preach.
What makes you think that atheists cant agree with that?

[Amnesiac]

Atheism (lack of a belief in god) is not anti-religious.


What makes you think that atheists cant agree with that?

I've been Athiest. Or so I thought. Athiesm says it's not a religion, but in my opinion it is a religion all in it's own. It redefines religion for itself. It's a religion that is anti-religious.

I think it is ignorant to become Athiest. Many religions have good teachings that should be read and considered. It doesn't matter whether you take part in that religions celebrations or holidays, but sometimes you should combine them and learn from the things they preach. Some religions may not seem right to some, it may seem right to others, it doesn't matter. Religion is must be defined to fit the persons interests and morales. You don't have to worship another religions god or deity, you just have to learn from it. It's the most important thing.

Atheism is a belief that rejects religion. Therefore, it cannot be a religion. "Calling atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color!"

This pretty much boils down to the "atheists have no morals" argument. I have morals, and yes, some of them historically come from religion. Things like "don't kill people". However, most of my moral beliefs are a modified version of society's. Just because I'm not religious doesn't mean I have no morals. I get my morals from society, which took its morals from religion and changed them.

You could argue, hundreds of years ago, that atheists couldn't be moral without religion, but in a modern secular world where morals have adapted and morphed into strictly non-religious beliefs, that argument no longer applies.

[CairAndros]

I no longer think that I follow any religion, but rather take into the account of all the lessons presented in them, if that makes any sense.

I know what you mean - in my opinion no one religion is the 'true' religion nor holds all the answers and as such all religions contain a part of the truth of the matter on religion and its up to us to find it :)

[Kahn]

Atheism (lack of a belief in god) is not anti-religious.


What makes you think that atheists cant agree with that?

Because I've met many, and they think most of them are hoaxes, or stupid. They think all of America is in on Christmas for commercial reasons, and it's true, most of America does celebrate Christmas for the gifts, but there are still many who also celebrate it for the religious meaning.

[deadpie]

Does anyone have any ideas about why VT has such a high number of atheists? Combined with agnostics, according to the poll on ROTW, the non-religious population of VT is equal to the religious population of VT.

Do you think backlash against atheists has caused some of us to "hide" our atheism except when we're on the Internet, where we have privacy?

I'm an Atheist because I don't think there's any possibility of a higher power. This atheism of mine has nothing to do about teenage hormones, angst, wanting to be some Xxhardc0r3 rebel omigod so col! or all of that other shit.

[Andrzej]

Does anyone have any ideas about why VT has such a high number of atheists?

I think that there are more atheists in the world than people think. I don't really think agnosticism should be considered, because I reject the concept of a "sitting on the fence" position when it comes to the belief in a higher power. You either believe in the existence of a God/creator, or you don't, there is no in-between.

I am an atheist because I see no legitimate reason to believe that an all powerful God created us, because there is no evidence of it.

:)

[Obscene Eyedeas]

Atheism isn't something to be jumped at. you have a bad experience and you become athiest for a week which happens a lot around here. i spent a long time searching for a religion i could believe in but at the end i just knew that there was no great being from which we came. to me religion is just a mask to cover the fact man has no purpose but that's just me

[TheFame]

Lmao its the new generation. This generation is much more rebellious. Before they would be scared shitless to say something bad about God. Now no one gives a fuck.

Im not wasting my time at a church, and im not gonna be a slave to a god who i believe doesn't exist.

If i had to choose a religion i would go LaVey Satanism.

[Azunite]

Because VT is a place for clever people, that's why there are so many atheists

[Sage]

Lmao its the new generation. This generation is much more rebellious. Before they would be scared shitless to say something bad about God. Now no one gives a fuck.
Each generation is more rebellious than the previous one, this one is no exception. I'm quite pleased with the way things are progressing socially.

If i had to choose a religion i would go LaVey Satanism.
LaVeyan Satanism is not a religion. It's a philosophy.

[Andrzej]

My atheism has nothing to do with being rebellious :what:

[Amnesiac]

Each generation is more rebellious than the previous one, this one is no exception. I'm quite pleased with the way things are progressing socially.

Are you saying, after a few more generations go by, the world would be in anarchy?

That would be pretty cool :D

[Peace God]

Because I've met many, and they think most of them are hoaxes, or stupid. They think all of America is in on Christmas for commercial reasons, and it's true, most of America does celebrate Christmas for the gifts, but there are still many who also celebrate it for the religious meaning.
So is that what makes atheism inherently ignorant and close minded to other religions/philosophies?

[deadpie]

Are you saying, after a few more generations go by, the world would be in anarchy?

That would be pretty cool :D

No it wouldn't. Total anarchy means I could pull a gun to random persons head, blow his brains out, and get away with it because fuck the government and laws.

[Amnesiac]

No it wouldn't. Total anarchy means I could pull a gun to random persons head, blow his brains out, and get away with it because fuck the government and laws.

True, I was just thinking of how insane it would be.

Doesn't mean I actually want it to happen :rolleyes:

[Sugaree]

Because VT is a place for clever people, that's why there are so many atheists

Not all atheists are clever. Most are either:

1. Incredibly ignorant to religions (namely Christianity)

2. Total assholes to everyone

My atheism has nothing to do with being rebellious

You see, this is the type of atheism in teens I like to see. Making the conscious decision to become an atheist, not in part of being a rebel but in part of actually THINKING, is very rare amongst teens who claim to be atheists/agnostics.

[Art_dude]

Murdoc: I know you're not saying that ALL atheist/agnostic teens choose such an identity out of rebellion, but surely you don't believe MOST teens are?
I'm sorry, but stating your opinion on something as incredibly important as the existence or non existence of a creator of the universe is not something I think most teens do out of 'rebellion.'

[Amnesiac]

Murdoc: I know you're not saying that ALL atheist/agnostic teens choose such an identity out of rebellion, but surely you don't believe MOST teens are?
I'm sorry, but stating your opinion on something as incredibly important as the existence or non existence of a creator of the universe is not something I think most teens do out of 'rebellion.'

I don't think it's important at all, we don't need to know how the universe was "created", it's just a natural curiosity. The human race could easily give up on guessing how it all started and keep moving along just fine. What happened however many billions of years ago doesn't matter to any of us now.

[chazzrox2]

It's probably because the Western world has heavily outlived religion, or atleast the true worship of God. Many i expect will label themselves as one or other particular demonym of a religous belief but truly doesn't believe it and only reveals themselves as Atheist on VT because of a higher level on anonymity.
Also many Westerners prefer to worship the gods that are shopping malls, TV and modern medicine rather than true faith

[Dorsum Oppel]

because vt is a place for clever people, that's why there are so many atheists

lolvtforcleverpeople

[Art_dude]

I don't think it's important at all, we don't need to know how the universe was "created", it's just a natural curiosity. The human race could easily give up on guessing how it all started and keep moving along just fine. What happened however many billions of years ago doesn't matter to any of us now.

I'm not talking about how or why the universe was 'created' I'm talking about the existence of a GOD. If you don't think the existence of a supreme, omnipotent, omnipresent, celestial dictator would be relevant today, than I don't know what to say. If such a deity WERE to exist that would have extreme effects on how we live our lives.

[Obscene Eyedeas]

Murdoc: I know you're not saying that ALL atheist/agnostic teens choose such an identity out of rebellion, but surely you don't believe MOST teens are?

Most teens are doing it out of rebellion. If you question them on the torah, the jewish bible, the Vedas, the Bhagavad, the Qur'an and the Kitab AL-Iman they just stare at you open mouthed. Some simply don't even know the most basic differences between religions.

I'm sorry, but stating your opinion on something as incredibly important as the existence or non existence of a creator of the universe is not something I think most teens do out of 'rebellion.'

Well that is your opinion and I must call you out on being wrong because 9 out of ten athiests i talk to have no clue about religions or are trying to look cool and be hip with their friends. OMGIMATHIEST!!!!!ONEONEONE1111!!!

I'm not talking about how or why the universe was 'created' I'm talking about the existence of a GOD. If you don't think the existence of a supreme, omnipotent, omnipresent, celestial dictator would be relevant today, than I don't know what to say. If such a deity WERE to exist that would have extreme effects on how we live our lives.

It would have little relevance. Just because something exists it done't men we must acknowledge it. I for one would still live my life the same and if someone changes over a deity then they need to figur out who they are and stop living their life through a religion

[deadpie]

Because VT is a place for clever people, that's why there are so many atheists

>Implying every religious person is stupid.

[Art_dude]

Most teens are doing it out of rebellion. If you question them on the torah, the jewish bible, the Vedas, the Bhagavad, the Qur'an and the Kitab AL-Iman they just stare at you open mouthed. Some simply don't even know the most basic differences between religions.

I agree that they may not be too knowledgeable on religion, but I guess I just haven't met too many teen atheists that didn't have well informed decisions about their atheism. I'm not challenging you - I'm just genuinely curious if that's how you feel which you clearly do. I understand your frustration - I've argued with religious adults who havent even read their own holy books. It's pretty pathetic when an atheist like myself who's actually read the Bible and the Koran has to educate believers lol xD

Well that is your opinion and I must call you out on being wrong because 9 out of ten athiests i talk to have no clue about religions or are trying to look cool and be hip with their friends. OMGIMATHIEST!!!!!ONEONEONE1111!!!

first of all you don't have any statistical evidence that's true. Again, you feel that way because of the teen atheists you've talked to. If I talked to the teen atheists you've talked to I'd feel the same way but I haven't - the teen atheists I know are well educated on such matters.

It would have little relevance. Just because something exists it done't men we must acknowledge it. I for one would still live my life the same and if someone changes over a deity then they need to figur out who they are and stop living their life through a religion

Really? If you knew that a JudeoChristian Islamic God existed (I'm not talking about some spiritual abstract concept of 'god' I'm talking about God with a capital "G" here) you would live your life the same? Well good for you but I doubt that the general population would do the same. If proof was given that Islam for example, is true and that the Koran is the literal word of the creator of the universe, I don't think most people would go about their daily business as usual. The existence of a JUDEOCHRISTIAN GOD has ENORMOUS IMPLICATIONS if it's true. It would mean heaven and hell exist, it would mean every action we make is being judged - for gods sake we can be sent to hell for thought crime!!! This doesn't in any way phase you?

[Obscene Eyedeas]

First of all i'm taking out the bolding as it does nothing for the text and annoys me.


Really? If you knew that a JudeoChristian Islamic God existed (I'm not talking about some spiritual abstract concept of 'god' I'm talking about God with a capital "G" here) you would live your life the same?

Yup, adapt to the new laws and continue to do what I always do, if he could earn my respect and change my skepticism then and only then may I change my life slightly.

Well good for you but I doubt that the general population would do the same. If proof was given that Islam for example, is true and that the Koran is the literal word of the creator of the universe, I don't think most people would go about their daily business as usual.

That would be stupid and i do not mean that in a bad way though i am sure it will come across that way but people need to stop living their lives wholly through their religion. It is a reason I cannot respect most of society. Treat him like you would any political leader.

The existence of a JUDEOCHRISTIAN GOD has ENORMOUS IMPLICATIONS if it's true. It would mean heaven and hell exist, it would mean every action we make is being judged - for gods sake we can be sent to hell for thought crime!!! This doesn't in any way phase you?[/B]

FOR GODS SAKE omgoshoshosh I'm going to hell, god save me!

Ya, no it doesn't phase me, we get what we deserve and if having my own mind and making my own choices sends me to hell so be it. Besides we're thought all powerful beings are all knowing so if you change because they come to earth then they're going to know it's not a real change just one that came about through fear of retribution. The people who are honest and earn respect will imo be better off. Also you need to calm down if you're going to hell, acting more religious and such as a being would dictate simply to suck up to them I believe would piss them off and if that is truly what they wanted then i wouldn't respect them or want to go to their heaven or peaceful abode in the afterlife

[Kahn]

Because VT is a place for clever people, that's why there are so many atheists

'Because it is for clever people.' What in the fuck does that mean? You don't have to be clever to be Atheist. All you have to say is that you are and that you don't believe there is an old man in the sky with a walking stick creating and killing things.

You need to understand what you are as a person, and then build from there. You are not intelligent for being Atheist, you are simply hopping on a very long bandwagon.

Either way you can be clever, just understand what the fuck you're doing before hand.

[Azunite]

Corret your foul mouth before someting happens Augustus...

Religion mostly bindens people, slows down your progresses, It is usually a barricade in the roads of research and other stuff, sometimes.

[Obscene Eyedeas]

Corret your foul mouth before someting happens Augustus....

That is the end of this. This will not continue either of you, you have both been warned. Ad hominem attacks are not accepted from any member.

[MattHolyman41]

Hi guys!

I'm an Atheist/Agnostic ... just because I listen to reason and logic and expanding knowledge of human race. However beyond this slowly expanding sphere of "known" is an infinite space of Unknown which we are about to find. There may be anything!!! But still bound by certain higher laws of existence even if it was beyond ordinary space and time we dwell in. I say that there is certain possibility that there may be some entity that is somehow responsible for the Big Bang setting the elemental physical forces of the Universe. This entity is far from omnipotent, because you can always ask what is outside of that? And what is even bigger? You can never say absolute NO to this. Existence is a complex entity, that is bound by some mind-boggling laws... but there is still possibility that our universe is NOT created by a superbeing. It may be created as some bubble by natural causes in an endless river of other bubbling universes. (M-theory)...

I absolutely REJECT All Christian religions, Islam, Budhism (although its more peaceful), Hinduism, Scientology, Hare Krishna... etc. Because NONE of these gives me reasonable theory of true existence outside the observable!!!

I don't believe in afterlife! There is no way a non physical entity that would dwell in a living body and leave it after death would exist. If bodies of organisms had non physical energy drive their activity they wouldn't need nervous system at all! We wouldn't need such BIG ass brain!!! So CONSCIOUSNESS = chemical reactions between neuron cells in brain. Once it dies our consciousness ceases to exist!!! NO HEAVEN AND NO HELL AFTERWARDS!!!!!!

I also don't believe in miracles, cause they violate the laws of physics and logic! Jesus was a damn human that died in vain! He did not crawl from grave like a zombie, damn it!!!

That's pretty much it.

[INFERNO]

I think you find so many consider themselves as atheists because they hop onto the teenage angst bandwagon where part of the rebellion involves rebellion towards the Church. I'd go as far as saying that many don't understand much of what it is they're rebelling against. Most often it's the Abrahamic faiths, such as Christianity but they don't seem to have much knowledge of those. Or, they don't know much of the religions to begin with and just hop right to atheism. Those seem to be the common trends.

The other trend that seems to be more and more common, which I have a personal dislike to, is claiming they're part of LaVeyan Satanism (atheistic) but are ignorant towards it and other forms of Satanism. I think this is usually a backlash towards religion, by not only a kick in the nuts by saying they're atheistic but a second kick in the nuts by associating themselves with Satanism.

[vice]

Does anyone have any ideas about why VT has such a high number of atheists? Combined with agnostics, according to the poll on ROTW, the non-religious population of VT is equal to the religious population of VT.

Do you think backlash against atheists has caused some of us to "hide" our atheism except when we're on the Internet, where we have privacy?

But... according to these mini-polls on VT, the ratio of straight to non-straight is 1:2, and you know that's not the ratio in the big, real, outside world.

[Amnesiac]

But... according to these mini-polls on VT, the ratio of straight to non-straight is 1:2, and you know that's not the ratio in the big, real, outside world.

I'm talking about Virtual Teen specifically, not the outside world.