# Atheists: What Do You Believe In? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 12, 2013, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082 "2013-02-12T15:17:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/61 "2013-02-12T17:20:12Z")
I’m an atheist and somewhat of a noncogntivist (or ignostic). I’m also a naturalist and I guess I’m an absurdist. I also float occasionally to metaphysical skepticism and moral non cognitivism as well. I also favor a block view of time. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/62 "2013-02-12T17:21:57Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Not what **pchaos** is talking about-see other thread for details…but bring some asprin. I gave up 5 posts in. I’m all out of aspirin. ---
**Author:** ![Sudden\_Kestrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Sudden\_Kestrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sudden_Kestrel)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/63 "2013-02-12T17:27:18Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I believe it best you sit this one out and just listen for once, after the mess you made of the last thread. Well, his name _is_ **pchaos** , after all. You can hardly expect him to straighten up the place. ---
**Author:** ![pchaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/258eb7/32.png) [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/64 "2013-02-12T17:55:58Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Which ties in with another belief of mine-Love has no limits. Heinlien said something like “The more you love, the more you _can_ love”, and so I love the old _and_ the new. Love is important. Let’s face it, atheism is a luxury we can afford because we live in North America and have plenty of resources. Let’s be generous with those resources and share them with the rest of the world. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/65 "2013-02-12T17:57:58Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Love is important. Let’s face it, atheism is a luxury we can afford because we live in North America and have plenty of resources. Let’s be generous with those resources and share them with the rest of the world. _ **???** _ ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/66 "2013-02-12T18:00:14Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Let’s face it, atheism is a luxury we can afford because we live in North America and have plenty of resources. I _don’t_ believe it.:rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![pchaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/258eb7/32.png) [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/67 "2013-02-12T18:02:09Z")
> [@Jenaroph](#): > > And what do YOU think we should be trying to do, anyway? As a self described theist, why are you so intent on getting atheists to band together, advertise and spread the atheist word? You guys are going to flame me without doubt. But right now, it looks the blind are leading the blind. And you guys are wondering why the general public ignore you? ---
**Author:** ![Sudden\_Kestrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Sudden\_Kestrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sudden_Kestrel)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/68 "2013-02-12T18:08:40Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > You guys are going to flame me without doubt. But right now, it looks the blind are leading the blind. And you guys are wondering why the general public ignore you? I think the whole point of whatever this is resides in that nobody is leading anybody anywhere, at least not on the atheist side of the issue. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/69 "2013-02-12T18:21:47Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Love is important. Let’s face it, atheism is a luxury we can afford because we live in North America and have plenty of resources. Because…people in other countries have to pray for resources?😕 ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/70 "2013-02-12T18:26:31Z")
> [@Sudden\_Kestrel](#): > > I think the whole point of whatever this is resides in that nobody is leading anybody anywhere, at least not on the atheist side of the issue. I’ve had that feeling a lot recently. I sort of want to believe that there’s someone or something greater than us out there to inspire and lead us. But I’m coming up with very little. Our greatest leaders are as fallable as the rest of us. Sometimes that’s a little depressing. And sometimes not. ---
**Author:** ![pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/71 "2013-02-12T18:28:02Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Love is important. Let’s face it, atheism is a luxury we can afford because we live in North America and have plenty of resources. Let’s be generous with those resources and share them with the rest of the world. You phrase this (“Let’s face it”) like everyone secretly agrees with you but is afraid to admit it. In point of fact, like so much of what you write, it’s simply incomprehensible (what the hell do natural resources have to do with beliefs?). When you find yourself wondering why people treat you with impatience and hostility, put your difficulty expressing yourself clearly and coherently at the top of your list. Among the questions I would like a direct, sensible answer to: how can a belief be a luxury? ---
**Author:** ![pchaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/258eb7/32.png) [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/72 "2013-02-12T18:28:20Z")
> [@Human\_Action](#): > > Still with this? You are still expecting atheists to form some kind of uniform philosophy? Who’s talking about a uniform philosophy? That is obviously hopeless. How about any philosophy. You guys were able to show some leadership when you broke with Theists. Now, you’re going to drop the ball? Are you going to wait until everybody agrees with you before you attempt to move forward. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/73 "2013-02-12T18:33:13Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Who’s talking about a uniform philosophy? That is obviously hopeless. How about any philosophy. You guys were able to show some leadership when you broke with Theists. Now, you’re going to drop the ball? Are you going to wait until everybody agrees with you before you attempt to move forward. Please don’t hijack this thread. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/74 "2013-02-12T18:33:17Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Hey Human Action, > > You’re a sweetheart, I didn’t know this thread was partially for me. > > Guys, > > I even have a theme song for us. How about John Lennon’s Imagine…now all we need are some coherent ideas to go with it. Also, we need a word to describe what we are trying to do. Stop threadshitting in and hijacking this topic. You already have the other one made, in Great Debates…let’s keep the debate there and out of this one. If you have any problems with anyone, use the BBQ Pit. Everyone else, let’s please get back on track and not help the hijack. ---
**Author:** ![shiftless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@shiftless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shiftless)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/75 "2013-02-12T18:39:38Z")
I believe I’ll keep an open mind. > [@Human\_Action](#): > > More detail: in the linked thread, **pchaos** seemed to struggle with the idea that atheists have beliefs. This is a response. I believe that **pchaos** is struggling with the idea that anyone can possibly NOT believe in God. When you build your whole world-view around God it’s hard to imagine anyone letting that go. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/76 "2013-02-12T18:42:25Z")
> [@shiftless](#): > > I believe I’ll keep an open mind. > > I believe that **pchaos** is struggling with the idea that anyone can possibly NOT believe in God. When you build your whole world-view around God it’s hard to imagine anyone letting that go. I’m going to assume you didn’t see my last post before you made this reply. Let’s keep that other thread separate from this one. ---
**Author:** ![Jenaroph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/77 "2013-02-12T18:42:56Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Who’s talking about a uniform philosophy? That is obviously hopeless. How about any philosophy. You guys were able to show some leadership when you broke with Theists. Now, you’re going to drop the ball? Are you going to wait until everybody agrees with you before you attempt to move forward. I am taking my answer to this to the Atheist Church thread. ---
**Author:** ![simster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/simster/32/1047_2.png) [@simster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/simster)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/78 "2013-02-12T18:44:10Z")
> [@pchaos](#): > > Who’s talking about a uniform philosophy? That is obviously hopeless. How about any philosophy. You guys were able to show some leadership when you broke with Theists. Now, you’re going to drop the ball? Are you going to wait until everybody agrees with you before you attempt to move forward. 'broke with theists" ?? You simply still don’t get it - or this is willful to get a rise. (sorry mod) ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/79 "2013-02-12T18:47:08Z")
I believe that they will never run out of new things to deep-fry at county fairs. ---
**Author:** ![pchaos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/258eb7/32.png) [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082/80 "2013-02-12T18:48:17Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > I’ve had that feeling a lot recently. I sort of want to believe that there’s someone or something greater than us out there to inspire and lead us. But I’m coming up with very little. First, I want to give you gals and guys some credit. For those of you who did not grow up atheists, the break from theists was difficult. For some of you the journey is done. How about the rest of you, is there any desire to move further? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-do-you-believe-in/650082.md?page=5)