The 6 Types of Atheists and Non-Believers in America

reply to post by wildtimes
I know many people who could fit into more than one of those categories, but I never encountered anyone from category 4 until I came to ATS. The majority of non-believers are happy to debate with those who wish to intelligently discuss religion vs. non-religion but otherwise follow a policy of "live and let live".

I have one daughter who would fit into categories 1 or 2, but my other daughter, my husband and I would have to go into the "none of the above" category.

reply to post by BlueMule


You're taking this personally. I'm not sure why.

You believe what you do because you feel it is right. By extension, those who do not feel the way you do would be mistaken. Right? Unless you are a pluralist, which if you are then I am wrong and yes, "my mistake".

I apologize for choosing words that offended you. I didn't think what I said was metaphysically or epistemologically insulting.

reply to post by wildtimes


I try not to be mean. Sometimes it's hard not to get flustered when you are genuinely concerned for the person you are speaking with.

Ayn Rand's trader principle is wonderful for keeping one calm when confronted with a person or view you find infuriating.

So I am not in any of those groups. I believe in god but not religion, although I do believe in a lot of the good writings that are in religions and understand why they created some of the crazy rules that they did.

So I am not an atheist and not technically a theist unless I choose a religion. I get along with most all the people no matter what their religion. I respect their right to beliefs as long as they don't interfere with mine. My definition of god seems to be different than most others also, god is the communication between everything. God is basicly the unspoken words, the link.

Now I will probably have almost everyone disagreeing with me

reply to post by wildtimes



Pretty accurate description of the categories in my opinion. I found my self in couple...I guess it depends on my mood of the day...and whether I'm on any mind altering substances at that moment.

But in general...I would classify myself as "I don't know, neither do you"....that way I can switch sides if new information comes to light

edit:

I just realized...we can call this category something like Atheist Opportunist

Originally posted by Philodemus
reply to post by wildtimes

 

I try not to be mean. Sometimes it's hard not to get flustered when you are genuinely concerned for the person you are speaking with.

Ayn Rand's trader principle is wonderful for keeping one calm when confronted with a person or view you find infuriating.

You assume a priori that your debate opponent is not only mistaken but in need of your concern. I find that insulting. You seem to be a fan of Rand... I find that offensive.

So yeah, you are exactly the kind of person I wouldn't bother debating. Smug and condescending.

Originally posted by Philodemus

You believe what you do because you feel it is right.

That's an assumption on your part. You start off with many assumptions.

Has it occurred to you that some people might "believe" what they do because their personal experiences leave them no choice? Whether it "feels right" or not.

Of course it hasn't. You start off by thinking you're right about everything.

reply to post by BlueMule

you are exactly the kind of person I wouldn't bother debating. Smug and condescending.

That may indicate that one is unable to counter argument.

Just sayin'...

reply to post by BlueMule


Again, I am sorry. Again, I didn't mean to offend you.

I would love to ask you why you find Objectivism offensive, but speaking to you might be a lost cause based on your aggressive responses to me. I in no way intended to be condescending. I respect everyone as an individual.

When it comes to my making comments regarding my concern for my "opponents", I am speaking about people I grew up with that I have previous friendships with. I am concerned for them. I am currently in "debate" with a few of my old friends so that context is fresh in my mind. Incidentally, they sought me out because of my professed beliefs...Hmmm.

Anyway, I honestly hope that we get the chance to speak on civil terms.

reply to post by BlueMule


Why are you attacking me?

reply to post by BlueMule

Has it occurred to you that some people might "believe" what they do because their personal experiences leave them no choice? Whether it "feels right" or not.

Your personal experiences can probably be interpreted in more than one way. Even today...you have parts of the world where people think thunder is God's wrath. They honestly believe it.

All of your experiences are derived from the processing of information in your brain. It really is true...we do create our own realities.


Anyway...I'm perfectly OK with you believing in any of the deities you see fit.

Originally posted by Philodemus
reply to post by BlueMule

 

Why are you attacking me?

I'm not attacking you.

You said you don't see how you're "mean". I'm trying to show you how you can be offensive without realizing it.

"open people's eyes to their mistakes ..."

How arrogant. Who the hell do you think you are? Who are you to assume that I, as a religious person, am mistaking about anything?

So, as you can see I'm just trying to open your eyes to your mistakes. I'm concerned for you. I don't see how that's mean.

reply to post by BlueMule


Alright, how do you know my knowledge of the theist/mystical worldviews is a priori?

reply to post by rickymouse


Hi ricky.....
I'm not an atheist - I'm an "agnostic/seeker" mostly.
You're fine, dude. I like hanging out wichya.

Originally posted by BlueMule

Originally posted by Briles1207
Definitley number one.

I will always say that as an atheist, unlike religious people, I view all religions equally.

I'm a religious person and I view all religions equally.

So there.

Religion by definition is "The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.

So not all religions can be correct, therefore you cannot, as a "believer" view all religions equally.

reply to post by Philodemus

I try not to be mean. Sometimes it's hard not to get flustered when you are genuinely concerned for the person you are speaking with.

Well, I'm not sure what Bluemule's beef is in the context of this thread - but I didn't find your post to be inflammatory, and I don't know the history of exchanges between you two, either.
I suppose maybe he read what you posted and thought it was "negative" toward me?????


*pouty face* Please don't fight, you guys.

Originally posted by Philodemus
reply to post by BlueMule

 

Alright, how do you know my knowledge of the theist/mystical worldviews is a priori?

edit on 12-7-2013 by Philodemus because: (no reason given)

I know your knowledge of theist/mystical worldviews is deeply flawed because you identified yourself with #4.

In order to be a #4, one must have many misconceptions about religion, mysticism, mythology. Misconceptions that can only be unlearned by independent effort. A debate won't cut it.

So, I'm not going to get dragged into a debate with a #4.

I just wanted to point out how easily you can offend despite your efforts to gloss over your condescension and arrogance.

Goodbye and good luck.

Originally posted by Briles1207

Originally posted by BlueMule

Originally posted by Briles1207
Definitley number one.

I will always say that as an atheist, unlike religious people, I view all religions equally.

I'm a religious person and I view all religions equally.

So there.

Religion by definition is "The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, esp. a personal God or gods.

So not all religions can be correct, therefore you cannot, as a "believer" view all religions equally.

That's your definition, not mine.

reply to post by wildtimes


I am sorry wild. I know that this was not your intent for this thread. There is no history between us that what is confusing me. Can you re-read our exchange more carefully and see if you can find where I went wrong with blue? I just don't get it.

You don't need to pout. I'm not going to fight with Blue. It was never my intention to and it still is not even though I feel like he/she is trying to pick one with me....

reply to post by MarioOnTheFly

Pretty accurate description of the categories in my opinion. I found my self in couple...I guess it depends on my mood of the day...and whether I'm on any mind altering substances at that moment.

Yeah, I know JUST what you mean!!!
Mood and state of mind.

@philodemus - yes, it's hard not to get frustrated when it seems that the person simply won't even listen to my point of view and says "WRONG" - it's hard not to say "WRONG" back.
I try, but I'm, welll.......human. I worry the most about the people who as children were taught "only we are going to heaven" and so on and so forth......and hellfire and brimstone...and rapture and original sin.....
that kind of thing.

I'm sure sometimes people find my posts offensive or disrespectful - we all get touchy on here sometimes.
'Tsall good. We're a pretty "normal" bunch of classmates in that regard.