God is not real; belief in god definitely is.

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Alembé's picture
God is not real; belief in god definitely is.

This title is not a novel observation. As atheists we reject belief in gods and deny their existence. Thus there are no gods to answer prayers, perform miracles, change the weather or directly interfere with human lives.

However, whether it was accepted voluntarily, or instilled by indoctrination, coercion or fear, belief in god is very real. Furthermore, this belief does indeed change the behavior of people from the personal through to the societal and the governmental/national level. (For examples see The dark side of Theism , The only reason my mom hasn't cheated on my dad is christianity , and Belief may have driven societal expansion .)

I am also reading more and more that potentially hard-wired behavioral and psychological characteristics that helped humanity survive and evolve, may predispose people, may make them more comfortable, to living and functioning within the mental framework of belief in god. If true, I would find that depressing because it implies that the battle for rationality will be very long and hard.

However, a couple of generations of Chinese grew up during the Mao era without religion (it was essentially banned) and enlightened parts of Europe are becoming less theistic; these facts make me more optimistic.

As somebody who de-converted just over a year ago, I want to see humanity reject “belief in god” very soon. I fear that it will not happen for a long time to come.

Edited to say "enlightened parts of Europe are becoming less theistic."

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ThePragmatic's picture
"...and enlightened parts of

"...and enlightened parts of Europe are becoming more theistic; these facts make me more optimistic."

Hmm, a writing mishap perhaps? Perhaps you meant "less theistic"?

"I want to see humanity reject “belief in god” very soon. I fear that it will not happen for a long time to come."

I share your concern. I don't want my children to have to live in a world dominated by delusions. But the sad truth is probably that people want to stay in their delusional world, like an addict that keep struggling against rehabilitation.

And as Sam Harris talks about in "The End of Faith", as technology becomes more and more advanced and powerful, it's only a matter of time before some delusional fundamentalist gets their hands on atomic, biological or chemical weapons and willingly brings about global destruction, while firmly convinced it is a good thing.

All non-believers and anti-theists have to start to speak their mind, stand their ground. Or the sheer volume of ignorance will wash over the globe and drown reason and sanity.

Alembé's picture
Hi Pragmatic,

Hi Pragmatic,

Yes, that was a typo, I did indeed mean "less theistic." Thanks.

I had not considered a fundamentalist deliberately causing the Apocalypse, but now that you mention it, I could see it. Scary, indeed.

Rick Kavooras's picture
"All non-believers and anti

"All non-believers and anti-theists have to start to speak their mind, stand their ground"

I think I believe this more than most so-called christians know their own faith (Thank you Pragmatic) . This is such an important statement.
I find it really shameful that I have to actually try to explain to my 9 year old why other children are so hateful. And why these christian and muslim adults some how think they have the right to teach our children what the truth is (in their stupid opinion), how can these people be soooo arrogant, I mean really??

Minitubs's picture
"Who needs a thousand

"Who needs a thousand metaphors to figure out you shouldn't be a dick?"

If anyone can name this quote, you will be my best friend.

CyberLN's picture
Bo Burnham

Bo Burnham

Vincent Paul Tran1's picture
the christians at the church

the christians at the church i used to go to have given up on life. they literally wait daily for the rapture, because they have checked out of our present realities. This was the final nail in my coffin against the religion - it is entirely defeatist in nature

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