101 Atheist Quotes

[tracy]

For myself at least, I do. I certainly prefer not to fool myself, or let others fool me, if I can avoid it, and sometimes the sorry fact of life is that there is no true comfort.

That's a very rational view. If life were rational and everything made sense, that would be enough. We would all believe that and accept that there is no meaning to our lives, no explanation for our suffering, no connection to the universe beyond what science can prove, no comfort to be had and anyone who says otherwise is dellusional.

I think that view is as extreme as the fanatical religious believers who think we all need to accept Christ to get to heaven. When it comes to something as subjective as comfort there is no scientific measurement and I don't see why I should attack how someone gets it when they clearly need it because it isn't how I would get it. I think it's easy to talk down about the fallacy of religion in a dispassionate debate. I think even you'd have a hard time saying it to a family baptizing their about to be dead baby. I doubt you'd care what gave them comfort, even if it isn't something you believe in.

I guess my point is whether the religion is real or not, the feeling of comfort it gives is and that's enough for it to have some value.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

We would all believe that and accept that there is no meaning to our lives, no explanation for our suffering, no connection to the universe beyond what science can prove, no comfort to be had and anyone who says otherwise is dellusional..

That's going way too far. I neither said nor implied any such thing. I find plenty of meaning and purpose and comfort in my life, but it's of my own making and depends entirely on my relationships with other people. I've had my share of suffering too, and found explanations for it, and while I'm inclined to think that much human suffering is self-inflicted, sometimes the explanation is simply that that's the way nature works.

 

[tracy]

That's going way too far. I neither said nor implied any such thing. I find plenty of meaning and purpose and comfort in my life, but it's of my own making and depends entirely on my relationships with other people. I've had my share of suffering too, and found explanations for it, and while I'm inclined to think that much human suffering is self-inflicted, sometimes the explanation is simply that that's the way nature works.

I had a college teacher who said all humans seek meaning. I thought she was a hippy nutcase back then, but I was young and much less experienced when it came to hard times. You find it within your beliefs apparently. I find it within mine. Some people find it within religion. If their religion causes them to act badly then it's bad, if it causes them to act well then it's good. I'd say the same for your beliefs or mine. I don't see what makes personal beliefs so different from religious ones.

 

[talloola]

. If their religion causes them to act badly then it's bad, if it causes them to act well then it's good.

Religion, or non religion isn't responsible for causing anyone to 'act' any way. How you
conduct yourself each and every day is totally your own responsibility, and shouldn't be
sluffed off onto others, whether it be your religion, or, that you don't have a religion, or your friends.

 

[talloola]

[
.[/quote]
quote=tracy;988701]That's a very rational view. If life were rational and everything made
sense, that would be enough. We would all believe that and accept that there is no meaning to our lives,
Whoa there, I resent that statement very much, speak for yourself when you say that
because one doesn't believe in a god, there is no meaning to their life?
I don't believe in any god, but there is great meaning to my life, I am a spiritual person, with a great connection to my fellow humans and animals, and definitely to
my earth.
We have great brains, and can figure our way out of almost any dillemas that come
our way, just look what man has invented since early times. We are completely
competent and able to look after ourselves, and our imaginations can take anywhere
we want, (hence, some go toward religion).

no explanation for our suffering, no connection to the universe beyond what science can prove, no comfort to be had and anyone who says otherwise is dellusional.
I don't need an explanation for suffering, I accept suffering along with happiness, as
a part of being alive. I love science, and have great respect for them, and look forward to each and every step they make on this earth to open our eyes to the
origin of our earth.
The religious seem to take great joy in telling 'us' that life has no meaning for us.



I think even you'd have a hard time saying it to a family baptizing their about to be dead baby.
Why would anyone say that to a family baptizing their about to be dead baby, that
would be rude and intrusive. Everyone has the right to believe whatever they want.

I doubt you'd care what gave them comfort, even if it isn't something you believe in.
People can take comfort in what ever way they want, not caring doesn't enter into
it. People who don't care about others, have nothing.

I guess my point is whether the religion is real or not, the feeling of comfort it gives is and that's enough for it to have some value
Of course, if some get comfort from religion, so be it, nothing wrong with that.
I get great comfort being around animals, all kinds of animals, they are our
partners on this earth, and we share this land, and I can see them, they are real,
I don't have to sit and pray to them, nor them to me, we have a warm spiritual
connection, we need them, they need us.
I feel no need whatsoever toward something imaginary, invisible, somewhere?, that
others tell me I should pray to, sorry, that wouldn't make me happy or complete,
just foolish.

 

[Dexter Sinister]

I think even you'd have a hard time saying it to a family baptizing their about to be dead baby.

Had to think about that one for a bit. I wouldn't have a hard time doing it, I simply wouldn't do it. There's a time and place to have such discussions, and that clearly isn't one of them. Cruelty and insensitivity are not among my shortcomings. I wouldn't stand up in a church and shout "BULLSH!T" at the sermon either, even though it almost certainly is in my experience, I just don't go anymore.

 

[ahmadabdalrhman]

Sûrat Qâf
In the Name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. Qâf. [ These letters ( Qâf, etc. ) are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh ( Alone ) knows their meanings ] . By the Glorious Qur’ân.
2. Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a warner ( Muhammad ( saas ) ) from among themselves. So the disbelievers say: « This is a strange thing!»
3. « When we are dead and have become dust ( shall we be resurrected? ) That is a far return. »
4. We know that which the earth takes of them ( their dead bodies ) , and with Us is a Book preserved ( i.e. the Book of Decrees ) .
5. Nay, but they have denied the truth ( this Qur’ân ) when it has come to them, so they are in a confused state ( cannot differentiate between right and wrong ) .
6. Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it?
7. And the earth! We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and have produced therein every kind of lovely growth ( plants ) .
8. An insight and a Reminder for every slave who turns to Allâh in repentance ( i.e. the one who believes in the Oneness of Allâh and performs deeds of His obedience, and always begs His pardon ) .
9. And We send down blessed water ( rain ) from the sky, then We produce therewith gardens and grain ( every kind of harvests ) that are reaped.
10. And tall date- palms, with ranged clusters.
11. A provision for ( Allâh’s ) slaves. And We give life therewith to a dead land. Thus will be the resurrection ( of the dead ) .
12. Denied before them ( i.e. these pagans of Makkah ) the people of Nûh ( Noah ) , and the dwellers of Rass, and Thamûd;
13. And ‘Âd, and Fir‘aun ( Pharaoh ) , and the brethren of Lût ( Lot ) ;
14. And the Dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba‘. Everyone of them denied ( their ) Messengers, so My Threat took effect.
15. Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, they are in confused doubt about a new creation ( i.e. Resurrection ) .
16. And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein ( by Our Knowledge ) .
17. ( Remember ) that the two receivers ( recording angels ) receive ( each human being ) , [ 1 ] one sitting on the right and one on the left ( to note his or her actions ) . [ 2 ]
18. Not a word does he ( or she ) utter but there is a watcher by him ready ( to record it ) . [ 3 ]
19. And the stupor of death will come in truth: « This is what you have been avoiding! »
20. And the Trumpet will be blown - that will be the Day whereof warning ( had been given ) ( i.e. the Day of Resurrection ) .
21. And every person will come forth along with an ( angel ) to drive ( him ) and an ( angel ) to bear witness.
22. ( It will be said to the sinners ) : « Indeed you were heedless of this. Now We have removed from you your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day! »
23. And his companion ( angel ) will say: « Here is ( this Record ) ready with me! »
24. ( Allah will say to the angels ) : « Both of you throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever ( in the Oneness of Allâh, in His Messengers ) .»
25. « Hinderer of good, transgressor, doubter,»
26. « Who set up another ilâh ( god ) with Allâh. Then both of you cast him in the severe torment. »
27. His companion ( Satan - devil ) ] will say: « Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression, ( in disbelief, oppression, and evil deeds ) but he was himself in error far astray. »
28. Allâh will say: « Dispute not in front of Me, I had already in advance sent you the threat.»
29. The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust to the slaves. « »
30. On the Day when We will say to Hell: « Are you filled? » It will say: « Are there any more ( to come ) ? » [ 4 ]
31. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn ( the pious. See V.2:2 ) , not far off.
32. ( It will be said ) : « This is what you were promised - ( it is ) for those oft- returning ( to Allâh ) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allâh ( by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worshipping none but Allâh Alone, i.e. follow Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism ) .»
33. « Who feared the Most Gracious ( Allâh ) in the Ghaib ( Unseen ) and brought a heart turned in repentance ( to Him and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism ) .»
34. « Enter you therein in peace and security - this is a Day of eternal life! »
35. There they will have all that they desire - and We have more ( for them, i.e. a glance at the All- Mighty, All- Majestic ( Lord Almighty and Exalted ) ) .
36. And how many a generation We have destroyed before them who were stronger in power than they. And ( when Our Torment came ) , they ran for a refuge in the land! Could they find any place of refuge ( for them to save themselves from destruction ) ?
37. Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.
38. And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.
39. So bear with patience ( O Muhammad ( saas ) ) all that they say, and glorify the Praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before ( its ) setting ( i.e. the Fajr, Zuhr, and ‘Asr prayers ) [ 1 ] .
40. And during a part of the night ( also ) glorify His praises ( i.e. Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers ) and ( so likewise ) after the prayers [ As- Sunnah, Nawâfil - optional and additional prayers. And also glorify, praise and magnify Allâh - Subhân Allâh, Alhamdu lillâh, Allâhu- Akbar ] .
41. And listen on the Day when the caller will call from a near place.
42. The Day when they will hear As- Saihah ( shout ) in truth: that will be the Day of coming out ( from the graves, i.e. the Day of Resurrection ) .
43. Verily, We it is Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return.
44. On the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them, ( they will come out ) hastening forth. That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us.
45. We know best what they say. And you ( O Muhammad ( saas ) ) are not the one to force them ( to Belief ) . But warn by the Qur’an; him who fears My Threat

 

[Zzarchov]

For myself at least, I do. I certainly prefer not to fool myself, or let others fool me, if I can avoid it, and sometimes the sorry fact of life is that there is no true comfort.
I didn't suggest it does, though I find it quite mysterious how people faced with the death of a child can find comfort in believing in a being who could have prevented it, and was no doubt earnestly entreated to do so if there was any warning, but chose not to. But that's really beside the point, which is that in my view religion does more harm than good on balance.

Aw jeez, not that can of worms again. People like Stalin didn't do wrong because they were atheists, that's quite incidental to what drove them. You've got cause and effect in the wrong order there, but this isn't the thread to discuss that in.

Well, being Atheist was a cause, ands thats the issue.

Religion has never caused one problem in society. Religion as a cause to follow and advance causes the issue.

Anytime you can justify forcing others to be like you for the greater good (for their souls with religion, to alleviate poverty and suffering with communism or simply bringing civilization to "primitive cultures" ) you get the problem.

It isn't religion, its someone deciding that their ego is so correct that they alone are right and the world would be better if everyone was forced to be right just like them. Anyone who doesn't think like them is causing untold suffering and needs to be made right for the greater long term good, so their children can grow up right instead of being backward and wrong.

You don't need religion to do that, you just need a cause.


Also, at the OP:

#50, Mr. Colbert is not an atheist.

 

[L Gilbert]

............recognize the roots of religion and their human birth, and also explore the question of what sparks a concept of god in almost every culture under the sun.

Exactly, Karrie. Simple fact is that there is no evidence for the existence of gods & such except as products of human imagination, and that the beliefs that such things exist etc. are born of superstition ---> fear of the unknown ---> fear.

 

[L Gilbert]

Sûrat Qâf
In the Name of Allâh,
the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1. Qâf. [ These letters ( Qâf, etc. ) are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân, and none but Allâh ( Alone ) knows their meanings ] . By the Glorious Qur’ân.
2. Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a warner ( Muhammad ( saas ) ) from among themselves. So the disbelievers say: « This is a strange thing!»
3. « When we are dead and have become dust ( shall we be resurrected? ) That is a far return. »
4. We know that which the earth takes of them ( their dead bodies ) , and with Us is a Book preserved ( i.e. the Book of Decrees ) .
5. Nay, but they have denied the truth ( this Qur’ân ) when it has come to them, so they are in a confused state ( cannot differentiate between right and wrong ) .
6. Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it?
7. And the earth! We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and have produced therein every kind of lovely growth ( plants ) .
8. An insight and a Reminder for every slave who turns to Allâh in repentance ( i.e. the one who believes in the Oneness of Allâh and performs deeds of His obedience, and always begs His pardon ) .
9. And We send down blessed water ( rain ) from the sky, then We produce therewith gardens and grain ( every kind of harvests ) that are reaped.
10. And tall date- palms, with ranged clusters.
11. A provision for ( Allâh’s ) slaves. And We give life therewith to a dead land. Thus will be the resurrection ( of the dead ) .
12. Denied before them ( i.e. these pagans of Makkah ) the people of Nûh ( Noah ) , and the dwellers of Rass, and Thamûd;
13. And ‘Âd, and Fir‘aun ( Pharaoh ) , and the brethren of Lût ( Lot ) ;
14. And the Dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba‘. Everyone of them denied ( their ) Messengers, so My Threat took effect.
15. Were We then tired with the first creation? Nay, they are in confused doubt about a new creation ( i.e. Resurrection ) .
16. And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein ( by Our Knowledge ) .
17. ( Remember ) that the two receivers ( recording angels ) receive ( each human being ) , [ 1 ] one sitting on the right and one on the left ( to note his or her actions ) . [ 2 ]
18. Not a word does he ( or she ) utter but there is a watcher by him ready ( to record it ) . [ 3 ]
19. And the stupor of death will come in truth: « This is what you have been avoiding! »
20. And the Trumpet will be blown - that will be the Day whereof warning ( had been given ) ( i.e. the Day of Resurrection ) .
21. And every person will come forth along with an ( angel ) to drive ( him ) and an ( angel ) to bear witness.
22. ( It will be said to the sinners ) : « Indeed you were heedless of this. Now We have removed from you your covering, and sharp is your sight this Day! »
23. And his companion ( angel ) will say: « Here is ( this Record ) ready with me! »
24. ( Allah will say to the angels ) : « Both of you throw into Hell every stubborn disbeliever ( in the Oneness of Allâh, in His Messengers ) .»
25. « Hinderer of good, transgressor, doubter,»
26. « Who set up another ilâh ( god ) with Allâh. Then both of you cast him in the severe torment. »
27. His companion ( Satan - devil ) ] will say: « Our Lord! I did not push him to transgression, ( in disbelief, oppression, and evil deeds ) but he was himself in error far astray. »
28. Allâh will say: « Dispute not in front of Me, I had already in advance sent you the threat.»
29. The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust to the slaves. « »
30. On the Day when We will say to Hell: « Are you filled? » It will say: « Are there any more ( to come ) ? » [ 4 ]
31. And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqûn ( the pious. See V.2:2 ) , not far off.
32. ( It will be said ) : « This is what you were promised - ( it is ) for those oft- returning ( to Allâh ) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allâh ( by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worshipping none but Allâh Alone, i.e. follow Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism ) .»
33. « Who feared the Most Gracious ( Allâh ) in the Ghaib ( Unseen ) and brought a heart turned in repentance ( to Him and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism ) .»
34. « Enter you therein in peace and security - this is a Day of eternal life! »
35. There they will have all that they desire - and We have more ( for them, i.e. a glance at the All- Mighty, All- Majestic ( Lord Almighty and Exalted ) ) .
36. And how many a generation We have destroyed before them who were stronger in power than they. And ( when Our Torment came ) , they ran for a refuge in the land! Could they find any place of refuge ( for them to save themselves from destruction ) ?
37. Verily, therein is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful.
38. And indeed We created the heavens and the earth and all between them in six Days and nothing of fatigue touched Us.
39. So bear with patience ( O Muhammad ( saas ) ) all that they say, and glorify the Praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before ( its ) setting ( i.e. the Fajr, Zuhr, and ‘Asr prayers ) [ 1 ] .
40. And during a part of the night ( also ) glorify His praises ( i.e. Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers ) and ( so likewise ) after the prayers [ As- Sunnah, Nawâfil - optional and additional prayers. And also glorify, praise and magnify Allâh - Subhân Allâh, Alhamdu lillâh, Allâhu- Akbar ] .
41. And listen on the Day when the caller will call from a near place.
42. The Day when they will hear As- Saihah ( shout ) in truth: that will be the Day of coming out ( from the graves, i.e. the Day of Resurrection ) .
43. Verily, We it is Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return.
44. On the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them, ( they will come out ) hastening forth. That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us.
45. We know best what they say. And you ( O Muhammad ( saas ) ) are not the one to force them ( to Belief ) . But warn by the Qur’an; him who fears My Threat

Those are atheistic quotes?

 

[L Gilbert]

Well, being Atheist was a cause, ands thats the issue.

Actually, no. athism is simply a philosophy. What one does with their philosophy can be a cause.

Religion has never caused one problem in society. Religion as a cause to follow and advance causes the issue..............

If it gives someone the motive to be unpleasant it can be problematic in society.

..............

You don't need religion to do that, you just need a cause.

Unfortunately, people have used their religion as a motive.

Also, at the OP:

#50, Mr. Colbert is not an atheist.

One doesn't need to be a bricklayer to lay a brick.

 

[tracy]

Had to think about that one for a bit. I wouldn't have a hard time doing it, I simply wouldn't do it. There's a time and place to have such discussions, and that clearly isn't one of them. Cruelty and insensitivity are not among my shortcomings. I wouldn't stand up in a church and shout "BULLSH!T" at the sermon either, even though it almost certainly is in my experience, I just don't go anymore.

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you'd literally walk up to someone and tell them religion was BS. What I meant was, you'd have a hard time just dismissing the comfort religion gives when you see it in real life.

 

[Scott Free]

What's the harm? 3,254 people killed, 235,558 injured and over $455,070,000 in economic damages

An interesting site that demonstrates that wish thinking is very dangerous. Anytime people insist on living in a fantasy world as opposed to the actual one around them they become a menace to themselves and others. I'm not trying to imply wish thinkers are deliberately trying to cause themselves harm or harm to others because I think often they aren't - typically they are the victims of less ethical or morally principled charlatans.

So my point here is only that believing in god and the supernatural is morally fine as long as you can keep it in perspective, that is, keep your fantasy from causing harm.

The problem though is that might be next to impossible to accomplish since wish thinking necessarily means poor thinking.

 

[Scott Free]

People like Stalin didn't do wrong because they were atheists, that's quite incidental to what drove them. You've got cause and effect in the wrong order there, but this isn't the thread to discuss that in.

Stalin was raised in the Eastern Orthodox church and studied in a seminary to be a priest before becoming an atheist. I would add too that given what some research has revealed about priests and other religious people the rate of atheism may be as high as 50% in churches. Also, as Dawkins points out, the belief in belief really means there may be far fewer true believers than even that!

It is my opinion that his early religious beliefs and later religious training probably contributed to his tyranny not the other way around.

 

[adopted]

Some day you will see true wisdom.

"Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." - Jesus, Son of God

 

[Dexter Sinister]

What I meant was, you'd have a hard time just dismissing the comfort religion gives when you see it in real life.

No, believe it or not, I don't. It's really quite easy. I do see it in real life, repeatedly, and I always have the same thoughts when I see it, which more or less add up to "You're fooling yourself." It's only the most obvious way people fool themselves into believing things they want to be true. Several decades of study and thought on the matter have convinced me that religious belief is a delusion, and I started from a position of belief, I grew up in a very religious household. One of the larger reasons why I became apostate is that I found religion didn't actually give any real comfort, and most of what I was told about such things, by well-meaning parents and pastors and friends, simply didn't survive close inspection. Most people don't give religion that close inspection; I did, and it seemed to have no roots in reality at all that I could discover.

 

[talloola]

Some day you will see true wisdom.

What does that statement really mean?

I am an older person, who has found much wisdom as I grow older,
and it is true.
I am an athiest. I have had a deep religious education throughout my childhood
and as a twelve year old I began to realize that what I was being taught didn't relate to
reality or common sense.
My life has been, and still is happy and comfortable within myself, I have chosen the
wise road, and I am happy for that.

Perhaps you are very young, and still waiting.

 

[Zzarchov]

Actually, no. athism is simply a philosophy. What one does with their philosophy can be a cause.

If it gives someone the motive to be unpleasant it can be problematic in society.

Unfortunately, people have used their religion as a motive.
One doesn't need to be a bricklayer to lay a brick.

Religion is just a philosophy as well.

People who are militantly atheist are problems like anyone else.

Southpark does a remarkable two part episode that is a good point of exactly this. If disgusting.