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One Reason Why Atheists Don't Believe:
There Are No Objective Reasons That Are Compelling Enough

There are a number of arguments that religious believers use when they try to prove their beliefs to atheists like myself. If these reasons work for the believer, then so be it. But - from an atheists' viewpoint, at least - most of them seem to require that certain assumptions be made before the argument becomes compelling. Or, if no assumptions must be made, then we must already feel a strong need to believe in their god. Sure, the believer's reasoning might be just the nudge we needed ... if we actually felt this need to believe. But a lot of atheists just don't see the need for any gods. In the end, atheists tend to favor evidence that is both objective (lacking emotional bias or assumptions) and compelling (there are no other explanations that are just as good or better). From where we stand, no believer has ever thought of a reason to believe that meets this standard. Nor have they offered us a good enough reason to change our standard (so don't ask).

Let's look at some of the most common arguments and briefly talk about the problems that many atheists have with them.

1. The universe is too complex to have arisen by purely natural forces. Someone made it, and that maker was obviously my god.

I disagree on all counts. Scientists have already found plenty of explanations for a lot of the things around us, and those explanations seem perfectly reasonable to me. They haven't explained every single thing in the universe, but that doesn't automatically mean that any sort of god or intelligent designer did it. And even if it did, why should I just assume that your god is the one who pulled it off? You seem to be making a lot of biased assumptions here. To say that your conclusion is obvious just doesn't make much sense. Honestly, why should I be convinced by an argument that's so full of holes?

2. Life is meaningless without my god. Do you want to live in a world without meaning?

But I don't need any gods to tell me the meaning of my life. I can give my life meaning all on my own. Besides, what I want doesn't really matter. The universe is what it is and nothing more. Reality doesn't change just because you or I want it to. That sounds like a really emotional reason for belief to me. It even sounds kind of self centered. Why should I believe just because you want someone to give your life meaning? That doesn't make any sense.

3. But what if you're wrong? Why not start believing in my god just to hedge your bets? If I'm wrong, then no harm done. If you're wrong, then you'll have to suffer through whatever punishment my religion teaches in the afterlife.

But even if that were true, how do you know that your deity is the only real one? Maybe you're wrong and the true god (or gods) are angry that you've chosen the wrong god to worship? How do you even know that this true god even cares what I do or who I worship? Maybe he/she/it prefers atheists? Besides, if I'm right, then you've wasted your life on a false hope and narrowed your horizons by refusing to accept any teaching that contradicts your religion. Your religion forbids things that cause harm to no one and forces you to do things you shouldn't have to suffer through. What kind of life could you have had without your beliefs? No, in the end, my beliefs are no more dangerous than yours. At least, as far as the afterlife goes. And by the way, are you actually saying that I could fool your all-knowing god into thinking I truly believed in he/she/it if I wanted to? Sounds like you need to get a smarter god.

4. But our morals come from my god. My god programmed them into us. Without my god, we'd all be evil savages.

Science has an explanation for our sense of basic morality. Even if their explanation is wrong, why should I assume your god put these values there? There's just no reason to do that.

5. But anyone who lacks faith in my god has no real values. You must be an evil person.

Then why are you even talking to me if you're so prejudiced against atheists? Talk about a biased assumption! Sheesh, I think I'll be going now...

6. But my holy book says...

I'm an atheist. Why in the world would I believe in the authority of your 'holy book?'

7. I think you really do believe, but don't want to admit it.

If that's your explanation, then why should I bother talking to you? If everything I say is just some sort of cover to hide my secret beliefs, then I guess I'll go find some friends who think more highly of me!

8. But how can so many believers be wrong?

Reality isn't subject to a majority vote. Besides, the majority is often wrong about all sorts of things. Why should that convince any one of any thing?

These are the eight most common reasons I can think of. There are plenty of others, but I think this should convey my point. None of these reasons are very compelling to someone who doesn't already believe as you do, and some of them are even insulting. Believe it or not, you aren't talking to a brick wall when confronting an atheist about our beliefs. We simply don't see these issues the way you do.

And try to remember: from our point of view, you're probably the one who's frustrating to talk to! This isn't a one way street.

-the Atheist Geek-

What does the Atheist Geek really look like?

Yep. That's me all right. Would I lie?

Behold! The Atheist Geek brings you... Pornogrophy!!

The one force great enough to keep me from going totally insane. (Sorry God.)

Today, the internet's most unbiased encyclopedia brings you ... wait for it ... Evolutionism!

The CreationWiki actually has an entry on the decline of atheism for some reason. I don't know if the CreationWiki will be a regular feature at AGN or not, but this might be worth a look.

So Who Am I Proposing To Now?

Bionic Woman may not be your favorite show, but I have three words for you: Big. British. Boobies. 'nuff said.

And now, the Atheist Geek brings you...

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