Why Do People Become Atheists?

[tsr]

There are perhaps as many reasons for being an atheist as there are atheists. What I mean by this is that the road to atheism tends to be very personal and individual, based upon the specific circumstances of a person’s life, experiences, and attitudes.

One common reason for atheism is contact with a variety of religions. It isn’t unusual for an atheist to have been raised in a religious household and to have grown up living with the assumption that their religious tradition represented the One True Faith

Another possible reason for atheism may originate from bad experiences with a religion. A person might grow up with or convert to a religious faith which they eventually find to be oppressive, hypocritical, evil, or otherwise unworthy of following.

Many atheists find their way to disbelief through science. Over the centuries science has come to offer explanations of aspects of our word which were once the exclusive domain of religion.

 

[Tone]

There are perhaps as many reasons for being an atheist as there are atheists. What I mean by this is that the road to atheism tends to be very personal and individual, based upon the specific circumstances of a person’s life, experiences, and attitudes.

One common reason for atheism is contact with a variety of religions. It isn’t unusual for an atheist to have been raised in a religious household and to have grown up living with the assumption that their religious tradition represented the One True Faith

Another possible reason for atheism may originate from bad experiences with a religion. A person might grow up with or convert to a religious faith which they eventually find to be oppressive, hypocritical, evil, or otherwise unworthy of following.

Many atheists find their way to disbelief through science. Over the centuries science has come to offer explanations of aspects of our word which were once the exclusive domain of religion.

The way I heard it from Atheists defending (explain ing) their stance was that it's really not even a stance, but more like a natural disposition.

Like, they wanted it to not be something personal or some process, because then that would imply resistance to something...

Yeah, they do hold up science as a shield of doubt...it seems...

The thing is, is I think many are resisting some things presented to them in their pasts, like doctrine/theology or whatever...which I consider (broadly) a form of science.

So they are essentially trading what they deem a lesser science for a greater Science. And this, because, as you hit upon, the lesser had to do with relationships (social science) which they found wanting...as can be expected.

And their newfound Science does not let them down, because it is largely dealing with inanimate stuff...which can't really hurt you...at least not emotionally.

So, yeah, I think the root of it (Atheism) lies in some deep hurt...or maybe even...no hurt at all, because they are emotionally dead (seared).

But, of course, as you noted , there's no cookie cutter answer, because there are no ginger bread men/women...

...I know...bit of a ramble...it's early...

 

[amadeus]

There are perhaps as many reasons for being an atheist as there are atheists. What I mean by this is that the road to atheism tends to be very personal and individual, based upon the specific circumstances of a person’s life, experiences, and attitudes.

One common reason for atheism is contact with a variety of religions. It isn’t unusual for an atheist to have been raised in a religious household and to have grown up living with the assumption that their religious tradition represented the One True Faith

Another possible reason for atheism may originate from bad experiences with a religion. A person might grow up with or convert to a religious faith which they eventually find to be oppressive, hypocritical, evil, or otherwise unworthy of following.

Many atheists find their way to disbelief through science. Over the centuries science has come to offer explanations of aspects of our word which were once the exclusive domain of religion.

In my memory, I have never been there... that is, I have never been an atheist. Even during my college years in my 20's when questions were in my mind and my two best friends confessed themselves to be atheists I could never take that position as my own. I had no facts but my own experience with God in my youth... but living like a devil in those years, I could not call on my experience for argument sake so I did not talk to them about that. I only listened.

I met my two friends in an Introduction to Philosophy class in my first semester after my separation from active duty military. The professor proclaimed herself to be an atheist, but I had doubts about her on that even though she was careful with her words. She was too careful. She loved my two friends who excelled in knowledge on the subjects at hand and easily put down the arguments of the single follower of Christ who dared to open his mouth in support of the existence of God. He was a Catholic and a confirmed believer. He was not knowledgeable enough to out-argue them nor was he wise enough to keep his mouth shut. [Was this wisdom?] He did not have the words to effectively come against them in debate, but I also know that what they said in that classroom never visibly shook his faith in God. He lived for God by faith in spite of not knowing the answers to all of the questions of his adversaries [my friends].That experience was one of many things I remembered in my own time of living for the devil that added layers to things in my heart for the time to come when I would serve God again... [I served Him when I was an active Catholic.]

During those years as only a nominal Catholic [1961-1976] I would never purposely speak against God or use His name in vain in spite of my devilish life style. Something in me would not allow it... I know now that it was God keeping me for the moment in spite of my ways.

 

[lforrest]

IMO many hope God doesn't exist, because he is the judge. They have heard his judgement is come, from somewhere, and refuse to accept it. They even lie to themselves about their motives. So they end up hating a God they don't acknowledge exists.

They vainly point to "evidence" to try and prove he doesn't exist. Like grasping for so many straws. Be they some scientific alternative to a phenomena previously attributed to God. Or some moral objection against God, to discredit his image as a good God.

 

[Nancy]

In my memory, I have never been there... that is, I have never been an atheist. Even during my college years in my 20's when questions were in my mind and my two best friends confessed themselves to be atheists I could never take that position as my own. I had no facts but my own experience with God in my youth... but living like a devil in those years, I could not call on my experience for argument sake so I did not talk to them about that. I only listened.

I met my two friends in an Introduction to Philosophy class in my first semester after my separation from active duty military. The professor proclaimed herself to be an atheist, but I had doubts about her on that even though she was careful with her words. She was too careful. She loved my two friends who excelled in knowledge on the subjects at hand and easily put down the arguments of the single follower of Christ who dared to open his mouth in support of the existence of God. He was a Catholic and a confirmed believer. He was not knowledgeable enough to out argue them nor was he wise enough to keep his mouth shut. [Was this wisdom?] He did not have the words to effectively come against them in debate, but I also know they what they said in that classroom never visibly shook his faith in God. He lived for God by faith in spite of not knowing the answers to all of the questions of his adversaries [my friends].That experience was one of many things I remembered in my own time of living for the devil that added layers to things in my heart for the time to come when I would serve God again... [I served Him when I was an active Catholic.]

During those years as only a nominal Catholic [1961-1976] I would never purposely speak against God or use His name in vain in spite of my devilish life style. Something in me would not allow it... I know now that it was God keeping me for the moment in spite of my ways.

Good for you John! Even at that young age you spoke up for God and He rewarded you with Himself, amen.

As far as taking the Lords name in vain, I too when "of" the world would cringe whenever hearing someone speak those words, even as a kid. He also kept me from that, praise Him. NOT that other "words" did not fly out my mouth though
You would NEVER have heard curse words of any kind coming from my mom but, my dad had a real short fuse and "those words" would fly out of his mouth.
My mom brought my dad to The Lord over decades time. He did eventually become saved and after that day we buried him, my mom collapsed and died 28 days later. They were young but, SAVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Irwin Fletcher]

I would think that most atheism is tied to bad theology. Either people never had a good, sound understanding of faith or they were taught a perverted form of it. Unfortunately, religion and churches often teach a kind of theology that when it is held up to people's experiences, it leaves them disillusioned and headed towards atheism. I lived for many years in a Muslim country and the beliefs that they had led many towards atheism. Islam is almost entirely works-based and people saw so much hypocrisy and corruption by so-called religious Muslims that I encountered more people who would claim atheism than anything else, especially among the younger people.

In the west, poor theology in churches, such as the "health and wealth" Gospel provides a poor framework for dealing with the challenges that life brings. When people experience trial, they blame God because of the poor teaching about God they have received. There is a growing movement in society by people who define themselves as "nones", which is kind of like atheism, but more like being agnostic. When you consider that there are many people who believe this existence is all that there is, it does help explain the society we see developing.

 

[Nancy]

IMO many hope God doesn't exist, because he is the judge. They have heard his judgement is come, from somewhere, and refuse to accept it. They even lie to themselves about their motives. So they end up hating a God they don't acknowledge exists.

They vainly point to "evidence" to try and prove he doesn't exist. Like grasping for so many straws. Be they some scientific alternative to a phenomena previously attributed to God. Or some moral objection against God, to discredit his image as a good God.

Ostriches...truth hurts, cuts deep! I've come across many "atheist's". On the one hand they say they don't believe there IS a God, yet blame Him (who doesn't exist ) for all the woes in the world. SMH

 

[Addy]

This is a gem of a topic... an important topic...

In my two month hiatus from these forums... the Ravi Zacharias scandal exploded... for me... this was almost like a JFK moment... This man... over the years... had become part of my family... His sermons would come on my Christian radio and I would listen to him daily. I remember thinking how gifted he was... how wise he was... and I marvelled at how he made it all look so easy. What could have/should have been a stunning testimony for the CAUSE of CHRIST.... is now totally null and void.

This is something I can't seem to STOP thinking about. It has disturbed me to the core... and grieved my heart in such a way that I don't ever remember feeling before. The actions of one person... has rippled onto the entire Christian community. The damage done has been irreparable. A ministry that took 40 years to build... destroyed in one day. I can't seem to wrap my brain around the ruins left behind.

One of the ways I found solace... was to get in touch with the man who is largely responsible for the unveiling of TRUTH regarding this scandal. I truly felt the need to THANK him for being bold enough and brave enough to expose the truth.
He is an atheist... the most peculiar atheist I have ever encountered... due to the fact that he truly does not seem to have any animosity towards Christians... but he has a problem with false credentials in religious circles... and that is where this scandal all began... by one person ( who happens to be a lawyer ) discovering that Mr. Zacharias did not actually hold all the degrees and accreditations he claimed to have. The rest of the scandal ( the sexual part ) was discovered by a third party investigation performed by a company that Mr. Zacharias' ministry hired... after his death.

I shared several exchanges with this person... who was kind enough to address my very broken heart in a compassionate way... but also.. I think he was surprised to receive a thank you from a Christian. His experience in all this has been harshness... denial... accusations... and all around discrediting of his findings... due to being an ATHEIST. His very words were that he is now very CAUTIOUS of believing what Christian leaders have to say.

I think that part of the reason there are so many atheists is the deep disappointment in how Christians are behaving. The example being shown to the world is NOT very appealing... In many circles... there is absolutely no difference between the Christian life and the secular world.
We have watered down the gospel... to the point where some preachers are telling us that God desires us to be wealthy... absolutely healthy... that we have no need to SUFFER... and that actually suffering is a sign of sin and weakness. The North American ( US and Canada ) version of Christianity is appalling... and has nothing to do with God.

I have seen the example of a person who truly has reflected the GOSPEL in their lives until the time of their death... NO scandals.. no investigations... simply a humble existence... a life filled with challenges... adversity... mixed in with seasons of great victory... and a finished race till the end... the effects of this kind of living... where one picks up their CROSS and follows HIM... is one that we do not see often talked about... but it is possible... and it does touch many lives.

We are called to make people jealous... with our love... our peace and our joy. I know for myself.. there are not many examples I ADMIRE... not that it matters... but it is none the less how I feel. I can't imagine the non believing world has any different of a perspective towards Christianity.

 

[April_Rose]

Two reasons that I can think of; (Speaking from my own past experiences.)


1. They have trouble believing in things that they can't see or touch.

2. They want to do what they want to do and not have to constantly follow what the Lord wants them to.

 

[amadeus]

Good for you John! Even at that young age you spoke up for God and He rewarded you with Himself, amen.

As far as taking the Lords name in vain, I too when "of" the world would cringe whenever hearing someone speak those words, even as a kid. He also kept me from that, praise Him. NOT that other "words" did not fly out my mouth though
You would NEVER have heard curse words of any kind coming from my mom but, my dad had a real short fuse and "those words" would fly out of his mouth.
My mom brought my dad to The Lord over decades time. He did eventually become saved and after that day we buried him, my mom collapsed and died 28 days later. They were young but, SAVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My mother, who was far from a "saint", still never cussed. Even in anger I never heard her use what anyone would call a cuss word. My father never cussed but then again all of his life that I knew him he served God. I only lived in his household as a toddler.

My step-father, who knew only Portuguese when he entered the U.S. Army in WWII, learned English on active duty with all of the very colorful language of soldiers. He spoke that all of his life without malice. I was used to it in him but I never practiced his habit.

 

[Mantis]

There seems to be a certain percentage of people that are super skeptical about anything supernatural. They use science or so called sciences as a shield. But they fail to acknowledge that science is always changing. Things that were thought to be true 100 years ago are proved to be false and that's how science goes. So you cannot really use science as the be all end all of truth because it is not.

 

[Addy]

There seems to be a certain percentage of people that are super skeptical about anything supernatural. They use science or so called sciences as a shield. But they fail to acknowledge that science is always changing. Things that were thought to be true 100 years ago are proved to be false and that's how science goes. So you cannot really use science as the be all end all of truth because it is not.

I agree with this... I think there are people that are more curious than others... some are more skeptical about things they cannot see or prove. They have what I refer to as scientific minds.

 

[Wrangler]

It is important to recognize atheism does not posit a positive doctrine. It is therefore, nihilistic at its base.

Instead of THE GREAT I AM. It is the not so great NOT.

 

[Mantis]

I think that some people look at the world and how screwed up it is and say “how can there be a God when this world is so awful” and I understand that. That’s how my daughter thinks. No matter what I say it’s like there are blinders on and no truth can penetrate.

 

[amadeus]

I think that some people look at the world and how screwed up it is and say “how can there be a God when this world is so awful” and I understand that. That’s how my daughter thinks. No matter what I say it’s like there are blinders on and no truth can penetrate.

People, [including myself here], do not understand God. I am speaking also of many or most of those who carry the Christian label. Did Moses or the Apostle Paul in their natural lifetimes clearly see and understand God? I would say, No!

 

[April_Rose]

If I don't even understand myself,.. how would I expect to understand God? I just love that God has an apparent sense of humor. He didn't supply a manual when He created me and I can just picture what He said; "Haha!! Until I call her home she's your problem and you have to figure her out because she doesn't even know. I'm the only one who does."

 

[Wrangler]

I think that some people look at the world and how screwed up it is and say “how can there be a God when this world is so awful” and I understand that. That’s how my daughter thinks. No matter what I say it’s like there are blinders on and no truth can penetrate.

What I say to such people is yes, there is evil and world has its problem but there is also good and beauty in this world.

I am reminded every time I see appreciation, a plant blooming and when I look into the eyes of my grandchildren.

Amen.

 

[Taken]

Why Do People Become Atheists?
OP^

Interesting topic, and a bit of a condunrum.

Believe without "senses"; ??
Can't see, hear, touch, taste, smell...
Pretty much seems the bottom line for an atheist.

Yet they have "no" viable alternative answer...
for the sky/stars they do see,
for thunder they do hear,
for wind they do feel,
for undeserved goodness they do taste,
for a plants fruit they do smell.

It's a choice, as we all have choices, and neither will "understand" the choices of the other.

Satan was gifted with great power, talents and status.
Satan is full of knowledge...
But one thing he was NOT gifted with IS understanding the knowledge.

Godly understanding comes from God,
Period.
Atheists want "understanding" Before they would consider believing.
Oops!
Gods method, order, way is:
Believe First...then shall come the gift of understanding.

God Bless,
Taken

 

[amigo de christo]

A better question is why do folks reject Christ .
JESUS said why . They love sin .

 

[lforrest]

I think Atheists generally tend to consider Christians dumb for their beliefs. And their IQs may actually be higher than the thiests on average.

However they must lack wisdom, and don't even realize it. I don't think there is a major correlation between inteligence and wisdom.

So you may have someone who does very well in academics but is not so great at understanding other people, because it takes wisdom.

The proverb says, the fool says in his heart there is no God. And another says the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.