My response to Do you feel like this as an Atheist?.
No.
Not “claim to be atheists”.
Not “claim to be naturalists”.
Not “claim to not believe in god”.
I was not raised in a religion, and as an adult never saw a good reason to adopt one. Naturalism is the only approach to the world that delivers reliable predictions. “Claim to not believe in god”—how does that even make sense? “I claim not to believe in Santa, but secretly I do?”
You barely swallowed “deny... god”. Funny.
I was always interested in religion—as an exotic cultural practice. Ever since my coworkers started to accuse me with superstitious ideas (harassing them in their dreams, as if I could select to appear in their dreams) and threatened to kill people like Salmon Rushdie (“if he’d step through the door now I’d stab him!”—pulls his workman’s knife), I’ve become very interested in religion.
Where I live, in the urban west of the Netherlands, most people are not raised in a religion. We don’t choose to be atheists, nor is it cool. However, quite a few of the Muslims here think themselves soo cool! So sure they know the absolute Truth, and us unbelievers are mere scum.
Materialistic. I own a lot of books, a computer, a smart phone and a guitar. That’s the excess material wealth I own. The rest is pure necessities. Yeah, that must the reason I’m an atheist (sarcasm). I’m pretty sure you are more “materialistic” than I am. Do you feel that makes you turn to atheism?
Believer: “So you have a purpose in your life. Good for you.” (smirks) “But I have an ultimate purpose!”
Unbeliever: “What is that ultimate purpose?”
Believer: “To be with God forever!”
Unbeliever: “To do what?”
Believer: “To worship God forever!”
Unbeliever: “That’s it? Worship your god all day?”
Believer: (Looks like having an orgasm) “Yes!!!!”
Unbeliever: “So how do you know all that?”
Believer: “It says so in my Holy Book.”
Unbeliever: “How do you know that book is true?”
Believer: “I just know. Pity you for not seeing the truth.”
Unbeliever: “Yeah, right.”
Your suggestion that unbelievers don’t see a difference between an inanimate object and a human being seems very insincere. You’re the one that thinks it’s okay to butcher animals because according to ancient scripture your god enjoys the smell of that. You’re the one that thinks our earthly life has little value, compared to the rewards after death.
How is it that we unbelievers “introduce things like conciousness”? How can you not think that conciousness is essential? Are you a (philosophical) zombie? Do you care if you are in a coma or not? Again, insincere.
Atheism is not a world view. If you want to know how world views come into play, read Yuval Noah Harari’s books.
Very young and naive unbeliever: “Who am I? Where have I come from?”
Believer: “You have been created by God to worship him in this life and after death.”
Very young and naive unbeliever: “That doesn’t sound right.”
You don’t “adopt this ‘world view’ [atheism]”. You can’t convince yourself of believing something. You can’t persuade yourself to believe in Santa. If you don’t, you don’t. Also, being a “non-stamp-collector” is not a world view. If you happen to be raised in a place with insufficient cultural institutions (or reject religious ones but don’t know where to turn for alternatives yet) you have bad luck. You may need help.
You quote, or paraphrase from your holy book: “Those that turn away from the remembrance of god are going to have a very constricted depressed life.” First, I didn’t turn away. I went looking, but there was no god to be found. Second, I’m not depressed. My advise: live healthy, care about other people, try to find your talents, educate yourself. But most of all, be open for the wonder of every moment. Just be aware. Look—and really look and appreciate. Then you will never be depressed. No god required.
