Ask Wednesday: Ex-theists vs. Never-theists

"Ask Wednesday" is a series where I answer questions submitted by you, the viewer. You can ask me questions here:
http://www.formspring.me/BornWoReligion
Or send me a PM on YouTube.
(please not in comments, I may miss them if you do)

Question of the Day (to you): How do you feel about atheists having debates with theists?
(Let me know in comments or, better yet, in a video response!)

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Ask
• Wednesday
• atheist
• ex-theist
• never-theist
• POV

[DivineCypher]

atheism is not a worldview.because it only deals with the issue of claims for the existence of a god. a lack of belief cant be a worldview because your worldview consists of philosophy, belief, knowledge and facts. though atheism may be a consideration in one's worldview..

[BornWithoutReligion]

@DivineCypher What I meant is that atheism is the foundation on which one's worldview is built. It is the window through which we view all things, and thus influences everything, whether we are directly aware of it or not. I would, of course, argue that atheism is the default and theism would be a filter through which people interpret information and knowledge. Therefore, the title of "atheist" simply expresses this lack of filter.

[Blackmark52]

@BornWithoutReligion @DivineCypher Does a world view need express anything about the world? I consider myself an atheist above all else and that in turn effects how I think about everything else. But atheism to me (I'm a never-theist) is not simply about gods and supernatural phenomenon. Atheism is not believing in life after death. My existence being entirely dependent upon this physical world seems to me to be a world view.

[BornWithoutReligion]

@Blackmark52 I consider "life after death" to be part of the supernatural (as it is not in the natural, tangible and testable world). And I agree that this element of the atheist world view is one of the most influential on decisions throughout ones life. Thanks for the great comment :)

[eyeEATyoBABIES]

Some of us ex-theists helped spread horrible ideas. We feel that we need to fight because we need to make up for things we did.

[RoninMiyamotoMusashi]

To the uploader, I mostly agree with you, militant atheists should additionally call themselves anti-theists like Christopher Hitchens. To use your terminology, regarding ex-theists v/s never-theists, I feel ex-theists have had more of a challenge - because they have to fight against indoctrinated beliefs since childhood. I am an ex-theist myself - so perhaps I am biased, but the feeling of freedom/epiphany cannot really be understood by never-theists - they never were enslaved to begin with.

[Whatever4009]

I was brought up in a religious home, my mother is a very religious woman, but no she never said bad things about atheists or gays or divorced people or anyone. These days I am struggling with my faith, I feel I have hit rock bottom and as usual god is not answering my prayers, I have recently started watching a lot of atheism videos and I no more believe in "religion" but I am still too scared not to believe in a super power that controls us.

[meteeples]

I don't believe debating with a theist does any good. Atheism is something I personally had to come to on my own. Atheist's had tried to unconvert me for a long time. It wasn't until I started questioning my faith independent of others that I was able to see that the bible was just a story, and that there is no God. I think that giving them information that may inspire thought can get them to explore their faith more, but no one can talk a believer out of their faith.

[RectalDiscourse]

I think it's good to proselytize because most of the time you're just trying to help your fellow human, be it saving their souls or saving them from religion. The problem is it's such a volatile conviction, it ends up being a fruitless endeavor. I'm an ex catholic so I feel like I do combat the religious better since I've been on their team and know their plays, but the difference between us is that I'm not afraid to question things. None win against faith. Not logic, reason or common sense

[iamme81702]

This was the best answer ever!

[musicmode13100]

As a "former theist" (stopped believing in god before i stopped believing in Santa), I find that it allows me to connect with current theists better, as it makes me a bit more empathetic (if that doesn't sound conceited). with regards to the "arguing the bible" point, i find it helpful that i have read it cover to cover (first step to becoming an atheist) and can match quotes that are often quote mined with their counterparts that contradict them.

[SerbAtheist]

That said I disagree with your stance on debate. First, debating using the Bible shows we are not shy about taking the debate onto their turf. And it's a powerful tool: ASSUME the Bible is true, then reach illogical or immoral conclusions. Many-a-theist fell using this approach. Even if not, it makes us less vulnerable than if we are silent to stereotyping, which theists love to do in my experience and which is a common precursor to bigotry if not outright discrimination and violence.

[SerbAtheist]

As a never-theist, I have tremendous respect for ex-theists (I think these are good terms). Giving up God is quite an endeavor, very often a traumatizing one. That said SOME still carry over the bitterness and resentment towards their former religion, again quite understandable given what they went through, but maybe in certain situations counterproductive.

[Katalyzt]

Interesting... As a [Never-theist], I generally let theists come to me if they want to talk/debate. And I do not see a problem with that, as it happens in real life outside of youtube as well. ;O)

Katalyzt

[svanhoosen]

Ex-theists like myself are often perceived as combative, but not because we seek out the conflict, but rather because it seeks us out. For instance, being an ex-theist, my parents, siblings, and many old friends and many of my extended family are theists. Since I left Christianity 25 years ago, many of those theist family members have been bigoted toward me. They push their religion on me, creating combative situations, and the false impression that I am combative. Don't fall for it!