Fyeahuniverse

I’m just going to go straight ahead and answer this, though I’m sure Finn would love to give his thoughts too.

Yeah I’m an atheist. Personally I don’t believe in a higher power. It just doesn’t seem realistic to me - I guess it’s mainly due to how I got brought up and me being more of a believer in science on how things come about.

I try not to judge people on what they believe in and I can see why having a religion would be appealing. I’ve talked to Finn about this and it seems that the “stupid” and “closed-minded” accusations go both ways between Atheists and religious people. Overall I think this just shows how both parties can be ignorant of each other. I admit that I need to learn more about Christianity and other religions so I am able to make a fair judgement - I’m apprehensive about making further comments because of my lack of knowledge.

- Hannah

EDIT:

Hiya, Chris. I’m Finn, I’m the other editor here and would just like to add in my thoughts to your question.

As Hannah said, a lot of insults get thrown both ways, with Christians or members of other faiths being called stupid because of their belief, and evolutionists being called stupid because of their lack of faith or anything similar.

I am also an atheist, but my significant other is a dedicated Christian, but is one of the most brilliant people I know. I find that just because someone has belief in something that doesn’t fit with my particular view of the world, doesn’t mean they are any less of a smart, well-moraled, or open-minded person.

We both have vastly differing views of the universe at large, but that by no means does not mean we cannot treat each other as equals, something that some people have not yet come to terms with. There is a movement that is appearing more often in recent times which has been dubbed new-atheism, which simply suggests that religion is not only wrong, but should be fought against. This is not something I or Hannah subscribe to, but I have a feeling it is something that those who call you, and other believers, stupid or close-minded, subscribe to.

I agree strongly with Hannah with what she said involving ignorance of each other’s beliefs. I have experienced this both ways, seeing atheists calling believers stupid and also have myself been called stupid and close-minded for thinking that evolution is correct.

Both Hannah and I completely respect religious beliefs of all sorts and would not intend to disrespect anyone or their beliefs, so if there was anything about our views or anything at all, we would be most happy to talk about it.

Now, to actually answer your question. I have more than a few things which to me, make me feel that it’s improbale that we were created by a higher power, but without delving into all that too much right now, I will say this: I see majesty in the universe, in life and in nature. For some, this is reason to believe that this could not have come about without a higher power to create it, but to me this is not so. In this universe of beauty and majesty, imperfection is rife. There are things such as parasites that feed on young children, animals that literally torture other animals before killing them, and so much more that make me wonder why a compassionate, omnipotent creator wouldn’t make life slightly more painless. I see no reason why such parasites would have been created.

That said, I’m not educated with the more inner workings of many religions and could totally be missing so many things which explain the points I raised, and I’m totally open to being corrected and educated. I hope to hear back from you, Chris! I enjoy these conversations, as religion is a learning process for me and I love learning!

Thanks very much, Chris!

- Finn