Hemant of Friendly Atheist, recently, challenged atheists to come up with very short answers to a number of common theist questions. A couple of bloggers have already answered them on their blogs, and now it’s my turn. 
I’m trying not to be influenced by other answers I’ve read.
I think this is an interesting project, as there are already several atheist FAQs (including my own, still unfinished), but those usually have longer answers. Having to answer a tough question in a line or two is a nice challenge.
Without further ado…
Why do you not believe in God?
For exactly the same reason that you don’t believe in every other god than yours.
Where do your morals come from?
Empathy, mostly. And reason, and a sense of fairness and justice.
What is the meaning of life?
I could tell you mine, but I can’t tell you yours, or anybody else’s. What, you believe it should be dictated to us by some outside source? 
Is atheism a religion?
No. Incidentally, that question implies that having a religion is something universal, even if it’s “atheism”. That is wrong; it’s like saying everyone has a car, even if yours is “feet”.
If you don’t pray, what do you do during troubling times?
Depends on the kind of trouble. If I can do something about it, I do it. If not, I deal with it in many different ways, which tend to include friends, family, getting slightly drunk, and listening to heavy metal music. Not all at the same time, of course.
Should atheists be trying to convince others to stop believing in God?
Yes, in the same way we’d try to convince an alcoholic or drug addict to do something about their addiction.
Weren’t some of the worst atrocities in the 20th century committed by atheists?
Hitler and Stalin had moustaches. So, having a moustache makes you a mass murderer! What, you’re saying that their moustaches didn’t inspire their actions? Neither did Stalin’s atheism (Hitler was a Catholic). The Inquisition, on the other hand, was caused by what, exactly…?
How could billions of people be wrong when it comes to belief in God?
See: flat earth, geocentrism, demonic posession as an explanation for diseases, slavery, and many other times when billions of people were wrong.
Why does the universe exist?
“Why” is the wrong question. “How” would be better. How, exactly? I don’t know, it’s not my field of expertise, sorry. But I don’t take the easy way out and say “Goddidit.”
How did life originate?
Again, I’m not a biologist, but I don’t see the need for a supernatural cause there.
Is all religion harmful?
Yes, because even the most “harmless” ones teach you to replace critical thinking and skepticism with wishful thinking.
What’s so bad about religious moderates?
They believe that any religious creed is above criticism, simply because it is a religious creed. So, they protect extremists, and prevent rational discussion of religion.
Is there anything redeeming about religion?
People may feel better when, after a catastrophe, they somehow still feel that “someone above cares”. But that’s wishful thinking again… and it often keeps them from actually doing something about it. So, no.
What if you’re wrong about God (and He does exist)?
Which one? And what if you believe in the wrong one? Anyway, I believe a good god would prefer a decent unbeliever to a vicious believer… and, as for an evil god, only a coward would ever serve him.
Shouldn’t all religious beliefs be respected?
No. Something is either true, or it isn’t. Why such a fear of reality?
Are atheists smarter than theists?
Technically, no, but statistically they probably are. For instance, the percentage of atheists among scientists is much greater than among the general populace.
How do you deal with the historical Jesus if you don’t believe in his divinity?
If he existed — which isn’t certain — I’m almost sure that it was Paul, not Jesus, who invented the “he died for your sins; accept him as your savior and be saved” thing. In other words: the information we have about the historical Jesus is far from reliable.
Would the world be better off without any religion?
Oh, yes. Without religion in the middle ages, we would be at Star Trek-like levels today — not just in terms of technology, but of society. Religion is the thing that’s holding humanity back the most, and always has been.
What happens when we die?
It’s over for us, but we can leave memories and deeds, and can have made the world a better place for our children and their children.
Now, I’d add a few ones:
Isn’t atheism just hatred of God?
Do you hate Thor? Or just don’t believe he exists or ever existed? Well, it’s the same thing here.
How can you be sure God doesn’t exist, if you’re not all-knowing?
I’m as much sure God doesn’t exist as I am about unicorns or werewolves, and for the same reason: there’s exactly zero evidence for all of them.
Lack of time, and laziness, mostly. Maybe the next one…
Subscribe to this blog
Recent Comments