What is your perception of atheism

[Acumen]

We have a natural propensity to make ourselves vulnerable to those of greater knowledge, but we don't have a natural propensity to search for something greater than ourselves?

[allthegoodnamesweretaken]

We have a natural propensity to make ourselves vulnerable to those of greater knowledge, but we don't have a natural propensity to search for something greater than ourselves?

Nope. 

We have a natural curiosity and desire to learn.  Nothing specifies that it is "greater" than ourselves.

all

[Acumen]

We have a natural curiosity and desire to learn.  Nothing specifies that it is "greater" than ourselves.

I think we have a natural desire to be led by greatness.  Mobs flock to charismatic leaders.  Masses hang on to their very words.  Could this not be an inherent program in our gene pool to search for something greater than ourselves?

[allthegoodnamesweretaken]

We have a natural curiosity and desire to learn.  Nothing specifies that it is "greater" than ourselves.

I think we have a natural desire to be led by greatness.  Mobs flock to charismatic leaders.  Masses hang on to their very words.  Could this not be an inherent program in our gene pool to search for something greater than ourselves?

I think that is a natural desire to follow the herd.  We are social animals after all.  It would be part of our gene pool, but I see no reason to think that it is an inherent program to seek out something greater than ourselves, just to align with the group that best suits our interests.

all

[Acumen]

But isn't the heard something greater than ourselves?

[allthegoodnamesweretaken]

But isn't the heard something greater than ourselves?

I suppose that would depend on how you mean "greater".

[Acumen]

By greater, I mean superior in strength, knowledge, ambition, and unity.

[jacknky]

Acumen,
"But isn't the heard something greater than ourselves?"

I think it's a stretch to equate the "herd mentality" with belief in an all-knowing, all-powerful supernatural deity. However, if you are doing that I believe you are acknowledging that religious belief is based on human needs. I agree with that.

[redkim]

What do you think it means to be an atheist?

What do you think of atheists in general?

all

Well, I suppose I've learned that atheists believe a whole lot of things: that there absolutely is no God to God might exist and everything in between. I've learned that some atheists are not open minded and some are. I've learned that some atheists are so defensive they are constantly on the offensive. I've learned that some aren't.

Personally I can't understand how someone can look at a thing of beauty and still be an atheist, but I know that atheists,just like anyone else, are in pursuit of truth and beauty.

[SquirleyWurley]

Fair enough.  Many of us atheists can't see how someone can look at a thing like a god and then say it has anything to do with beauty.... 

[SquirleyWurley]

And hello Redkim!  good to see you here.

[Acumen]

Redkim,

It would be great if we can see more of your Catholic friends.   

In the meantime, I'll brush up on my Catholicism criticisms.

[redkim]

Squirley:

It's great to be here!

Acumen:

I'm hoping more of my Catholic friends show up!

[Acumen]

Fide is here, and he's quite the intellectual force.   

[redkim]

Fide is here, and he's quite the intellectual force.  

Yes, I began to notice that when he(?) was answering you regarding Catholics voting for Obama.

[Acumen]

Fide is here, and he's quite the intellectual force.   

Yes, I began to notice that when he(?) was answering you regarding Catholics voting for Obama.

Yep.  I think he's in seminary school, or something like that.  Btw, I agreed with him, I was just having some fun.   

We need to liven up the Catholic discussions a bit more.

[redkim]

I agree! Did you read my latest post on that thread?