Thread: Another video: "Atheist Life vs. Religious Life" - Let's Hear Your Thoughts!

Here is a video, made by an atheist, pointing out certain ways in which he thinks that the atheist life is better than the religious life.



Since there has been some confusion in regard to when threads are made out of spite versus when threads are made for genuine discussion, let me assure the theists that I would like this to be a discussion thread.

I would like to hear some counter arguments you may have to this video, but please watch a substantial amount of it before posting (it's something like 9 mins long).

Hmm, this is the second video I've posted in two days.. I'll try to not make it a habit.

That's all fine and good, but personally I think we should ignore the "benefits" of either and focus more on what's actually true and why.

Well, just look at Norway!

Originally Posted by Mark75

That's all fine and good, but personally I think we should ignore the "benefits" of either and focus more on what's actually true and why.

Those things are true though, aren't they?

The video paints a negative picture of Christianity. I'd be interested in someone arguing it.

I mean, the factuality of the claims themselves "god exists"/"god does not exist" rather than arguing the hypothetical advantages of each in the event that they were true.

Originally Posted by Mark75

I mean, the factuality of the claims themselves "god exists"/"god does not exist" rather than arguing the hypothetical advantages of each in the event that they were true.

God clearly exists--we're talking about it right now. One has the option of viewing the universe through god-colored glasses, and this video examines the pragmatism of doing so. It makes the atheism vs. dogmatic Christianity case pretty well, I'd say, though that's no case for atheism unless you're a dogmatic Christian. And of course the benefits only apply if you're a well-adjusted atheist--I've known plenty who weren't.

Originally Posted by Taosaur

And of course the benefits only apply if you're a well-adjusted atheist--I've known plenty who weren't.

What are some examples of not well-adjusted atheists?

Originally Posted by Mark75

I mean, the factuality of the claims themselves "god exists"/"god does not exist" rather than arguing the hypothetical advantages of each in the event that they were true.

Ahh, I see your point.

I think the creator of that video has a very narrow view of religion, and perhaps you do as well. The video is not representative of religious beliefs as a whole, and really only applies to a select few, mainly the Judeo-Christian religions. Not only that, it also presents a very idealistic view of atheism and is not necessarily the norm among those with atheistic beliefs. All in all, it is a very black and white depiction of the topics it tries to address.

Originally Posted by Xaqaria

I think the creator of that video has a very narrow view of religion, and perhaps you do as well. The video is not representative of religious beliefs as a whole, and really only applies to a select few, mainly the Judeo-Christian religions. Not only that, it also presents a very idealistic view of atheism and is not necessarily the norm among those with atheistic beliefs. All in all, it is a very black and white depiction of the topics it tries to address.

Ah, thank you! Exactly the analysis I was looking for.

And why, please tell me, did you have to say that perhaps I have a very narrow minded view as well? Was that really necessary?

Well, one would assume that the reason you posted the video was because you thought it had merit. I was merely pointing out that if you agree with what he had to say, perhaps you should broaden your perspective on the topics it addresses.

Both atheism and theism are extremes. Neither life style has the most advantages because both are restricting. The religious life style provides the disadvantages stated in the above video but the atheist mind frame also provides limitations to one's potential and wisdom.

As long as you either accept something without knowing it or deny anything from being possible, you're limiting yourself.

You say that like restrictions are a bad thing.

^ Ahh, yes, true (to Merlock)!

However, I really think that it's a misconception that all atheists deny the possibility of a god. It's just that they think it's really improbable. I might be wrong though... I might be holding atheists in higher regard that I should be. I think a survey needs to be taken.