If an ATHEIST tells you "There is no God!"
By ronreyes
@ronreyes (4724)
Philippines
September 13, 2008 5:22am CST
What will be your reaction?
And what will you say to him / her?
This discussion is for everybody to respond to, both atheists and believers.
Obviously, atheists will agree to this statement, so I hope you'll respond with your best atheistic manner. Like a "no-care" type of response.
Same goes with the believers. If you want to justify this with a Bible verse or a Koran verse, that's fine.
Ok, I'll go first.
I'm a believer, and either of these three statements will be my response:
1.) "Right, and there's no air to breathe as well!"
2.) "...and there's no explosion that has the ability to make all things unique!"
3.) "No God? So we all came from nothing? An Accident happened in the midst of darkness? Where does colors came from then?"
52 people like this
232 responses
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
I believe these things are not God's business. God created us and gave us freewill to do whatever we want.
If a man kills someone, that's the product of his own freewill.
Regarding poverty, it is meant to have a balance in this world.
God will bless someone in order to be a blessing for other people.
It's true that this world is full of negativity, but there's always a God-given opportunity to do good works and make a difference.
4 people like this
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
For likaes:
I believe that freewill is one of the things that makes life beautiful. God gave us freewill. That's evident from the book of Genesis.
Now if God will control us in every second of our lives, do you think this world will have a single drop of negativity?
What has been going on in this world is a pure evidence of that freewill. People chose to do horrible things because they want to. While other people do the opposite and chose to live a positive life.
And besides, will there ever be a Ten Commandments if God will control our lives?
Because if he does, then we would all be living like angels in this world.
2 people like this
@likaes (496)
• Singapore
13 Sep 08
If you say your God is omnipotent (all-powerful, he can do everything), as the bible states, he can foretell the future (as a result of his power). If he can see into the future, everything that will be done, has been done (because everything is fixed, because God already knows everything). God is able to see the future, like we see into the past in history.
This provides a bit of a contradiction, doesn't it? You say we have free-will. I contend that if God is able to see in the future, we cannot have free will as everything is already fixed. God knows what you're going to have for breakfast tomorrow, how your day is going to be, what you're going to do. If so, how can you say we have free will, when everything is already planned out?
I think its obvious, but I'm an atheist - and proud to be one.
5 people like this
@nannacroc (4049)
•
13 Sep 08
I think I would say that it was their opinion and it is up to them what they believe. I believe in a creator but am happy to listen to different points of view.
Many atheists have seen the damage caused by people who say they believe in god but do the opposite of what their own god says. For example, the bible says 'thou shalt not kill' but people go to war in the name of the god of the bible. I'm not sure but I believe the koran asks people to respect all life but certain followers kill themselves and others in the name of their god.
Many people have stopped believing in god because of the actions of people who say they believe.
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
You're right! Sometimes, the believers themselves are the ones who are living a life contrary to what they believe in.
I'm quite confused about Muslims. Their prophet Mohammed said that they should not kill. But look at what they did in the 9/11 incident!
2 people like this
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
That's my point! We can't blame it all in religion. Some atheists do, and that's what I don't understand about them.
Whether you're a believer or an unbeliever, it doesn't matter. You still have the freedom to do whatever the hell you want.
2 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
13 Sep 08
I'd smile.
"Perhaps there's no reality either, but I can't get anyone to debate on that. Lets be friends?"
..I'm not Christian. I'm pagan with extremely loose beliefs on deities ^_^ I actually don't see any reason why everyone's beliefs can't be true in some way or form, so there wouldn't be much arguing with me.
4 people like this
@onabreak2 (1161)
• United States
13 Sep 08
I first off would have to be having a discussion with a person
in order for them to say that. And if I was having a discussion
with that person then it would have to be a religious
discussion or a discussion on religion.
For someone to just walk up to me and say "There is no God", I
would turn and walk away thinking they are kind of crazy.
Everyone is entitled to their beliefs and if someone thinks
there is no God then it is not my job to persuade them otherwise.
Some of the things that have happened in my personal life
have made me wonder the same thing. The things that I read and
hear on the News as well.
Horrible things happening to innocent babies and people, here in the
United States and around the world. It really has made me wonder.
And I would like to tell you that the saying "Whatever does not Kill
you only makes you stronger". This is not true.
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
I understand.
But as a believer, I still believe in this God-given freewill.
If a man sins, it's because he wants to, not because God wants to.
The problem with some atheists is that they're blaming it all in religion.
Well if an atheist kills a person, obviously, that's not religion.
3 people like this
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
And if anyone kills a baby in the name of religion, I believe that's fanaticism and that they're crazy enough to do these horrible things.
It's like saying, when a person is crazy over money, he will kidnap a child and ask for a multi-million dollar ransom. Or when a politician is crazy over the presidential position, he can manipulate the voting process (or whatever you want to call it) in order for him to win.
I guess that's when the saying comes in:
"Too much of anything is not right."
3 people like this
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
14 Sep 08
Hi, i just want to say iv had some not so good things happen to me, but i still believe in god and i agree with you and i think we should just respect other peoples choice's and i would only say something if the person asked me my opinion.
4 people like this
@Galena (9110)
•
14 Sep 08
it's hard to deny the existance of a being after you have a personal experience with them.
and seeing an antlered man isn't easily explained away.
so should an atheist tell me that my Gods don't exist, I'd understand that it's their opinion and that's fine. but if they encountered them personally, they'd probably change their mind. and unless they encountered them, why would they beleive in them.
1 person likes this
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
20 Jan 09
I would not try to retort vehemently ..yet I would try to convince him about God's presence in our day today affairs.The unseen force that guides and assists us in our actions are to be felt to be recognized and cherished.
3 people like this
@secondtimeagain (94)
• United States
20 Jan 09
I'm a believer and my response is probably not what most believers would consider faithful. I believe an atheist is just as entitled to their beliefs as I am. If they truly believe there is no God, then that's their belief. God does not want us to force our beliefs on others. We are supposed to express our beliefs to others, but not judge or force others.
My response would be that I respect your belief, but nothing you say could ever convince me that there isn't a God. If they pressed the issue I would ask them if they'd ever said the phrase "Oh my God" or "Good Lord". Why even acknowledge the name if He doesn't exist? The best option is to ask for a reason for their beliefs and to calmly respond (not preach) with your beliefs and agree to disagree.
@maidangela7349 (1191)
•
14 Sep 08
The fact is that nobody who is alive or has ever lived knows what started the process by which the universe, as we know it, was formed. Or why the condition of the universe is such that the earth came into being and that it was suitable to create and support life and the process by which different forms of life evolve.
We do know that it has all happened and it is wonderful but we don't know what caused it to happen. Christians and other related religions accept the biblical version but this was written thousands of years ago by leaders of a desert tribe who had even less knowledge that we do. In fact they did not know just how wonderful it all actually is. It is therefore certain that the biblical version is wrong and it follows that the "god" mentioned in that version is just another invention by those early leaders probably for political purposes. It is easy to see that the god mention in the old testament is different from the god in the new testament so you already have two versions and the whole book is full of obvious flaws and contradictions. So why would any intelligent person accept what is in this book as something to guide them through life. I can't think of any valid reason to do this so I am an atheist or maybe and agnostic as I don't say there is no god of any sort just that if there is nobody knows who or what that god is and we are nowhere near finding out. I accept that some people need a sort of mental prop to help them and that religion can provide this but I also believe that religious leaders use that need to provide and support their own position in life either by extracting monies from these people or using their need to give themselves power.
@maidangela7349 (1191)
•
14 Sep 08
The general opinion is that the five important books of the old testament were written by Moses who was the leader of the Isralites who, after they left Eqypt, were a tribe of desert dwellers. Someone else may have written them or they may be written down versions of oral histories but they did come from desert dwellers
There certainly were civilised societies at and even before the books of the old testament were written and they did have some knowledge but they did not have our knowledge of DNA, the fossil evidence of evolution, our knowledge of the make up of the universe and our telescopes or even the existence of such places as Australia. Whoever wrote the story of Gilgamesh or Noah would certainly have written it differently if they knew about Australia.
2 people like this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Sep 08
I think, no I know I would say " Yes there is. Believe what you may, but you yourself must wonder how we got here. Scientists the world around can try to deceive you or persuade you that it was this or that, or we could fund their programs. But no matter, I know that there is a god. I see him everday because of the beauty that surrounds me. His magnificence is all around us.
3 people like this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
14 Sep 08
I would either ignore it or thank him for sharing his views, and change the subject fast.
Hopefully he would get the hint. If he persisted, I'd tell him to keep his views to himself as I don't wish to discuss the subject. All religion is illogical and there is no way to convince someone that their flavor is right or wrong.
People have a right to believe or not believe in a deity, G-d, Allah, Krishna, Jesus, Bast, or the Great Pumpkin, but I don't wish to discuss it with them.
No one is going to change my views. BTW, Yes, I believe there is a G-d.
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
14 Sep 08
Old habit from before Internet days. I'm religious.
According to my religion you are supposed to treat the name of G-d with reference. This includes the written name.
Of course this forum is in English and it really only applies to Hebrew, and on the Internet nothing is really there unless it's printed out. ...complicated physics of how the Internet actually works. Yes scholars have actually studied the nature of the written word on the Internet from a religious perspective.
The possibility of someone printing something I wrote on the Net goes back to me having no control of what someone might do after they print it out; line their birdcage? use it for toilet paper? Ok It's in English, but it's still disrespectful.
On forums in Hebrew people replace the H with a K to prevent desecration of the name of God.
2 people like this
@phyrethyme (1267)
• Philippines
14 Sep 08
I won't contradict. I'd ask the atheist to explain. I am Catholic but I think there is no use starting up an argument because we all have something we believe in, and it doesn't mean that our beliefs are all the same. I would ask him to share with me about his beliefs. I am not going against my religion. I am trying to keep an open mind.
There's no use starting an argument because that would be disrespecting what they believe in. Religion and other things taught me to respect.
If you would say that they are not respecting our beliefs, well. That's their problem, right? Not ours. I'd just go on with what I believe in. I won't let myself be affected because it will just ruin anything. No use trying to force things into a close-minded person's head.
But once he makes an offense, I guess that's where we strike back. We're only humans anyway. It'd be understandable if one loses temper in a rational point of view.
If you want to know what I would tell the atheist who'd tell me that there is no God, I'd tell him to shut up. LOL. Honestly, I don't know. Maybe I'd cite things or teachings from Descartes, St. Thomas, St. Augustine, etc.
2 people like this
@phyrethyme (1267)
• Philippines
14 Sep 08
Oh. It's in powerpoint form, that's why.
2 people like this
@positiveminded1977 (7072)
• India
14 Sep 08
If an atheist tells me "there is no God"? Well? Doesn't an atheist have the right to speak about his/her non belief? If any believer doesn't wish to hear, he/she may dust their feet as their Lord say and rush off. If any atheist tells me that, I will just keep quiet. It is his/her way of thinking and everybody is entitled to believe the way he/she likes.
Personally, I am an agnostic. Your three responses are interesting. If I were an atheist, I would surely have felt like responding.
1. Of course, I can feel air. But I can't feel God. I breathe in and breathe out and it is obvious to me what I breathe in and breathe out. It is air, not God.
2. Explosion? What are you talking about?
3. Accident in the midst of darkness? Where else do you expect accidents to happen? Colors? They were always there. They don't exist for a bee though and yes even color blind people have difficulties perceiving them. What has that got to do with God?
Cheers and happy mylotting
2 people like this
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
14 Sep 08
1.) I didn't say that the air is God. Yes you can feel air but can you see it?
Believers feel God through faith. It's like saying you feel the air through breathing. Or you feel gravity when you jump. By the way, gravity is imaginary - it's just a scientific term in order to justify the falling of objects.
2.) The Big Bang!?!
3.) Colors were always there? How do you know? Whereas scientists say that before the Big Bang occurred, there was nothing. Even though scientists wouldn't say that, you can assume that it is true. If an accident did occurred in the midst of darkness, then how can an accident or an explosion produce colors?
@positiveminded1977 (7072)
• India
15 Sep 08
Believers might be able to "feel God through their faith." But non believers do not rely on faith. They question and demand proof. I did the same with my previous religion, Christianity. I asked questions, I wanted to know the truth, I read a lot, and as a result of it, I discarded the Islamic, Christian, and Judaic versions of God. When someone tells me that he/she "feels God through faith," I just shrug and say, "Yep, but that's you, not me!!" I don't feel any God, but I do feel air. So air is more real to me than God. So is gravity, even though it is just a scientific "term" to explain the falling back of things to earth. If I jump I know I will fall back to earth. So that's more true to me than God.
As for the Big Bang, I don't know what that has got to do with God. It is just scientists trying to explain the beginning of the world.
Colors were always there for me. I know this because I have been seeing colors ever since I learned to see and comprehend colors. Whether they existed from the beginning of existence is not my concern. However, since I see them, they are true for me. A scientist is better qualified than me to answer your last question.
And I still don't see what all this has got to do with God. As an agnostic, I am open to all ideas and views. They are interesting, but still they are ideas and views, and I prefer real life experiences. And so far, I have not experienced God as explained by the world's popular monotheistic religions. :)
@punkix (658)
• Philippines
13 Sep 08
these are the type of people that i do not want to talk to. its a never ending debate if God really exists. but i do, i am a believer. they would say science will explain everyting, but who invented science and its components right?
i probably wont say that much but ill tell him/ her:
"...wait til you die, and youll know."
@TheGiant (81)
• United States
13 Sep 08
That's awesome, I was just thinking that the other day! Of course, I totally believe if it wasn't for God, there would not be science. As a Catholic, I believe Faith and Reason completely coexist, heck, The Catholic church has it's own Observatory for God's sake, there are Priests that are scientists too!
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
13 Sep 08
Hello ronreyes
My father is an athiest and often uses the phrase 'Thank God I'm Athiest'. I am not always sure what he means by this. I am at the moment confused about religion completely and don't know if I am coming or going with it all. I don't really know what to believe and what I actually believe. 
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
14 Sep 08
'Thank God I'm Athiest'
That's just a humor.
Well it's all up to you! If you want to be a believer, that's fine. If not, that's also fine!
It doesn't matter what you believe but it's how you live that matters.
My advice is:
Just live your life, and try your best not to become a criminal. LOL
I mean, just live a good life and be a good person; and make sure you won't regret anything in the end.
If God really does exist, then I'm sure He will be proud of you.
1 person likes this
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
14 Sep 08
I think you are right it is just his sense of humour but he is definately an atheist! I think that what you say is right that provided I live my life well and am not a bad person then everything will be ok!
Thank you for your words of wisdom, I do feel a little bit easier about religion now having looked at it from that view, thank you! 
1 person likes this
@rodelbulan (594)
• Philippines
14 Sep 08
Oh.. Nice topic bro.. but you know aht, I am a believer and possibly the following will be my responses;
1. If there is no God, where do this thing around you came from?
2. If there is no God, you are not here as well..
3. If there is no God, Who you think will be the planner of all thning around you, including humans?
That's my opinion, hope that makes sense.
God bless you. Keep believing!
@jakill (835)
•
14 Jan 09
I'd say that there has to be a god. It's the only explanation of life that seems feasible to me. But I'm reserving judgement on the nature of that god. I was brought up a Christian and christened and confirmed, but came to question that faith when I learnt of all the terrible deeds that have been perpetrated in its name. The same would apply to Islam. I'm leaning towards Bhuddism at present.
2 people like this
