To those fools who don't believe atheists exist...?

Question

Be warned, I've told this story many times here, but for some reason, the message doesn't seem to sink through.

When I was a child, I almost drowned at a beach. I was swimming alone, and I wasn't aware that anyone was watching me. I wasn't a particularly strong swimmer, and the waves were keeping me under the water. I was pretty sure I was going to die.

Clearly I didn't (and I was surprised when an adult arm jerked me violently from the water), but during that period of time when I was without hope, when my mind had no pride, only desperation, what do you think was running through my head?

Not much really. I think I engaged in some self-reflection as I continued to try for the surface of the water, but obviously it wasn't particularly memorable. I didn't regret being an atheist. I didn't pray to any gods. In fact, I completely forgot about religion altogether. It took me 10 years to realise what this actually meant in terms of me and my (lack of) religious beliefs. If I had any shred of belief hidden anywhere in my mind, it would have surfaced in that moment. But it didn't, so I am (or at least, was at that moment) legitimately a real, true atheist.

You must remember that I grew up without much religious influence. My family have been atheists for at least a couple of generations (but not the outspoken or anti-theistic kind). There was no-one pushing their religions on to me, as a child. This should show you guys that belief in a god is not something we are born with, rather something that is learned, often during childhood.

So, now that you've heard that story, I'm eager to hear how you will defend your untenable position. Will you:

a) Ignore the story and just quote your false scriptures at me,
b) Call me, and everyone with a similar story, a liar,
c) Simply advance the now meaningless assertion that I secretly believe in your god on a level so deeply that not even the face of seemingly certain death could cause it to surface, or
d) Change your mind, and actually learn things about the world around you?

Godsproblemchild · Accepted Answer

There is an e. And i think this time it may be e  But i don't want to tell you what e. Is. So instead i will just throw a bible verse at you and hope and pray it sticks. 

John 3:16-21 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who BELIEVES in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who BELIEVES in him. But anyone who does not BELIEVE in him has already been judged for not BELIEVING in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

Benoni &quot;Light&quot; · Answer

So you're a true atheist because you nearly died and didn't pray at all? *uncontrollable bout of laughter* Oh right... I forgot, You think  there's something to defend here. I didn't care about God the first time I came close to dying either and I didn't just come close. I actually died.   I don't know why you think that proves atheism or whatever it does but in my opinion, the convinced atheist doesn't spend their time on places or websites  where religion is discussed. That is the job of people of  faith because most  people of  faith actually believe there are consequences for not being a believer.  Why would a true atheist spend time on a RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY board  trying to convince people he has neither??? Wouldn't the most logical thing be to not bother with religion at all or care what religious people think about your stance?  Take a step back and think. Do atheists exist? Yes they do but you really don't seem sure.

Anonymous · Answer

e)  Agree with you that there's obviously no gods.
f)   Point out that repeatedly posting the same question is a violation of the rules of this forum

I've read this exact question before

That Blonde · Answer

If something bad happens that has a bad consequence and it doesn't happen, that means a being interfered? Is a tornado just barely missing my area evidence of god too?

Mutations Killed Darwin Fish · Answer

I believe atheists exist. Atheism is simply not a wise choice considering there are no atheists even among the demons. (James 2:19b)

Anonymous · Answer

people also claim that "there are no atheists in foxholes". My experience is that most people in foxholes become atheists pretty darn quick.

Anonymous · Answer

I am going to go with E. Not reading that stupid rant. Would rather go to the bmv and wait in line for hours. Crickets.

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To those fools who don't believe atheists exist...?

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