Peace with Atheism

[Dimmesdale]

I have Peace with atheism (even if, atheism has not Peace with me.... (in the sense of individual atheists who may dislike me or my views)

I can respect atheism as a lack of belief, as the absence of belief in a deity. As far as that goes, I can have respect for it.

Of course, we all jostle for our rights, and beat the drums of our respective parties, and there are conflicts of interest galore. But until that time, I extend liberality to ALL points of view. Atheism is not a worldview. It is simply a lack of belief. It just so happens there are a lot of atheists who, along with that lack of belief, happen, for one reason or another, to also subscribe to views that, to my eye, seem heavily materialist-oriented (in the sense of materialistic living -- the absence of spiritual values).

I don't think that is hardly debatable. But, along with atheism, it is a moot point. So long as we respect each other's rights!

[Dimmesdale]

Peace with atheism, as a philosophical stance. Yes. I indeed do have peace with atheism. Atheism as the mere "absence of a belief in God." I am down with that, totally.

But atheists? There are some sincere atheists. I think they are mistaken on some deep level. But they may be sincere. Still, generally speaking, the absence of a religious buttress leads to spiritual atrophy. If not immoral living, then a basic lack of self-support. In the face of adversity, there is less of a support....

I cannot shake my own acquaintance with atheists. Those I have met, I have found spiritually abrasive and hostile to my own sensibilities. If this is prejudice, so be it. I can only generalize from specific instances. In the absence of theism, culture generally does not have a foundation to rest on that I, in my own assessment, would ever want. Choose your friends wisely. Only you can decide what stream you want to belong to. Different strokes for different folks.

[Difflugia]

I think they are mistaken on some deep level. But they may be sincere.

You don't say? That's exactly how I feel about the religious.

Still, generally speaking, the absence of a religious buttress leads to spiritual atrophy. If not immoral living, then a basic lack of self-support. In the face of adversity, there is less of a support....

This is a bit vague. What does this "spiritual atrophy" mean to you and how is it manifested? How would you distinguish "spiritual atrophy" from just not believing in magic?

Those I have met, I have found spiritually abrasive and hostile to my own sensibilities. If this is prejudice, so be it.

I gently suggest that you may be projecting a bit, here.