How does atheism supply meaning?

[Wootah]

We are either simply part of the world existing for a brief time, in a massive universe, with death waiting and no purpose and meaninglessness and not in control of anything or we can create something and be something. This is atheism on one end and creation on the other.

It's why I don't believe there are atheists. No one can truly hold that view and I certainly don't think any atheists on this site really drink that cup to the full. I tried. Once. A long time ago.

Obviously, people do hold this view, less the meaningless part that was added to poison the well.
For those that are uncomfortable with said view, there are religious options available to fulfill the need to have purpose supplied to them.

What I can't understand is how it is a struggle for some to find purpose in this life and then seem to project that on to others that don't suffer from such a thing. I personally treat this life as something special and have plenty of purpose, because for all I know, it is the only one we will get. The idea of this life being a test for some other life actually would make this life less meaningful as the next would become the true goal. Therefore, could it be argued that atheism supplies more meaning/value for this life than religions in general? Those that struggle to find purpose without religion would obviously not be able to see this and would then be susceptible making claims like we see above.

"No one can truly hold that view" would therefore simply be a projection.

How does atheism supply meaning?

[Clownboat]

[Replying to Wootah in post #1]

It doesn't and atheists just have to be okay with that as a consequence of their views.

Please note the actual phrase that was made:
"Therefore, could it be argued that atheism supplies more meaning/value for this life than religions in general?"
Any "it doesn't" comments fails to address what was actually said.

Obviously not believing in any of the available gods in itself does not supply meaning, but it allows a person to find their own meaning.

[TRANSPONDER]

[Replying to Wootah in post #1]

It doesn't and atheists just have to be okay with that as a consequence of their views.

Please note the actual phrase that was made:
"Therefore, could it be argued that atheism supplies more meaning/value for this life than religions in general?"
Any "it doesn't" comments fails to address what was actually said.

Obviously not believing in any of the available gods in itself does not supply meaning, but it allows a person to find their own meaning.

Yes. This is the thing. The pick up truck doesn't help you pick your furniture, it just transports it. Atheism isn't there as a worldview, or morality. It is no more than a 'No' to the god - claim. But it does not prevent us having meaning in our lives. We get that from other things. And being atheist does not in any way prevent that I know what it is; I get it. Believers invest so much life - meaning in their god -belief OR credit so much meaning to their theism (when it is just the same meanings as secularists have), that they do not understand how life can have meaning with out Theism. But it can, just as much and more related to the actual meanings rather than seeing them as 'God'.

[Wootah]

[Replying to TRANSPONDER in post #132]

So we agree, atheism does not supply meaning?

If you truly understand this, you will understand why there are no atheists.

What do you get meaning from?

[Diogenes]

So we agree, atheism does not supply meaning?

If you truly understand this, you will understand why there are no atheists.

What do you get meaning from?

A most curious claim. Everyone agrees atheism by itself does not supply 'meaning' in the sense it does not by itself include a purpose in life... except to signal the atheist holds 'truth' as a value greater than say 'comfort' or 'conformity,' or 'tradition.'

This claim is followed by your demonstrably false claim that "there are no atheists."

Since many here identify as atheists, your claim must be false OR you are claiming you know the minds of others better than they do.
In any event, perhaps you could share the reasoning process involved in your claim "there are no atheists." It would also be interesting to discover why and how you have set yourself as one who can judge what has meaning for others and why you claim there are no atheists despite the many here, and millions elsewhere who self identify as atheists AND declare they find meaning and purpose in their lives.

[Wootah]

[Replying to Diogenes in post #134]

I guess I am suggesting whatever gives meaning to your life is your idol.

[JoeyKnothead]

[Replying to Diogenes in post #134]

I guess I am suggesting whatever gives meaning to your life is your idol.

We gotta be careful with this "idol" talk, considering so many theists think having an idol is such a bad thing.

As they fondle the cross at their neck.

Notice here, our theist can't just admit that atheists can find meaning without believing in magic sky people, but has to imply a bit of "sin" for em doing it.

It's the despicable defamation we see so common against anyone who doesn't toe the god line.

[Wootah]

[Replying to Diogenes in post #134]

I guess I am suggesting whatever gives meaning to your life is your idol.

We gotta be careful with this "idol" talk, considering so many theists think having an idol is such a bad thing.

As they fondle the cross at their neck.

Notice here, our theist can't just admit that atheists can find meaning without believing in magic sky people, but has to imply a bit of "sin" for em doing it.

It's the despicable defamation we see so common against anyone who doesn't toe the god line.

I think you can find meaning in other things and that other thing would be an idol. Like family or work or politics. That is your god. Sorry if I wasn't explicit on that.

[brunumb]

[Replying to Wootah in post #137]

I am an atheist. I don't believe in any gods. I have no idols. I don't believe in idols. My life has no meaning. Life just is. We do what we can to make the best of things between the beginning and the end. Your proclamations are meaningless and unjustified.

[JoeyKnothead]

I think you can find meaning in other things and that other thing would be an idol. Like family or work or politics. That is your god. Sorry if I wasn't explicit on that.

Still using the "idol" and accusing atheists of having a god.

Some theists just can't accept atheists don't share their delusions.

[Wootah]

I think you can find meaning in other things and that other thing would be an idol. Like family or work or politics. That is your god. Sorry if I wasn't explicit on that.

Still using the "idol" and accusing atheists of having a god.

Some theists just can't accept atheists don't share their delusions.

If you shared my delusion you would be a Christian. I am simply saying our delusions are our gods.

I am communicating from my background. You can communicate from your background. If we don't understand each other help me out with a word you would prefer?