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?

[William]

[Replying to Wootah in post #1]

How does atheism supply meaning?

The meaning is subjective, so what the position allows for - re its 'meaning' is that it gives the individual holding the position, a meaningful manner in which to address concerns which theists raise...specifically religious theists, but generally this can equate to all manner of theistic thinking - even that atheists could believe in ghosts or afterlife et al.

Another way of looking at this is to see that anyone believing they are essentially products of the brain, rely on said brain to find meaning in the meaningless nature of it all.

And their are religious theists who believe the same thing, only "GOD" has the power to recall the individuals personality back into an aware state, and slip it into a permanent shell, even that the brain which created said personalities have long returned to the dust of the field.

Folk simply take meaning from what they will...all planning for a future envisioned...

As for me and my household of thoughts, I have my eye upon the back-end of that mind which created the wake, convinced as I am in my own subjective experience re said mind.

Do I call that mind "GOD"?

Perhaps at its source I could, but in it's fragmented state I would only go so far as to call it a god in the making - and one in which my curiosity is piqued.

We should be careful what we names things...
_______________________________________
Talking about mind-like things, I asked Chat GPT your question Wootah, and share the results.
_______________________________________

GPT: Atheism itself does not supply meaning in the same way that a religion might provide a belief system and purpose for its followers. However, atheists can still find meaning in their lives through a variety of ways such as pursuing personal passions and goals, connecting with others and building meaningful relationships, engaging in social and political activism, and contributing to their communities through volunteer work or other forms of service.

Some atheists also find meaning in the natural world and the pursuit of scientific understanding, as well as in the appreciation of art, music, literature, and other cultural pursuits. Ultimately, the search for meaning and purpose in life is a personal and subjective journey that can be shaped by a variety of factors, including one's upbringing, life experiences, and personal beliefs and values.
_______________________________________
I then gave GPT my answer above, and it responded as follows:
_______________________________________

GPT: You make some interesting points about the subjective nature of meaning and how individuals can find their own meaning regardless of their beliefs or lack of belief in a higher power.

It is true that individuals can find their own sources of meaning and purpose in life, and that this can come from a variety of different sources, including personal passions, relationships, community involvement, and other forms of personal growth and development.

Regarding the idea of a higher power or deity, individuals can hold a wide range of beliefs, including beliefs in the existence of a specific God or gods, or in more abstract concepts such as universal consciousness or a natural order. Ultimately, the way in which individuals choose to understand and define their beliefs is a personal and subjective matter.

It is important to recognize that there is no single "correct" way to find meaning or to approach questions about the existence of a higher power, and that individuals can draw upon a wide range of perspectives and sources of inspiration to find their own meaning.

_______________________________________

[Wootah]

[Replying to Tcg in post #150]

Denial is a river I guess.

Also no one is saying atheists have idols/gods. I am saying atheists don't exist. We're all atheists.

What you believe is really what you should compare against Christianity.

Your ideology. Which idol comes from or ideology comes from idol.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/idea

You guys are getting offended by words that actually relate.

[JoeyKnothead]

[Replying to Tcg in post #150]

Denial is a river I guess.

Also no one is saying atheists have idols/gods. I am saying atheists don't exist. We're all atheists.

What you believe is really what you should compare against Christianity.

Your ideology. Which idol comes from or ideology comes from idol.

https://www.etymonline.com/word/idea

You guys are getting offended by words that actually relate.

I'm curious to know how many Christians would get upset if we atheists started relating "Christian" and "idiot" in our discussions with Christians.

The point here is that Christians consider "idols" as some form of "evil" - and the accusing atheists of worshipping gods is just a goofy attempt at a both sides argument.

Atheism is not the worship of 'idols' anymore than Christianity is the worship of Satan.

And before that last bit throws our resident Christian's head to spinning, atheists don't worship Satan either. Remember, it's the Christians who believe in Satan.

But as an example of how the Christian can't present a sound argument without having to slander the "evil atheists", this is a good'n.

Let the atheist define his own argument, lest the atheist define the "Christian," as "idiot".

[brunumb]

[Replying to Tcg in post #150]

Denial is a river I guess.

Bad guess.
denial
/dɪˈnʌɪəl/
Learn to pronounce
noun
noun: denial

the action of denying something.

Hmmm. No mention of river.

Also no one is saying atheists have idols/gods.

Except those saying things like:

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.

I am saying atheists don't exist. We're all atheists.

Now we have really entered the theatre of the absurd. Atheists don't exist, but we are all atheists? Don't be surprised if people start backing away slowly while trying to avoid making eye contact.

What you believe is really what you should compare against Christianity.

To what end? I believe that Christianity is just another religion with made up gods (all three of them) that ensnare the unwary and keep them trapped for this brief journey we have called life.

Your ideology. Which idol comes from or ideology comes from idol.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/idea
You guys are getting offended by words that actually relate.

No offense, just bemusement. Maybe time to crawl out of this rabbit hole. The entertainment value has reached rock bottom.

[Wootah]

[Replying to brunumb in post #154]

It's a joke. The Nile is a river. Denial is a river.

[brunumb]

[Replying to brunumb in post #154]

It's a joke. The Nile is a river. Denial is a river.

Let's face it, your whole post was a joke.

[Wootah]

[Replying to JoeyKnothead in post #153]

If there is a reasoned line of argumentation taking place. You could try the same and let's see how it works out.

Mind you there is historical precedence for what you are suggesting

https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/dunce
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duns_Scotus

But basically, if you can present a reasoned argument that goes from Christian to Idiot go for it. I'll help, I am a fool for Christ.

The Bible says

https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/1-18.htm
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.

I would go so hard as to suggest that if you don't think I am an idiot then either I am not a Christian or you are not an Atheist.

The argument is just being sketched out but something like that seems possible.

[Wootah]

[Replying to brunumb in post #154]

It's a joke. The Nile is a river. Denial is a river.

Let's face it, your whole post was a joke.

It's definitely jarring to our cognitive dissonance.

[TRANSPONDER]

[Replying to brunumb in post #154]

It's a joke. The Nile is a river. Denial is a river.

Let's face it, your whole post was a joke.

It's definitely jarring to our cognitive dissonance.

If only it was. 'Denial is a river'. Ho ho, but it is also slinging mud (no joke intended) at atheists. Trying to pass off a smear as a joke? It's a disgrace. Nobody minds fair debate, but mucky tricks do nobody any favours.

Mind, 'we're all atheists' is an old atheist saw. Persons all disbelieve in some god - claims; atheists just disbelieve in one more god than Christians do.

[Wootah]

[Replying to brunumb in post #154]

It's a joke. The Nile is a river. Denial is a river.

Let's face it, your whole post was a joke.

It's definitely jarring to our cognitive dissonance.

If only it was. 'Denial is a river'. Ho ho, but it is also slinging mud (no joke intended) at atheists. Trying to pass off a smear as a joke? It's a disgrace. Nobody minds fair debate, but mucky tricks do nobody any favours.

Mind, 'we're all atheists' is an old atheist saw. Persons all disbelieve in some god - claims; atheists just disbelieve in one more god than Christians do.

https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/what ... issonance/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cognitiv ... a-valenti/

edit: anger is a sign of cognitive dissonance.