LAGoff
Member
I've noticed a certain view of the cosmos in the atheists I've talked to. It goes something like: "The universe is so big, so who are we to think we matter?" Or: "I feel so small in this vast universe."
These thoughts are alien to me (a theist). I feel just the opposite.
So I wonder if this feeling is the basis for the atheist/theist mindset/divide? And therefore we can stop fighting each other and just understand each other (although I suppose the 'fight' would be on again if it could be shown that -- in the majority of cases -- the reason one feels one way or the other is because of early [childhood] religious [or lack of religious] education-- I had an early religious education).
Also, I'd to know if you have encountered similar views in the atheists (or theists) you've talked to?
Also, have you ever met an atheist who doesn't have the above feelings ('not mattering' and 'smallness in the vastness') and is still an atheist; and conversely, have you ever met a theist who feels these feelings and is still a theist.
Also, do you think these feelings of 'not mattering' and 'smallness in the vastness' applies to the majority of agnostics also?
PS. Yes, the vastness of the cosmos only CONTRIBUTES to my sense of a personal God (one who sees and knows and cares about me)... I can't say the same for my increasing awareness as I get older of the cruelty of the cosmos. That remains for me the one thing that allows me to have a fellow feeling with atheists/agnostics, but it couldn't drive me totally away from God because I would still always have that sense of a personal God... in fact, now that I think about it, the cruelty of the cosmos may even deepen my relationship with God
These thoughts are alien to me (a theist). I feel just the opposite.
So I wonder if this feeling is the basis for the atheist/theist mindset/divide? And therefore we can stop fighting each other and just understand each other (although I suppose the 'fight' would be on again if it could be shown that -- in the majority of cases -- the reason one feels one way or the other is because of early [childhood] religious [or lack of religious] education-- I had an early religious education).
Also, I'd to know if you have encountered similar views in the atheists (or theists) you've talked to?
Also, have you ever met an atheist who doesn't have the above feelings ('not mattering' and 'smallness in the vastness') and is still an atheist; and conversely, have you ever met a theist who feels these feelings and is still a theist.
Also, do you think these feelings of 'not mattering' and 'smallness in the vastness' applies to the majority of agnostics also?
PS. Yes, the vastness of the cosmos only CONTRIBUTES to my sense of a personal God (one who sees and knows and cares about me)... I can't say the same for my increasing awareness as I get older of the cruelty of the cosmos. That remains for me the one thing that allows me to have a fellow feeling with atheists/agnostics, but it couldn't drive me totally away from God because I would still always have that sense of a personal God... in fact, now that I think about it, the cruelty of the cosmos may even deepen my relationship with God