Liberal Attitudes And Atheism!!!!

newmodeltheist
Theist
newmodeltheist's picture
Posts: 105
Joined: 2007-02-20
User is offlineOffline
Liberal Attitudes And Atheism!!!!

Are virtually all atheists liberal in their politics? Are there any conservative atheists? If folks were attracted to atheism from a purely rational perspective one might expect there to be a mix of attitudes on politics and social issues but I don't sense that on this site. It is probably the reverse of course in creationist circles (ie the Religious Right). Does this mean that conservatism is a 'mind disease' as well. Does atheism lead to liberal attitudes or does it hold an attraction for liberal minds? Just a thought. Any ideas.


Iruka Naminori
atheist
Iruka Naminori's picture
Posts: 1955
Joined: 2006-11-21
User is offlineOffline
Atheism is a simple lack of

Atheism is a simple lack of belief in a god or gods. It does not necessarily lead to liberalism. Stalin was certainly not a liberal since he didn't tolerate dissent. Also, the Ayn Rand Objectivists base their creed on greed and survival of the fittest. My brother falls into this category. My personal opinion of Ayn Rand groupies is very negative. I'm not terribly keen on Communism either. Any view that is held dogmatically raises my hackles, so I continue to question everything including atheism itself. (So far, no one has proved the existence of a god, so the proper default position is unbelief.)

In my opinion, as long as atheism is not held in conjunction with a dogmatic belief system (like Communism or Objectivism), it tends to lead to more liberal and accepting attitudes. In the words of Dan Barker:

Pride goeth, so the Christians say

Before a mighty fall.

But me, I've never felt that way.

I never stand so tall

As when I say

I'm proud to be

An atheist, oh yes!

It helps me stand for so much more

And fall for so much less.

 

The key is to question everything. Question, question, question. It can be exhausting, but it's the only intellectually honest position to take.

 

P.S. I don't always measure up, but I need to learn that's part of the process.

Books on atheism, purchases on Amazon support the Rational Response Squad server.


Gauche
atheist
Gauche's picture
Posts: 1565
Joined: 2007-01-18
User is offlineOffline
I think that he was

I think that he was implying that liberalism leads to atheism and not the other. Which I think is probably true because liberals elevate values like preserving individual liberty and challenging arbitrary rule of government. So I think a person who holds those kinds of values would be more likely to question authority and challenge tradition, like religous tradition.

In conservative ideology order and stability are considered preferable to reason so it's no surprise that most conservatives are theists because they're willing to adhere to tradition even if it's not rational.

I favor liberalism because conservatism assumes that human nature is basically evil which is why the focus of conservatism is on maximizing order instead of liberty and I think that's shitty.

There are twists of time and space, of vision and reality, which only a dreamer can divine
H.P. Lovecraft


todangst
atheistRational VIP!
todangst's picture
Posts: 2843
Joined: 2006-03-10
User is offlineOffline
newmodeltheist wrote: Are

newmodeltheist wrote:
Are virtually all atheists liberal in their politics? Are there any conservative atheists?

Yes, there were quite a few on the infidelguy site, and I know several.

Quote:
 

If folks were attracted to atheism from a purely rational perspective one might expect there to be a mix of attitudes on politics and social issues but I don't sense that on this site.

There is a mix of differences along issues. I'm pro life for example.

That wide enough for you?

Anyway, I don't see how your argument necessarily follows.

Quote:
 

It is probably the reverse of course in creationist circles (ie the Religious Right). Does this mean that conservatism is a 'mind disease' as well. Does atheism lead to liberal attitudes or does it hold an attraction for liberal minds? Just a thought. Any ideas.

You've asked a good question. 

"Hitler burned people like Anne Frank, for that we call him evil.
"God" burns Anne Frank eternally. For that, theists call him 'good.'


Voided
Posts: 1195
Joined: 2006-02-20
User is offlineOffline
It might seem that way

It might seem that way because a lot of religious side with ideas they see as their belief system. Ex: "The bible says gay sex is wrong. No gay marriage." I don't know of any atheists who find the idea of "gay sex" is some how moral wrong. I personally wouldn't have sex with a guy, but I don't care if others do.

Now the idea of being opposed to gay marriage is something most consider right wing and most of that is based on religion so few to no atheists would agree with that aspect. There are other ideas like that as while, but I know of conservative atheists none the less.

 

I think Libertarianism is more popular on here then any other political group. Personally I'm a mix of what people call left wing and right wing. I'm pro-choice and all for gay marriage being legal, but I am completely against gun control and censorship.

You will find more atheist democrats then republicans simply because the right will side with the religious to get votes. How many atheist do you think support faith-based initiatives?


newmodeltheist
Theist
newmodeltheist's picture
Posts: 105
Joined: 2007-02-20
User is offlineOffline
I think that religion is an

I think that religion is an ideal institution for social order and control and so is protected by conservatives for that reason. Conservatism does seem to make social order one of its priorities. Religion I would define as essentially belief in revelation. Religion assumes an absolutist position and a deference to revealed truth and authority. The only religions that don’t take an authoritative position are the very ones that I would associate with liberalism, those generally called new age which focus on personal empowerment as does atheism.

I do not think that morality is automatically the preserve of religion. Morality can also be philosophical. But religion does provide the mental atmosphere that enables its moral assertions to be regarded as absolute and unquestionable (Although this can also work in a negative way as well). Atheist morality cannot really assert itself on society or others. Although it can reason that something is right or wrong, which of course is the definition of morality, it cannot state moral absolutes except perhaps the one summed up in the phrase “Do whatever you like as long as you don’t hurt anyone”.


MattShizzle
Posts: 7966
Joined: 2006-03-31
User is offlineOffline
I've seen plenty of Atheists

I've seen plenty of Atheists who were Ecomonic conservatives, but very few if any Social conservatives.

Matt Shizzle has been banned from the Rational Response Squad website. This event shall provide an atmosphere more conducive to social growth. - Majority of the mod team


newmodeltheist
Theist
newmodeltheist's picture
Posts: 105
Joined: 2007-02-20
User is offlineOffline
Matt I think that the

Matt

I think that the 'new-right' economic conservatism is a misnomer.  Practically identical with classic liberalism economics it advocates unrestrained free trade between nations.  Real conservative economics is nationalistic, protectionist.  I don't know if you meant 'new-right' economics but I thought I mention this anyway.

P.S.  I liked your comment on the other thread about trappist monks.


mindspread
mindspread's picture
Posts: 360
Joined: 2007-02-18
User is offlineOffline
I have a few conservative

I have a few conservative views, but for the most part I'm pretty liberal.


MattShizzle
Posts: 7966
Joined: 2006-03-31
User is offlineOffline
I myself am a Socialist.

I myself am a Socialist.


pariahjane
pariahjane's picture
Posts: 1595
Joined: 2006-05-06
User is offlineOffline
I'd say that I lean more

I'd say that I lean more towards being liberal, though I do have some conservative tendencies. 

I have to agree about Ayn Rand and her followers, they are scarily rigid, selfish and greedy.  I've read pretty much everything she's ever written, both novels and philosophy and she's one tough lady.  It's been awhile since I've picked up anything by her though.

If god takes life he's an indian giver


Laker-taker
Laker-taker's picture
Posts: 87
Joined: 2006-04-04
User is offlineOffline
newmodeltheist wrote:

newmodeltheist wrote:
Are virtually all atheists liberal in their politics?

...Does atheism lead to liberal attitudes or does it hold an attraction for liberal minds?

We tend, to a large degree, to be on the side of free action in social issues--and social issues are at the forefront of discourse these days, the issues that voters turn on--so I can see where it might be easy to get the impression that all, or at least the vast majority, of atheists align with liberalism (as in "Democratic Party" liberalism).

Economics is a different story though. You'll find a wider array of beliefs on that topic among atheists.


Vastet
atheistBloggerSuperfan
Vastet's picture
Posts: 13234
Joined: 2006-12-25
User is offlineOffline
As my viewpoints continue to

As my viewpoints continue to solidify I find I strike an interesting balance between liberal and conservative. Socially and economically.

Enlightened Atheist, Gaming God.