Atheism, a dangerous idea?

OK, I'll put in my answer since he's not getting to it yet: He said many times that a nihilist of course has many subjective purposes, just like everybody else, so even being a nihilist could have the subjective purpose of attracting women (he must meet some pretty odd women, but anyway).But a nihilist is defined as recognizing that human beings have no "objective" or "formal" purpose, a purpose for having been created at all AS a human being, a purpose that is part of being a human being, built into being a human being, something human beings were made for -- rather than just existing to no ultimate/objective/formal purpose and then going out like a light.Many people have this view but don't recognize it. If you recognize it and embrace it -- instead of appealing to sentimental or subjective made-up purposes as the explanation of your life -- you're a nihilist.Edited by Faith, : No reason given.

Although from my point of view as a Bible inerrantist Christian the US is far from a Christian nation any more, there was a time when it was (Toqueville was impressed with that fact for instance) and there must be something that still lingers of this fundamental American character. I don't think that politicians professing belief carries much of a clue to this character any more, though it once did. Now a lot of it is lip service, just a matter of national habit.I was an atheist into my forties, and now that I'm a Christian I think it's sad that this nation is losing its former Christian character, which to my mind is what made it great. Losing that Christian foundation means losing that greatness, and we're on the way down it seems to me.I think there is a common American gut reaction against atheism, and I think it is bound up in this national identity somehow, though I'm not sure I'm saying how all that clearly.Edited by Faith, : syntax correction

I agree. Too bad the church lost its clear mission for so long to keep unbelievers out by accepting only those whose profession of faith has credibility according to the scriptures.

Robinrohan is right, atheism often leads to sentimental tripe in the place of Purpose.Edited by Faith, : No reason given.

I agree that there are many merely nominal Christians in America who live just like everybody else and show no signs at all of following Jesus. A wealthy nation offers every kind of temptation of course, starting with making money into an idol. But worldliness is a problem to Christians no matter what the actual circumstances, because it's a matter of the heart.I'm not too sure to what extent this reflects atheism exactly. The Stoics were atheists, weren't they? It's possible to be an atheist and live by a self-denying moral code.

I agree. It's really "practical atheism" though, even if they are theists in some philosophical sense.

Yes, but it's hard to know. Poverty is maybe even more of a temptation to attachment to money than great wealth is. But on the other hand wealth is a lure to self-indulgences the poor can't even dream of. I just don't know how to weigh any of this. Doesn't matter where you are in the world there are always temptations away from the pure spiritual life.

Not sure. Give me an example.