How can someone claim that atheists don't exist?

Question

I'm extremely confused about this. In my last question, someone said that "atheists don't exist unless you can prove it scientifically".

For the other people who feel that same way: Would you like us to have our brain waves documented and sent to you?

Anyone able to clarify this for me? This was the question at hand:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080902162323AAOITF7&r=w

Answer 1

I've seen billboards that say "God doesn't believe in atheists."

I think there are some that truly believe that. I think they think that there is no such thing as a person who doesn't, deep down inside, believe in God. And I use God because I've never heard this statement from a non-Christian. These are the people who believe that atheists are just angry or lost and that eventually they will come back around. My in-laws are like this. They believe that my husband is just going through a phase and that deep in his heart he still loves Jesus.

I think the person that made the specific statement you are citing was either making a lame attempt at humor or a lame attempt at reason. Either way, it's a lame argument.  

Answer 2

What are atheists?

Answer 3

Sorry I can't answer as atheists don't exist and so this is a fake question, no doubt.

edit: btw, if only we had enough foxholes we could prove atheists don't exist.

edit: but seriously I have never met a person that claimed to be atheist in real life. On that I am not making a joke.

Answer 4

This kind of denial is called "hysterical blindness." When people are confronted by phenomena that is extremely threatening they will often attempt to escape from the horrible reality by simply denying it's there. Your surprise at the absurdity of it is quite justified.  

Answer 5

It's a lame attempt at humor.

Answer 6

Some people limit the definition of atheism to being able to prove God does not exist.  Obviously, this can't be done so there are no atheists using this definition.

Answer 7

Anytime a theidiot brushes up against the philosophical doctrine of skepticism, you're bound to end up with tripe like that.  There is, unfortunately, a persistent malaise and apathy among theists. They are unwilling or unable to examine the validity of an argument beyond what appears to support their claim and thus make statements that may seem profound to them, but are anything but to a student of philosophy.

Answer 8

If I don't exist, then some ghost must be drinking all my beer.

:-(

Answer 9

My answer to the clown.

"Lauraaa, I apologise for stealing your space ...

Well, there’s no way I can respond to Ogo Pogo except through here.

I wonder if I’m wasting my time.

Ogo Pogo, your god does NOT exist because there is NO evidence to support the notion that invisible sky magicians have ever taken an interest in human, planetary or universal affairs.

I, on the other hand, DO exist and through this medium you can question me about anything including whether or not I believe in invisible sky critters.

No one is able to question your ‘god’ thingie except through their imagination … hence Bush saying ‘god’ told him to invade Iraq.

Thumbs down doesn’t prove you touched a nerve – it means that people reckon you’re wrong and that is all.

Atheists have a completely different temperament and mind-set to theists cos we don’t need the presence of invisible sky magicians to lend credence to our existence; we thrive on taking responsibility for ALL our own actions.

You really need to stay away from logic – it is NOT one of your strong points.

Have a nice delusion."

~

Answer 10

Don't let the smart-alecs get to you.  They are ticked they cannot convice us to believe as they do, so they have to get snarkey.

Answer 11

The person was trying to sound smart but they came off sounding like n idiot.  

Answer 12

who knows what he was trying to say

that hopefully wasnt it tho

i thought he may have meant that you cant be an atheist cos then you woudl admit that god exists for you to not beleive

then he edited it

and it seems that hes saying because you cant see your opinions, views and knowledge that somehow you dont exist or they dont exist

but, who in the h**l knows what that was suppsoed to really say

either way, it makes little sence

Answer 13

I think they mean that no one can really not believe in god.  My mom told me that she KNOWS in her heart that I secretly believe in God. She said that if I didn't, then I wouldn't be such a nice person, lol.  

Answer 14

he was saying saying if God doesnt exist, then neither do you. in other words, Hes as real as you.

Answer 15

This answer sums it up:  "we are only atheist so that we can do what ever we want because there is no god to punish us."  Some Christians believe that atheists KNOW God exists, they just CHOSE not to believe, so they can do what they want.  I'm not an atheist, but this is sheer hogwash.

Answer 16

o__O

Trippy.

Maybe someone trying to be clever or satirical but failing miserably...? I honestly have no clue.

Answer 17

These people also think a magic sky-daddy watches over their every move.

How logical do you expect them to be?

Answer 18

They think they are being witty. Since I am not claiming to be omnipotent, commanding everyone to worship me and threatening those who don't fall into line with an eternity in h**l, their argument is idiotic.

Not to mention the fact that I am quite capable of appearing to them face to face and proving that I do exist. When their God can do that, then I will believe. Since He is omnipotent and I am not, it should be a cakewalk for Him.