Thiest hold a more solid outlook than athiest

Alright, first I'll rebut your points then I'll answer your questions and ask my own. You have provided no definition of a solid outlook, for clarification purposes, I will provide my own. Outlook is defined as "A persons point of view or general attitude towards life" and I am assuming when you say solid outlook, you mean a well rounded, respectable view of life. So, on that definition I continue. Saying the bible's miracles is philosophically possible means absolutely nothing. Everything is philosophically possible even the possibility of existence not being real, a popular Buddhist belief, but that does not make it so. I am simply stating that I find that argument to hold no weight. I do not deny that theists can benefit from religion. You argue that fear of death becomes less so when you follow religion but that is not true. Fear of death and fear in general come from the survival instincts that have allowed humans to become the apex predator of the world. Having belief does not calm that fear but hinder it. It is good that we are afraid of things, it makes us more likely to enjoy what we have. Atheists obviously do not believe in an afterlife so in some circumstances, life is more cherished by someone who knows death is unavoidable and is aware of that and fears it. Yes, theism is the belief in at least one deity but that deity is not the reason why people can experience things you say are the advantages of theism. We all have the tools to know who we are, connecting to a community is as simple as socializing and in fact many people come together because of common interests that have nothing to do with religion. You can get that networking and community from a wide range of things like sport, gaming, writing groups, work, neighbors as well as religion, it is in no way something that is only beneficial for theists. You say there is no other explanation for religion other than it being naturally something we have. Actually, that isn't true at all. Look back to the ancient world, where most modern day religions come from and it's about power. The majority of great civilizations have kept their subjects in line through religion. Religion was power. The Mayans did it with sacrificing and horror stories, the Egyptians through pure worship of a god like figure and the Greeks and Romans who used religion not only as a form of oppression but also a show of strength and a way to mask (in the Romans case) a not so pleasant history. Religion has always been a tool for obedience. I agree that some atheists are very critical of religion and have a certain ignorance towards it but that is not what this debate is about. It is purely about the ideals of atheism and theism and just because atheism is associated with a specific group of people, does not change how it should be viewed, that would be an appeal to association. Atheism is not a faith, it is the absence of faith and yes, atheists couldn't testify in court in America, but for a long time neither could African American people and for a long time homosexuals weren't allowed in the army. You bring up suicide as well but even if what you were claiming was true, religion has in some circumstances found suicide peaceful and meaningful. In ancient times, monks would commit suicide once they had finished their journey in this plane and since you have no evidence to show that theists have lower suicide rates than atheists, I dismiss that argument as speculation. Some advantages of Atheism: 1. A more independent outlook on life, guided by only oneself. 2. More valid and well rounded personal beliefs since there is no religious external influence e.g. Homosexuality. 3. More chance of leading, rather than being led. 4. The ability to be more open minded, without worrying about offending any deity. 5. Freedom of choice 6. Finding peace and joy within yourself, not through an external source. Answers to your questions: 1. I am Buddhist. I doubt all things that do not make sense to me. Believing in a higher being makes no sense to me, therefore I doubt it. 2. Atheism is the belief that there is no god, no higher being and there never will be. Atheism is a belief that highly values science and what can be seen and understood, I think in some circumstances atheism can even be instilled in people because of a fear of the unknown but religion can do the same thing. 3. Life has no meaning. We create our own meaning internally within it. Our job is to procreate, keep living. That's it. 4. I have no problem with Christianity, I have a problem with ignorance, something that unfortunately has occurred in the name of Christianity. African Americans, philosophers, homosexuals, transsexuals, writers and scientists have all at some point been victim of this ignorance in the name of Christianity. I believe the world would be better off without ignorance. 5. Because you experience all those things at the time it happens, you feel joy and happiness and appreciation because its happening right then and there and that is why it is worth it. 6. I do not believe a society run by either would be safer. I do not believe society should be run by anyone. 7. Because those are electronic impulses and chemicals our brain makes to help us survive and make it so we don't all kill each other or ourselves. Science is the reason we feel this. (Personally I do however believe in the soul) 8. That's exactly what we are. I don't believe differently. 9. Yes, we are all individual people who can make choices. We are all accountable for everything we do as human beings and as the apex predators of the world. Humans HAVE to believe in free will to make the right choices. 10. No, I would not. That is a hasty generalization. My own questions: 1. Why is it so important for theists to have a goal at the end of their lives. If that is the way you are, don't you forget to enjoy the journey? 2. Would you consider atheism to be detrimental to society? 3. Why do you believe? 4. What is your opinion on those who only believe religion because it is what they were taught? 5. Should America be run on such a Christian morality? 6. Do you believe in free will? 7. Do you agree that war is often started by religion? 8. Do you think religion promotes discrimination? 9. Is science important to human existence? 10. Why should any religion be favored over another, or shouldn't they?