Tag Archives: atheism

Atheists, How Do You Find Meaning In A Purposeless Universe?

cosmosTom Chivers captured people’s attention recently when he asked a group of doctors ‘How They Would Prefer To Die’ and published the responses over at Buzzfeed. It makes for great reading.

He then announced he would be looking to speak to atheists for a similar project, specifically asking how atheists managed to find purpose in a seemingly purposeless universe.

I emailed over my thoughts on the matter, and the final piece titled ‘I Asked Atheists How They Find Meaning In A Purposeless Universe’ can now be read in full here.

I wasn’t sure whether my submission would be included – and as I scrolled through the contributions of prominent authors, scientists and public figures, I convinced myself it definitely wouldn’t be.

To my surprise, it appears I slipped through the net however, and my ten cents somehow ended up amongst the thoughtful answers of much brighter folk. Anyhow, here is my contribution:

“When we reject the imagined supernatural meaning from our existence, what we’re left with is far from a consolation prize. Sure, it’ll be messy at times, sometimes joyous, sometimes miserable, but it’s all we’ll ever know. And it’s ours. We invent comforting lies to distract us from one simple truth: Oblivion looms. So, what are you going to do about it?

 

 

“I choose to live, laugh, love, travel, create, help others, and learn. And I’m going to do as much of this as I can manage, because the clock is ticking. We create our own meaning, and there’s more than enough to be had. Seize it where you can.”

It was also great to see a number of #GSPodcast alumni featured, such as Alom Shaha, Andrew Copson, Michael Marshall and Jerry Coyne.

I think it’s great that this type of content is being published on a mainstream platform and I imagine as a consequence, it may challenge a few misconceptions about us heathens.

How would you answer this question? I’d love to read your answers in the comments.

Stephen Knight is host of The #GSPodcast. You can listen to The Godless Spellchecker Podcast here, and support it by becoming a patron here.

Ep#58 – Jerry Coyne – Faith Vs. Fact

 

I’m delighted to be joined by Jerry Coyne on The #GSPodcast. We’ll be delving into the debate regarding whether it’s possible to reconcile faith claims with our scientific understanding, which is the topic of Jerry’s new book Faith vs. Fact: Why Science and Religion Are Incompatible’. We also take the time to discuss ‘Trigger Warnings’, Creationism, Evolution, troubling polling data and how exactly one can become an atheist by listening to The Beatles.

Also available on iTunes and Stitcher.

Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/gspellchecker

#GSPodcast Theme by Dorian Silk & The MCH


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Ep#48 – A Year Without God Film

I had a great time talking with directors Ryan Moore and Tim Banks about their upcoming documentary film ‘A Year Without God‘ (@YWG_film).  They followed ex-Pastor Ryan Bell around for a year as he set out to discover ‘What difference does god make?’ They share some exclusive insight into the film and tell us about their own paths to free thought.

Also available on iTunes and Stitcher.

Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/gspellchecker

#GSPodcast Theme by Dorian Silk & The MCH

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Ep#47 – London Black Atheists

I had a great time talking with Clive and Lola from London Black Atheists (@LndBlkAtheists). They explain the numerous reasons that necessitate a group of this kind. We discuss their Nigerian backgrounds and the cultural/historical pressures surrounding being black and godless. Please show them some support.

Also available on iTunes and Stitcher.

Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/gspellchecker

#GSPodcast Theme by Dorian Silk & The MCH


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Luke Savage Doubles Down On Dishonest Hackery. @LukeWSavage

Image Credit http://www.frontpagemag.com/2014/dgreenfield/life-in-post-truth-america/

Image Credit http://www.frontpagemag.com/2014/dgreenfield/life-in-post-truth-america/

The rate at which dishonest hacks are popping up on the topic of atheism of late may necessitate a hall of fame on my blog.

One such hack is Luke Savage who wrote this squalid little piece in Jacobin back in December 2014. It’s the usual collection of misrepresentation and smears – but fortunately the excellent Jerry Coyne took the liberty of unblocking this particular sewage pipe on his blog – entitled ‘Luke Savage’s vicious (and misleading) atheist bashing’. Read more

Ep#45 – David Silverman – American Atheists

President of American Atheists David Silverman (@MrAtheistPants) makes his debut on The #GSPodcast.  He explains how he became an atheist at just six years of age, and how that experience led him to activism.  He spills the beans on this years Atheist Convention in Memphis, with keynote speaker Ayaan Hirsi Ali! We also take the time to discuss his experiences of being in the belly of the beast (Fox News Studios), details on his upcoming book and his ‘ATHE1ST’ license plate.

David also issues a t-shirt related task for my American listeners and educates me on Mystery Science Theatre 3000.

Also available on iTunes and Stitcher.
Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/gspellchecker

Direct Mp3 Download

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