Do You Agree That, Generally, Atheists Have A Positive Attitude About This Life And Theists Do Not?

I think that’s probably a bit too general.

It’s a common misconception that Christians shouldn’t put too much stock in what happens in this life since the next will be so much better. The idea that what we believe is God’s creation and God’s gift can be treated as “disposable” is just wrong.
The idea of a leader as a servent…charity…mercy. If they aren’t modern images of Christianity, then it is the fault of Christians…not the faith itself.

No

Not from my experience. But I’m just one person, so I try not to generalize.
A question back, if I may? Do you agree that, generally, atheists tend to make generalized statements and theists do not?
Matt

YES !

It might appear to be so, depending on your sources, however, it is not true. When you talk to sufficient people, you learn that atheists tend to resign themselves to their beliefs and that says “This is it for me.” They accept what they see and don’t expect more.
Theists look toward a new life with Jesus and they may seem to want out of this one in a hurry but not really. They, too, want to enjoy what lives they have here. They simply don’t accept that this is all there is.

pfff… no. This is a gross generalization and may actually be wrong. It’s true that some religious people either go all “valley of tears” or “prepare for the next life” but on the other hand most religious people are very optimistic whether about this life or the next. I think atheists are likelier to believe that the world is a mess in a way which is our fault yet we may not be able to fix. And that can be depressing at times.
edit: but on the other hand, some Christians look for end time signs all the time… that is really twisted. Christianity is often just not life-affirming at all.

Nope. I don’t have any numbers which would show that.
But rich people have been proven to have higher life satisfaction indexes than poor people. So that I would agree with.

i would say so. theists are quick to condemm, and very intolerant. signs that not everything is okay.

This is a generalization, but since you said “generally” you probably realized that.
If you want my real, unbiased generalization (meaning if you don’t think this fits you, that’s fine because I’m saying IN GENERAL), then this is what I think:
Buddhists are the most positive, they’re usually peaceful and kind.
Jewish people are the next most positive.
Then comes Christians (I find many to be negative or rude towards people of other faiths. Which is disobeying the laws of the religion)
Atheists are the least positive. (I’m not sure why, but most I’ve seen are kind of rude. Maybe because their lack of faith in anything takes away some purpose in life)
So, no, I don’t agree. Sorry.

That is WAY too general an assumption!
I believe in a Creator and I am VERY positive about life. I believe the earth is a gift and we ought to care for it. I care for the environment and human rights. I want all to have freedom, equal rights and enjoy the same basic opportunties. I also enjoy my life,my body. I take great delight in my married life and sex life. I go out and let of steam every now and then with friends at the bar or at a rock concert.
I try (it is very hard sometimes) as best I can to visualize and keep hoping that this earth will thrive. I keep optimistic about America truly living up to all it can be, “A land of the free and brave with liberty and justice for all”.
I do not see the world as doomed, unsavable. I am not looking out for some celestial being to come SAVE mankind. I think we can do that if we REALLY want to.
Don’t confuse fundamentalist theists who believe in a very “Us vs Them” world and are hoping the earth along with BILLIONS of people perish in a firery Armageddeon, while only they are saved…. with the rest of us. Not all who believe in a Creator/Supreme Being or God are like that.

I have met about 4 atheists, one was suicidal and one was depressed, the rest were violent in words. Though he was suicidal, he was charming in a way that I really liked him. He has his moments. The depressed one, was great in poetry and has interesting things to say…these two were my good friends. I can’t say they have a positive attitude about life though, because if they do they wouldn’t be suicidal and depressed. =)

No. I think it’s a 50/50 split whose cups are half full and whose are half empty. >grin<

Yes. We also don’t spend our time beating ourselves up because we’re all “sinners” and can’t live up to this impossible standard that’s been set for us

Agree… Christians expect Jesus to come back and fix everything while they go out to have fun in their mega churches!

Ooh, isn’t this just a nice can of worms you just opened? haha…
I do not agree that ‘generally, atheists have a positive attitude about this life and theists do not’ because I don’t like to generalize.
People are people and will have a world view that reflects their own personalities. There are Athiests who are grumpy just as well are there are Theists that are grumpy.There are life-loving Theists just as there are life-loving Athiests.
I have found that when it comes to talking about people, it is best not to generalize, we are way too different from eachother to do that.

no its many times the opposite…but remember this food for thought…satan is out to ruin the lives of Christians

No. And I wouldn’t agree with the reverse either. And I’m a non-theist.

There are more Christians that are in prison and commit suicide, then Atheists. So yes. We know that this is it, so we try to make the most of it. At least I do.

I disagree. It might seem that way, but I don’t think either side has a more positive outlook than the other.

Yes.

Because that’s all they have to be positive about! We know
the world is run by Satan and getting worse. But, we should
be the happiest because we know our end!

It depends on the type of theist. Pagans, Jews, and Heathens, as well as undeclared theists all seem to have a generally positive attitude about this life. I can only think of two particular religions that think negatively about this life. I won’t name them, but they both follow men who walked the earth.

No, I don’t agree. I am a theist (Christian) and I have a very positive attitude about this life. This life is a gift from God and I enjoy every second of it (even the sorrowful, difficult trying times, because those are the times that remind us of all of the good in our lives).

I disagree. Our belief or lack of belief does not dictate our attitude.

I think I might argue the opposite is true.
One thing I find frustrating about life is not knowing for sure what we’re doing here, what our purpose is. At least theists generally seem to be sure of their faith and therefore probably don’t dwell on this question as much as atheists and agnostics might. It could also be that they’re suspending their disbelief, or deluded, too.

Yes.
Many of the Christians I’ve experienced in my lifetime (both on R&S and otherwise) have been the most miserable and angry people I’ve ever known. I thought religion brought peace? Apparently not.

i HAVE SEEN NO EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THAT.

I can go along with that.

Seems that way to me.