Is it possible for and Atheist to exercise faith?
345961
This depends on what you mean by the term 'faith'. Atheists have beliefs, we just don't believe in a god. Atheism and nihilism are not the same thing! We also have faith in our friends, faith that most people try to be good (even if they fail), and faith that the world can be understood. However, all of these 'faiths' are based on reason, unlike the faith in a deity.
856133
I think (though I'm an atheist and therefore possibly more rational than some here) that one can't - a priori - prove that he's NOT, therefore he COULD BE.
93719
Faith does not rely on reality. It is a willingness, even desire, to believe in that which cannot be proven to exist. You can literally create any reality you want to, and if you have enough faith in it, that reality will appear solid and indisputable, to you, regardless of how unrealistic it is, or how little sense it makes. A lot of religious people don't really grasp this concept.
141231
By having faith,is that so bad?
991887
Ask the different way round.\n\nBelieving (in any religion) is easy, you don't have to think.\n\nActually thinking prevents believing. And I prefer to think for myself. :-)
1139856
Apparently, Daniel M, the answer is no. Most religious people could not handle the shock of their reality being altered. So they stubbornly refuse to hear any sort of proof. And, while you cannot prove something does not exist (like god), there is far more empirical evidence that he does not exist than evidence that he does. There incredibly ignorant refusal to see that is why the religious are so frustrating!\n\nAnd, I have discovered, most atheists, if shown sufficient evidence of the truth of one religion or another, would convert to that religion! How ironic that atheists, who are painted as horrible, evil, satan-possessed blasphemers who are determined to corrupt everyone, are the most rational and open when it comes to religion.
704114
No.  All an atheist is saying is that they don't believe in God.  One could be an atheist and still not believe in science.
526190
Ask a child if they believe there is a God. Even those not raised nor exposed to a church will believe. It's only as one ages and is exposed to outside influences that belief can be compromised. The inate ability exists even in those that profess not to believe. The strongest atheist, and the staunchest agnostic will call out for God to help them in their darkest hour. So, yes, humans have the inate ability to believe there is a God. To cite a particularly pointed quote, "There are no atheists in foxholes."
1114519
No, practicing your religion does.  Anyone can talk, but living by the creed of your religion, everyday, is a proof of faith.\n\n(Nice question, by the way)
1146962
Yes, He can.  It's called Faith. not proof.\n\nread Heb Ch.11.  22 Faiths.\n\nIt easy to love something you can see.  God wants your love through the faith of believing.\n\nHave a good week.
853358
God has given to all of us a measure of faith. Atheist chooses to believe there is no God, yet deep inside they knows better. That is one reason they are so concerned about christianity. Again all Atheist will not stay that way and some will be converted. Someday they will  see that a Holy God is nothing to play with.
627151
yes if one acts this way they question their beliefs which can cause to a new synthesis which will strengthen faith.
84066
you can not fully be a believer in anything without asking questions.  if you are blindly calling yourself a member of a religion without asking questions, you are not a real believer.  if you are not willing to ask questions then your faith is not strong.  only real belief is strong enough to withstand questioning.  so if someone does not or will not question then they cannot say they truly believe.  even religious teaching tells you to find the truth and gain knowledge.  the only way to do that is to question what you believe.  the apostles questioned their faith and they walked and talked with jesus.  st. augustine, st. thomas of aquinas, john the baptist, martin luther, and others all questioned their faith.  so do it and see where you really stand.  anyone who doesn’t is an idiot without the capability of thought or understanding who blindly follows anything.
1174781
No, once you start believing in a god, you stop being an atheist. Knowing that god doesn't exist is the definition of atheism. An atheist could still have a religion, though. Buddhists, for example. An atheist might believe in other supernatural things, besides god. Usually not, though. Atheists don't think that religion doesn't exist, if that's what you mean. That would be stupid. I'm perfectly aware of the existance of religion, I just find it pointless.
597105
In my experience it is far more likely that a religious organisation will try to persuade an atheist that they should believe in God than vice versa.\n\nAs an atheist myself I have no problem with you believing in your God. I cannot prove that your God does not exist so I have no right to deny you your right to believe.
518790
I'm not an Atheist but I am Agnostic and no, I wouldn't sell my soul to anyone. If you can show me something solid, that I can see, touch, and feel I would be a full on believer in God, Christianity, Jesus, whatever you got. One thing that would make me believe in a heartbeat would be for me to see someone come back from the dead. I can see them and touch them. Until then all I can do is hope there is a God and that he forgives me because I didn't believe someone could give us this world and pain that we all go through out of love. I wonder, I am a thinking human being and I wonder how I got here. I understand that people have their strong feelings about religion and to them have seen miracles. But I can honestly tell you that I have seen many miraculous things as well but they could come from the earth for all I know. If you want to believe, believe. Its OK. But you shouldn't jump on others who haven't made their minds up yet. Isn't that what that "you shouldn't throw your pearls before swine" thing in the Bible is all about? I know that it hurts you because you believe but there is actual validation as to why others don't. Just look around you, its not a nice place.
793669
Interesting Question I read your other question and some of the answers. I dont believe in god either. I have often wondered why faith and the belief in God has to be taught. Why isnt it an instinctual thing. Why was brute force used to spread the word of God. What are they afraid of that and made them kill and fight wars? Personallly I think people hit a mental barrier and use God as an excuse. They use it as some sort of mental crutch. We suppose to have free will to do what we want and when we want. To believe in God removes a part of that free will because then you have to obey something other than your own free will. It is amazeing how people react badly when you ask these type of questions. Not very Christain like attitude. Surely their faith is strong enough to take these questions with out getting all hot under the collar.\n\nI shall come back to this question to read the rest of the answers as like you I find it interguing. \n\nJust an opinion of one man.