I think they use the statement to prove that God doesn't exist. Funny thing is, they can't prove that he doesn't exist any more than believers can prove he does. This leads to a lot of circular arguments that get neither side anywhere.

hmmm its the age new question ; P LOL

Ask not; want not? get not!.........MHO

Q: What does an atheist believe? A: You would have to ask him, and we hope you will. Each and every atheist, like each and every theist, believes many things. The only thought atheists share in common is an absolute non-belief in gods, afterlife (in the form of heaven, hell or reincarnation) and supernatural intervention in the cosmos and the affairs of man Q: Why do so many atheists research religion when they are so sure there are no gods? A: Firstly, religion and history are fascinating subjects for academic research to anyone with an enquiring mind. Secondly, even though there is no divine basis to religion, one true reality of religion is its influence upon the world in which we live. We have a vested interest in knowing as much about it as we can. And it often surprises us that so very few of those professing a faith have actually read and study the literature upon which it’s based and know anything about their particular religion’s history and structure. But please don’t think that most atheists are avid students of religion; the vast majority are merely apathetic toward it (apatheists?) and dismiss the entire subject as having no relevance to their lives. Those you will meet here are the exception rather than the rule.

I don't think atheists ask where God is in time of suffering, -O-uknow. I think they usually ask something like, "Who is in charge here?! And why is there no food, or bandages, or medicine, or clean water! Do you idiots know what you are doing?!" And usually, the "idiots" do not have any idea what they are doing....but, they have "faith" that God will deliver and save them. And when God does not come down in a cloud and save them and sweep their enemies away, they look to heaven and ask "why, Lord, why?"

-O-uknow, when were you elected to god status? Are you always around all atheist in times of trouble to know this? Or is this just another of your silly "STRAW MAN" ideas? [[You really crack up!]]

i've never heard one ask where he was because there's no point for them to ask for somebody that they don't believe in if he doesn't exist. [but i only know a few of them, others' opinions may clearly differ.] but still, in times of trouble, people always ask why even if it's not directed at anything. maybe that's just them

Let me try to parse this question so that it can make sense... you're trying to say that in terrible times an atheist is trying to call on your god and failing rather than relying on "their atheism" for strength, correct? Or what? That's some deeply weird thinking there and I can't really follow it. "where is their atheism".. it's right here? Plenty of atheists get by just fine without a belief in religion to sustain them. We don't criticize religion as a coping mechanism (we cope just fine). We are trying to point out a genuine logical fallacy in your religion, which has been pointed out by religious thinkers for millenia now: God = completely good God = all powerful Then, how DO you explain times of suffering? If God is both good and all-powerful, why does he allow thousands upon thousands of people to be slaughtered in Darfur? If he is all-powerful, he is able prevent it; if he was good, he would prevent it. He does not prevent it: why? Is slaughter good? Is suffering good? Is it not-good, and yet must be tolerated for unknowable reasons that will ultimately be good? How does that square with God being completely good, if he is partially willing to allow evil? Is God not all-powerful? Is God not good? Many christian thinkers have given this a great deal of thought in the last 2000 years or so. Perhaps you should read them, so that at least you could understand the question you are posing, and that it is a real and vexing one for people of your own faith.

We do?

Unless I am being ironic I don't.

Maybe it's the same reason some people give up their futile hunt for "faith" after seeing the horrors in the world. What kind of God would intentionally inflict such suffering on thousands and thousands of innocent people? Just in case you wonder what I mean, are you aware that more than 20,000 people starve to death EVERY SINGLE DAY? One child dies every 5 seconds!! Yes, in the time you took to read this somewhere between one and three innocent children dropped dead. Where was your so-called God?

Oh, how I love questions that are completely devoid of reason. "Where is my atheism?", people should wonder? This is some of the worst logic I've ever seen, and I must applaud you for that. "Why weren't all these people saved by the simple fact that there was no supreme being that governs the happenings of the world? Why?" I'm sure, in the face of disaster, you point to an atheist and sneer "Ha! Where's your lack of faith now?". Your logic is (severely) flawed, and therefore I agree with you.

This is a ridiculous question. Why would anyone logically ask..."Where is my atheism?" First of all, atheism wouldn't be expected to *BE* anywhere. And atheism isn't the same *concept* even as GOD...Atheism is a belief system. Not a higher being.

Actually, in my times of suffering I tend to point the finger squarely at God, figuring that the events causing my suffering can't be the result of an impartial uncaring Universe. Instead, it *must* be the result of the express will of the Divine. Later, when I'm not in the throes of my anger and resentment, I generally let go of that delusion.

I have NEVER inquired as to any gods where abouts as an atheist, and I think people who spout this nonsense are idiots. It is what it is.

I have never heard any Atheist ask where any deity is during any time other than a debate with a Theist trying to convince the Atheist that there is a deity. This is rather for the same reason that they don't ask where Puff the Magic Dragon is.

in times of suffering, crisis, and or some other calamity, instead of praying or doing something absolutely worthless, we actually DO something, and try to make things better with what we got instead of wishing a imaginary being will take it away

Uh, we don't.

I don't. Although I love stating irony sometimes

They go back to their original roots: Jesus. My 2 cents.

I don't. There is no god and I know where my atheism is.