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Why Are Atheists So Obsessed With God?

 

Benzinga | Aug. 31, 2011, 12:26 PM

Michele Bachmann raised eyebrows again last weekend when she claimed that Hurricane Irene was God's way of sending a message to American politicians to listen to the American people. Although the allegation that God would kill Americans in order to get politicians to listen to those same Americans is strange enough (wouldn't he kill the politicians themselves or their first born sons, not the people whose voices he wished to be heard?), many were amused by the thought that one of the leading presidential candidates believes that God causes natural disasters in a show of support for her policies. Others agreed with her and one group in particular was pulling its hair out after hearing Bachmann's latest sound bite.

 

Atheists complain that religion is irrational, has no basis in fact and shouldn't play a part in national politics. Still, it's odd that they will condemn politicians like Bachmann for bringing God into a political discussion, yet they throw their support behind leaders like President Barack Obama, a Christian who says that he is opposed to *** marriage because "God is in the mix". (A weak attempt at making his Christianity sound cool). Hmm, Michele Bachmann is crazy for thinking that there is a God who backs her political agenda but President Obama is just fine even though he's against letting consenting adults who love each other marry because the same God says no?

 

Why is it that so many atheists who feel that anyone who believes in God is delusional and should seek help support leaders like President Obama? If believing in God is a sign of mental illness, would you really want a man who is suffering from this delusion to have a nuclear ****nal at his disposal? One reason is that, like many Republicans, they don't really believe that Obama is a Christian. Not surprising, considering that this is the man who said that guns and God were something for bitter, small town Americans to fall back on when he said that "they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them."

 

It never ceases to amaze me that besides religious fundamentalists it's the people who don't believe in God who want to push their religious views in your face the most. Of all the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews and agnostics that I personally know, none of them seem interested in making me accept their personal beliefs. Just as important, none of them go out of their way to insult members of other religious faiths. Most of them seem to believe that whatever faith you belong to is a personal choice and that if it brings comfort without harming others, than any religion can play a positive role in one's life. However, it's always the atheists that seem to feel a need to insult others who don't share their views.

 

I don't know if they realize it but when mocking anyone who happens to believe in God (they're criticism is usually aimed at Christians because criticizing other religions too much might mark them as racists or close-minded) atheists often sound much like the people they claim to despise the most: religious fundamentalists. Claiming that anyone who doesn't share your beliefs is misguided, delusional or just plain wrong is a tactic used by fundamentalists of every religion. When they get on their soapbox, atheists don't sound much different than the Westboro Baptist Church members who enjoy protesting at the funerals of fallen soldiers, shouting insults about God's wraith at the people who are trying to comfort each other while mourning the loss of a loved one.

 

An example of this is my fellow writer at Benzinga who thinks that anyone who believes in God is crazy. Another funny thing is that if you get away from talk of religion and ask them about the people they admire, most atheists will name many people of great faith such as Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. While I understand the frustration caused by hearing a politician like Michele Bachmann claiming that a deadly natural disaster like Hurricane Irene is also a message from God that just happens to be right in line with her own political opinions, there's no need to insult every member of every religious faith because of the words uttered by one headline seeking politician. --

 

Daniel James Hayden IV Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com...2011-8#ixzz1Wf4PS300

 

Said it better than I could.

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We're not obsessed with god. That would be ridiculous.

 

We are interested in the people who accept superstition.  You have to admit it's an interesting topic.

 

Furthermore, we are interested in defending ourselves from the theocratic tendencies of the religious in the political realm.  Theocracy is abundantly anti-American at its core.  Still, diligence is required.

 

DF

We really have not had any choice. Maybe one day there will be a politician that can be a serious candidate for the Presidency and claim no religion. The best I can do is vote between the lessor of two evils. Sad but true. Michele is so far to the right of the religious nutjob spectrum that she makes Obama look atheist.

 

I don't think that all religious people are like Michele. I would be a whole lot more afraid if I did. It's a scary enough situation as it is. I am very happy that she is still in the minority.

Originally Posted by Not Shallow Not Slim:

We're not obsessed with god. That would be ridiculous.

 

We are interested in the people who accept superstition.  You have to admit it's an interesting topic.

 

Furthermore, we are interested in defending ourselves from the theocratic tendencies of the religious in the political realm.  Theocracy is abundantly anti-American at its core.  Still, diligence is required.

 

DF

Interesting in the way any evangelical finds the issue interesting. You're right about the politics.

Sorry, DF, obsession is the atheist's middle name.

 

You are not interested in superstition, because it would be silly to study something that you find SILLY!

 

I don't study Leprechauns. I don't study Santa Claus. I don't study the Easter Bunny. I don't study 9/11 truthers. I don't study Obama birthers.

 

I know all of that is ridiculous. Since an atheist finds religion, especially Christian religion ridiculous, why study it?

 

Oh I know, it interferes with your daily life. Yet, other than not buying beer on Sunday, no one has said HOW it interferes in their daily life.

 

You have a job in a technical field and your boss knows you are atheist, yet, you are still there.

DA obviously has a job, so no problem there either. The old Gofish has a job locally and is still in business, so no problem there either.

 

So if you could, tell me exactly how religion hinders your day to day existence.

Things are getting better for atheist B. It has been a long and hard road and we are not at the end of it yet. Not by a long shot here in the south.

 

I have had to hide my beliefs from employers. I have had to participate in religious rituals regardless of how uncomfortable it made me feel. I have lost friends and family. I am still ask almost weekly where I attend church by someone or told to have a blessed day. (that is not too bad other than it just seems  pushy and invasive) When atheist opposed the cross at the WTC museum they were threatened with death, and told they were not real Americans. Some of the things said by the religious people were down right terrifying. We are still treated as less moral and untrustworthy, even more so than Muslims.

 

Even though I have seen you state otherwise, most Americans would not vote for an openly atheist candidate for the Presidency, or any political office for that matter. There are many cases of atheist who are not given custody of their children in divorce due to their disbelief. There have been high school students who have been harassed and threatened for opposing prayer at their graduation ceremonies. You might say some of these things have not happened to me directly. I say that until we are all treated fairly and not persecuted for our dis-belief then it does effect me.

 

If we stand by and do nothing while creationist work to force religion to be taught as science to our children, then we are being irresponsible and allowing theocracy to get a foot hold in this country. I for one take that very seriously and will fight to oppose those that would see this become a "Christian" nation.

 

There are stickers on high school biology books here in the state of Alabama stating that evolution is only one theory. There is a bill going up in our state congress wanting to give the same rights to human fertilized eggs that you and I have. All these things are rooted in religion and belief in a God. In this country it is the God of the bible. So it is more of a focus than others.

 

What matters to you most, might not mean that much to me and vice versa. Working to make this a more agreeable place for atheist to live without persecution and keeping those that would take over our government and put in place a theocracy at bay, mean a great deal to me. Every day....all day long.

 

I would be equally opposed if there was a large group of influential people trying to teach our children that Big Foot is real, or Leprechauns are among us. So unless that happens those that believe in such silly things really don't get any of my attention.

Originally Posted by b50m:

Sorry, DF, obsession is the atheist's middle name.

 

You are not interested in superstition, because it would be silly to study something that you find SILLY!

 

I don't study Leprechauns. I don't study Santa Claus. I don't study the Easter Bunny. I don't study 9/11 truthers. I don't study Obama birthers.

 

I know all of that is ridiculous. Since an atheist finds religion, especially Christian religion ridiculous, why study it?

 

Oh I know, it interferes with your daily life. Yet, other than not buying beer on Sunday, no one has said HOW it interferes in their daily life.

 

You have a job in a technical field and your boss knows you are atheist, yet, you are still there.

DA obviously has a job, so no problem there either. The old Gofish has a job locally and is still in business, so no problem there either.

 

So if you could, tell me exactly how religion hinders your day to day existence.

The only obsession I see is you trying to ram your way of life down my throat.  I would like to answer the phone at 8:30 at night with someone trying to raise money for a church, and I would like to be able to shop without having to pass a church group looking for a hand out (except for the Slavation Army). They (The Salvation Army) appear to try to help without blasting what ever they happen to believe in at the moment.  Maybe I'll start trying to save christians from christianity??

I don't study Leprechauns. I don't study Santa Claus. I don't study the Easter Bunny. I don't study 9/11 truthers. I don't study Obama birthers.

 

I know all of that is ridiculous. Since an atheist finds religion, especially Christian religion ridiculous, why study it?

 

Oh I know, it interferes with your daily life. Yet, other than not buying beer on Sunday, no one has said HOW it interferes in their daily life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I guess you only "hear" what you want to hear. So if people want the belief in the things you don't believe in and even feel are dangerous, taught to your children, running your politics, being used to oppress, discriminate against and even kill people, you would be OK with it? That's just the tip of the iceberg. As of now religion dominates this country, christians love to tell us that. Yet they want to blame atheists for the problems they have in this country. The rise in drug use, abortions, drinking, violence, you name it. Well sorry to tell you but that's YOUR problem so you need to step up and own it. Set a better example is all I can tell you. Stop running around telling them that your god forgives all sins. Stop telling them that they are "making the angels cry" when they do bad things. Stop kissing the butts of the criminals and making them more important than people that abide by the law and don't commit crimes. Make them accountable for what they do.

 

 If a small group of people, such as you claim atheists are, has that much influence you are obviously not doing your job. That "obsessed with god" is just another lame argument used to try and shout us down. I am no more obsessed with your god than I am obsessed with leprechauns, santa or the easter bunny. It's not a god that doesn't exist that we are interested in. It's the things people do or try to do in the name of that god that we focus on. We should leave the religion forum so the christians can "talk" among themselves about how the evil atheists are ruining their country and what should be done with them? We should let christians rewrite history and override science because they conflict with their beliefs? We should leave so you can put forth candidates that would be a disaster for this country, but that's OK because they believe in your god and here's your chance to get religion spread even more into our lives?  I don't think so.

 

All good replies.

 

DA<

If you had to hide your beliefs because of your work, that is stupid. If you lost family over it, that is also stupid. In my extended family, I have Atheists, Agnostics, Wiccans, Druids, and Catholics, with a few Baptists for good measure. People put waaay to much emphasis on someone's personal beliefs. Religion should not be a test for a candidate. Brains should, but if we do that, Congress will be empty. And I DON'T want a theocracy. I also have been asked exactly 2 times where I go to church in over 20 years.

 

RIMSHOT<

Use an answering machine and screen your calls. The only people I pass asking for money are the cheerleaders wanting money for school. The Kiwanis. The Salvation Army at Christmas and a few miscellaneous church groups. I usually go in a side door where they are not.

 

Best>

You only hear what you want to hear too.  Every bad aspect of religion is brought out and repeated ad naseum. Religion is a huge force in this country. With the US being about 86% Christian, it has to be. The rise in drug abuse, abortions, etc is the lack of personal responsibility and morals. It has nothing to do with atheism. It does have to do with a progressive society that puts more emphasis on passing blame than accepting it.

God can help them, even if you don't believe. You are deciding that since God is a fairy tale to you, then He has to be a fairy tale to every one else. Don't make your decisions theirs.

 

You don't need to leave the forum so Christians  can talk about you. However, if you and any of the other atheists want to actually have a discussion, it would help to not assume you know better than anyone else, that any one who believes in God is a mental case,  and that only your view of religion is correct.

 

From your three responses, it would appear that religion doesn't affect any of you directly, except in your work place. As for prayer services or steel beams in the shape of a cross, you can easily ignore that. If someone was doing a Hindu blessing, I would simply be quiet until it was over, not complain the whole time it was going on.

 

Threats against 'you' because you don't believe is wrong. Violence against any one for being 'different' is wrong. Yet, conflicts have gone on since the beginning of time. Most of them didn't need religion as the catalyst or cover. But using religion as a cover makes it more heinous.

 

I would say that except for the fundamentalist groups, atheists are obsessed with religion more than the religious. Most people don't discuss their beliefs on a public forum because it is a private matter. Look at DF's poll.  He's gotten about 25 responses out of the approximate 12,000 registered members. That tells me that most don't care to discuss it, for or against.

I would say that except for the fundamentalist groups, atheists are obsessed with religion more than the religious.

 

 

And once again there is that charge of "obsession" even when it's been explained that there is none. Spending, at tops 20-25 minutes a day, or being generous let's say an hour, reading and commenting on posts is not an obsession. If it is I guess the people that post on the politics or news forums here and other places are just obsessed instead of concerned about their country. I seriously doubt that there are 12,000 people looking at these forums.

Yes B we could ignore all those things you said, but we don't want to. If we did that then nothing would ever get any better. I guess you could say I am obsessed with making this a better world to live in. I want my children to grow up with out the stigma of immorality that I have.

 

I am shocked that you have only been ask 2 times in 20 years where you go to church. How in the heck do you live in this area and not get ask all the time? I am a very socialalbe time person, maybe you are not. IDK I think I have one of those faces that just say "talk to me" I get chatted up about church all the time. Even in the grocery store.

 

Losing some friends and family over my disbelief is more than just stupid. It is heart breaking.

I doubt there are 12000 reading it either Best, I just said there were that many registered.

 

Maybe you have a chip on your shoulder DA?  Really, the only times I have been asked is when I first moved to the area I'm in (you either have to be Baptist or CoC) and when my kids started day care. It was a Baptist run daycare (DUH) and they asked if I was Baptist, I said no.

At school, it was brought up in conversation but I always said just non-denominational. No specifics. I have never had strangers ask me that ever.

 

Where, if or when I go to church is no one's business. Have you tried saying  'that's none of your business'?

 

As for your family, I am sorry about that. Why it should make a difference in who you are is beyond comprehension.  

Originally Posted by b50m:

"I don't know if they realize it but when mocking anyone who happens to believe in God (they're criticism is usually aimed at Christians because criticizing other religions too much might mark them as racists or close-minded) "

Stupid argument.  Atheists dont' beleive in ANY of the 12,000 gods that are cirrently being worshippped.  Deism and Buddhism has a small soft spot for me because they are so benighn but we disagree with ALL supernatural religions.  Idiots that write this kid of statement just don't get it and it's such a simple concept. Thus my use of the word "stupid."

 

I didn't take the supposed Muslim to task on thei forum not because I respect them more but because I'm chicken.Those people are even more dangerous than Xtians. Jews don't often intrude into my personal life choices. If they did, I'd speak out.  Here in the south, we are forced to endure the Bill Grays an Ono's of the world who vehemently want to press their religious beliefs onto others.  We atheists are simply fighting back. 

 

As far as atheist support of Obama, sadly, I agree.  Atheists do seem to be more liberal than theists.  I suspect that has something to do with the fact that they are generally more educated and studies have shown that educated people (especially "geniuses)" tend to be quite liberal. 

It is a fact that I do not like but there it is.

But there are plenty of Republican atheists.  I'm one . . . . Well, libertarian, actually, but I am often forced to hold my nose for my republican candidate and I hate that.  I want a republican that thinks rationally and there just aren't that many.  They are the "god party" and thus attract the godly voters.  Another sad fact that I just have to deal with. 


B50 says, "

You are not interested in superstition, because it would be silly to study something that you find SILLY!  I don't study Leprechauns. I don't study Santa Claus. I don't study the Easter Bunny. I don't study 9/11 truthers. I don't study Obama birthers."

And I am absolutely fascinated by all these.  I don't really know why but I am.  If there was a "leprechaun" section on this forum, I would be all over it.  As such, I am left with theists and global warming deniers.

More lies from Unob! He says:

 

 "Ono's of the world who vehemently want to press their religious beliefs onto others."

 

Show me just one post where I tried to push my beliefs onto anyone. You CAN'T, because I have never ever EVER done so.

 

I came here to share what God has done in my life with other like-minded people. And I was attacked, called stupid and deluded. I have defended myself, and that is all I have done.

 

I have tried to have civil discussion with my attackers, but they will not listen. You can't have a rational debate with someone who refuses to even HEAR what you have to say. If you want to call my recent "disrespect" for you pushing my beliefs on you, that is just another example of how you won't listen. You respond to my every post with insults, and if that's the way you want to conduct yourself, I can return those insults. I'd RATHER have civil debate, but one cannot have a debate of any kind when the other side doesn't even READ what you have written (as you, Unob, have confessed). I get the feeling you're one of those people who, when talking face to face, uses the time the other person is speaking to formulate what you are going to say next, rather than hearing what the other person is saying. Why even bother?

 

 

Originally Posted by b50m:

 

 

Maybe you have a chip on your shoulder DA?  Really, the only times I have been asked is when I first moved to the area I'm in (you either have to be Baptist or CoC) and when my kids started day care. It was a Baptist run daycare (DUH) and they asked if I was Baptist, I said no.

At school, it was brought up in conversation but I always said just non-denominational. No specifics. I have never had strangers ask me that ever.

 

Where, if or when I go to church is no one's business. Have you tried saying  'that's none of your business'?

 

As for your family, I am sorry about that. Why it should make a difference in who you are is beyond comprehension.  

 

 

I don't have a chip on my shoulder at all. I am very friendly and for some reason most people want to talk to me. I am nice and listen. I have a bubbly personality and sometimes it gets me in trouble. Usually when I am ask where I attend church, the people asking just assume that I HAVE to be a Christian. Why else would I be so nice.  What I say is "I don't go to church, I am atheist" the look I get is somewhere between horror and disgust. Even if we have just had the nicest conversation and they thought I was awesome 2 seconds ago, they usually try to walk away as fast as possible. Like I am going to suddenly grow horns and eat their babies.

 

I do find it odd that in 20 years no one has ask you about your home church.....Heck I was ask this morning standing in line at the drug store. A woman was talking about how much medicine cost and how the ones she really needed to survive took almost half of her income to buy. I felt so bad for her and I told her she should look online and see if she could get them cheaper. She then said you look familiar to me how do I know you? I was sure I didn't know her and told her I didn't think we had ever met before. She then said "Where do you go to church?" I told her the truth and she had the usual reaction and turned around and never spoke another word to me. We stood there for another 5 minutes in line in silence.

LOL, ONO and Bill are not even in the South. Bill pushes, ONO is just trying to share her view.  You are pushing her back.




Originally Posted by Unobtanium:

 Here in the south, we are forced to endure the Bill Grays an Ono's of the world who vehemently want to press their religious beliefs onto others.  We atheists are simply fighting back.

Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

 

I don't have a chip on my shoulder at all. I am very friendly and for some reason most people want to talk to me. I am nice and listen. I have a bubbly personality and sometimes it gets me in trouble. Usually when I am ask where I attend church, the people asking just assume that I HAVE to be a Christian. Why else would I be so nice.  What I say is "I don't go to church, I am atheist" the look I get is somewhere between horror and disgust. Even if we have just had the nicest conversation and they thought I was awesome 2 seconds ago, they usually try to walk away as fast as possible. Like I am going to suddenly grow horns and eat their babies.

 

I do find it odd that in 20 years no one has ask you about your home church.....Heck I was ask this morning standing in line at the drug store. A woman was talking about how much medicine cost and how the ones she really needed to survive took almost half of her income to buy. I felt so bad for her and I told her she should look online and see if she could get them cheaper. She then said you look familiar to me how do I know you? I was sure I didn't know her and told her I didn't think we had ever met before. She then said "Where do you go to church?" I told her the truth and she had the usual reaction and turned around and never spoke another word to me. We stood there for another 5 minutes in line in silence.

The fact that you throw in atheist is what does it.  Then the ignorant think you are a devil worshiper.  Yes, I know it's STUPID! I don't do that. I just say I don't go to a church around here. Then they stop asking questions. Not a lie, and I don't seem confrontational.

I think it's a badge of honor for atheists to say I"M AN ATHEIST!

 

Until people actually get what that means, you are asking for the cold stares.

Want to really shut them up?  Tell them you are a reformed Druid.

I know that I could dodge the question or give an answer that would not shine a light on my atheism, but to me I feel I have an obligation to say it. The more we atheist talk freely about our non-belief the less it will be considered taboo. If I hide it to keep from getting those looks or attitudes then I am doing nothing but being a big weenie. I feel I need to help pave the way for future generations. Its my bit of activism.

 

Maybe one day people will just stop caring so much what others personal beliefs are. They will judge a person based on their actions instead. One can dream.....

Originally Posted by O No!:

More lies from Unob! He says:


Show me just one post where I tried to push my beliefs onto anyone. You CAN'T, because I have never ever EVER done so.

 

---

Ono, you "believe" that atheists are less moral, have higher divorce rates, worship crystals and leprechauns and are generally evil sort of people.  You try to convince us of that all the time.  No, I've never seen you state that someone was going to hell if they don't believe as you do -- as Bill does.  But you are most certainly guilty of insisting that we are "lost" (whatever that means) becasue we do not beleive what you beleive.  That, in my opinion, certainly qualifies as "pushing" your beliefs on others.
And I will gladly state that, yes, I am attempting (and completely failing) to push my ideas on others.  That is the whole reason for a good debate.  Don't like it?  Don't debate. 
Peace.
 
 

 

Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

 

I am shocked that you have only been ask 2 times in 20 years where you go to church.

 

---

Might not get out much?

 

I, too, am asked that probably about 1 a month or so.  My answer is "I'm in-between at the moment" and change the subject.

The theists here seem to have the notion that we stand on the street corner and try to "convert" others to reason.  In actuality, except on this forum, religion doesn't enter my personal sphere through face to face contact with people I know.  It only asserts itself on a much larger scale - mainly through headlines concerning creationism, presidential candidates, dead kids of praying parents and Bill Gray clones on the TV.

Unob says:

"Ono, you "believe" that atheists are less moral, have higher divorce rates, worship crystals and leprechauns and are generally evil sort of people.  You try to convince us of that all the time."

 

What a crock! Show me ANY post where I have said atheists are "less moral" or have "higher divorce rates". Show me. Once again, you CAN'T because I never said anything of the sort. Show me where I have said they are "gennerally evil people". Once again, you either LIE, or you are showing how you don't actually READ what I post.

 

And if you remember correctly, it is you atheists who keep crowing about Estonia, so when I heard that spot on the radio, I just wanted to point out to you that while there might not be many CHRISTIANS there, there sure are a lot of people searching for SOMETHING to believe in.

 

And CAN'T YOU FIGURE IT OUT??? YOU insist on calling me deluded. Turnabout is fairplay. If YOU can call me deluded and all those other things, I am allowed to call you "lost". I call you lost so you will know what it feels like to be insulted for expressing your opinion.

 

But these lies have got to stop. This is the third time in the past couple of weeks. How do you expect to have ANY credibility when you keep trapping yourself in lies?

Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

Uno you should have never apologized to O No....she will throw that up in your face from now on.

-----

Disagree, my friend.  I always try to accept evidence that I am wrong or have wronged someone.  I think we should all own up to wrongs. But, yeah, she is taking a mile from that inch as expected.

Originally Posted by O No!:

Unob says:

"Ono, you "believe" that atheists are less moral, have higher divorce rates, worship crystals and leprechauns and are generally evil sort of people.  You try to convince us of that all the time."

 

What a crock! Show me ANY post where I have said atheists are "less moral" or have "higher divorce rates".

----

 

IN this thread, I made a post that showed that atheist divorce rates were about the same (or a littl less) than beleivers.  You made a post that disagreed with the data I posted and said,


"Unless these stats show the REASON for these divorces, this chart does nothing to bolster your point."

 

I think it is reasonable to conclude that since you were disagreeing with me, you were disagreeing with me. 

 

https://www.tnvalleytalks.com/d...8849158203231/page/1

Admittedly, the "less moral" accusation might be a stretch.  I thought you and I had debated atheist morality versus believers.  I might just be imagining that and don't want to perform a search so I retract it.  Fair enough?

Originally Posted by Unobtanium:
Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

Uno you should have never apologized to O No....she will throw that up in your face from now on.

-----

Disagree, my friend.  I always try to accept evidence that I am wrong or have wronged someone.  I think we should all own up to wrongs. But, yeah, she is taking a mile from that inch as expected.

 

 

You are right. I would rather take the high road and admit I was wrong too. If that person chose to use it against me then that would be on them, not me. 

Unob, I'm really beginning to wonder about your sense of "reason". You say:

 

 

"IN this thread, I made a post that showed that atheist divorce rates were about the same (or a littl less) than beleivers.  You made a post that disagreed with the data I posted and said,


"Unless these stats show the REASON for these divorces, this chart does nothing to bolster your point."

 

I think it is reasonable to conclude that since you were disagreeing with me, you were disagreeing with me."

 

OK, how about applying some LOGIC to this. If I contended that cancer was the number one killer of Americans, and I cited statistics showing how many Americans died last year as proof, what would be my error? The fact that my statistics said nothing about the CASES of these deaths, right?

 

That's exactly what you did with YOUR statistics. You were talking about unfaithfulness, and cited the number of divorces to prove your case. There was nothing in your statistics that stated the CASUES of these divorces. I was simply pointing out your error. I can't believe you don't see that. Could it be that you don't WANT to see it?

 

Does anyone else here see what I'm talking about?

Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

I know that I could dodge the question or give an answer that would not shine a light on my atheism, but to me I feel I have an obligation to say it. The more we atheist talk freely about our non-belief the less it will be considered taboo. If I hide it to keep from getting those looks or attitudes then I am doing nothing but being a big weenie. I feel I need to help pave the way for future generations. Its my bit of activism.

 

Maybe one day people will just stop caring so much what others personal beliefs are. They will judge a person based on their actions instead. One can dream.....

I guess I just don't feel strongly enough to want to argue about it. I'm more of a pacifist when it comes to religion. There are good, bad, and ugly parts to all of them. If someone is doing the Hell fire and brimstone like Bill, I just smile, say "That's nice", and go my own way. It's only making themselves look bad.

 

Nice dream.  Maybe in another 1000 years.

Originally Posted by Unobtanium:
Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

 

I am shocked that you have only been ask 2 times in 20 years where you go to church.

 

---

Might not get out much?

 

I, too, am asked that probably about 1 a month or so.  My answer is "I'm in-between at the moment" and change the subject.

The theists here seem to have the notion that we stand on the street corner and try to "convert" others to reason.  In actuality, except on this forum, religion doesn't enter my personal sphere through face to face contact with people I know.  It only asserts itself on a much larger scale - mainly through headlines concerning creationism, presidential candidates, dead kids of praying parents and Bill Gray clones on the TV.

So it really is not a day to day thing, as I thought.

Don't get out every day, but I do more people areas than when I worked.

Maybe it's just I don't pay any attention to it because I just shrug it off.

Originally Posted by Bestworking:

 I am no more obsessed with your god than I am obsessed with leprechauns, santa or the easter bunny. It's not a god that doesn't exist that we are interested in. It's the things people do or try to do in the name of that god that we focus on.

 

Did you make a post today, this week, or this month on this forum or another about leprechauns, santa or the easter bunny?

 

Didn't think so.

 

Please don't speak for "we" when you talk about atheists. Some of us have our own thoughts. 

 

 

Originally Posted by Bestworking:

Spending, at tops 20-25 minutes a day, or being generous let's say an hour, reading and commenting on posts is not an obsession.

 

 

 

 

If that is spent out of boredom, I'll grant you that. Otherwise, I'd question why you aren't spending that half hour a day talking with family, working on a project or on a dream. If you have to spend it on something you don't believe in, it may be an obsession.

Did you make a post today, this week, or this month on this forum or another about leprechauns, santa or the easter bunny?

 

          *******************************************

 

Makes no sense.

 

 

 

 

Please don't speak for "we" when you talk about atheists. Some of us have our own thoughts.

 

          **************************************************

 

 

The "we" are the atheists I know and I most certainly can say we. Have your own thoughts but don't tell me how to post.

Originally Posted by b50m:
Originally Posted by DarkAngel:

I know that I could dodge the question or give an answer that would not shine a light on my atheism, but to me I feel I have an obligation to say it. The more we atheist talk freely about our non-belief the less it will be considered taboo. If I hide it to keep from getting those looks or attitudes then I am doing nothing but being a big weenie. I feel I need to help pave the way for future generations. Its my bit of activism.

 

Maybe one day people will just stop caring so much what others personal beliefs are. They will judge a person based on their actions instead. One can dream.....

I guess I just don't feel strongly enough to want to argue about it. I'm more of a pacifist when it comes to religion. There are good, bad, and ugly parts to all of them. If someone is doing the Hell fire and brimstone like Bill, I just smile, say "That's nice", and go my own way. It's only making themselves look bad.

 

Nice dream.  Maybe in another 1000 years.

 

 

In the real world I mostly ignore the Hell and Brimstone loonies too. They can be a bit scary. I would dare say that most of us atheist don't say a lot of the things we say here out in the real world. I know I am not willing to put my life on the line in that way. To me that is the problem though, and yes I think about it almost everyday. I am not free to speak about my dis-belief as Christians are. Of course I have the right and the law would be on my side, but I know that if I went around Florence AL saying what I really thought every time someone told me to "Have a Blessed Day" or invited me to church with them I would be putting myself in danger.

 

The Christians don't have a clue what its like in this country to have an opposing view on religion. They are the majority. They have been for so long that they take it for granted. I know that many of you just don't understand and I can see why. I wish that someone here that doesn't believe what we are saying about the hatred we get or the discrimination we face by being atheist would conduct a test. Just for 1 month start telling your family you are atheist, your co-workers, people who tell you to have a blessed day. I know that no one will do it, but it might be the only way you (B) and some of the others will ever understand why this is so important to us. We don't want to talk about religion really, we just want the same freedoms to express ourselves with out fear of retribution. Also we do not want to live in a country that is ruled by religion. One that favors ANY religion (or lack there of) over ANY other. I sincerely, promise that I as an American would never want to live in a country where Christians (or any other faith) did not have the right to worship and believe as they wanted to either. I just want the secular nation we started out being. As an atheist, my beliefs have no dogma or doctrine that I could or would impose on others.

 

Dark, I guess I'm lucky. My family and all my friends know I'm an atheist. The "where do you go to church" question does come up, and I tell them straight out I don't go to church because I don't believe. There have been some that wanted to pop off of course, but I can give it back to them. Then you have the ones that admit they don't really believe it either but they've always gone to church etc etc and wouldn't want to upset family and friends if they stopped going. There are as many ways for it to play out as there are people asking.

Yup. What DA, DF, Rimshot, BW, and anybody else I forgot said....

 

Yes, to me-"Atheist" IS a badge of honor.  I'm rather proud of the fact that I can think for myself.

Especially in a place where not many people seem to be able or willing to do just that.

I'm a conservative and I voted for John McCain.

NO, "Conservative" DOESN'T automatically mean "religious."

 

I don't care if you worship heads of lettuce and dance naked on the rooftop at midnight while howling at the moon-but you can be dang sure I'll find it mighty interesting. And I WILL have something (probably funny) to say about it.

 

I've lived here in Florence for the better part of two years now and I think three whole days have gone by where somebody didn't bless my day or ask me what dang church I attend and THAT'S only because it was raining too hard those three days for anybody to wanna stop long anough to do so. (I can understand why they ask, too as there's a frickin' church on every other dang corner... and I cant turn around without tripping over some dang preacher" or another...Sheesh.)

 

Then there was the whole "Moral Turpitude" question on the job app I filled out when I first got here.

WTH is THAT s*!t?

I was applying to drive a garbage truck for the county.  My experience tells me that most garbage truck drivers in most places are some pretty skeevy dudes.  But apparently all of Lauderdale county's drivers are going straight to heaven...

At least while anybody's watching...

 

Anywhere else the question would have asked "have you ever been convicted of a felony?"

Not here by cracky....As I stated once before, I hadda go home and look up just what the frack "moral turpitude" was...and no, I have never been convicted of any crime involving that, much less a felony.

 

I have been a lotta places and applied for a lotta jobs and not once have I seen terminology like that used on an application.  Only in the bibley-belt.  It's as if they're saying "if you have to ask what this means, no matter how qualified you are for the job, whether you've ever been convicted of it or not-you're not ever gonna work here."

 

Oh, and Ono... Nuthin' personal, mind ya, but you shove your beliefs on us heathens just as hard as ol' BeeG does.

You just use a different tone and slightly different words.  That and BeeG doesnt cry victim when he gets called on it. 

 

 Just sayin'.

 

 

'Scuse me....The friends I don't have in my sad and empty life are calling me to go ride to Tennessee for some Dunkin' Donuts and  real cawfee this weekend.  Too bad we dont have one a those here in Flotown.

 

You have my blessing to commence striking me about the head and neck with your "likeable liberal award" again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last edited by Road Puppy
Originally Posted by Bestworking:

Did you make a post today, this week, or this month on this forum or another about leprechauns, santa or the easter bunny?

 

          *******************************************

 

Makes no sense.

 

 

 

 

Please don't speak for "we" when you talk about atheists. Some of us have our own thoughts.

 

          **************************************************

 

 

The "we" are the atheists I know and I most certainly can say we. Have your own thoughts but don't tell me how to post.

You can say what ever you want. Bill does the same. I didn't tell you how to post, only directed you towards logic. Reject it if you must.

Once more, the "we" are atheists I know and have discussed things with. I don't know you, you don't know me and so that means you weren't included in the "we". I will say it when I post about things I know "we" (atheists I know and myself) feel the same about. Do you run around telling everyone that says "we" not to include you? You must stay busy.

Yes, to me-"Atheist" IS a badge of honor.  I'm rather proud of the fact that I can think for myself.

 

Since you are so miserable here in the bibley belt, RP, surely you could find a way to hitch a ride back to New York or where ever.  It's only been two years. Since you have a CDL, any body would take you. There are ads every day in the paper. Companies love to have a single driver. Driving  a bus seems so beneath you.

. Just for 1 month start telling your family you are atheist, your co-workers, people who tell you to have a blessed day. I know that no one will do it, but it might be the only way you (B) and some of the others will ever understand why this is so important to us.


Wouldn't do any good to tell family, as I said, it's a mixed bag already.  I will tell the next person that brings it up that I don't belive in God.  We'll see how it goes.

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