NationStates Jolt Archive

In fairness to Peepelonia, In a lot of 'Does God exist?' themed threads a lot of Atheists like to comment on how they just can't understand why people feel the need to believe in such things.
Sure. And just as many theists like to comment on how they just can't understand how anybody could not believe in God. Hell, we've had entire threads about how theists can't understand how atheists have morals, or how theists can't understand how atheists face the death of a loved one, or any of a dozen other things.

My point isn't that ALL ATHEISTS can understand ALL THEISTS, or vice versa. My point is simply that being atheist doesn't automatically make a person less able to empathize or understand another person on the subject of religion.

Sure. And just as many theists like to comment on how they just can't understand how anybody could not believe in God. Hell, we've had entire threads about how theists can't understand how atheists have morals, or how theists can't understand how atheists face the death of a loved one, or any of a dozen other things.

My point isn't that ALL ATHEISTS can understand ALL THEISTS, or vice versa. My point is simply that being atheist doesn't automatically make a person less able to empathize or understand another person on the subject of religion.

Yar. I think a lack of understanding from a lot of people (not all) on both sides is one of the reasons why it's so hard to have a friendly discussion about it. It's all about the different world views.

I certainly wouldn't argue for it to be all one way or all the other simply because that's oversimplification in the extreme. Plenty of people have both perspectives from having been on one side then switching to the other.

But I do think people are making a mountain out of the molehill that is Peepelonia's original comment.

personally I think peep might be making that mountain I mean the comment itself was idiotic in the least and he continues to just repeat it and insult pretty much anyone who questions him about it. Anyway thats just my take . . .as to the rest I totally agree with Grave

So, 34 pages later, do we know why atheists hate religious people?

because you touch yourself at night

personally I think peep might be making that mountain I mean the comment itself was idiotic in the least and he continues to just repeat it and insult pretty much anyone who questions him about it. Anyway thats just my take . . .as to the rest I totally agree with Grave

I disagree. Peepelonia makes a comment, one that naturally people will disagree with, but what I'm seeing here is people demanding that the comment be dissected, picked apart, evaluated, re-explained, and generally given more scrutiny than a Monday Night Football game. I think when Peep tries to explain the meaning behind it a lot of people are more interested in playing 'gotcha!' and making it sound self-contradictory than in actually understanding what is meant.

Frankly, I don't think it's unreasonable to think maybe there's something that the average Atheist is missing in their understanding of why people believe in God, but the same could be said to be true in reverse, so big deal.

I think more than anything this is an indicator that we need more of a selection of interesting threads to post in.

because you touch yourself at night

I hope none of you expect me to stop.

I have met very, very few atheists that hate religious people and vice versa. On the other hand, I have met a significant number of atheists that exude an air of smug, intellectual superiority and treat religious people in a condescending manner as a result, and vice versa. This mutual belief by both sides that they have some special insight into the truth of the matter that the other side lacks leads to a discourse and treatment of one side by the other that is not conducive to polite, reasoned conversation and results in a feeling that one side is being persecuted by the other.

So, 34 pages later, do we know why atheists hate religious people?

Because it was adopted as official policy at the last AGM of the Evil Atheist Conspiracy, didn't you get the memo?

I have met very, very few atheists that hate religious people and vice versa. On the other hand, I have met a significant number of atheists that exude an air of smug, intellectual superiority and treat religious people in a condescending manner as a result, and vice versa. This mutual belief by both sides that they have some special insight into the truth of the matter that the other side lacks leads to a discourse and treatment of one side by the other that is not conducive to polite, reasoned conversation and results in a feeling that one side is being persecuted by the other.

Boo-ya!

So, 34 pages later, do we know why atheists hate religious people?

You actually expected us to accomplish something? You certainly thinking highly of these rank and file generalite.

So, 34 pages later, do we know why atheists hate religious people?

Easy- God ordered us to hate believers.

You actually expected us to accomplish something? You certainly thinking highly of these rank and file generalite.

There's a first time for everything.

I have met very, very few atheists that hate religious people and vice versa. On the other hand, I have met a significant number of atheists that exude an air of smug, intellectual superiority and treat religious people in a condescending manner as a result, and vice versa. This mutual belief by both sides that they have some special insight into the truth of the matter that the other side lacks leads to a discourse and treatment of one side by the other that is not conducive to polite, reasoned conversation and results in a feeling that one side is being persecuted by the other.

I'm not smug, I'm merely superior due to being correct and all theists being wrong. /jk

I've seen it time after time on these boards. A discussion about religion automatically turns into Christians/Muslims/Jew/anyone-who-has-theistic-views being complete idiots who know absolutely nothing? Do you seriously not see the good things religion brings? Do you not have the capacity to see beyond your own nose? If you met me in real life, you would find me an intelligent, educated man, and automatically think "He has to be like me, Atheist!" Well guess what? I'm not. I believe in God as the creator of our universe. I believe he sent Jesus Christ as his only son to save our sorry skins from eternal damnation. So try going to church a few times and see what good you hate.

Indeed the tribe of NationStates has serious issues with religion, mostly Christianity, but please do not believe that it is because they are atheists. It is because they are ignorant and have issues with their religious parents who dared to try and make them ready for a cruel world.

Even though I am an atheist I have many times found myself on the side of the religious since the anti-religion crowd seems far more repressive than the repressive religion they claim to be opposing.

Indeed the tribe of NationStates has serious issues with religion, mostly Christianity, but please do not believe that it is because they are atheists. It is because they are ignorant and have issues with their religious parents who dared to try and make them ready for a cruel world.

Even though I am an atheist I have many times found myself on the side of the religious since the anti-religion crowd seems far more repressive than the repressive religion they claim to be opposing.

Yes, how very level headed and objective you are. :rolleyes:

Yes, how very level headed and objective you are. :rolleyes:

Must be the anti-psychotics wearing off.

Yar. I think a lack of understanding from a lot of people (not all) on both sides is one of the reasons why it's so hard to have a friendly discussion about it. It's all about the different world views.

I certainly wouldn't argue for it to be all one way or all the other simply because that's oversimplification in the extreme. Plenty of people have both perspectives from having been on one side then switching to the other.

But I do think people are making a mountain out of the molehill that is Peepelonia's original comment.
Peep's comment, in and of itself, isn't significant, but I think it represent part of a bigger problem.

One of the reasons why people butt heads on religious subjects is that a lot of folks can't seem to handle the possibility that somebody else took a good hard look at their beliefs...and doesn't agree with them.

I can't count the number of times I've been told that if I would just read the Bible, or say this one prayer, or listen to this pastor, or whatever else, if only I would TRY, I could understand the beauty of Religion X/Y/Z and then I would Believe. So many people assume that since I don't believe, that must mean I haven't tried or I haven't thought about it hard enough or I haven't really given faith a fair shot.

And yes, atheists do this too, and yes, I yell at them for it, too.

Obviously I think I've got the answer that is right for myself. But I'm not so arrogant as to claim that I know what's in YOUR head better than you do. I'm not going to sit here and say that you must not understand atheism because you're a theist. You may understand it just fine and simply not feel it's the right way to go.

I also know that being atheist is the right choice for me in my situation, but that there are perfectly good reasons why I might be theist in a different situation.

I disagree. Peepelonia makes a comment, one that naturally people will disagree with, but what I'm seeing here is people demanding that the comment be dissected, picked apart, evaluated, re-explained, and generally given more scrutiny than a Monday Night Football game.

I don't see that at all. I see people saying, "Whoa, dude, did you really just say what I think you said?"

Which is kind of a reasonable response when somebody tells you that your atheism makes you unable to grasp something about theism, particularly if you're an atheist who WAS a theist.

I think when Peep tries to explain the meaning behind it a lot of people are more interested in playing 'gotcha!' and making it sound self-contradictory than in actually understanding what is meant.

The two are not mutually exclusive, in this case.

Contrary to Peep's protestations, I think I understand exactly what he's saying, and I think it is both wrong and self-contradictory. I'm also delighted to be able to bust him on it, because I think it's an arrogant and rude assertion on his part, and I think people should be busted when they say arrogant and/or rude things.


Frankly, I don't think it's unreasonable to think maybe there's something that the average Atheist is missing in their understanding of why people believe in God, but the same could be said to be true in reverse, so big deal.

And if that's what Peep had said, there'd be no conflict. But it's not, and, indeed, he has continued to repeat his point that theists ARE NOT lacking in their understanding, while atheists ARE lacking in their understanding.


I think more than anything this is an indicator that we need more of a selection of interesting threads to post in.
Or just that some people aren't interested in the same things you are. The fact that so many people were bothered by Peep's comment, and found it worth commenting on, strongly suggests that it IS interesting to a fair number of folks.

I don't see that at all. I see people saying, "Whoa, dude, did you really just say what I think you said?"

Which is kind of a reasonable response when somebody tells you that your atheism makes you unable to grasp something about theism, particularly if you're an atheist who WAS a theist.

The two are not mutually exclusive, in this case.

Contrary to Peep's protestations, I think I understand exactly what he's saying, and I think it is both wrong and self-contradictory. I'm also delighted to be able to bust him on it, because I think it's an arrogant and rude assertion on his part, and I think people should be busted when they say arrogant and/or rude things.

And if that's what Peep had said, there'd be no conflict. But it's not, and, indeed, he has continued to repeat his point that theists ARE NOT lacking in their understanding, while atheists ARE lacking in their understanding.

Or just that some people aren't interested in the same things you are. The fact that so many people were bothered by Peep's comment, and found it worth commenting on, strongly suggests that it IS interesting to a fair number of folks.

I think that's where I differ... busting the arrogant is definitely a worthy cause, but at some point when the whole thing is going in circles it becomes either boring or aggravating in the extreme, depending on how emotionally invested one is in the discussion.

I still say most of the threads lately have sucked ;) My problem is that I don't have any better ideas for one, atm. :(

Contrary to Peep's protestations, I think I understand exactly what he's saying, and I think it is both wrong and self-contradictory. I'm also delighted to be able to bust him on it, because I think it's an arrogant and rude assertion on his part, and I think people should be busted when they say arrogant and/or rude things.


I don't find it rude, in fact I quite agree with peep. A lot of the time, peoples beliefs are based on some sort of ineffable, numinous religious experience which is difficult or impossible to explain (it's like someone trying to explain to someone else what the emotion happiness is). I don't understand what such an experience is like, I think the closest I can come to experiencing something like that is taking a whole lot of shrooms. Drug induced psychedelic experiences are also very difficult to explain to someone, but I don't find it rude when someone claims that you really can't understand what it feels like without trying it yourself.

I think that's where I differ... busting the arrogant is definitely a worthy cause, but at some point when the whole thing is going in circles it becomes either boring or aggravating in the extreme, depending on how emotionally invested one is in the discussion.

Well, yeah, that much we agree on, which is why my poke-with-a-stick behavior in this thread has become rather half-hearted.

At this point I think it's pretty much all cleared up. Yes, Peep meant exactly what it sounded like, and no, it doesn't change reality one bit. :D


I still say most of the threads lately have sucked ;) My problem is that I don't have any better ideas for one, atm. :(
Isn't that always the way?

Though, I gotta say, this forum is so much better than a lot of others. I made the hideous mistake of visiting MySpace Forums once. *shudder*

I think it has alot to do with the weird emphasis many Christian groups place on the crucifixion. We are constantly inundated with the idea that Christ's sacrifice was his death. This is somewhat logical if we look at it in terms of a bunch of manipulative men trying to consolidate a power base by inspiring guilt (and expiation of said guilt through obedience) in the community.

However, this is a limited and illogical view of the Jesus myth. If we see Jesus' life as the supreme sacrifice, we get a different picture. Jesus was a perfect person and therefore was able to align his will to god's will completely. Consequently, his every living moment was a sacrifice of his will for the purpose of living god's will on earth. He never had a chance to just drink beer and laugh, or have sex with his wife, or play with his kids, or get mad at his relatives, or do any of the many simple things that we take for granted everyday. According to this interpretation, Jesus gave up all of this so that we may know how to transform our own lives in a similar, though imperfect, manner.

Mind you, this was the premise of Kazantzakis' novel The Last Temptation of Christ, which was banned by the Catholic Church in 1964, so it isn't too orthodox a view.

Even a focus on Christ's death need not take the direction that most Christian dogma takes it. Most organized Christian churches have adopted Anselm's view of the atonement - that Christ died and, being perfect, thus took enough punishment to wipe out everyone's sins - he took the punishment for us, as it were.

But Anselm's view was not the only one. It was just the one that was adopted by the Roman Catholic church and the protestant churches that broke off from it. I'm not familiar enough with Eastern Orthodox to know for certain if they adopted a similar atonement view.

There is, for instance, Abelard's view of the atonement. He didn't view Christ as having died to take on punishment. Instead - Christ being God - the death of Christ was meant to represent a demonstration of God's love that would turn the believer to God, no longer in fear, but instead in love.

Well, yeah, that much we agree on, which is why my poke-with-a-stick behavior in this thread has become rather half-hearted.

At this point I think it's pretty much all cleared up. Yes, Peep meant exactly what it sounded like, and no, it doesn't change reality one bit. :D


Isn't that always the way?

Though, I gotta say, this forum is so much better than a lot of others. I made the hideous mistake of visiting MySpace Forums once. *shudder*

I'm afraid to ask...

I don't find it rude, in fact I quite agree with peep. A lot of the time, peoples beliefs are based on some sort of ineffable, numinous religious experience which is difficult or impossible to explain (it's like someone trying to explain to someone else what the emotion happiness is). I don't understand what such an experience is like, I think the closest I can come to experiencing something like that is taking a whole lot of shrooms. Drug induced psychedelic experiences are also very difficult to explain to someone, but I don't find it rude when someone claims that you really can't understand what it feels like without trying it yourself.

As someone who has had mystical (though not numinous) experiences, I can attest to that. I even find it difficult to remember in totality what the experiences are like. Since thoughts are based on language, and we have no language that can adequately describe the situation, it is hard to even envision the memory without limiting it and reducing it to the definable.

It is actually at the root of one of the problems with mysticism. If we accept that these are in fact experiences of the divine, then we must be careful to be as honest and clear about them to ourselves and in our communication with others. But if we can only remember them within the limited context of our language, we automatically and subconsciously introduce cultural and subjective elemnets to fill in the blanks. And we can't peer review the experience, really. This is why people from a Christian background experience visions of Jesus or the saints, Muslims experience Allah, and other cultures experience visions that suit their cultural expectations.

Since I was an atheist when I started having these experiences, I was fortunate to come to these experiences without any such cultural baggage.

Nope it's not a case of beliving as I do. Well that sort of comes into it, and I have not over looked that at all I have adressed that one.

Let me try to make it a little clearer.

You are an atheist Grave?

I am, indeed, an Atheist.

Please, elucidate.

So, 34 pages later, do we know why atheists hate religious people?

Because they smell funny.

I disagree. Peepelonia makes a comment, one that naturally people will disagree with, but what I'm seeing here is people demanding that the comment be dissected, picked apart, evaluated, re-explained, and generally given more scrutiny than a Monday Night Football game. I think when Peep tries to explain the meaning behind it a lot of people are more interested in playing 'gotcha!' and making it sound self-contradictory than in actually understanding what is meant.

Frankly, I don't think it's unreasonable to think maybe there's something that the average Atheist is missing in their understanding of why people believe in God, but the same could be said to be true in reverse, so big deal.

I think more than anything this is an indicator that we need more of a selection of interesting threads to post in.

I'm not interested in playing gotcha with Peepelonia. He (is it a he?) made a comment that is absurdly, and obviously, untrue. A generalisation about a set in which I am a member, that I know is not true (being one OF that set).

And yet, when given room to explain how it isn't the case - all we're seeing is reiteration. It doesn't MATTER that I am living evidence of it not being true - Peep refuses to deal with that. It doesn't MATTER that I've BEEN a Christian (and thus, a believer) - Peep refuses to deal with that, too.

So - we have a comment that claims that a group of people simply lack the ability to udnerstand another group, a refusal on the aprt of it's author to accept that he/she might have similar limitations (if it were true) with other 'believers', and a refusal to deal with the contradicitions presented.

It's not about trying to play gotcha. I'm not trying to trap Peeps in the minute details of his/her testimony. But I don't want to let something nonsensical stand unaddressed, either.

Because they smell funny.

But... I shower everyday... :$ Well... today I haven't but still... I'm not smelly!

But... I shower everyday... :$ Well... today I haven't but still... I'm not smelly!

I didn't say they smell bad. Just funny. They smell like god.

But... I shower everyday... :$ Well... today I haven't but still... I'm not smelly!

*sniffs*
You must be having a crisis of faith.

I am, simply, non-religious. What else is there to irreligion?

*sniffs*
You must be having a crisis of faith.

Awesome.

But... I shower everyday... :$ Well... today I haven't but still... I'm not smelly!

Showering... not a rite of passage at all.. it's what nearly everyone does everyday.

*sniffs*
You must be having a crisis of faith.

So, you're saying I need to switch my brand of deoderant? Oh woe is me! For I am a lost little girl in an aisle with soo many choices! I do not know which is for me! My faith has led me astray and now I am smelly! What oh what deoderant shall I use? Alas, 'tis a mighty predictament...

So, you're saying I need to switch my brand of deoderant? Oh woe is me! For I am a lost little girl in an aisle with soo many choices! I do not know which is for me! My faith has led me astray and now I am smelly! What oh what deoderant shall I use? Alas, 'tis a mighty predictament...

Your heart will lead you to the deodorant for you. And possibly the Power Of Love (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ThePowerOfLove)

Yes, how very level headed and objective you are. :rolleyes:

Indeed. If only more atheists realized that not all theists are our enemies these forums would be a more interesting place. Having had the rabid masses upon my ass for daring to defend the rights of theists I understand the nature of such irrantional hate and venom.

Can you "objectively" say that there is not a large percentage of atheists on this forum who immediately attack any discussion of religion? My proof is splattered all over these forums.

Indeed. If only more atheists realized that not all theists are our enemies these forums would be a more interesting place. Having had the rabid masses upon my ass for daring to defend the rights of theists I understand the nature of such irrantional hate and venom.

Can you "objectively" say that there is not a large percentage of atheists on this forum who immediately attack any discussion of religion? My proof is splattered all over these forums.

On behalf of agnostics and atheists everywhere. We don't hate believers. We hate it when they tell us we have to believe, too.

On behalf of agnostics and atheists everywhere. We don't hate believers. We hate it when they tell us we have to believe, too.

On behalf of atheists everywhere, some of us do. And many times we need no provocation to unleash upon them. I see this often and have become the target when I dare to put the mirror in front of their faces. If you wish to feel better than bitter theists who push their dogma upon others then do not attempt to push yours upon them.

Many times an atheist takes an attempt to discuss religion as an attempt to convert them. I enjoy such conversations, many atheists here see it as an attempt push dogma.

Just sayin'.

Can you "objectively" say that there is not a large percentage of atheists on this forum who immediately attack any discussion of religion? My proof is splattered all over these forums.

Of course.

Now, if you would just take one little word out of that question, the situation would be quite different...

On behalf of atheists everywhere.....

On behalf of agnostics and atheists everywhere.....

I object to both of you claiming to speak for a very diverse group of people, categorised by a diverse set of beliefs/options/whatever.

Because we're jealous they get to go to heaven.

On behalf of atheists everywhere, some of us do.

I'm really not sure how true that is. Really.

I've thought about it, and I don't think I've actually met anyone who was an atheist, that 'hated religious people'. I've met atheists who thought that religious people were either stupid or insane to believe what they believe. I've met atheists who would practically explode about the ways religious people had acted (or were perceived as having acted). I've met a LOT of atheists who hated how religious organisations behave - who might even hate a (or 'the') church. I've met a few atheists who were angry at the church, or religious people (because they felt they were lied to, or because they don't likehow intrusive religious groups can be, for example).

I'm not saying there can't BE any atheists who hate religious people. I'm sure that there could be some (for example, someone who was abused by a priest, might consider that to be an aspect of religion, and might extend their response to encompass a lot more people than were actually 'invovled') - but I think that we're basically discussing a witch-hunt, here.

We're discussing these hypothetical atheistic 'haters', that I'm not sure any of us have ever actually met.

Because we're jealous they get to go to heaven.

Errr... that wouldn't even make any sense...

We're discussing these hypothetical atheistic 'haters', that I'm not sure any of us have ever actually met.

I have, but hey let us not dwell on what someone you don't know has or hasn't done.

The amount of people I have met have been so few that I can count them on one hand.

However, I have met many many people who hate the idea of religion for one reason or another many of which are misguided and untrue. Yes I know they are not the same thing and I am not claiming that it is. Those people I do not have a problem with that is to say I do the same way I have a problem with 'Greenies' I do not hate these people some of these people (both 'greenies' and those who hate/dislike the idea of religion) in fact some of these people I am friends with.

In fact I have to go off now I am having a long lunch with one of my friends who dislikes the idea of religion, does it bother him or me? No and nor should it after all why should religion or political ideals come between friends and few pints, especially if he is buying the first round :D

We're discussing these hypothetical atheistic 'haters', that I'm not sure any of us have ever actually met.
UB?

Andaras? OK, not met per se, but....

UB?

Andaras? OK, not met per se, but....

UB often attacked religion, and said things about people that 'believe', being stupid, naive or mad... or whatever - but I'm not sure he ever said he hated religious people. Just.. what they do.

Andaras... not so sure, I don't think I've read enough Andaras posts to know.

UB often attacked religion, and said things about people that 'believe', being stupid, naive or mad... or whatever - but I'm not sure he ever said he hated religious people. Just.. what they do.

I do seem to recall a statement that he wouldn't lift a finger to save the lives of the religious, but I'm far too lazy to do my research.

UB often attacked religion, and said things about people that 'believe', being stupid, naive or mad... or whatever - but I'm not sure he ever said he hated religious people. Just.. what they do.


You haven't read enough of his posts, he definitely hated followers of the abrahamic religions, he even advocated a eugenics program for those who follow it IIRC.

This reminds me of that episode of American Dad when the guy met the perfect friend, but ends up ruining the man's life trying to convert him to Christianity. The guy commits suicide, but comes back... as a Satanist.

That was off-topic.

Most atheists don't hate Christians. They just tend to wonder why they don't believe what they believe. Same as Christians. Frankly, I get ticked off anyone tries to convert me or tells me I'm going to hell because of this or that. Just because you're a Christian or Catholic for that matter, doesn't mean that you hold a higher moral authority than atheists.

It simply annoys me when people think that some people think that their theistic or atheistic beliefs gives them the right to sit on their high horse.

No I do not belive so. Again let me ask you the question, why do I belive in God even though I admit it is both illogical and unresonable to do so?


Oo! I like this game!

Why do I eat carrots even though I can't stand the taste?

To the OP who has vanished anyway so it's not as though it matters:

If I were to meet and speak with you in person, I'd probably be as tempted to assume what your spiritual tendancies were as to assume what your favorite animal is. Quite honestly, I couldn't give a shit what a person's religion is. It doesn't occupy a single part of my mind until someone brings it up.

That's a healthy approach, Iniika. An individual is not automatically a better person because they are or aren't religious. It's all a matter of behaviour, actually. It's fascinating and somewhat jading to see that this page, apparently the product of a typical troll, has managed to gain a considerable bulk. I admit that I haven't read through all 37 pages, because I'm pretty certain that this thread doesn't differ too much from the 666 other religion threads that can be found in the archives of NSG.

I've seen it time after time on these boards. A discussion about religion automatically turns into Christians/Muslims/Jew/anyone-who-has-theistic-views being complete idiots who know absolutely nothing? Do you seriously not see the good things religion brings? Do you not have the capacity to see beyond your own nose? If you met me in real life, you would find me an intelligent, educated man, and automatically think "He has to be like me, Atheist!" Well guess what? I'm not. I believe in God as the creator of our universe. I believe he sent Jesus Christ as his only son to save our sorry skins from eternal damnation. So try going to church a few times and see what good you hate.

I'm sure there are actually atheists out there that get angry over things they consider ignorant, which could apply to anything that's so heavily based on faith in opposition to science.

But I'm sure the vast, vast majority of atheists you consider as hostile are simply responding to the vocal theists that insist on pushing their religion on other people-- saying if they don't believe they're going to hell, etc etc.

This.

I call a troll, it remains to see if the OP is a successful troll or not.

Anyway, not all atheists hate Religious folk, some do some don't, the same way that not all religious people hate atheist folk some do some don’t.

I think what should be said is that some atheists hate the beliefs of religious folk (which is what I have seen by some people on this forum) while some religious folk hate the ideas of atheists.

No...no, I see what is being driven at here, and it's a legitimate bitch; there are definitely too many people of BOTH stripes (religious/atheistic) that see personal belief as an endsum game, and are quick to dismiss others personal beliefs as invalid.
A sad state of affairs, in my opinion.
Whatever happened to tolerance? It used to be "the" virtue of Gen. X and beyond.

Errr... that wouldn't even make any sense...Perhaps that's sympathetic insensibility, there.

"the" virtue of Gen. X and beyond.Just how many characteristics are ubiquitous to this particular label?
It's not like the *entirety* of the United States is a bunch of ignorant retards just because Bush managed to get his way through 8 years of "presidency", even though it appears to be clearly so to other countries ...
Not everyone has a subscription.

Just how many characteristics are ubiquitous to this particular label?
It's not like the *entirety* of the United States is a bunch of ignorant retards just because Bush managed to get his way through 8 years of "presidency", even though it appears to be clearly so to other countries ...
Not everyone has a subscription.

:confused:

:confused:I highlighted what i was referring to.
If you're concerned about what "Gen X" is "supposed to be" about, i thought i'd give an example, 'tis all.

Frankly, I get ticked off anyone tries to convert me or tells me I'm going to hell because of this or that. .

Unlike Atheists, who just tell you you aren't going anywhere.

Unlike Atheists, who just tell you you aren't going anywhere.A few of them might mention some inviting soil as a destination. Or, perhaps, a few prominent musicians' pipes. And there's worms involved, of course.
But don't let that limit your scope!
http://www.eternalreefs.com/

Im athiest and if you want to talk about hate, look in a mirror Islam, look in a mirror christianity. You guys are biggest when it comes to hating people for being different, and if that's not enough, in olden times you simply killed unbelievers. Do athiest's go around killing people? i dont think so. I have respect for religions, but don't talk about hate when you have done far worse.

You guys are biggest when it comes to hating people for being different, and if that's not enough, in olden times you simply killed unbelievers. Do athiest's go around killing people? i dont think so. I have respect for religions, but don't talk about hate when you have done far worse.

Yes let us say punish people for what their fathers have done.

Atheist's do kill people.

If you say it is wrong to hate somebody for one reason or another and then when someone says they are hated you dismiss it by saying you shouldn't complain, but what should be complained about is double standards.

No...no, I see what is being driven at here, and it's a legitimate bitch; there are definitely too many people of BOTH stripes (religious/atheistic) that see personal belief as an endsum game, and are quick to dismiss others personal beliefs as invalid.
A sad state of affairs, in my opinion.
Whatever happened to tolerance? It used to be "the" virtue of Gen. X and beyond.

The previous generation took over the media and the schools and corrupted the last of the Xers and the Gen Yers and are now getting their claws into GenZ

Gods, will this thread never just lie down and die, be it in a religious afterlife of your choice, or even the ground?

Let's just face it, Atheists and Theists both have people who don't care about people from the other side of the fence, and want to live their own lives. Both sides also have rabid fundies who won't be happy until the fields are covered in the blood of the other faction. And those fundies will always blame the other side for having "started it".

GROW THE FCUK UP

You are never going to beat the other side, either of you. And if your a fundie for one side of the the other, guess what? You're still a fundie. Deal with it.

Im athiest and if you want to talk about hate, look in a mirror Islam, look in a mirror christianity. You guys are biggest when it comes to hating people for being different, and if that's not enough, in olden times you simply killed unbelievers. Do athiest's go around killing people? i dont think so. I have respect for religions, but don't talk about hate when you have done far worse.

Not all followers of those religions are like that, and not all religions are like that. Just as not all atheists are show-trial loving genocidal maniacs like Stalin, Pol Pot or Mao.

The previous generation took over the media and the schools and corrupted the last of the Xers and the Gen Yers and are now getting their claws into GenZ

True, unfortunately. :(

A few of them might mention some inviting soil as a destination. Or, perhaps, a few prominent musicians' pipes. And there's worms involved, of course.
But don't let that limit your scope!
http://www.eternalreefs.com/

I like it! It beats wasting otherwise useful real estate with a rock and a box. Someone had their thinking cap on. :wink:

I dislike many religious people, but hate none. I also like many religious people. It depends on the individual.

This also applies to atheists.

Why are you so bothered by conflict?

It's an internet forum, kids, it can't bite you.

Yes, people get passionate, people get worked up, people fight over ideology and social goals and fundamental values. Um...good?!

If somebody is trying to force me, at gunpoint or by law or whatever, to practice their religion, then THAT is "pushing stuff on me." If somebody is having a heated discussion on an internet forum, nothing is being pushed on me or on anybody else. You don't have to read it, so they only person "pushing" you is you.

You've got me there son.
It's just I sometimes facepalm and occasionally rage at either side assuming the other is something they're mostly not.
Come to think of it I should've sacked them one by pointing out the obvious flaw in their statement by mentioning Buddhism (i.e. people who are religious yet also atheists).

Im athiest and if you want to talk about hate, look in a mirror Islam, look in a mirror christianity. You guys are biggest when it comes to hating people for being different, and if that's not enough, in olden times you simply killed unbelievers. Do athiest's go around killing people? i dont think so. I have respect for religions, but don't talk about hate when you have done far worse.

NO U!

In English: Let's learn some interesting history!
Once upon a time King Phillip of France wanted to play WoW AND Halo 3 every night for the rest of his life. Sadly he was strapped for cash. He went to sit down and then noticed the chapel in his castle. "I say, this God thing seems a decent idea to get some golds, I know, I'll invade the Holy Land using Mog or God or whoever as an excuse, then I'll bring back all the stuff I need to pay for my vidya!". And so he told this idea to the Pope (Who, let's be honest, wasn't a good christian.), who also wanted a few Xbox Gold cards, and he jumped at the idea,"Oh Dude, my gamerscore will be through the roof!"

This is the story of how the crusades came about. Obviously I used some artistic license but yeah.

MORAL OF THE STORY: God nor Actual Christian Belief never came into the so called "Holy" Wars, it was earthly power and greed behind it, just like the Gulf war and so many others.

Frankly, I get ticked off anyone tries to convert me or tells me I'm going to hell because of this or that.
You and me both, I don't like exclusivist churches, they haven't even the Bible straight if they think God wasted his time becoming incarnate, spending thirty odd years teaching love and humility, then dying on the cross, descending into hell and then taking the time to bust up some stuff and then doing all the business of resurrection and ascension and then at the end of it only saves the odd few who join a certain church despite the fact he upturned reality for mankind. If you get approached on the street exclaim you need a dump real bad and can't stop. Works for me. Either that or keep a few pamphlets about Islam and give them one.

Atheism is Religion for those who have no imagination

Atheism is Religion for those who have no imagination

Atheism isn't a religion.

Atheism is Religion for those who have no imagination

This is why we can't have nice things. You could have at least added weight to it by adding a because.

Srsly.

Atheism is Religion for those who have no imagination
If atheism is a religion, then believing that Neal Armstrong landed on the moon is a conspiracy theory.

Unlike Atheists, who just tell you you aren't going anywhere.


You know, I've never actually had an athiest randomly come to my door and say "Hey, do you know where you're going to go when you die? NOWHERE!" nor have I ever had one stop me on the street and tell me eventually I'm going to be dirt. And amazingly, I've never been given a pamphlet asking if I've embraced no god yet. Strange. :confused:

Atheists are not the problem.
Religious people are not the problem.
Stupid people are the problem.

But "stupid people" tends to overlap with "religious people" more than "atheists", sooo.....

I've seen it time after time on these boards. A discussion about religion automatically turns into Christians/Muslims/Jew/anyone-who-has-theistic-views being complete idiots who know absolutely nothing? Do you seriously not see the good things religion brings?
Torquemada, the Crusades, military chaplains blessing weapons, "Te Deum laudamus" cause you allowed us to exterminate our enemies, "Gott mit uns", kidnap the jewish kids and raise them as catholics, kill the muslim because he hates freedom, kill the jew because his forefathers killed Christ, kill the christian because he defiles the land of Islam, kill the unbeliever because he doesn't accept the Holy Whatevers... yes, I can see the good things religion brings.

Face it: as any HUMAN phenomenon, religion has good sides, and bad sides. And this has NO relationship at all with it being based on reality or not.

Do you not have the capacity to see beyond your own nose?
I do have that: I've been describe often as a quite foresighted guy. If you mean "don't you have the capacity to believe to big invisible man in the sky", well, maybe I have that capacity, too. I simply choose NOT to exert it.

If you met me in real life, you would find me an intelligent, educated man, and automatically think "He has to be like me, Atheist!"

Given your OP, the very moment you'd open your mouth and start speaking I'd have to take back the "intelligent, educated" part of it, and maybe replace it with "bitter and frustrated". About the "thinking automatically that you'd be atheist", no. I don't care about religion and don't use religion (or lack thereof) as a valid cathegory to evaluate the intelligence of people. Proof? I'm atheist and my fiancee is catholic. And I don't date stupid people.

Well guess what? I'm not. I believe in God as the creator of our universe. I believe he sent Jesus Christ as his only son to save our sorry skins from eternal damnation. So try going to church a few times and see what good you hate.

MY skin isn't sorry, and I don't need no saviour as I don't risk going to that "eternal damnation" place you're so afraid of. So speak for yourself and for your own sins, young man. :p

To sum it up: I don't "hate" religion. I simply don't believe in any religion. And yeah, I've been plenty of times in churches during masses, and I've seen most people (and most priests, too) paying little more than lip service.

I hate religious people because they smell funny.

I hate religious people because they smell funny.

Those holy oils are refreshing!

And spiritual..

But "stupid people" tends to overlap with "religious people" more than "atheists", sooo.....

If you say so.

If you say so.

Yes, we do say so.

Yes, we do say so.

No not we I said you.

Why do atheists hate religious people? Why do religious people hate atheists!
by the way that is only looking at a small and select percentage which is exactly what the religious people i hate do. 2 of my 4 best friends are devote Christians who attend church thrice a week and my mother, sister, and one of my friend's are budhist, my cousin and her husband are mormon. Retard.

...

did you actually go scrolling back through 100+ pages of threads to find this?

did you actually go scrolling back through 100+ pages of threads to find this?

I figure most zombie threads are found via Search.