anything else seems less than honest in searching
Atheists
- Thread starter moreluck
- Start date
anything else seems less than honest in searching
That's the kind of thing I was talking about when I referred to negative perceptions, one being the idea that atheism is a belief or belief system when it's actually the opposite. Atheism is simply the lack of belief in a god/gods, it's not an indicator of anything else about the person beyond that. Any statement that starts with "Atheists believe that..." is already wrong.
But those are Hitchen's beliefs, not necessarily anyone else's.
Catatonic
Nine Lives
That may be one type of Atheist and probably is but I am not aware of those type of Atheists because they would never take the time or effort to ridicule or argue about religion.
If one speaks out against religion or ridicules religion, then they believe in "there is no God", whether they are able to see that or not.
I have never heard anyone quote Hitchens like he is the pope himself, where do you hear people doing that?
To be honest I don't know that I've heard anyone quoting the pope either.
You're continuing to refer to what your own perception of atheism is rather that what it actually is which is exactly my point. You've encountered some atheists you didn't care for and now you identify all atheists that way, but you're not actually talking about atheism you're talking about the behavior of certain individuals. It would be like me basing my perception of Christianity entirely on Pat Robertson.
island1fox
Well-Known Member
MrFedEx
Engorged Member
Agnostic means one is not sure whether there is a God or not.
Atheist means one does not believe there is a God.
An Atheist tends to go through Agnosticism on the way to Atheism but some do not make that leap into an absolute state.
We can agree to disagree.
The only people I absolutely disagree with are the ones that go out of their way to try and impress and express their views on others.
I think you nailed it. "Live and let live". Everyone should be free to believe whatever they wish...and then keep it among themselves and those that believe the same way.
I don't think it needs to go that far. I am very at ease professing my faith (such that it is). In doing so I don't look to convert anybody, nor am I threatened by the expressions of belief that differ radically from my own. Science has light years to go to solve the riddles of the universe and eons to go beyond that to tackle the heart and soul of the human being. For some as myself, God reaches across that expanse to make some sense of it for me.
Upsmule
Well-Known Member
Agnostic means one is not sure whether there is a God or not.
Atheist means one does not believe there is a God.
An Atheist tends to go through Agnosticism on the way to Atheism but some do not make that leap into an absolute state.
We can agree to disagree.
The only people I absolutely disagree with are the ones that go out of their way to try and impress and express their views on others.
I think you nailed it. "Live and let live". Everyone should be free to believe whatever they wish...and then keep it among themselves and those that believe the same way.
"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet."--Jesus in Matthew 10:14
Quite the contrast from "God will get ya for that!" Or "Submit or die."
No, this is all Christianity is supposed to be period....."But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," --1 Peter 2:15
You mean one cannot ridicule religion or a religious belief without being an atheist?
Upsmule
Well-Known Member
No way... I make it a point to ridicule all religion personally. Religion is man made. If religion could save anyone there never be a need of a redeemer to satisfy Gods wrath and pay the price only the life death and resurrection of His Son could pay in full.
No way... I make it a point to ridicule all religion personally. Religion is man made. If religion could save anyone there never be a need of a redeemer to satisfy Gods wrath and pay the price only the life death and resurrection of His Son could pay in full.
Wow! Could you put that into a comprehensible sentence or two?
Upsmule
Well-Known Member
"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)
Showboating ones spirituality in public while taking pride in ones self righteousness is hardly pleasing to a God that claims that "without faith it is impossible to please Him, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Showboating ones spirituality in public while taking pride in ones self righteousness is hardly pleasing to a God that claims that "without faith it is impossible to please Him, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Irony much?
