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The Lobby => Introductions => Topic started by: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM

Title: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I grew up in a quasi-religious (Christan) family. My mother want to church occasionally dragging my sister and I along then depositing us in Sunday School. I learned that Jesus and God loved us and took care of us, but when I questioned where God and Jesus were (the one being invisible the other dead) the answers just didn't ring true or logical.

As I grew away from church I began to wonder why someone would allow themselves to be killed to save me, didn't make sense nor did the bible itself.

So left to my own devices I began to question the very existence of God and all that was supposed to follow from him. Eventually I gave the whole thing up. I was on my way to becoming an atheist. Then along came this forum. I was delighted, joined and posted a few times.

Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me. I've no quarrel with a God(s) nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

If, in the future, someone comes up with concrete evidence of the existence of God, I, then, will have to rethink my beliefs.

As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Mermaid on August 16, 2014, 11:55:32 AM
Ok.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: josephpalazzo on August 16, 2014, 12:05:53 PM
We are not antagonistic towards theists if they keep their beliefs privately. It's when they push to have the political institutions to embrace their beliefs. As non-believers we must be vigilant to keep the state as secular as possible.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: PickelledEggs on August 16, 2014, 12:06:46 PM
For some reason, this post reminds me of casparov

Sent from your mom

Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: the_antithesis on August 16, 2014, 12:07:47 PM
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4566916666_b93d8ac607_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: the_antithesis on August 16, 2014, 12:08:16 PM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on August 16, 2014, 12:06:46 PM
For some reason, this post reminds me of casparov


Who?
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: PickelledEggs on August 16, 2014, 12:10:39 PM
Quote from: the_antithesis on August 16, 2014, 12:08:16 PM
Who?
That guy that debated Mr o in the debate hall

Sent from your mom

Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Gawdzilla Sama on August 16, 2014, 12:38:26 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM

As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert
SFW?
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: the_antithesis on August 16, 2014, 12:45:05 PM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on August 16, 2014, 12:10:39 PM
That guy that debated Mr o in the debate hall

Nope.

Don't remember that guy.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: _Xenu_ on August 16, 2014, 12:49:48 PM
There's only a couple of things I would change about that. First, unless you can prove the existence of some other space-time continuum, this is the only one. If you have concluded no god exists within it, you are an atheist. Being an atheist doesn't automatically mean you're hostile towards religion, just that you find the existence of a deity unlikely or improbable.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: wolf39us on August 16, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
Quote from: the_antithesis on August 16, 2014, 12:45:05 PM
Nope.

Don't remember that guy.

The one with Casper the friendly ghost as his avatar
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Mr.Obvious on August 16, 2014, 01:21:02 PM
Quote from: wolf39us on August 16, 2014, 01:00:42 PM
The one with Casper the friendly ghost as his avatar

Leave it, if he doesn't remember him it's all the better for him; Casparov wasn't worth occupying your mind anyway.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Solitary on August 16, 2014, 04:07:18 PM
Religion is like a penis, keep it in your pants, no problem, show it to kids, you're a pervert. Solitary
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: the_antithesis on August 17, 2014, 01:34:56 PM
Quote from: Mr.Obvious on August 16, 2014, 01:21:02 PM
Leave it, if he doesn't remember him it's all the better for him; Casparov wasn't worth occupying your mind anyway.

They all blur together alarmingly quickly. Probably why I used to accuse them of being sock puppets all they time until I realized they weren't the same guy under a new account but different people who were just as depressingly uninteresting.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Hijiri Byakuren on August 17, 2014, 01:38:02 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AMNow after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.
Do you worship or acknowledge the existence of a deity? No? Then you're an atheist. Get over yourself.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: SGOS on August 17, 2014, 02:29:06 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.
You might want to call yourself ignostic (yes you can actually google it and check it out).  It's a philosophy composed of mostly word salad, but there are people that take it seriously and who love to talk about how special they are as ignostics.

Their position is that God is not defined and is therefore meaningless, so there is no point in discussing the issue.  In fact, they even have a church, the Church of Reality,

( http://www.churchofreality.org/wisdom/does_god_exist/god/we_are_ignostic.html )

...where the born-again and recent converts to ignosticism sit around and discuss why it's not meaningless to not discuss the discussion of what is meaningless.

Well, it's all very esoteric, but if you try really hard, you can almost convince yourself it's a valid position.  Hell, maybe it is valid.  After all, some guy pulled it out of his ass, and presto; Now it's in Wikipedia, has religious like converts, its own church, and it's in Wikipedia!  I don't know if the church has a choir, however.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Hydra009 on August 17, 2014, 04:06:06 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AMNow after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.
Interesting argument.  Let me ask you a question:  do you smoke tobacco products?  (See where I'm going with this?)

QuoteI no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me.
Is this actually true?  Let's find out.

Are you fine with say, mainline Protestant Christianity?  Catholicism?  Islam?  Judaism?  New Age beliefs?  Mormonism?  Now how about Scientology, UFO religions, fundamentalist Christian groups, Salafist jihadism?

QuoteAs an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.
Guilty as charged, though I'd challenge the assertion that Christianity is held in any special enmity.  It's simply the closest and most pressing concern since most forum members live in heavily Christian countries.  And most of the things they/we criticize Christianity for can be easily generalized.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 09:10:35 AM
Quote(by Robert)Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

Quote from: Hydra009 on August 17, 2014, 04:06:06 PM
Interesting argument.  Let me ask you a question:  do you smoke tobacco products?  (See where I'm going with this?)

I realize I am walking a rather semantically or logically fine line line here but unlike using or not using tobacco where one must be one or the other but not both I could be an ignostic which is a third alternative to the god problem.
Quote(by Robert) I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me.


Quote from: Hydra009 on August 17, 2014, 04:06:06 PMIs this actually true?  Let's find out.

Are you fine with say, mainline Protestant Christianity?  Catholicism?  Islam?  Judaism?  New Age beliefs?  Mormonism?  Now how about Scientology, UFO religions, fundamentalist Christian groups, Salafist jihadism?
I am fine with of all of the above and others too. The only one(s) I am against is/are the one(s) that physically attack me with intent to do me bodily harm.

Quote(by Robert) As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.
Quote from: Hydra009 on August 17, 2014, 04:06:06 PM
Guilty as charged, though I'd challenge the assertion that Christianity is held in any special enmity.  It's simply the closest and most pressing concern since most forum members live in heavily Christian countries.  And most of the things they/we criticize Christianity for can be easily generalized.
I suppose I should amend my last statement to read "...that some people...."

Robert
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: doorknob on August 18, 2014, 10:48:32 AM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM

Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking,
nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

Robert

I doubt you've read much of anything. If you had you'd realize that atheists don't hate god any more than we hate unicorns or the tooth fairy.

If we were hostile to any religious people it is only because they came here and then brought it on themselves. We don't go to religious forums to preach atheism. Don't come to an atheist form to preach religion.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Youssuf Ramadan on August 18, 2014, 12:00:49 PM
Quote from: Solitary on August 16, 2014, 04:07:18 PM
Religion is like a penis, keep it in your pants, no problem, show it to kids, you're a pervert. Solitary

Yes indeed, plus you don't ram it down someone else's throat unless they ask you to.   :dance:
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Desdinova on August 18, 2014, 12:48:47 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 09:10:35 AM
The only one(s) I am against is/are the one(s) that physically attack me with intent to do me bodily harm.


Religion, for the most, part attacks and controls the mind.  Those under its control have wreaked havoc upon the world for thousands of years.  In my opinion they all seek to do "bodily harm".
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 02:26:12 PM
Quote from: Desdinova on August 18, 2014, 12:48:47 PM

Religion, for the most, part attacks and controls the mind.  Those under its control have wreaked havoc upon the world for thousands of years.  In my opinion they all seek to do "bodily harm".

In a sense yes, but I am immune to such "attacks".

Robert
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 02:40:53 PM
Quote from: doorknob on August 18, 2014, 10:48:32 AM
(1)I doubt you've read much of anything. If you had you'd realize that atheists don't hate god any more than we hate unicorns or the tooth fairy.

(2)If we were hostile to any religious people it is only because they came here and then brought it on themselves. We don't go to religious forums to preach atheism. Don't come to an atheist form to preach religion.

1) I sense a somewhat personal attack, if so I had no intention of irritating anyone and I apologize.

2) I don't understand why you seem to consider I'm here to preach religion; I would be greatly remiss if I was since I am not at all religious and have no inclination to do "preach" anything.

Robert
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Hydra009 on August 18, 2014, 03:26:51 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 09:10:35 AMI realize I am walking a rather semantically or logically fine line line here but unlike using or not using tobacco where one must be one or the other but not both I could be an ignostic which is a third alternative to the god problem.
Ignostic is not a third alternative, rather it is implicitly atheistic since it goes without saying that one cannot believe an incoherent proposition.  Logically, there can be no alternative to a mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive question.  One either believes in a God or doesn't.  One either smokes tobacco products or doesn't.  It's super simple stuff.

QuoteI am fine with of all of the above and others too.
At last, a claim that beggars belief even more than the claim of an omnimax god.  All of the above contain unverified or unverifiable claims that could be accurately regarded as superstitious.  Most indoctrinate children with these beliefs and threaten eternal punishment (or alternatively, actual punishment) if these beliefs are challenged or rejected.  Some endorse pseudoscience, especially creationists.  Some literally believe in magic.  Scientology essentially scams people out of their money.  UFO religions include the infamous Heaven's Gate cult.  Don't think I really need to spell out what's wrong there.  And jihadists seek to overthrow secular governments, establish brutal theocracies, and kill non-muslims.  And you're fine with all of them, apparently.  I doubt it.  I seriously, seriously doubt it.

QuoteThe only one(s) I am against is/are the one(s) that physically attack me with intent to do me bodily harm.
You and I need to have a long talk about what the word all means, apparently.  ><

Well, it's a start.  So jihadists are out, then.  And fringe groups within a couple of the others, potentially.

How about causing bodily harm to others?  (either from malice or neglect through denial of medical care)  How about non-bodily harm?  How about depriving others of their rights?  How about childhood indoctrination?

Why do I get the feeling that your above position will not withstand scrutiny?

QuoteI suppose I should amend my last statement to read "...that some people...."
Even so, I doubt very much your statement is actually true of anyone here.  Like I said before, Christianity is focused on more because people are more likely to have more firsthand experience with Christians.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: the_antithesis on August 18, 2014, 03:40:34 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 09:10:35 AM
... I could be an ignostic which is a third alternative to the god problem.


That's just atheism, you fathead.

I am really sick of these know nothing yabbos coming here with some asinine "third" option between theism and atheism because they are raging pussies who refuse to commit to anything.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Antyla on August 18, 2014, 03:42:42 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I grew up in a quasi-religious (Christan) family. My mother want to church occasionally dragging my sister and I along then depositing us in Sunday School. I learned that Jesus and God loved us and took care of us, but when I questioned where God and Jesus were (the one being invisible the other dead) the answers just didn't ring true or logical.

As I grew away from church I began to wonder why someone would allow themselves to be killed to save me, didn't make sense nor did the bible itself.

So left to my own devices I began to question the very existence of God and all that was supposed to follow from him. Eventually I gave the whole thing up. I was on my way to becoming an atheist. Then along came this forum. I was delighted, joined and posted a few times.

Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me. I've no quarrel with a God(s) nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

If, in the future, someone comes up with concrete evidence of the existence of God, I, then, will have to rethink my beliefs.

As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert
What?
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Solitary on August 18, 2014, 05:15:38 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/MZzfUu5.jpg) (http://imgur.com/MZzfUu5)
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: PickelledEggs on August 18, 2014, 08:39:26 PM
Quote from: Antyla on August 18, 2014, 03:42:42 PM
What?
Hey! Nice having you back, Antyla! Long time no see
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 08:46:19 PM
Since I was only trying to convey my belief position and not trying to talk someone (anyone) into believing as I do and because I seem to have somehow stirred up a hornets nest I will withdraw from this thread. Thank you all for contributing your thoughts.

Robert
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: PickelledEggs on August 18, 2014, 08:53:47 PM
Plus if you stop posting, you can keep your primordial ooze banner.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Hijiri Byakuren on August 18, 2014, 09:32:47 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 08:46:19 PM
Since I was only trying to convey my belief position
That invites debate on this forum. Not only is it encouraged, but being shocked by the practice is justification to start ridiculing you.

Do yourself a favor: don't state your beliefs unless you're ready to debate them. (Can this be a site rule? It practically is one as things are.)
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: PickelledEggs on August 18, 2014, 09:36:29 PM
Quote from: Hijiri Byakuren on August 18, 2014, 09:32:47 PM
That invites debate on this forum. Not only is it encouraged, but being shocked by the practice is justification to start ridiculing you.

Do yourself a favor: don't state your beliefs unless you're ready to debate them. (Can this be a site rule? It practically is one as things are.)
It's not really something that is a rule... It is definitely one of those things to be aware of and consider though. I'll figure out where to put it.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Antyla on August 18, 2014, 09:50:22 PM
Quote from: PickelledEggs on August 18, 2014, 08:39:26 PM
Hey! Nice having you back, Antyla! Long time no see
About a year. Thanks for the welcome!
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: SGOS on August 19, 2014, 07:32:40 AM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 08:46:19 PM
Since I was only trying to convey my belief position and not trying to talk someone (anyone) into believing as I do and because I seem to have somehow stirred up a hornets nest I will withdraw from this thread.
The forum is about ideas and beliefs and that is what we discuss.  You don't have to be trying to convert anyone.  You bring up an idea or some philosophical position, and it's going to be examined for validity.  Whether it stirs up a hornet's nest or not is irrelevant.  If a hornet's nest makes you uncomfortable, you shouldn't post ideas and beliefs which you cannot defend or things that don't make logical sense.  That's the way the forum works.  It has since I've been here.

The forum is not just about atheism, although that's its name.  The forum is a meeting place for people who emphasize reason over belief.  If you don't like our philosophy, you have no reason to be here.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Desdinova on August 19, 2014, 09:48:03 AM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 02:26:12 PM
In a sense yes, but I am immune to such "attacks".

Robert


Who are you?  Magneto?  Explain.

(http://cdn.hitfix.com/photos/216864/MagnetoMcKellenPt_gallery_primary.jpg)
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: the_antithesis on August 23, 2014, 11:34:05 AM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 18, 2014, 02:26:12 PM
In a sense yes, but I am immune to such "attacks".

Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!


Grow up, kid.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: NeoLogic26 on August 23, 2014, 04:53:22 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

Guess what.  For a time in this space-time continuum, there was no concept of god either. Know what those people were called before the concept of god was proposed? Atheists. De facto atheists, but atheists none-the-less.  Face it, sonny, you're an atheist, you just have a problem with that label.  I'm sure you'll get over that in time.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: stromboli on August 26, 2014, 11:16:53 AM
Quote from: NeoLogic26 on August 23, 2014, 04:53:22 PM
Guess what.  For a time in this space-time continuum, there was no concept of god either. Know what those people were called before the concept of god was proposed? Atheists. De facto atheists, but atheists none-the-less.  Face it, sonny, you're an atheist, you just have a problem with that label.  I'm sure you'll get over that in time.

Labels is the point. How you label yourself is fine. I tend to think of it in terms of who is knocking on my door to bring a message of deliverance, and it isn't atheists.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Munch on September 10, 2014, 06:41:36 AM
Quote from: Solitary on August 16, 2014, 04:07:18 PM
Religion is like a penis, keep it in your pants, no problem, show it to kids, you're a pervert. Solitary

now that's not fair, a penis is a useful instrument of nature. Religion is not. 
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: PickelledEggs on September 11, 2014, 02:35:37 PM
Quote from: Munch on September 10, 2014, 06:41:36 AM
now that's not fair, a penis is a useful instrument of nature. Religion is not.
lmao!

Sent from your mom

Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Deidre32 on September 11, 2014, 05:47:52 PM
I don't understand the thread title. *shrug*
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Mister Agenda on September 12, 2014, 11:51:14 AM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I grew up in a quasi-religious (Christan) family. My mother want to church occasionally dragging my sister and I along then depositing us in Sunday School. I learned that Jesus and God loved us and took care of us, but when I questioned where God and Jesus were (the one being invisible the other dead) the answers just didn't ring true or logical.

Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you were a sensible lad.

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
As I grew away from church I began to wonder why someone would allow themselves to be killed to save me, didn't make sense nor did the bible itself.

Right, how can someone else pay for YOUR sins? I don't think they're transferable.

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
So left to my own devices I began to question the very existence of God and all that was supposed to follow from him. Eventually I gave the whole thing up. I was on my way to becoming an atheist. Then along came this forum. I was delighted, joined and posted a few times.

Starting small and getting to know the place is the proper way to get a good start in a forum.

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

You put the odds of God being real at exactly 50%?

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me. I've no quarrel with a God(s) nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

I don't have a problem with religion per se either, so long as it stays within its constitutional bounds and doesn't advocate barbarity. Those people who think that drives atheism are wrong...I'm no more mad at God than I am at Sauron. But I would be a bit apalled at Sauron believers who tried to promote the bad bits of Sauron worship, and might point out Sauron as they are depicting him is not a good person. If their version of Sauron is harmless though, more power to them.

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

Since we're all in the same space-time continuum, I'm pretty sure the concept exists. If it didn't, you would automatically be a nontheist, you just wouldn't know it.

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
If, in the future, someone comes up with concrete evidence of the existence of God, I, then, will have to rethink my beliefs.

That's the position of 90% of the atheists on this board, I think.

Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert

That would be a product of most posters being Americans, I think, a country notorious for the degree to which Christian fundamentalists try to insinuate themselves into an officially secular government, and where decades of intermingling of the religious right and political right have produced a particularly toxic mixture characterized by open hatred of homosexuals and religious minorities. Christianity affects or has affected many of us personally in our day to day lives in ways that other religions don't. Fun fact: atheists in India complain mostly about Hinduism.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Fidel_Castronaut on September 13, 2014, 04:57:44 PM
.....hello.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: AllPurposeAtheist on September 13, 2014, 09:05:43 PM
As long as you acknowledge the existence of her dental deity, the Tooth Fairy you may pass.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: theorange4 on October 27, 2014, 09:24:18 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I grew up in a quasi-religious (Christan) family. My mother want to church occasionally dragging my sister and I along then depositing us in Sunday School. I learned that Jesus and God loved us and took care of us, but when I questioned where God and Jesus were (the one being invisible the other dead) the answers just didn't ring true or logical.

As I grew away from church I began to wonder why someone would allow themselves to be killed to save me, didn't make sense nor did the bible itself.

So left to my own devices I began to question the very existence of God and all that was supposed to follow from him. Eventually I gave the whole thing up. I was on my way to becoming an atheist. Then along came this forum. I was delighted, joined and posted a few times.

Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me. I've no quarrel with a God(s) nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

If, in the future, someone comes up with concrete evidence of the existence of God, I, then, will have to rethink my beliefs.

As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert



I am curious, though, what you would call yourself if you aren't an atheist or a theist (and I would also assume not a deist). I will say that it is a bit problematic to state that no God exists. Sure, maybe to you. If you are to make a factual claim, then you should be prepared to support it with facts. It is wiser to state that "there is not sufficient evidence to support the existence of a God". I would agree that many atheists are very militant, which contributes to negative stereotypes. I think many atheists act more aggressively against religion because they have seen the harm that it can do to others, and even themselves.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: stromboli on October 27, 2014, 11:37:46 PM
Quote from: theorange4 on October 27, 2014, 09:24:18 PM


I am curious, though, what you would call yourself if you aren't an atheist or a theist (and I would also assume not a deist). I will say that it is a bit problematic to state that no God exists. Sure, maybe to you. If you are to make a factual claim, then you should be prepared to support it with facts. It is wiser to state that "there is not sufficient evidence to support the existence of a God". I would agree that many atheists are very militant, which contributes to negative stereotypes. I think many atheists act more aggressively against religion because they have seen the harm that it can do to others, and even themselves.

I don't know if this is an identity crisis or an ideology crisis, but all the ro3bert is actually doing is not defining himself. You are agnostic if you sort of believe but sort of don't, a deist if you believe in a higher (supernatural) power but not a specific god. If in your continuum the god concept does not exist, then the fallout is belief in a superior intellect (definable and therefore not supernatural)  either controlling or creating the universe, or an atheist. That is all the mental energy I'm wasting on this thread.
:popcorn:

(edit) sorry, put theorange4 as the subject mistakenly. Meant ro3bert. My bad.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: eylul on October 28, 2014, 03:59:36 AM
Quote from: Munch on September 10, 2014, 06:41:36 AM
now that's not fair, a penis is a useful instrument of nature. Religion is not.
True srory ever lol
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Mister Agenda on October 28, 2014, 09:14:39 AM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I grew up in a quasi-religious (Christan) family. My mother want to church occasionally dragging my sister and I along then depositing us in Sunday School. I learned that Jesus and God loved us and took care of us, but when I questioned where God and Jesus were (the one being invisible the other dead) the answers just didn't ring true or logical.

As I grew away from church I began to wonder why someone would allow themselves to be killed to save me, didn't make sense nor did the bible itself.

So left to my own devices I began to question the very existence of God and all that was supposed to follow from him. Eventually I gave the whole thing up. I was on my way to becoming an atheist. Then along came this forum. I was delighted, joined and posted a few times.

Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me. I've no quarrel with a God(s) nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

If, in the future, someone comes up with concrete evidence of the existence of God, I, then, will have to rethink my beliefs.

As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert

Great, another atheist who has found a convoluted way to distance themselves from atheism. If you don't believe in God, you're an atheist, full stop. But you don't have to call yourself one if you want to be a speical snowflake.

Although if you want to actually be correct in your description of yourself, what you are not is an anti-theist. Most atheists (about 85% according to one study) are not anti-theists. The rate of anti-theism tends to run a little higher on atheist discussion boards, for reasons that I think are fairly obvious.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Munch on October 28, 2014, 11:26:50 AM
The thing that great about being called an atheist is having that clarity of mind that your no longer deluded by the mass of religious folk and believers who try to pull you into there coven. 
Of course being an atheist doesn't mean even then its a 100% assured thing, since even as atheists, some don't want to lose that sense of being told what to do by higher ups or preachers, even when they don't believe in a god anymore.  That is why things like Atheism+ formed, because some people just can't get past that 'union' feel
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: aitm on October 28, 2014, 01:35:50 PM
started to read......meh......let me know if someone pees in the closet.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: stromboli on October 28, 2014, 05:05:30 PM
Quote from: aitm on October 28, 2014, 01:35:50 PM
started to read......meh......let me know if someone pees in the closet.

Nice to see the thread has piqued your interest, like it did mine.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Razel500 on December 13, 2014, 06:32:29 PM
Quote from: Ro3bert on August 16, 2014, 11:54:08 AM
I grew up in a quasi-religious (Christan) family. My mother want to church occasionally dragging my sister and I along then depositing us in Sunday School. I learned that Jesus and God loved us and took care of us, but when I questioned where God and Jesus were (the one being invisible the other dead) the answers just didn't ring true or logical.

As I grew away from church I began to wonder why someone would allow themselves to be killed to save me, didn't make sense nor did the bible itself.

So left to my own devices I began to question the very existence of God and all that was supposed to follow from him. Eventually I gave the whole thing up. I was on my way to becoming an atheist. Then along came this forum. I was delighted, joined and posted a few times.

Now after reading thru a number of posts and doing more thinking, it dawns on me that I am not an atheist but contrary to the "black or white" theory I am not a theist either.

I no longer have problems with religions; what anyone wishes to believe is OK with me. I've no quarrel with a God(s) nor am I angry at "Him" as some believe drives atheism.

In my space-time continuum the concept of "God" does not exist, therefore I cannot be an atheist (or theist for that matter).

If, in the future, someone comes up with concrete evidence of the existence of God, I, then, will have to rethink my beliefs.

As an aside, it seems to me that many people (though not all) on this forum, are antagonistic toward any and all religions but especially Christianity.

Robert

Some secrets are best left undiscovered. Don't look for answers, just be thankful for what you have.
Title: Re: Me 1 atheism 0
Post by: Shiranu on December 13, 2014, 07:24:12 PM
IMO;

I disagree with this concept that atheism and theism are the only two options that define you. That said, you ARE one or the other, there is no escaping that. There is no middle ground.

That said, you can be various levels of theist or atheist. Just because you say, "I have no concept of God"... that is simply not true. Someone who had no concept of god wouldn't need to make such a statement nor would even know how. The fact of the matter is you DO live in a society that has a concept of god, therefor you know of this concept, therefor you DO have a concept of god and just won't admit it to yourself.

I don't know your reasoning for not admitting it, nor do I particularly care one way or another. Atheist or theist can either define you as much or as little as you want to let it, but at the end of the day it is still something you are.