Can you explain why you don't have faith? (1 Viewer)

[Eminence]

J,

Why are you allowing Eminence to continue to post here?

Listen man, I assure you that you do not want to go down this path.

There's a line drawn on the ground, pick what side you want to be on. There's an "ignore" option on these boards for a reason. If you do not wish to read my posts, that is the easiest way to solve that problem. I have apologized for conduct that may have upset posters on here and I understand that some people refuse to let things go.

But we're clearing the way for bigger things here and this constant trolling of my character is something that will not be accepted. We are going to use my popularity in a way that positively effects FBG.

Let's not derail this topic any further though, I am sorry you do not approve of my posts. But as stated above, there's an easy fix for that.

Em

To be clear, telling people to ignore you isn't going to work. You need to post in a way that helps the discussion along and doesn't derail topics. I'm not going to argue with you on that. You know how to do that. You're doing ok here. But I think it's important to understand we all have a part to play in this. We want to have a good discussion. Different opinions are not just welcome but necessary. But do it in a way that helps the whole thread and discussion move forward. Again, you're doing ok here. But work with us. And don't think that you can just tell people to ignore you.

J

Here's the thing Joe,

I could have written an elaborate 5-page paper on the topic supporting my views and Slapdash would still have opposition to what I wrote simply because of past experiences on these boards. It's not the idea that, "if you don't agree with me, block me". It's the idea that, "if you're going to let previous happenings effect your ability to contribute to a real discussion, block me".

 

[Joe Bryant]

Here's the thing Joe,

I could have written an elaborate 5-page paper on the topic supporting my views and Slapdash would still have opposition to what I wrote simply because of past experiences on these boards. It's not the idea that, "if you don't agree with me, block me". It's the idea that, "if you're going to let previous happenings effect your ability to contribute to a real discussion, block me".

We can't change the past. And yes, prior experience does carry forward. You've made that bed for yourself. You might say something that gets criticized and someone might say the same thing and nothing happen. That's life. All you can do is post good stuff from this point forward. Really. That's all you can do. Be a positive part of this. You can do it.

J

 

[matuski]

Em's lack of accountability is staggering. You did it to yourself.

 

[Amused to Death]

I can explain why I don't have faith in a Christian God, the one we were all taught about at Sunday school - the one Jesus talks about throughout the New Testament.

The Christian God is allegedly omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent - He sees all, knows all, can do anything, and wants good things for His children. Yet He allows random and horrible things to happen to His children all the time. Not the free will problem - I won't even get into that because it's unnecessary and at least reasonably understandable on some level. I'm talking about so-called "Acts of God." Pestilence. SIDS. Mental illness. Polio, as mentioned before by Tim. Cystic fibrosis. Cerebral palsy. Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Horrible things.

I cannot simultaneously believe that God is love, wants the best for His children, knows what's going on, has the ability to change it, and yet does not. Not with things that have nothing to do with free will. It's too big a leap for me.

Similarly, why won't God heal amputees?

 

[Eminence]

Em's lack of accountability is staggering. You did it to yourself.

And the flurry of posts of people insulting my character have no bearing on the situation? Again, there were people insulting my intelligence, my career, my body, my life. If moderation was as "tight" as it has been the past few weeks, there would have been 15+ users banned from comments made in those previous threads about me. The comments being made about me were deliberately hurtful.

It is rather comedic that posts suggesting that I should get a sex change or that I should get a vasectomy to ensure I wouldn't procreate were completely kosher but me making a comment about suicide was the absolute end of the world. All of this after I had already established in a previous thread that insults and provocation about my personal life would not be tolerated.

I almost get the impression that all the 'hate' I have been receiving from a select few members is because they're sad they no longer have the liberty to spew whatever vile comments come to their mind.

I'll cut the rant short there.

 

[AAABatteries]

Someone may have said this already but I never understood why most atheists always say they don't believe in God because the Bible (or insert religious text) is ridiculous and impossible to be real. Why does god or God have to be one of those gods? Seems to me that there's at least a small chance that some supreme being exists but doesn't give two craps about any of us or what we do or don't do.

ETA - I shouldn't say most atheists. Rather a good portion of vocal atheists that I've personally heard have used this argument

why didn't you ask one of the numerous atheists that you apparently heard this from that question? I haven't come across one myself.

Mainly because I've never really cared enough to ask - for 99.9999% of the population I couldn't care less what they believe. I do find it odd and it seems like a few folks are somewhat making this argument in here but maybe I'm wrong on what they mean. The other reason is that I detest political and religious debates - they are almost always worthless with a bunch of name calling unless Joe is involved.

perhaps you could point one out

That's ok - not worth the semantics argument - if you want to press the issue then I'll go ahead and say I was wrong and no one has ever said that. I don't mind being wrong - happens all the time.

 

[Slapdash]

Someone may have said this already but I never understood why most atheists always say they don't believe in God because the Bible (or insert religious text) is ridiculous and impossible to be real. Why does god or God have to be one of those gods? Seems to me that there's at least a small chance that some supreme being exists but doesn't give two craps about any of us or what we do or don't do.

ETA - I shouldn't say most atheists. Rather a good portion of vocal atheists that I've personally heard have used this argument

why didn't you ask one of the numerous atheists that you apparently heard this from that question? I haven't come across one myself.

Mainly because I've never really cared enough to ask - for 99.9999% of the population I couldn't care less what they believe. I do find it odd and it seems like a few folks are somewhat making this argument in here but maybe I'm wrong on what they mean. The other reason is that I detest political and religious debates - they are almost always worthless with a bunch of name calling unless Joe is involved.

perhaps you could point one out

That's ok - not worth the semantics argument - if you want to press the issue then I'll go ahead and say I was wrong and no one has ever said that. I don't mind being wrong - happens all the time.

So, let's grant there is a God who bears no resemblance to religious text and doesn't give a crap about us. What is the practical difference between believing that and atheism?

 

[Bucky86]

Another thread heading down the toilet once Em shows up. Coincidence?

 

[NREC34]

I made a post in here a few minutes ago and it vanished. Weird.

 

[Bucky86]

I made a post in here a few minutes ago and it vanished. Weird.

God's will.

 

[Henry Ford]

Another thread heading down the toilet once Em shows up. Coincidence?

Maybe we can all just pretend he chatted with Mr. Bryant by PM and continue chatting?

 

[Todd Andrews]

Acts not faith.

I have faith that I dont know.

 

[matuski]

Em's lack of accountability is staggering. You did it to yourself.

And the flurry of posts of people insulting my character have no bearing on the situation? Again, there were people insulting my intelligence, my career, my body, my life.

We all have our history. In my younger days I stated in a thread that I could hold my own in a bar fight against a 125lb Pacquiao, it follows me . I have my history and stalkers in the religious threads.

If you can't handle the fact that you threatened to sue people and kill yourself on this board, you should find another. Because you did threaten to kill yourself and you did threaten to sue people. It happened and it will always be who you are here.

 

[Zow]

I studied for multiple semesters with the Benedictine monks while in college. Particularly, I spent three months studying under an old testament theologian who did the translation for the new St. John's Bible. He taught me about biblical sources, about how a particular translation could change an entire passage's meaning, etc. I loved learning this stuff and began to independently study Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and LDS. Religion became purely academic for me.

I grew up very catholic, and was becoming increasingly frustrated with the "lack of reward" I was getting by being a good catholic. I was getting somewhat stressed out because I was literally blue balling myself following the goofy rules and pissed that God didn't reward me with some blonde haired knockout virgin. Finally one day I just said screw it, began dating a girl I was into but wasn't "that" into, had sex, and realized life is way more ####### fun with some dyonesian infusion.

All this same time I was studying philosophy and political theory, and found myself looking more logically at issues (not through the religious lens) and realizing that a lot of religious dogmas were pretty ####### stupid and borderline bigoted. I began to look at what I considered "normal" behavior - like evangelism, going to church all the time, etc. - and realize it was pretty goofy.

For the above combination of reasons, all happening through the span of college, caused me to go into college a devout, god-fearing catholic and walk out an atheist.

It seems like your issue, and the issue many atheists have is more with religion than it is with a belief in a higher power.

I can understand being disenfranchised with the church, but I don't understand how you make the jump to atheism. Isn't there a part of you that looks at the incredibly complex systems that govern everything and question the likelihood that it's all just one giant accident?

I think science has shown us that calling it an "accident" is unfairly downplaying the growth of the universe. We didn't "accidentally" get to where we are. Life forms began, changed, died off, adapted, etc. to this environment. It's done so over an almost unquantifiable amount of time.

Regarding the notion of higher power, for the fear of sounding too much like a lawyer here, the belief can only be defined after we define "higher power". Am I somewhat sold on the prime mover theory? Sure, to the extent that there must have been a beginning and something got the proverbial ball rolling. But that's not how "God" is defined at all. The general concept of "God" or a "Supreme Being" includes notions of omnipotence, reason and individual thought, and the ability to affect chance. Under this definition, I don't believe there is a "God" because, given the long, arduous process of time and the awful atrocities of the world's past, "God" would be pretty ####ty at being "God" and therefore like isn't "God".

To me, the concepts of God and religion are merely the creation of those seeking and end result better than the current experience and a self-reward for following, sometimes begrudgingly, a particular moral code. I think this concept relieves a lot of stress for these people. Others, like me, take more solace in the finite idea of life.

 

[NREC34]

Doesn't the bible speak numerous times of God doing all these different supernatural things? We live in an age where 90% of people walk around with smartphones that can record. If he will just do it today and let some people video it, that will be enough for me. Something simple, like parting the Red Sea.

 

[McGarnicle]

J,

Why are you allowing Eminence to continue to post here?

Listen man, I assure you that you do not want to go down this path.

There's a line drawn on the ground, pick what side you want to be on. There's an "ignore" option on these boards for a reason. If you do not wish to read my posts, that is the easiest way to solve that problem. I have apologized for conduct that may have upset posters on here and I understand that some people refuse to let things go.

But we're clearing the way for bigger things here and this constant trolling of my character is something that will not be accepted. We are going to use my popularity in a way that positively effects FBG.

Let's not derail this topic any further though, I am sorry you do not approve of my posts. But as stated above, there's an easy fix for that.

Em

I dont know you or follow your posts so i have no horse in this race ....but man ,i gotta say after reading that bolded part you seem pretty full of yourself. Thats all i have to say ...peace out.

In a nutshell, he works at Walgreens, lives in his parents' basement, and he's going for his associates in accounting, I believe. But he posts as if he's actually accomplished anything in life and if you criticize him he whines to the mods to delete his threads, threatens to sue FBG for cyber bullying and once threatened suicide. He has the accountability of a toddler. A few regulars here find him amusing so he thinks he's really popular.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Em's lack of accountability is staggering. You did it to yourself.

And the flurry of posts of people insulting my character have no bearing on the situation? Again, there were people insulting my intelligence, my career, my body, my life.

We all have our history. In my younger days I stated in a thread that I could hold my own in a bar fight against a 125lb Pacquiao, it follows me . I have my history and stalkers in the religious threads.

If you can't handle the fact that you threatened to sue people and kill yourself on this board, you should find another. Because you did threaten to kill yourself and you did threaten to sue people. It happened and it will always be who you are here.

Internet rule`s of thumb - never post something you cant take back...never post personal info to strangers...if you do those things be prepared to be called out and or harassed....if you want to interact with strangers on the internet grow some hard bark cuz you`re going to need it...you can always just sign off and never return...its that simple.

Crying about people giving you crap makes people want to give you even MORE crap....thats human nature ...deal with it or stop crying

 

[Henry Ford]

Also I don't believe in God because legitimately interesting topics devolve into idiotic sniping about stuff no one actually cares about. Omnipotent? Really?

 

[Eminence]

J,

Why are you allowing Eminence to continue to post here?

Listen man, I assure you that you do not want to go down this path.

There's a line drawn on the ground, pick what side you want to be on. There's an "ignore" option on these boards for a reason. If you do not wish to read my posts, that is the easiest way to solve that problem. I have apologized for conduct that may have upset posters on here and I understand that some people refuse to let things go.

But we're clearing the way for bigger things here and this constant trolling of my character is something that will not be accepted. We are going to use my popularity in a way that positively effects FBG.

Let's not derail this topic any further though, I am sorry you do not approve of my posts. But as stated above, there's an easy fix for that.

Em

I dont know you or follow your posts so i have no horse in this race ....but man ,i gotta say after reading that bolded part you seem pretty full of yourself. Thats all i have to say ...peace out.

In a nutshell, he works at Walgreens, lives in his parents' basement, and he's going for his associates in accounting, I believe. But he posts as if he's actually accomplished anything in life and if you criticize him he whines to the mods to delete his threads, threatens to sue FBG for cyber bullying and once threatened suicide. He has the accountability of a toddler. A few regulars here find him amusing so he thinks he's really popular.

All I did was post my opinion on the original topic and it spilled out into this. Face the facts, you guys can't stop talking about me. Hell, some of you guys like me SO MUCH you even post about me on another message board.

:e:

 

[BobbyLayne]

D.A.I.S.Y.

(Da Inner Soul Y'All)

 

[ghostguy123]

I sort of view religion as something people do to make themselves feel better, be it consciously or subconsciously..................like JJs racism.

 

[ghostguy123]

All I did was post my opinion on the original topic and it spilled out into this. Face the facts, you guys can't stop talking about me. Hell, some of you guys like me SO MUCH you even post about me on another message board.

:e:

PLease define the word "like"

 

[BobbyLayne]

Also I don't believe in God because legitimately interesting topics devolve into idiotic sniping about stuff no one actually cares about. Omnipotent? Really?

I knew you would type that before the thought was formed.

 

[KCitons]

I've always wondered why so many "miracles" happened so long ago. Does God speak to people today through burning bushes, they notify the media, and nobody believes them? How many people actually saw Jesus when he was alive? A couple thousand? Maybe 10k?

There are 1000's of reported UFO, Bigfoot and ghost sitings each year and people dismiss those as unreal. Actually a lot of those people are considered mentally unstable.

 

[Slapdash]

I've always wondered why so many "miracles" happened so long ago. Does God speak to people today through burning bushes, they notify the media, and nobody believes them? How many people actually saw Jesus when he was alive? A couple thousand? Maybe 10k?

There are 1000's of reported UFO, Bigfoot and ghost sitings each year and people dismiss those as unreal. Actually a lot of those people are considered mentally unstable.

Doesn't the RCC still think "miracles" happen?

 

[McGarnicle]

I was raised Catholic, now an agnostic. Definitely don't believe in the creation mythology in the bible nor the Jesus stuff, but I'm open to the idea that there could be a higher power. I think faith is a powerful and positive influence in peoples' lives and that's awesome for them, but I get turned off quickly when anyone talks about their religious beliefs with absolute certainty. You don't have all the answers and neither do I. I feel the same way about staunch conservatives and liberals.

I think humans feel a strong need to define everything because the unknown is scary, and it's convenient to have an identity along religious and political lines so they can feel like they fit in. But the universe is a complex place and often defies our attempts to put things in neat boxes. I feel like I've gained a lot more understanding over this past decade as I've cast aside my former rigid beliefs and just arrived at what makes the most sense to my logical mind. But I'm not immune to fear of the unknown either, and I have no idea what comes after this life, if anything.

 

[Henry Ford]

Also I don't believe in God because legitimately interesting topics devolve into idiotic sniping about stuff no one actually cares about. Omnipotent? Really?

I knew you would type that before the thought was formed.

All hail BobbyLayne, prophet of the Almighty.

 

[KCitons]

I've always wondered why so many "miracles" happened so long ago. Does God speak to people today through burning bushes, they notify the media, and nobody believes them? How many people actually saw Jesus when he was alive? A couple thousand? Maybe 10k?

There are 1000's of reported UFO, Bigfoot and ghost sitings each year and people dismiss those as unreal. Actually a lot of those people are considered mentally unstable.

Doesn't the RCC still think "miracles" happen?

Do you believe them? Actually, does anyone believe them?

 

[johnjohn]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

 

[BobbyLayne]

Also I don't believe in God because legitimately interesting topics devolve into idiotic sniping about stuff no one actually cares about. Omnipotent? Really?

I knew you would type that before the thought was formed.

All hail BobbyLayne, prophet of the Almighty.

He's everywhere, you know. It's like electricity. OK, minus the rural electric cooperative. Or Malawi.

 

[KCitons]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

Seems harmless to me

 

[joffer]

I could before, but johnjohn's wisdom in that other thread really has me questioning my (lack of) belief

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

you're slowly winning me over

 

[Slapdash]

I've always wondered why so many "miracles" happened so long ago. Does God speak to people today through burning bushes, they notify the media, and nobody believes them? How many people actually saw Jesus when he was alive? A couple thousand? Maybe 10k?

There are 1000's of reported UFO, Bigfoot and ghost sitings each year and people dismiss those as unreal. Actually a lot of those people are considered mentally unstable.

Doesn't the RCC still think "miracles" happen?

Do you believe them? Actually, does anyone believe them?

Of course not. Catholics probably do.

 

[ghostguy123]

Man, I know a lot of people that spend SOOOOO much time on things that have to do with their religion. Sometimes interfering with their teams ####### football games man. No way.

 

[sublimeone]

Someone may have said this already but I never understood why most atheists always say they don't believe in God because the Bible (or insert religious text) is ridiculous and impossible to be real. Why does god or God have to be one of those gods? Seems to me that there's at least a small chance that some supreme being exists but doesn't give two craps about any of us or what we do or don't do.

ETA - I shouldn't say most atheists. Rather a good portion of vocal atheists that I've personally heard have used this argument

why didn't you ask one of the numerous atheists that you apparently heard this from that question? I haven't come across one myself.

Mainly because I've never really cared enough to ask - for 99.9999% of the population I couldn't care less what they believe. I do find it odd and it seems like a few folks are somewhat making this argument in here but maybe I'm wrong on what they mean. The other reason is that I detest political and religious debates - they are almost always worthless with a bunch of name calling unless Joe is involved.

perhaps you could point one out

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741868http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741905http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741923http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741924http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741948http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741984

0 for 6. impressive, even for you.

Try cracking the surface every once in a while. These are all variations of the same argument, i.e. I don't believe in a higher power because of some religious doctrine I disagree with.

Another: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16742564

 

[McGarnicle]

All I did was post my opinion on the original topic and it spilled out into this. Face the facts, you guys can't stop talking about me. Hell, some of you guys like me SO MUCH you even post about me on another message board.

:e:

BustedKnuckles said he didn't know you, so I filled him in. Everything I said is accurate and you know it. The more argumentative you are about it, the more you're going to get absolutely hammered in here.

 

[SWC]

hey brohans here is what i know i have seen a guy who was one of the worst guys i know help another guy out when that guy was really low and wanted to end it all he stayed with him and helped him through and he made it and i think that god put that spark in that guy and he knew that one day that spark would come out and hey it did so hey to me that is why i have faith i have faith that good will win out thats it take that to the bank brohans

 

[joffer]

Someone may have said this already but I never understood why most atheists always say they don't believe in God because the Bible (or insert religious text) is ridiculous and impossible to be real. Why does god or God have to be one of those gods? Seems to me that there's at least a small chance that some supreme being exists but doesn't give two craps about any of us or what we do or don't do.

ETA - I shouldn't say most atheists. Rather a good portion of vocal atheists that I've personally heard have used this argument

why didn't you ask one of the numerous atheists that you apparently heard this from that question? I haven't come across one myself.

Mainly because I've never really cared enough to ask - for 99.9999% of the population I couldn't care less what they believe. I do find it odd and it seems like a few folks are somewhat making this argument in here but maybe I'm wrong on what they mean. The other reason is that I detest political and religious debates - they are almost always worthless with a bunch of name calling unless Joe is involved.

perhaps you could point one out

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741868http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741905http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741923http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741924http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741948http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741984

0 for 6. impressive, even for you.

Try cracking the surface every once in a while. These are all variations of the same argument, i.e. I don't believe in a higher power because of some religious doctrine I disagree with.

Another: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16742564

Let's ask him

KCitons, are you an atheist? And if yes, is it only because you disagreed with the tenants of Catholicism?

 

[sublimeone]

Someone may have said this already but I never understood why most atheists always say they don't believe in God because the Bible (or insert religious text) is ridiculous and impossible to be real. Why does god or God have to be one of those gods? Seems to me that there's at least a small chance that some supreme being exists but doesn't give two craps about any of us or what we do or don't do.

ETA - I shouldn't say most atheists. Rather a good portion of vocal atheists that I've personally heard have used this argument

why didn't you ask one of the numerous atheists that you apparently heard this from that question? I haven't come across one myself.

Mainly because I've never really cared enough to ask - for 99.9999% of the population I couldn't care less what they believe. I do find it odd and it seems like a few folks are somewhat making this argument in here but maybe I'm wrong on what they mean. The other reason is that I detest political and religious debates - they are almost always worthless with a bunch of name calling unless Joe is involved.

perhaps you could point one out

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741868http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741905http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741923http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741924http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741948http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741984

0 for 6. impressive, even for you.

Try cracking the surface every once in a while. These are all variations of the same argument, i.e. I don't believe in a higher power because of some religious doctrine I disagree with.

Another: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16742564

Let's ask him

KCitons, are you an atheist? And if yes, is it only because you disagreed with the tenants of Catholicism?

You're obnoxious. Peace.

 

[matuski]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

How do you explain liberal Christians? Check and Mate.

 

[Eminence]

Perhaps we should make a distinction between religion and spirituality?

 

[johnjohn]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

How do you explain liberal Christians? Check and Mate.

Clearly I didn't say say all liberals are atheists doing the brainwashing, but the majority of liberals with power (be it news media or school professor / entertainment (director / writer) etc) use that power to constantly brainwash

 

[datonn]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

How do you explain liberal Christians? Check and Mate.

Clearly I didn't say say all liberals are atheists doing the brainwashing, but the majority of liberals with power (be it news media or school professor / entertainment (director / writer) etc) use that power to constantly brainwash

^

Now if you would have written: "but the majority of people with money/power use that money/power to constantly brainwash..." I could have gotten on-board. Brainwashing isn't an act that is exclusive to the liberals or the conservatives. And I've been subjected to at LEAST as much false witness and brainwashing from the Right over the years. Brainwashing isn't limited to "God vs. no God." Brainwashing ALSO encompasses things such as a white Jesus, transubstantiation, 6,000 year old Earth, prayer to Mary and the Saints, purgatory, needing a priest as an "intermediary" to confess one's sins to God......

 

[Otis]

"I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."

- Stephen Roberts.

Exactly.

Wow. Pretty much nails it for me.

My reasons are probably spelled out clearly enough in the other thread, so I'll leave it at that.

 

[matuski]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

How do you explain liberal Christians? Check and Mate.

Clearly I didn't say say all liberals are atheists doing the brainwashing, but the majority of liberals with power (be it news media or school professor / entertainment (director / writer) etc) use that power to constantly brainwash

How do you explain powerful liberal Christians? Double Check and Mate.

 

[joffer]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

http://youtu.be/LACyLTsH4ac

 

[Spartans Rule]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

How do you explain liberal Christians? Check and Mate.

Clearly I didn't say say all liberals are atheists doing the brainwashing, but the majority of liberals with power (be it news media or school professor / entertainment (director / writer) etc) use that power to constantly brainwash

^

Now if you would have written: "but the majority of people with money/power use that money/power to constantly brainwash..." I could have gotten on-board. Brainwashing isn't an act that is exclusive to the liberals or the conservatives. And I've been subjected to at LEAST as much false witness and brainwashing from the Right over the years. Brainwashing isn't limited to "God vs. no God." Brainwashing ALSO encompasses things such as a white Jesus, transubstantiation, 6,000 year old Earth, prayer to Mary and the Saints, purgatory, needing a priest as an "intermediary" to confess one's sins to God......

Brainwashing and societal pressure have been on religion's side for thousands of years.

 

[joffer]

Someone may have said this already but I never understood why most atheists always say they don't believe in God because the Bible (or insert religious text) is ridiculous and impossible to be real. Why does god or God have to be one of those gods? Seems to me that there's at least a small chance that some supreme being exists but doesn't give two craps about any of us or what we do or don't do.

ETA - I shouldn't say most atheists. Rather a good portion of vocal atheists that I've personally heard have used this argument

why didn't you ask one of the numerous atheists that you apparently heard this from that question? I haven't come across one myself.

Mainly because I've never really cared enough to ask - for 99.9999% of the population I couldn't care less what they believe. I do find it odd and it seems like a few folks are somewhat making this argument in here but maybe I'm wrong on what they mean. The other reason is that I detest political and religious debates - they are almost always worthless with a bunch of name calling unless Joe is involved.

perhaps you could point one out

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741868http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741905http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741923http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741924http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741948http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16741984

0 for 6. impressive, even for you.

Try cracking the surface every once in a while. These are all variations of the same argument, i.e. I don't believe in a higher power because of some religious doctrine I disagree with.

Another: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=705947&p=16742564

Let's ask him

KCitons, are you an atheist? And if yes, is it only because you disagreed with the tenants of Catholicism?

You're obnoxious. Peace.

From the other thread

Not a follower of religion. Still not sure if there is a higher power. Not sure why though. Maybe it's eternal optimism.

But, I also want to go back to the day I believed in Santa. Life was much simpler then.

So, 0 for 7.

 

[KCitons]

Let's ask him

KCitons, are you an atheist? And if yes, is it only because you disagreed with the tenants of Catholicism?

You're obnoxious. Peace.

From the other thread

Not a follower of religion. Still not sure if there is a higher power. Not sure why though. Maybe it's eternal optimism.

But, I also want to go back to the day I believed in Santa. Life was much simpler then.

So, 0 for 7.

My Catholic upbringing didn't help things. Had I grown up Lutheran, things may have been different. But, I'm not against religion for everyone. As I also mentioned, I've tried to let me kids find what works for them. Even if they wanted to be Catholic, I would support their decision.

 

[squistion]

I honestly believe a lot of people don't believe in god because of liberal brainwashing and/or afraid of being bashed for being a "moron that believes in the magic spaghetti monster in the sky"

How do you explain liberal Christians? Check and Mate.

Clearly I didn't say say all liberals are atheists doing the brainwashing, but the majority of liberals with power (be it news media or school professor / entertainment (director / writer) etc) use that power to constantly brainwash

How do you explain powerful liberal Christians? Double Check and Mate.

Don't expect to win (see chess/pigeon analogy).