Why don't you believe in God?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Geoffrey Lloyd’s Science in Ancient Civilizations states there have been exactly seven civilizations that pursued objective, scientific knowledge in human history. One of those civilizations, Christian Europe, was able to create the sustainable modern science, including data and methods, that contemporary scientists use today.

The world’s successful university systems came from the monastic model first developed by European Benedictine monks in the 4th century.

Roger Bacon was a 13th-century English priest, philosopher, scientist, logician and Franciscan friar who emphasized the study of nature through empirical observation.

Without the Catholic Church, science would have peeked its scrawny head out of some hole, and then scampered back into it like it did the previous six times in the ancient world. -United Methodist scientist

That's all well and good, but if you believe Jesus was born of a virgin and ascended bodily into heaven and walked on water, and there is a hereafter that you can only get into by believing in Jesus -- then you can't possibly accept the scientific method and you have majorly compartmentalized!

One way to distinguish between science and religion is that science concerns the natural world, whereas religion concerns the supernatural world and its relationship to the natural. No compartments.

What is this "supernatural world" you speak of? Once you can demonstrate that exists, then we can address the odd "its relationship to the natural" thing.

If you don’t personally believe in a supernatural world, that’s ok. But not everyone thinks like you.

I asked what it is. I didn't ask you to think like me.

If you don’t know what it is, how do you know it doesn’t exist?

PP here. I did not claim it did not exist. You claimed it did, so I asked what it was, first.

The supernatural are phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature).

The supernatural is featured in folklore and religious contexts, but can also feature as an explanation in more secular contexts, as in the cases of superstitions or belief in the paranormal. The term is attributed to non-physical entities, such as angels, demons, gods, and spirits. It also includes claimed abilities embodied in or provided by such beings, including magic, telekinesis, levitation, precognition, and extrasensory perception.

Besides theology, magic, revelation, karma, reincarnation, and witchcraft are concepts that fall under the supernatural.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Geoffrey Lloyd’s Science in Ancient Civilizations states there have been exactly seven civilizations that pursued objective, scientific knowledge in human history. One of those civilizations, Christian Europe, was able to create the sustainable modern science, including data and methods, that contemporary scientists use today.

The world’s successful university systems came from the monastic model first developed by European Benedictine monks in the 4th century.

Roger Bacon was a 13th-century English priest, philosopher, scientist, logician and Franciscan friar who emphasized the study of nature through empirical observation.

Without the Catholic Church, science would have peeked its scrawny head out of some hole, and then scampered back into it like it did the previous six times in the ancient world. -United Methodist scientist

That's all well and good, but if you believe Jesus was born of a virgin and ascended bodily into heaven and walked on water, and there is a hereafter that you can only get into by believing in Jesus -- then you can't possibly accept the scientific method and you have majorly compartmentalized!

One way to distinguish between science and religion is that science concerns the natural world, whereas religion concerns the supernatural world and its relationship to the natural. No compartments.

What is this "supernatural world" you speak of? Once you can demonstrate that exists, then we can address the odd "its relationship to the natural" thing.

If you don’t personally believe in a supernatural world, that’s ok. But not everyone thinks like you.

I asked what it is. I didn't ask you to think like me.

If you don’t know what it is, how do you know it doesn’t exist?

PP here. I did not claim it did not exist. You claimed it did, so I asked what it was, first.

The supernatural are phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature).

The supernatural is featured in folklore and religious contexts, but can also feature as an explanation in more secular contexts, as in the cases of superstitions or belief in the paranormal. The term is attributed to non-physical entities, such as angels, demons, gods, and spirits. It also includes claimed abilities embodied in or provided by such beings, including magic, telekinesis, levitation, precognition, and extrasensory perception.

Besides theology, magic, revelation, karma, reincarnation, and witchcraft are concepts that fall under the supernatural.

This seems to be taken from the Wikipedia definition, correct? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernatural

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Geoffrey Lloyd’s Science in Ancient Civilizations states there have been exactly seven civilizations that pursued objective, scientific knowledge in human history. One of those civilizations, Christian Europe, was able to create the sustainable modern science, including data and methods, that contemporary scientists use today.

The world’s successful university systems came from the monastic model first developed by European Benedictine monks in the 4th century.

Roger Bacon was a 13th-century English priest, philosopher, scientist, logician and Franciscan friar who emphasized the study of nature through empirical observation.

Without the Catholic Church, science would have peeked its scrawny head out of some hole, and then scampered back into it like it did the previous six times in the ancient world. -United Methodist scientist

That's all well and good, but if you believe Jesus was born of a virgin and ascended bodily into heaven and walked on water, and there is a hereafter that you can only get into by believing in Jesus -- then you can't possibly accept the scientific method and you have majorly compartmentalized!

One way to distinguish between science and religion is that science concerns the natural world, whereas religion concerns the supernatural world and its relationship to the natural. No compartments.

What is this "supernatural world" you speak of? Once you can demonstrate that exists, then we can address the odd "its relationship to the natural" thing.

If you don’t personally believe in a supernatural world, that’s ok. But not everyone thinks like you.

I asked what it is. I didn't ask you to think like me.

If you don’t know what it is, how do you know it doesn’t exist?

PP here. I did not claim it did not exist. You claimed it did, so I asked what it was, first.

The supernatural are phenomena or entities that are not subject to the laws of nature. The term is derived from Medieval Latin supernaturalis, from Latin super- (above, beyond, or outside of) + natura (nature).

The supernatural is featured in folklore and religious contexts, but can also feature as an explanation in more secular contexts, as in the cases of superstitions or belief in the paranormal. The term is attributed to non-physical entities, such as angels, demons, gods, and spirits. It also includes claimed abilities embodied in or provided by such beings, including magic, telekinesis, levitation, precognition, and extrasensory perception.

Besides theology, magic, revelation, karma, reincarnation, and witchcraft are concepts that fall under the supernatural.

This definition of what people believe is not explanation of what it is. You posted a definition that describes your world view as "folklore" among other things. This really does not support your position in any way, and in fact calls its veracity into question.

What IS "the supernatural world", in our universe? What is "the supernatural world and its relationship to the natural". Not what does that mean - what IS IT?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Truth

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

Express all you want on your own. Stop forcing your beliefs on the rest of us.

Your religion doesn’t take precedence over mine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

Express all you want on your own. Stop forcing your beliefs on the rest of us.

Your religion doesn’t take precedence over mine.

What part of my beliefs are taking precedence over yours? How are my beliefs being forced upon you, or anyone else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

Express all you want on your own. Stop forcing your beliefs on the rest of us.

Your religion doesn’t take precedence over mine.

What part of my beliefs are taking precedence over yours? How are my beliefs being forced upon you, or anyone else?

Not you specifically. The broader “you” that includes the religious extremists trying to take over our government and force their religious beliefs on everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

Express all you want on your own. Stop forcing your beliefs on the rest of us.

Your religion doesn’t take precedence over mine.

What part of my beliefs are taking precedence over yours? How are my beliefs being forced upon you, or anyone else?

Not you specifically. The broader “you” that includes the religious extremists trying to take over our government and force their religious beliefs on everyone else.

People have a right to freedom of religion and speech. The government just can’t establish a state religion.

The government can’t tell anyone their religion is false, nor tell them to “keep it to themselves.” Neither can you. You can tell someone you don’t believe as they do, and walk away from them, unfriend them on facebook, or stop associating with them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

Express all you want on your own. Stop forcing your beliefs on the rest of us.

Your religion doesn’t take precedence over mine.

What part of my beliefs are taking precedence over yours? How are my beliefs being forced upon you, or anyone else?

Not you specifically. The broader “you” that includes the religious extremists trying to take over our government and force their religious beliefs on everyone else.

People have a right to freedom of religion and speech. The government just can’t establish a state religion.

The government can’t tell anyone their religion is false, nor tell them to “keep it to themselves.” Neither can you. You can tell someone you don’t believe as they do, and walk away from them, unfriend them on facebook, or stop associating with them.

Unlike these last few pages, the beginning of this thread is snark free

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think it's dumb; I just don't believe. To me, it's akin to believing in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy. I haven't "wrestled with it" and it doesn't bother me. It also doesn't bother me if others believe. To each their own.

100% agree. I just don't believe, I don't know why. It doesn't bother me what other people believe in. I don't talk about religion with other people anyway.

If only more believers were like these two non-believers.

Instead, in our society, religious believers often assume that others are believers and talk about their belief as if it’s real and universal and even feel it’s OK (sometimes even required by God) to try to convert nonbelievers.

Some religious people will openly tell people who aren’t religious that they’re going to hell or are praying for their conversion. This behavior is condoned, even encouraged, by their religion and is socially acceptable.

I think society would be better off if people spoke openly about their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs in much the same way they talk about other life choices.

Do you have problems moving about as an adult in society?

If someone tries to “convert” you, say “I am not interested!”

If someone tells you you are “going to hell,” say whatever and remove yourself from their presence further. (Are you the poster told in childhood you were “going to hell” by an aunt? She was a jerk, forget her, seek therapy and quit posting about it every day/week/month/year here.

If people say they are “praying for you,” legally, you can’t stop them. They mean well. It’s best to tell them no thanks, or just say thanks and don’t worry about it. Also, the care allowed to pray for who and what they wish.

You are too involved and worried about other people. Focus on yourself. People are legally allowed to do these things, and morally. You have to learn to function in this world. You are not going to eradicate religion or prayer because you don’t like it.

DP. If you don’t want people to complain about religion then keep it to yourself. Stop trying to shove it down everyone else’s throats.

Expressing my own religion is not forcing you to be religious. Learn the difference.

Express all you want on your own. Stop forcing your beliefs on the rest of us.

Your religion doesn’t take precedence over mine.

What part of my beliefs are taking precedence over yours? How are my beliefs being forced upon you, or anyone else?

Not you specifically. The broader “you” that includes the religious extremists trying to take over our government and force their religious beliefs on everyone else.

People have a right to freedom of religion and speech. The government just can’t establish a state religion.

The government can’t tell anyone their religion is false, nor tell them to “keep it to themselves.” Neither can you. You can tell someone you don’t believe as they do, and walk away from them, unfriend them on facebook, or stop associating with them.

Unlike these last few pages, the beginning of this thread is snark free

This thread is from 2011. This thread is 11 years old.