Atheist parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

You can act respectfully to believers without respecting the belief. I require that my atheist children act respectfully to other people's religious beliefs because it's polite to do so. They are free to say what they think at home and to believe what they want, but they are not free to act rudely to other children or their families. "Ridicule" is often bullying if the religious believer is a minority, and it's fighting words if they are a majority.

You're not going to convince anyone in these confrontations. It's best to be polite and keep the peace.

Sure, you are right to make that distinction. A person is a combination of ideas, some of which may be irrational religious belief, but that doesn't make the whole person. Of course, if that person allow his religious belief to takeover his day to day actions, to the detriment of others, then that person is not deserving of respect. Respect is earned and must be mutual. A muslim calling for Sharia law to become the law of the land and applicable even to non-believers losses respect, just as a Christian pushing for creationism to be taught in school or voting for a politician because "he is a good Christian".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Not the PP responding.
I agree that ideas don't get a pass because they are religiously based. You an issue with consenting gay adults in love because of a few bible passages? No pass from me. But harmless views, even ones I think are in error, get the kind of respect that means I don't actively question a person on them because I understand they have cultural, family, and faith reasons behind them.

I will raise my children to consider this approach when they are older. For now they are too young to get into the dangerous parts of religion.

Right, ideas should not get a free pass just because they are religious based. It's immoral to perform genital mutilation on kids in the name of your religion whether you are Jewish, or a Muslim. It's immoral to believe that you can pass on your responsibility through vicarious redemption as some of the Christian faith believes. These and other ideas should not be respected just because they are part of someone's religious faith.

Regarding where/when/how to discuss these, obviously you don't openly question these things everywhere you go. As long as people have violent tendencies associated with their religious belief, we have to be careful what we say for our own safety. I teach my kids to not confront others about their religion, not to volunteer the fact that he is an atheist, but to stand his ground when pressed.

I hope that changes sometime soon and that atheist children feel just as free to mention their religious beliefs as religious children do. We really don't have freedom of religion until that is the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Not the PP responding.
I agree that ideas don't get a pass because they are religiously based. You an issue with consenting gay adults in love because of a few bible passages? No pass from me. But harmless views, even ones I think are in error, get the kind of respect that means I don't actively question a person on them because I understand they have cultural, family, and faith reasons behind them.

I will raise my children to consider this approach when they are older. For now they are too young to get into the dangerous parts of religion.

Right, ideas should not get a free pass just because they are religious based. It's immoral to perform genital mutilation on kids in the name of your religion whether you are Jewish, or a Muslim. It's immoral to believe that you can pass on your responsibility through vicarious redemption as some of the Christian faith believes. These and other ideas should not be respected just because they are part of someone's religious faith.

Regarding where/when/how to discuss these, obviously you don't openly question these things everywhere you go. As long as people have violent tendencies associated with their religious belief, we have to be careful what we say for our own safety. I teach my kids to not confront others about their religion, not to volunteer the fact that he is an atheist, but to stand his ground when pressed.

I hope that changes sometime soon and that atheist children feel just as free to mention their religious beliefs as religious children do. We really don't have freedom of religion until that is the case.

In fact, it will change sooner if people stop being fearful of expressing their true (lack of) religious belief. If gays hadn't started being open - so people would know they had friends and family who were gay , they wouldn't be so accepted today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

And once again, your doubts have nothing to do with reality

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

God is responsible for love, good and truth. He is the very definition of those attributes. You punish yourself if you choose another way because you are leading yourself into life of lies and untruth. Yes, mean people may say that they "believe" in Him in a shallow sense but that is not the same as choosing the path of Christ to follow Him

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

God is responsible for love, good and truth. He is the very definition of those attributes. You punish yourself if you choose another way because you are leading yourself into life of lies and untruth. Yes, mean people may say that they "believe" in Him in a shallow sense but that is not the same as choosing the path of Christ to follow Him

God is responsible for the good things only. Not any of the bad things. That's what makes him god.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

God is responsible for love, good and truth. He is the very definition of those attributes. You punish yourself if you choose another way because you are leading yourself into life of lies and untruth. Yes, mean people may say that they "believe" in Him in a shallow sense but that is not the same as choosing the path of Christ to follow Him

God is responsible for the good things only. Not any of the bad things. That's what makes him god.

You're missing the point. "Responsible for" is the wrong phrase. God is the definition of Good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

God is responsible for love, good and truth. He is the very definition of those attributes. You punish yourself if you choose another way because you are leading yourself into life of lies and untruth. Yes, mean people may say that they "believe" in Him in a shallow sense but that is not the same as choosing the path of Christ to follow Him

God is responsible for the good things only. Not any of the bad things. That's what makes him god.

You're missing the point. "Responsible for" is the wrong phrase. God is the definition of Good.

But he's not defined that way in the Bible. It's something Christians just know. Not everything that's important about Christianity is in the Bible. It was written so long ago, that it requires a lot of interpretation. God is good only and when things go terribly wrong or are prayers are not answered. It's god being good in a way we can't understand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

God is responsible for love, good and truth. He is the very definition of those attributes. You punish yourself if you choose another way because you are leading yourself into life of lies and untruth. Yes, mean people may say that they "believe" in Him in a shallow sense but that is not the same as choosing the path of Christ to follow Him

God is responsible for the good things only. Not any of the bad things. That's what makes him god.

You're missing the point. "Responsible for" is the wrong phrase. God is the definition of Good.

But he's not defined that way in the Bible. It's something Christians just know. Not everything that's important about Christianity is in the Bible. It was written so long ago, that it requires a lot of interpretation. God is good only and when things go terribly wrong or are prayers are not answered. It's god being good in a way we can't understand.

Ah, but He is defined that way! Look at this verse from Matthew chapter 19: "Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?' 'Why do you ask me about what is good?' Jesus replied. 'There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." Or this from the Old Testament, Psalm 119: "You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees"

There are other verses too, and it is something that everyone, I think, intrinsically knows. Even those who claim to deny there is a God. What else could be the source of Good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really wouldn't care, so why would I ask? Regardless, my children play with all children of various faiths/non-faiths and backgrounds. My children have their own faith, and I make sure that they are respectful of other faiths, because I believe that we all have our own paths to follow. I would think no more or less of you for being atheist.

This is not a healthy mindset. My kids are taught to be rational and critical of other's claims about the nature of the world. There is no reason to respect someone who believes in an imaginary God, none. Tolerate, yes, but not respect. People can be free to follow their own path, and we are free to point out and ridicule the irrational nature of their path.

Wow. I bet you're a lot of fun to hang out with, and your kids too. I actually feel sorry for your children.

Believe what you want if it helps you feel better about having your belief challenged openly. Ask yourself why you feel it is necessary to resort to personal attacks. For shame!

Oh, please.

I have no problem with my "beliefs" (aka the Truth) being challenged openly, because I know that I am correct. God's word is Truth. Jesus Christ is Truth. I don't have to defend Him; He has done that for us.

And you call this a "personal attack?" Why? Because I (and at least one other PP) noted how downright rude you appear to be, because you teach your children to "point out and ridicule" other people? Yes, I do feel sorry for your kids, but I pray that in God's divine way, He will reach them, despite the falsehoods you are trying to brainwash them with.

God has his hands full with terrorism right now and is not doing a very good job at it. I doubt he'll take on a mother teaching her children that he's not real.

God is not responsible for creating terrorism. That is the work of pure evil. He commanded us to fight against evil. What are you doing in that regard?

God not responsible for anything. He just loves us and punishes us if we don't believe in him. Some people think he answers prayers, but there's not evidence of that. Some of the people who believe in him are so mean, it's hard to imagine that they are guided by a benevolent force, but who are we to question God?

God is responsible for love, good and truth. He is the very definition of those attributes. You punish yourself if you choose another way because you are leading yourself into life of lies and untruth. Yes, mean people may say that they "believe" in Him in a shallow sense but that is not the same as choosing the path of Christ to follow Him

God is responsible for the good things only. Not any of the bad things. That's what makes him god.

You're missing the point. "Responsible for" is the wrong phrase. God is the definition of Good.

But he's not defined that way in the Bible. It's something Christians just know. Not everything that's important about Christianity is in the Bible. It was written so long ago, that it requires a lot of interpretation. God is good only and when things go terribly wrong or are prayers are not answered. It's god being good in a way we can't understand.

Ah, but He is defined that way! Look at this verse from Matthew chapter 19: "Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, 'Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?' 'Why do you ask me about what is good?' Jesus replied. 'There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." Or this from the Old Testament, Psalm 119: "You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees"

There are other verses too, and it is something that everyone, I think, intrinsically knows. Even those who claim to deny there is a God. What else could be the source of Good?

God is not simply good - he is angry and jealous too, and vengeful -- as described in the Bible, he has many of the characteristic of humans, good and bad. The big difference is that he is all powerful and everlasting and controls our ultimate fate and demands that we believe in him. Nothing makes him more angry than humans who don't believe in him.