I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do you believe what happens to us when we die? And have you ever explained that view explicitly to a small child asking about death for the first time?

NP, but another respectful atheist -- I believe it is a lot like what happened to us before we were born: nothing. And yes, I have explained my point of view to a small child asking about death for the first time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are your thoughts on current conflict with Muslim world? Which side to blame - western world or middle east countries - from religious standpoint?

I think fundamentalism is awful regardless of its genesis (Mulism, Christianity, Judiasm, etc). I don't think in terms of "religious standpoints" when it comes to blame. The US and its allies need to support countries that recognize religious and individual freedoms. You cannot reason with fundamentalists. We need to call a spade a spade, acknowledge that fundamental Islam is a death cult, and help speed up that process.

[Anonymous]

Do you ever say "Oh, God" or "God help us" or something like that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you ever say "Oh, God" or "God help us" or something like that?

I'll say "Oh God" occassionally, as a colloquialism. I'm not literally calling out to a god figure for help. It's more to express frustration.

[Anonymous]

How to you integrate others' religious rituals within your beliefs? If a close friend or co worker dies and has a funeral service at a church, do you go?

If you come to my house and see that I have crosses here and there and a collection of Bibles, what do you think of me?

If you attend a dinner where there's a grace before a meal, do you participate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How to you integrate others' religious rituals within your beliefs? If a close friend or co worker dies and has a funeral service at a church, do you go?

If you come to my house and see that I have crosses here and there and a collection of Bibles, what do you think of me?

If you attend a dinner where there's a grace before a meal, do you participate?

Others rituals don't change my beliefs. Evidence and logic do. That being said, I don't go around telling people they're wrong for following certain religious practices. That's entirely their decision, not mine. I've been to funeral services at churches, yes. It's not like I can't go to a church. I just don't think the deceased in heaven riding shotgun with Jesus.

I think my point is that I'm respectful of other's practices especially if they were to invite me over to their home. I'll "participate" but at the end of the day I don't think anyone or anything is listening to their prayers.

My response and actions all depend on the context.

[Anonymous]

Do you mock religious people? If someone makes an offhand comment about going to church (say on a Sunday afternoon, mentioning they just came from there), do you sneer? If so, why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you mock religious people? If someone makes an offhand comment about going to church (say on a Sunday afternoon, mentioning they just came from there), do you sneer? If so, why?

I use to mock religious people when I was younger but I don't anymore. I don't think you change minds by being condescending or belittling others. The other time I might get confrontational would be when someone is way off base. For instance, if a loved one was ill and someone's response was not to take them to the hospital but rather "pray about it" instead.

Again, if people want to participate in religious activities that's their prerogative. I wouldn't sneer if someone told me they just came from church. I don't think they're doing anything but wasting time on a Sunday but I'd keep that to myself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you mock religious people? If someone makes an offhand comment about going to church (say on a Sunday afternoon, mentioning they just came from there), do you sneer? If so, why?

I use to mock religious people when I was younger but I don't anymore. I don't think you change minds by being condescending or belittling others. The other time I might get confrontational would be when someone is way off base. For instance, if a loved one was ill and someone's response was not to take them to the hospital but rather "pray about it" instead.

Again, if people want to participate in religious activities that's their prerogative. I wouldn't sneer if someone told me they just came from church. I don't think they're doing anything but wasting time on a Sunday but I'd keep that to myself.

Who goes to a hospital every time they're ill?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you mock religious people? If someone makes an offhand comment about going to church (say on a Sunday afternoon, mentioning they just came from there), do you sneer? If so, why?

I use to mock religious people when I was younger but I don't anymore. I don't think you change minds by being condescending or belittling others. The other time I might get confrontational would be when someone is way off base. For instance, if a loved one was ill and someone's response was not to take them to the hospital but rather "pray about it" instead.

Again, if people want to participate in religious activities that's their prerogative. I wouldn't sneer if someone told me they just came from church. I don't think they're doing anything but wasting time on a Sunday but I'd keep that to myself.

Who goes to a hospital every time they're ill?

No one, I think? What I meant was suppose someone has a concussion. I'd want to take that person to the ER and not just sit around pray they get better. That, by the way, actually is something I read about from a friend of a friend on Facebook. I meant in regards to serious injury. I don't mean something like stubbing your toe or having a cold.

[Anonymous]

Were you raised in a faith?

[Anonymous]

Do you believe you have a soul?

[Anonymous]

Do you think all the questions being asked say a lot about the people asking? If so, how do you feel about that?

[Anonymous]

Do you think you are smarter than and/or superior to religious people, specifically Christians? Be honest here, because I will... I'm a Christian and I think I am smarter than every atheist I know.

[Anonymous]

I have a question, and I'm asking it in all sincerity. Christianity teaches that God made everything there is, including people. As a Christian, this makes sense to me, as the Bible says that God's majesty and divinity are apparent in all that He made, and the world seems too vast, beautiful and complex for it just to have happened. Christianity also teaches that mankind is sinful, and that everyone sins. This also makes sense to me, because I know myself that I am sinful, and I think if anyone searches his heart, he knows that he does wrong, at least some of the time, even though he knows not to. Christianity also teaches that the consequence of this sin is eternal punishment in Hell. I can see how this might be a stumbling block to many, but this also makes sense to me, because my sins are willful and because it doesn't make sense to me that I would have been created with the consciousness I have only to just be snuffed out when I die. Christianity also teaches that God is love, and so He provided a sacrifice of His only Son, who was sinless and intercedes for me so that I can be forgiven of my sins if I only have faith in this. Part of this makes sense to me, and that is the personal part, that God would care about me that much, since why would He create me along with everything else without wanting me to know Him. The part that doesn't make sense is why He would send His holy Son to die for me when I am so sinful, but that's love. Christianity also teaches that we need only believe in this and take it to heart and trust that God means what He says that we can either be forgiven, or face the consequences of our sins for eternity. We do have a choice. This also makes sense to me, as the offer is open to all.

The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.