Why do atheists post on the Religion forum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

I meant to say NOT a Christian ….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

I meant to say NOT a Christian ….

DP and fellow Christian here. I couldn't quite make the first paragraph and second paragraph of your post square until you posted your correction :lol:

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

What is your level of education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly NOT a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

Thanks for responding. Please note I have corrected your comment, as per your expressed wishes.

The bad human characteristics you mention and that I have bolded: "selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness" are bad, without or without religion - and can be present in people irrespective of religious denomination or lack of religion.

I hope you're not saying that all Christians don't have these characteristics and that all atheists do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

I meant to say NOT a Christian ….

Trump would have fit in quite well with Hitler's regime as well. I think Hitler was Catholic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly NOT a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

Thanks for responding. Please note I have corrected your comment, as per your expressed wishes.

The bad human characteristics you mention and that I have bolded: "selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness" are bad, without or without religion - and can be present in people irrespective of religious denomination or lack of religion.

I hope you're not saying that all Christians don't have these characteristics and that all atheists do.

Absolutely NOT! Read my other post.

But we primarily care about these things and view them as being generally wrong because of Christian beliefs and standards, explicit or implicit. The problem isn’t that Donald Trump isn’t too Christian — it’s that he’s not Christian enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

The problem isn't belief or non-belief. Faith or non-faith. It appears you were just a sh*t person. You lacked the most basic feature to be a functioning adult in modern society - empathy. Or, in your religious context, following the golden rule (which basically all religions have some form of).

Belief in a myth is not going to resolve your problems. You need mental health help. There is nothing wrong with going to therapy. You have a lot to unpack to understand why you lack empathy. If you had a wound on your hand that was beginning to fester, would you not seek out treatment? Same goes with mental.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

I assume you are the same poster who continues to not understand how morality works and that it does not have to be based on religious beliefs. Your questions have been addressed and answered in previous posts but you lack the ability to comprehend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly NOT a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

Thanks for responding. Please note I have corrected your comment, as per your expressed wishes.

The bad human characteristics you mention and that I have bolded: "selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness" are bad, without or without religion - and can be present in people irrespective of religious denomination or lack of religion.

I hope you're not saying that all Christians don't have these characteristics and that all atheists do.

Absolutely NOT! Read my other post.

But we primarily care about these things and view them as being generally wrong because of Christian beliefs and standards, explicit or implicit. The problem isn’t that Donald Trump isn’t too Christian — it’s that he’s not Christian enough.

Have you read the Bible, especially the examples of rape, murder, human sacrifice, polygamy and ethnic cleansing. Are these the kind of beliefs and standards you think we should adopt?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25986260-god

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

Hello, true Christian -- I'm glad you feel better now that your perspective on life has changed.

What do you think about Trump being an atheist? It would be nice to hear from others about this too.

This is a super interesting perspective. Honestly, I had never even looked at this way, but I think you are completely right. Trump is certainly NOT a Christian who believes in the same doctrine I just set forth above.

I also think it’s interesting that all of the objections to Trump — his selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness, etc. — when you are criticize him you are criticizing him using Christian standards. If you an atheist and God doesn’t exist, then it’s just a strong eats the weak type world and why does it matter if Trump does any of this stuff? In fact, Trump would have fit in quite well in the Roman Empire and the way that its leaders acted and behaved.

Thanks for responding. Please note I have corrected your comment, as per your expressed wishes.

The bad human characteristics you mention and that I have bolded: "selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, dishonesty, crudeness" are bad, without or without religion - and can be present in people irrespective of religious denomination or lack of religion.

I hope you're not saying that all Christians don't have these characteristics and that all atheists do.

Absolutely NOT! Read my other post.

But we primarily care about these things and view them as being generally wrong because of Christian beliefs and standards, explicit or implicit. The problem isn’t that Donald Trump isn’t too Christian — it’s that he’s not Christian enough.

Still sounds like you're saying that Trump needs to be more Christian in order to be good. And that atheists are bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

What a terrific get out of jail free card! And since your conversion, you're in the queue for salvation before small children dying of dysentery and measles and poverty in non-Christian communities?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given how sleepy the religion forum was for a while until recently, I'm guessing OP is the atheist (singular). Not sure why it brings OP so much joy to jump down the throats of theists regularly, but I guess we all have to find our purpose in life somewhere.

There is at least one atheist poster with a very distinct writing style who has been spending hours in this thread alone. I wonder if they are spiraling in a mental health episode.

Don't worry about them. Think of your own possible mental health episode.

Believing in God is still the default position in the US, so you're safe in that respect, and whether or not you voted for the guy who was elected to be our next president, you can certainly thank a lot of religious people for electing him.

And to think -- he's an atheist!

How do I know? -- I don't, but I've never put the question to an atheist who disagreed with me, although reluctantly, after some thought.

It forces us to acknowledge that all atheists are not good people. Why should they be? Believers are not all good people, despite the fact that they have lists of rules to follow, supposedly set forth by their various gods.

I am a believer and the fact that I am NOT a “moral” or “good” person is central to my faith and my conversion. I completely screwed up one marriage, was en route to screwing up the second one, and was a selfish, money and career obsessed person (very common in the DMV). I used to think that religion was just about following the rules and I didn’t do a very good job of that, so what was the point?

Then I discovered true Christianity which is that we are sinners saved by grace and that our salvation is not dependent upon our record but on Jesus’s record — which we receive when we have faith in him. Every other major world religion says “try really hard” and MAYBE it will work out OK. Christianity says exactly the opposite — it is a religion for those who admit that they are weak and in need of help. Jesus could have spent all of his time hanging out with the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day — instead he spent his time savings sinners and being critical of the Pharisees because they were hypocrites.

This perspective on life completely changes how I relate to other people too. Instead of being judgmental and harsh towards other people, I see other people as having flaws just like I have. I can’t feel superior to anyone else when I am cognizant of my own flaws. Yet I have complete confidence because I am loved by Jesus and he died for me and my sins.

It’s a radical and liberating way of living and very different from a “moralism” competition on who follows the rules the best.

The problem isn't belief or non-belief. Faith or non-faith. It appears you were just a sh*t person. You lacked the most basic feature to be a functioning adult in modern society - empathy. Or, in your religious context, following the golden rule (which basically all religions have some form of).

Belief in a myth is not going to resolve your problems. You need mental health help. There is nothing wrong with going to therapy. You have a lot to unpack to understand why you lack empathy. If you had a wound on your hand that was beginning to fester, would you not seek out treatment? Same goes with mental.

I actually spent A LOT of time in therapy and twelve step meetings and all kinds of other stuff and it did not do very much in the end.

I can understand that you don’t believe. I am not here to convince you otherwise.

But there are millions and millions of people whose lives have been changed for the better because of religion. You can recognize it as having a positive impact on some people without believing in it yourself. Or maybe you can’t in which case that shows just how close-minded you are.