Why do atheists post on the Religion forum?

[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: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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

[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: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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

That's a lot of words, but none which answer the simple question asked:

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

[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: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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

Good question -- it certainly is not a system. When I was catholic, that was a belief system. Becoming an atheist was simply shedding that.

I've met people who never believed in God or Jesus, even though they were taken to church as children. They were born atheists - as we all are - and stayed that way, despite childhood indoctrination. amazing - to me, at least.

[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: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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

I'd say that some people who DO believe in god make idols of "...all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone."

I don't think that all people who believe in god are focused much on God -- they are focused on their daily lives - the things you mention above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

NP Atheist
I agree with your points and I certainly never try to convert. This is a personal realization. As I do with other beliefs, I never tried to tell my own kids religion was wrong. One really became interested in Christianity and I never judged or blocked them from learning more. The only beliefs I've made sure to express disdain for is that women are less than men when news of Taliban oppression was publicized. I walked them through those sect beliefs and how they have daily experience proving that false. I give them as much information on religion (and any other subject) as I can until they beg me to stop or until I beg them to leave me alone.
I want them to respect the beliefs of others in our community so I don't judge in front of them, I barely judge it at all as I don't look down on others for subscribing to things that might help them out.

Serious question:

If you don't respect the taliban because they take women's rights away (as per their religion)...

...then why do you respect christians who are doing the exact same thing, right here in the US?

I don't lump them together, just like I don't lump Muslims together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

NP Atheist
I agree with your points and I certainly never try to convert. This is a personal realization. As I do with other beliefs, I never tried to tell my own kids religion was wrong. One really became interested in Christianity and I never judged or blocked them from learning more. The only beliefs I've made sure to express disdain for is that women are less than men when news of Taliban oppression was publicized. I walked them through those sect beliefs and how they have daily experience proving that false. I give them as much information on religion (and any other subject) as I can until they beg me to stop or until I beg them to leave me alone.
I want them to respect the beliefs of others in our community so I don't judge in front of them, I barely judge it at all as I don't look down on others for subscribing to things that might help them out.

Serious question:

If you don't respect the taliban because they take women's rights away (as per their religion)...

...then why do you respect christians who are doing the exact same thing, right here in the US?

I don't lump them together, just like I don't lump Muslims together.

Forgive me, what does that mean - "I don't lump them together"? Lump whom together?

[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:

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

I'd say that some people who DO believe in god make idols of "...all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone."

I don't think that all people who believe in god are focused much on God -- they are focused on their daily lives - the things you mention above.

I completely agree with you. Many (most?) Christians follow a form of moralism — follow all the rules, maybe I will make it to heaven. But it’s not Christianity. If you put God at the center of your life and those other things become merely good things but not the ultimate thing - then your entire perspective changes. You can lose any one of those things and you’re not devastated. Most people are resting their entire existence on a very thin reed revolving around those items above.

[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:

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

I'd say that some people who DO believe in god make idols of "...all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone."

I don't think that all people who believe in god are focused much on God -- they are focused on their daily lives - the things you mention above.

No kidding, what a ridiculous comment by that poster, most religious people are more focused on those "mini gods", look around the church

[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:

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

That's a lot of words, but none which answer the simple question asked:

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is a lack of belief in God.

BUT that in and of itself is a belief. It is a firmly held conviction or opinion.

The word “belief” has multiple definitions.

[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:

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

I'd say that some people who DO believe in god make idols of "...all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone."

I don't think that all people who believe in god are focused much on God -- they are focused on their daily lives - the things you mention above.

No kidding, what a ridiculous comment by that poster, most religious people are more focused on those "mini gods", look around the church

As I said to someone else, I don’t necessarily disagree.

[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: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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

NP Atheist
I agree with your points and I certainly never try to convert. This is a personal realization. As I do with other beliefs, I never tried to tell my own kids religion was wrong. One really became interested in Christianity and I never judged or blocked them from learning more. The only beliefs I've made sure to express disdain for is that women are less than men when news of Taliban oppression was publicized. I walked them through those sect beliefs and how they have daily experience proving that false. I give them as much information on religion (and any other subject) as I can until they beg me to stop or until I beg them to leave me alone.
I want them to respect the beliefs of others in our community so I don't judge in front of them, I barely judge it at all as I don't look down on others for subscribing to things that might help them out.

Serious question:

If you don't respect the taliban because they take women's rights away (as per their religion)...

...then why do you respect christians who are doing the exact same thing, right here in the US?

I don't lump them together, just like I don't lump Muslims together.

Forgive me, what does that mean - "I don't lump them together"? Lump whom together?

Christians hell bent on taking women's rights and Christians who defend women's rights. I know what we see on TV and politicians but I personally know more of the latter.
I was responding to a question quoted.

[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:

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

I'd say that some people who DO believe in god make idols of "...all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone."

I don't think that all people who believe in god are focused much on God -- they are focused on their daily lives - the things you mention above.

No kidding, what a ridiculous comment by that poster, most religious people are more focused on those "mini gods", look around the church

As I said to someone else, I don’t necessarily disagree.

Also, the religious leaders of a particular time doing a lousy job of living this out is nothing new. The entire arc of all four Gospels is Jesus in constant conflict with the Pharisees and other religious leaders who were hypocrites and missing the whole point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

They're not trying to convert anyone. They're saying that the theists need to stop trying to impose their beliefs on others. For example, limiting choice in reproductive health care, including banning abortions, limiting access to medications, IVF, research into stem cells/cloning, euthanasia, etc.

Believe whatever you want to believe. Stop trying to cram it down everyone else's throats.

x1 million

[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.

If you're not sure why, then you are not paying attention, maybe on purpose. It's been explained over and over again.

Religion is causing the rights of people to be curtailed and denied.It is a cancer on society. If you are part of the religious community - even if you are politically against the individual issues - your tacit approval makes you part of the problem.

It can't be explained any more explicitly or brutally than that.

Now we see the crux of the issue: “Christianity won’t approve of my immoral behavior.”

For the atheist, their sexual urges and anything else they want to do is #1. Religion restrains these animal urges, confining them within marriage.

This makes them mad.

Religion shames adultery and homosexuality because they tear down and diminish society, not build it up. Adultery is the main cause of divorce. It yanks the rug from out under children leaving them hurt and confused with a high probability of becoming sexually promiscuous and abusing alcohol/drugs later on.

Religion restrains this behavior, saying it is wrong. The atheist shakes his fist like a snotty child, “You are not the boss of me!”

There are many different religions with different moral codes.

You are making the assumption the only options are Christianity or no religion.

You are an atheist whether you know it or not. You are an atheist in the Hindu world, in the Muslim world, in the Buddhist world, in the Sikh world, in the Jewish world, in the Jain world, in the Mormon world, in other religious worlds. You do not accept these religions and probably believe they are based on fiction.

Many of your actions and morals are likely offensive to people of these religions. Do you eat bacon and eggs, and ham and cheese? Do you eat beef? Do you cut your hair and shave your beard? Do you put all your dishes in one dishwasher. Do you pray to false gods (saints)? Do you use your cell phone on Saturday morning while drinking a caffeinated coffee? Did you get married in white (i.e. funeral) clothes? Do you expose your hair and face and knees (although I think you're actually a man). Do you kill ants and mice that get into your house? Do you wear shoes in church? Do you shake your hand at the elephant boy god and say "you are not the boss of me"?

If you said yes to any of these questions, someone somewhere regards you as an atheist.

[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:

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.

You know, Christians often speak about trying to show our good side when we're trying to convert someone. If I judge by this thread, atheists think flinging around insults is the best way to convert people to their belief system.

+1.

Atheists do not have a belief system - not a religious belief system, anyhow. Also, I have never heard of a conversion attempt by an atheist.

Speaking for myself, it's a matter of seeing reality for what it is. Religions are made by humans. God is a supernatural phenomenon - like fairies and gnomes. Children have realized this. I know many who did. I realized it as an adult.

You don’t think all the people on here trying to convince others God does not exist are trying to change the beliefs of the religious? If they are not, then what are they doing exactly? And if they are, how is that not an attempt to convert (change) someone?

Not that it’s authoritative, but Jeff discussed exactly the question of whether atheists have a belief system in his recap of this thread: https://www.dcurbanmom.com/weblog/2024/11/19/update111924

Atheism is not a belief. It is a lack of a belief.

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is the lack belief in God. It is not the lack of belief in anything. It’s fundamentally impossible as a human being not to believe in anything. Atheists have all kinds of beliefs about how the universe works. Look at how hard they are trying in this thread to convince people of these things! It’s a belief system — it’s just different from a religious one.

Please answer the question. What do you call a lack of belief in god? For example, someone who has never even considered the concept?

A belief is a firmly held opinion or conviction. That’s the dictionary definition. So to say that I do not “believe” in God — it is a belief in and of itself. You can say “I do not believe X” but that in and of itself can be a belief.

I also think that this semantic debate misses the bigger point. It’s not that atheist simply believe in “nothing” — nobody has that belief system. People who don’t believe in God make idols out of all kinds of things — work, career, success, achievement, sex, money, spouses, children, political or social causes, the need to be liked by everyone — the list goes on and on. It is ultimately what you want most in life. All of us are living for something and people who say otherwise are not being intellectually honest. All of these things become mini-gods that often times end up enslaving you yet do not forgive you when things go badly.

That's a lot of words, but none which answer the simple question asked:

If you hold the position that atheism is word that describes a belief, what is your word for lack of a belief?

Atheism is a lack of belief in God.

BUT that in and of itself is a belief. It is a firmly held conviction or opinion.

The word “belief” has multiple definitions.

I just wish you would answer the question. What is your word for lack of a belief?

Are you claiming lack of belief in a thing can't exist?

That's illogical.

Lack of belief in a thing is not a belief.