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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Did any of you actually read OP's post? They are upset that all other days of the year, the bf mocks being a Christian but then wants to partake in something that is a Christian 40 day long tradition. [u]Nobody is saying atheist cant participate in Christian holidays, but it's off putting when that atheist mocks the very thing they are wanting to participate in.[/u] [/quote]

That's not an accurate summary.  OP's boyfriend may mock the Catholic church and many of its teachings (something even many Catholics do!), but OP did not say he was mocking Lent specifically.  Indeed, if he's mocking Lent and saying Lent's really a dumb thing to do, I'm also puzzled why he's choosing to participate.  I suspect he has negative views of the Catholic church and its teachings, but sees some positive value in the sacrifice and purpose behind Lent.  That doesn't seem inconsistent at all to me, and again, I suspect many Catholics feel the same way.

Just so we're all clear, I am the atheist who posted at 12:35 on page 1 of this thread, where I spelled out exactly how and why I sacrifice during Lent season.

Here are some views I distill from this thread and others.  I'll dub them the "Asshole View of Religion" (AVR).

1. Don't be an asshole.  Whether you are a Catholic, a Christian, a Jew, a Hindu, a Muslim, a Mormon, a multi-theist, a pan-theist, an atheist, or whatever ... just don't be an asshole.
2. Sadly, however, the world is full of assholes.  They come in all shapes and sizes, and from all viewpoints on the spectrum of religion (including non-religion).  
3. Just because you meet an asshole of one religious viewpoint does not mean that everyone else who shares that viewpoint is also an asshole.  
4. Just because someone disagrees with your own chosen religious viewpoint, or even thinks your views on religion are utterly stupid, does not mean that other person is an asshole.  
5. The line between asshole and non-asshole can be a very hard one to spot.  So if you think someone else crossed the line, give her the benefit of the doubt, since maybe you misjudged the line.  By the same token, if you yourself are getting close to the line, take a step back, lest you be judged an asshole.
6. Many teachings of different religious viewpoints (including non-religious viewpoints) are positive, and they can lead you to be a better person.  If you can identify and follow some of these teachings, you are less likely to be an asshole.

Also ... people aren't wearing enough hats.[/quote]

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