Atheist Acceptability on the Rise in America

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I saw this report on CNN. Their panel consisted of two atheists, one atheist activist and one teacher. The atheist activist just had the greatest grin on his face.

I get atheists. I just don't get atheist activists. What's with these stupid billboards? What is it they are hoping to accomplish? When churches put up billboards and advertise they are hoping to increase their congregations which will increase donations that help their church going, which can either lead to positive things like donations, or maybe not so positive things like adding a new 30 story church organ.

But what exactly do atheist get out of other people turning atheist? Why do they care? These guys probably annoy me more than any other people out there, more than the 99%, just a bit less than the 9/11 truthers.

Exactly. Why do so many militant Atheists stay so worked up about something they don't believe in. Geez just live and let live. They liken a beilief in a God to a like in Santa Claus, then get fanatical if anyone chooses to believe in it. They really are fanatics. Their anti-relgion is a religion in itself. They practice they same form of dogma that they claim to oppose.

[Elora & Rob 15]

i have been chastised for my religious beliefs for just mentioning that i was doing something for my church over the weekend. the argument that i find from most people who call themselves "athiest" is very flipant and deeply un intelligent. i have studied my faith, i have spent years attending church, reading books and having discussions. can atheists do the same thing.

[웃 910]

I saw this report on CNN. Their panel consisted of two atheists, one atheist activist and one teacher. The atheist activist just had the greatest grin on his face.

I get atheists. I just don't get atheist activists. What's with these stupid billboards? What is it they are hoping to accomplish? When churches put up billboards and advertise they are hoping to increase their congregations which will increase donations that help their church going, which can either lead to positive things like donations, or maybe not so positive things like adding a new 30 story church organ.

But what exactly do atheist get out of other people turning atheist? Why do they care? These guys probably annoy me more than any other people out there, more than the 99%, just a bit less than the 9/11 truthers.

How about a little perspective. This is the era of "New Atheism" and "Militant Atheism."

Sure, a little annoying.

But at least we aren't going to spend the next few centuries in The Dark Ages II. We aren't going to start any wars and kill millions of people (here comes Danno with his Hitler was an Atheist posts). And we won't be accusing anyone of being a witch and burning them at the stake. Back in the days religion was involved and you hopped on your horse and killed people. Back when you burned somebody alive because of religion. Stoned someone to death. Still happens today! It is rare but people do horrible things today because of religion (killing their children cause God or the Devil told them to, blowing up buildings, suicide bombings, honor killings, abortion clinic bombings, etc.)

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

How about a little perspective. This is the era of "New Atheism" and "Militant Atheism."

Sure, a little annoying.

But at least we aren't going to spend the next few centuries in The Dark Ages II. We aren't going to start any wars and kill millions of people (here comes Danno with his Hitler was an Atheist posts). And we won't be accusing anyone of being a witch and burning them at the stake. Back in the days religion was involved and you hopped on your horse and killed people. Back when you burned somebody alive because of religion. Stoned someone to death. Still happens today! It is rare but people do horrible things today because of religion (killing their children cause God or the Devil told them to, blowing up buildings, suicide bombings, honor killings, abortion clinic bombings, etc.)

Religion or no religion people are always going to be starting wars and doing bad stuff to each other, it's human nature. I don't think if the world was 100% Atheist would make much difference.

[Pooky 3,830]

Personally, I have no faith in atheism.

[rocks 494]

i have been chastised for my religious beliefs for just mentioning that i was doing something for my church over the weekend. the argument that i find from most people who call themselves "athiest" is very flipant and deeply un intelligent. i have studied my faith, i have spent years attending church, reading books and having discussions. can atheists do the same thing.

Are you really comparing someone making fun of you for going to church to being backed into a corner, being shouted at and unable to leave, while you wait innocently on the sidewalk for your partner to park the car? Are you saying it's OK for a church to call me up insisting that I give them money time and time again? Atheists have never done that to me or anyone I know, religious or not.

Why would an atheist study your faith? What a bizarre suggestion. Perhaps you should read some Bertrand Russell.

what happened should happen. Jesus and the bible will tell you that.

So it's OK for a Christian nutjob to act however they want? The bible doesn't tell me anything, I don't read such garbage.

because of a few experiences you throw half of the world into a box.

theres buses around london right now which say "there is no God" i see them every day.

trust me when i say this as a christian i get more offended by preaching than you as it is wrong.

What they say is "There's probably no god". Please only present facts, not your biased interpretation of them.

Edited June 30, 2012 by rocks

[aaydrian 479]

Why would an atheist study your faith? What a bizarre suggestion.

What I understood by what was said is that Christians study religious books and have like conversations but do atheists study books and engage in talks that support their non beliefs.

[Ban Hammer 13,554]

Personally, I have no faith in atheism.

[rocks 494]

What I understood by what was said is that Christians study religious books and have like conversations but do atheists study books and engage in talks that support their non beliefs.

Oh, it's hard to decipher what this person means, they seem very confused. I have read a number of books on the subject. If anyone out there is interested in learning about atheism, this is a good documentary Atheism: A Rough History of Disbelief

[Elora & Rob 15]

Are you really comparing someone making fun of you for going to church to being backed into a corner, being shouted at and unable to leave, while you wait innocently on the sidewalk for your partner to park the car? Are you saying it's OK for a church to call me up insisting that I give them money time and time again? Atheists have never done that to me or anyone I know, religious or not.

Why would an atheist study your faith? What a bizarre suggestion. Perhaps you should read some Bertrand Russell.

So it's OK for a Christian nutjob to act however they want? The bible doesn't tell me anything, I don't read such garbage.

What they say is "There's probably no god". Please only present facts, not your biased interpretation of them.

my point is for you to say this man represents all people of faith is wrong. he is a man with mental health issues. the incident happened because of those issues and not because of his faith. people every day get attacked, raped, murdered and religion has nothing do with it.

i get calls from charitys asking for money. i see adverts every day from charitys pleading sob stories asking for money. its wrong. i believe its wrong. jesus told us its wrong and so does the bible. unfortunately we live in a world where people do not understand allot of things and religion is one of those.

i am not asking them to study my faith i am asking them to study theres. the arguments i hear are largely unintelligent. i have read bertrand russell i wonder how many atheists have.

i meant to say shouldn't sorry about that....the bible will tell you not to do what that man did and not to do call your house. over the last 1000 years faith has been massively misunderstood unfortunately.

[Elora & Rob 15]

Oh, it's hard to decipher what this person means, they seem very confused. I have read a number of books on the subject. If anyone out there is interested in learning about atheism, this is a good documentary Atheism: A Rough History of Disbelief

then you are quite rare and in fact your the only atheist i have spoken to who has ever studied.

is there any place in the documentary where he explains his beliefs on life's meaning? reading the wikipedia page it sounds like he goes on about the faults of religion rather than trying to explain his beliefs. hes quoted as saying "i dont give it much thought".....yes makes a documentary on the subject.

[rocks 494]

my point is for you to say this man represents all people of faith is wrong. he is a man with mental health issues. the incident happened because of those issues and not because of his faith. people every day get attacked, raped, murdered and religion has nothing do with it.

i get calls from charitys asking for money. i see adverts every day from charitys pleading sob stories asking for money. its wrong. i believe its wrong. jesus told us its wrong and so does the bible. unfortunately we live in a world where people do not understand allot of things and religion is one of those.

i am not asking them to study my faith i am asking them to study theres. the arguments i hear are largely unintelligent. i have read bertrand russell i wonder how many atheists have.

i meant to say shouldn't sorry about that....the bible will tell you not to do what that man did and not to do call your house. over the last 1000 years faith has been massively misunderstood unfortunately.

I agree that it has, that is my main gripe with it. It is supposed to be for the good, but it almost never is. I drove by a church here the other day, at first I thought "wow a church is saying positive", but then I was quickly disappointed when I read the second line. The sign read: "Become an organ donor, give your heart to Jesus:. I'm sure Jesus would have wanted people to donate organs to those in need. As I said before, the church can be good in a community. After Katrina many religious organizations helped out here, even the Scientologists.

[rocks 494]

then you are quite rare and in fact your the only atheist i have spoken to who has ever studied.

is there any place in the documentary where he explains his beliefs on life's meaning? reading the wikipedia page it sounds like he goes on about the faults of religion rather than trying to explain his beliefs. hes quoted as saying "i dont give it much thought".....yes makes a documentary on the subject.

There is a follow up documentary called The Atheism Tapes, my favourite is Colin McGinn. I don't see it as pointing out the faults of religion, he just points out why he doesn't believe in it. He is a philosopher so it is from that perspective. If you're interested, skip to 4:35.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4lbXxX2xVo

Edited June 30, 2012 by rocks

[Elora & Rob 15]

There is a follow up documentary called The Atheism Tapes, my favourite is Colin McGinn. I don't see it as pointing out the faults of religion, he just points out why he doesn't believe in it. He is a philosopher so it is from that perspective. If you're interested, skip to 4:35.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4lbXxX2xVo

my question to him would be....so where does it all come from? if God doesn't give us meaning....what has?

as human beings we have a deep desire for answers. this man does not give me any answers. Jesus does give me answers and thats why I follow him over this man.

Edited June 30, 2012 by Elora&Robert

[aaydrian 479]

is there any place in the documentary where he explains his beliefs on life's meaning? reading the wikipedia page it sounds like he goes on about the faults of religion rather than trying to explain his beliefs.

Religion vs Atheism is quite similar to Prosecutor vs Defense. It is not the job of the defense to prove that their client is innocent but instead to disprove the claims of the prosecutor. This is where science tends to get involved in both scenarios.

my question to him would be....so where does it all come from? if God doesn't give us meaning....what has?

as human beings we have a deep desire for answers. this man does not give me any answers. Jesus does give me answers and thats why I follow him over this man.

It is true that religion with its true uncorrupted intention gives people a reason to overcome obstacles and be grateful for what the have.

Jesus gives you answers? What did you ask? What was the reply? Did you like the answers? Did you question said answers?

Question: What's the difference between a person who really did hear from God/Jesus and acted accordingly and someone who hears voices, followed their instructions and claimed that God/Jesus told them to do it? How do you suggest we treat both individuals?

Edited June 30, 2012 by aaydrian