The Superior Atheist/Whats your religious history?

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

Most of the atheists I meet are a bunch of assholes who think that they`re better than the stupid masses who believe in something they can`t see. I think I once may have been this way, and it`s a bad way to be. The problem is, once you believe you`re right and someone else is wrong, you`re just part of another religious group that has specific beliefs. Christians are right and everyone else is wrong too.

I used to enjoy debating with Christians about god, but now when I see or hear it, it just annoys me. Maybe it`s because I`ve learned from it, in which case, seeing it shouldn`t annoy me because they`re learning too.

But... what was my point...? Most atheists are arrogant, especially the new ones, and they`re not afraid to prove every religious group wrong, to the utter irritation of their practicioners. Don`t go replying with "But they try to prove me wrong by shoving their religion in my face and converting me". That`s no where near as bad as the launched attacks we`ve all seen against people of faith.

I tell athiests that there's another option; Agnosticism, I explain it, then they shut up. Maybe that`s kinda robbing them of a chance to learn through debate, but I think it`s most likely saving a religious man from getting pissed off at these heretic non believers who hassle them all day.

I once was Christian, until I was about 8 and I 'knew better' (Funny how I`m still carrying that obnoxious tone, but that`s just how I`m talking today *Shrugs*), then I was Athiest, again, until I knew better at about 12. Then I labeled myself Agnostic (Rather than becoming agnostic - I think I always was). At 15, I found Buddhism. It`s the best and all the rest suck, so I laugh at everyone who runs around like headless chickens. He he he, yes, I see the irony of saying that after my superior atheist speech, he he he. ;D

To make the replies simple to follow, write it in two separate parts... Comments on Athiests and Religious History. Jesus, I`m so good when I wanna be ;D

P.S, there should be a devil face emoticon

[Ancient Goddess]

Well, I know a lot of atheists, and most of them are pretty nice about it. Through them I can understand why they do not believe in God, but I don't necessarily believe their ideas. They don't shove the 'facts' in my face and tell me I'm wrong for being a Christian. The same goes for my friends who are Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, and even Buddist.

I know I'm not a 'true' Christian, since I disagree with a lot of the stuff the church will tell us. I do believe in God and Jesus, and that's really the main part. I don't think that people need to go to church every Sunday, or they will go to hell. I don't believe that people who aren't Christians will automatically go to hell. I believe that there are many Gods around (and most of them were formed by the idea of Jehova), but that my god is higher than all of them. That's just my opinion, though. I know God exists, since He has helped me out in my life, and gave me answers to my prayers on seperate occasions. But I don't go around waving a flag, telling the world that everybody needs to be Christian like me. Because frankly that's ignorant, and I hate when people tell me that I need to be a certain way and what I believe in is wrong. Everyone's entitled to their own opinions. End of story.

I don't think I was really Christian until I was about 15 or so. Most of my life, adults told me, "Well, there is a God that watches you everyday and if you do bad things, you'll go to hell! And that's a place you don't want to go." I believed them. Then I 'knew better'. Deeds don't matter in the eyes of God (again, this is my opinion as a Christian). If so, then every soul would probably go to hell, since we all have probably sinned in our lifetime.

They also tried to tell me that people who didn't believe in God went directly to hell. No. That's just wrong. A lot of third-world countries have never gotten any exposure to Christianity at all. So they'd all go to hell for not knowing such a religion existed?

It's really up to personal preference. We all have different beliefs, and yes, that can sometimes make us ignorant to other people, since we believe that we're right and everyone else is doing something wrong. In reality, we really don't know what's going to happen when we die or where we are going to go. But I think religion is something that is supposed to shape your life, instead of preparing for where you're going to be in the end. In truth, I believe that all religions are right in a way. It's just a matter of opinion.

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

Amen to that, most especially...

In reality, we really don't know what's going to happen when we die or where we are going to go. But I think religion is something that is supposed to shape your life, instead of preparing for where you're going to be in the end. In truth, I believe that all religions are right in a way. It's just a matter of opinion

...that.

After learning about Buddhism, I came to realise that that, in my opinion, is most important. That`s why I like Buddhism, it shows you a way to live your life rather than a way to prepare for another.

[Sephiroth Kaizen]

[glow=blue,4,300]Wow, this is a rather touchy subject so here's all I'm going to say:
If you want to believe in something, then do it. But don't treat everyone else like you're all high-and-mighty just because you believe your religion/beliefs are better than anyone else's. The only proof of our reward or punishment for our deeds is what we put on ourselves. If you have a conscience and values were instilled in you by someone important to you then you'll experience your punishment: guilt.
As for the atheists, I've met quite a number of them, and they seem nicer than the Christians I've met. They simply say, "I'm atheist" and leave it at that. They don't walk around with their noses in the are like Christians... so if anyone is being an asshole, it would probably be the Christian. Sorry to say it, but chances are, it's true.
If you don't believe me, do your research on the Spanish Inquisition. Find out how many innocent people were tortured and murdered "in the name of GOD" because they would not convert.
Blah, do not get me started on religion. ST and D1OP know how I am. Someone may get shutdown in here.[/glow]

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

HA HA HA!!! OK, ok.

1. It`s hardly a touchy subject. Nobody is being offended. I just use words like 'asshole' and phrases like 'most atheists' because I`m a lazy bastard who doesn`t bother tip-toeing around wording half the time.

2. The Spanish Inquisition... how long ago was that? People die in the name of God all the time. God, Allah, etc, whatever. You`re saying that Christians are more likely to be snobby and have a holier-than-thou attitude than Atheiests because of the Spanish Inquisition. I can`t see how.

3. Nobody is gonna get shut down here. There are no personal attacks going on here (although I can`t tell if in your first paragraph you`re using 'you' refering to me, to everybody on the thread or everybody who could hypothetically exist). Obviously, if you`re the protagonist here, I`m the antagonist, in which case I have offended you in some way and for that I apologize. Like I said, I generalized cause it`s easy to write.

Seeing that you both haven`t heard of snotty Athiests only proves that all people are different anyway, be they religious men or not. So really, there won`t be too much need for replies that are relevent to the topic I suppose. Supposing that somebody IS gonna get shut down kinda does make it seem as if you are stuck in your views and see them as right. Sure you may know a lot or more than others, but you don`t know a. all or b. right or wrong. That not your fault or anybodys, because in the end, nobody will ever know either. Then again, I suppose that`s why we debate

[Ancient Goddess]

Pimpmaster said:

So really, there won`t be too much need for replies that are relevent to the topic I suppose.


To make the replies simple to follow, write it in two separate parts... Comments on Athiests and Religious History.

Actually, this is still an open topic, the original question is about people's views on althiesm and religious history. There could be someone who would like to add to our statements. So yeah, there would be a need.

As to shutting people down, I haven't seen any behavior that calls for that. You were merely giving an opinion, and if SK decided to shut this down, then I would reopen it. Somehow, I don't think that's what she meant by her statement. I know SK personally, and I know that she didn't mean it that way. If so, then she'll probably post and disagree with me...but this is only what I know about her. I could be wrong.

I agree with you for the most part, but you do realize that even though times have changed, things are still somewhat the same. I also agree with SK's statement as well. I do know a lot of people who give others shit for not following their ideas. The Spanish Inquistion, although old, set an example for these people, and the basis is followed even today. It may not be as violent, but it's still around.

People have different opinions, and I don't think it's right to try and censor them. So have no worries...this thread (or you) is not going to be shut down.

[Sephiroth Kaizen]

[glow=blue,4,300]First off, Pimpmaster, when I used the word 'you' I wasn't directing my comment directly towards you. To me, you are not that special.
Second, when I mention something is a touchy subject, that means I get fired up about it very easily.
Third, the Spanish Inquisition was not about people dying in the name of God. The Christians were the ones persecuted non-Christians who refused to convert... Read up on your history. And I never said Christians carry a "holier than thou" demeanor because of the Spanish Inquisition. Christians carry that attitude because they are in many ways, extremists. They believe everyone will be condemned and it's up to them to convert as many as possible, in whatever means necessary (i.e. torture as in the Spanish Inquisition).
And when I mean shut down, I mean, silenced because I have a tendency to get rather hostile.
Perhaps, you've met snotty atheists because of your approach to them. Have you ever thought about that?
Believe me, I'm not stuck in my views. I haven't met a snotty atheist because I don't walk around attempting to antagonize people. I think I'm probably one of the most open-minded people you will ever have a conversation with. And I am more than ready to admit my faults if you prove to me without a doubt that you are right.
And thank you for stating the obvious about me not knowing all... I figured that was already fairly obvious by the absence of my saying that. And I do know right or wrong and I know it's wrong to assume someone is an asshole because of the way they carry themselves. Maybe they don't want to be around you or self-proclaimed Christians or whatever the case may be. But that definitely doesn't make them an asshole. Perhaps, you should think wisely the next time you post in an effort to figure me out.

And just in case you have an inkling that I don't know about the Spanish Inquisition, here's some info:

campus.northpark.edu/history/WebChron/WestEurope/SpanInqui.html
www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/64.htm
www.catholic.net/RCC/Periodicals/Dossier/1112-96/article2.html
www.geocities.com/iberianinquisition/[/glow]

[GoGoCactusMan]

As a person who does not belive in God in any form, and thus an "atheist", I find some of your comments very offensive. I don't consider myself an asshole and I don't go around telling people that they're religion is wrong and I won't tollerate anyone telling me my lack of religion is going to send me to "Hell", a place I don't belive in. You have no right to tell someone their religion is wrong, everyone has the right to belive in what they want. I'm open for debate, but I don't laugh at anyone's religion, as long as they're not forcing their beliefs on me. I'm all for talking about why I don't belive in God, and I'm all for hearing the other side. My best friend is very religious, her whole family is, and we still get along and have debates about it all the time, but it's nothing menacing or accusing. So I'm glad you've found a religion that suits you, but do not belittle the rest of us for choosing differently!

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

Ha ha! This is gonna be some work for me! ;D OK...

Actually, this is still an open topic, the original question is about people's views on althiesm and religious history. There could be someone who would like to add to our statements. So yeah, there would be a need.

True dat.

I agree with you for the most part, but you do realize that even though times have changed, things are still somewhat the same. I also agree with SK's statement as well. I do know a lot of people who give others shit for not following their ideas. The Spanish Inquistion, although old, set an example for these people, and the basis is followed even today. It may not be as violent, but it's still around.

I like your point. I brought up that example that SK brought forward because I believe that religions don`t act as a unit with one brain. There are individuals inside them who have different attitudes. There are also different sects of religions and they may behave differently and not so high and mighty. Infact, no one can say that the majority of Christians has views like these just from what they`ve experienced. Even if books say, "Hey, this is what the trend has been for the last 1000 years", you can`t assume anything. This ties in with...

As for the atheists, I've met quite a number of them, and they seem nicer than the Christians I've met. They simply say, "I'm atheist" and leave it at that. They don't walk around with their noses in the are like Christians... so if anyone is being an asshole, it would probably be the Christian. Sorry to say it, but chances are, it's true.

...That. More notably, the last 2 sentances.

And I never said Christians carry a "holier than thou" demeanor because of the Spanish Inquisition. Christians carry that attitude because they are in many ways, extremists. They believe everyone will be condemned and it's up to them to convert as many as possible, in whatever means necessary (i.e. torture as in the Spanish Inquisition).

Holier-than-thou = noses in the air? Where I`m from...

Not that I don`t believe that SOME Christians believe that non-believers are damned, but ALL? I suppose you`re guilty of the same generalizations that I am. Whatever.

Perhaps, you've met snotty atheists because of your approach to them. Have you ever thought about that?

Maybe... hmmmm... let`s read on...

I once was Christian, until I was about 8 and I 'knew better', then I was Athiest, again, until I knew better at about 12.

Then I was agnostic until I was about 15...

I used to enjoy debating with Christians about god...

You see, I WAS one of those assholes. I knew those assholes and still know them. They were and are my friends. Say it. "Maybe being an asshole, you attracted assholes". Whatever. They exist.

And thank you for stating the obvious about me not knowing all... I figured that was already fairly obvious by the absence of my saying that. And I do know right or wrong and I know it's wrong to...

OK, this wasn`t an attack on you. Read...

Supposing that somebody IS gonna get shut down kinda does make it seem as if you are stuck in your views and see them as right. Sure you may know a lot or more than others, but you don`t know a. all or b. right or wrong. That not your fault or anybodys, because in the end, nobody will ever know either.

Nobody knows everything, so yes, I was stating the obvious. Nobody knows right or wrong anyway, not any kind of objective right or wrong regarding religion, and probably a lot of recorded history. You`re acting as if you are right, as if you have all the angles figured out. That last sentance... that`s the point of this paragraph and most of the paragraph from which the quote was pulled from. I`m not a specialist of history, psychology and anthropology and you`re not either. I don`t even think a specialist would have used the tone you did. The, dare I say it, more knowledgable-than-thou tone.


BTW...

And I do know right or wrong and I know it's wrong to assume someone is an asshole because of the way they carry themselves

This is usually how I spot an asshole (if by carry themselves you mean act and speak).

[auraki]

Well, well...

I have a rather jaded view of Christianity, but only because I have met the Fundies and the Satanists and I know there are stupid people on either side of the fence. I think it is important to note that most of the time a particular sect of religion is not corrupt; it is the individual.

I can see ignorance, pride and folly on both sides. This is going to tick a few people off but...Christians are taught to think they are internally better than everyone else. The counter-argument to this would be, "No, we recognize we are flawed individuals and that we need God's guidence." Yes, but as a flawed individual under the Christian God, you are going to heaven while everyone else will suffer etenally in hell because they did not follow the rules to the letter. Even when people I know and like well say they respect but do not follow a person's believes, I think they do not realize that they are actually saying, "What you believe in is wrong, and I don't do those things because I might be punished, as you will be, because wrong is associated with Satan, and you will be going to Hell." Why else would a Christian avoid doing something, if not to avoid gaining the ultimate punishment?

Atheists believe that all people who believe in God are weak-minded and therefore beneath them since they have had the insight to realize there is no God. But I have found that a majority of atheists don't spend there time proving that there is no God; they simply deny God, for whatever reasons. At least Christians look to some sort of text to gather their proof, flawed as it may be. Many self-proclaimed atheists just dislike Christianity because it doesn't seem to do anything for them. That's fine, but that is no reason to knock it, imo. People need religion for different things; it makes a person no weaker in my eyes to believe in a God to make things easier for you, because EVERYONE depends on something, may it be material or inmaterial.

I believe in God. And if not for a few key issues that I differ on, I might be considered a Christian. I would say agnostic but, my view of the divine tends to lean more torward the Christian way of thinking. But mostly, I am undecided, and I refuse to define myself in a category. I feel how I feel, and to take on a label means I might be ascribing to ideas I don't totally believe in. I've purposely been the devil's advocate on both sides, and yes, I have made assumptions and generalizations, but soley for the purpose of being proven wrong, if it is possible. So...yeah.

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

He he he. I like most of what you said. The rest that I differ on isn`t significant enough for me to debate about . I like Auraki. Be my friend ;D

[darkoneofpower]

Okay, let me see if I can do this right.

Let me say something about your Buddhist ways, Pimpmaster McSlap Bitch.... they need to be checked. You are suppose to be taking a middle path to everything in life, your statements are rude and general. From what I have learned of Buddhism, it's a great way to live life. I hope you realize what you have done wrong. There is something in Buddhism called the Right Speach, neither what you have written or sucking up would be the right way. I love Buddhism, since I have had a closer grasp on it since I have gotten to school I have also taken quiet an interest in it. And I believe that there are some ways of Buddha that are needed to be followed in the Christian faith only because it is also written in the Christian bible. I do not mean to sound rude, and I myself since I have not yet found what I am searching for and am neither monk nor nun, will only say that I wish that you would not speak in such a maner.

As for the Atheists, I know a lot too, and I disagree with you also. I believe everyone has a chance to find theright path in life and follow it.

Also don't generalize about the people in here, using the word "you" in your writting has pointed to the people in here. If you do not wish to be attacked back then watch what you write. You made an honest mistake, Pimpmaster, I for one won't hold it against you.

[GoGoCactusMan]

I don't think people who belive in God are weak minded! They have the right to belive in what they want, and maybe what they belive in I just don't understand, but hey, that's their thing. I don't think I'm necessarily denying any god, I don't go around telling people to stop praying to something that I think doesn't exist, and although I do have my opinions about why I think there is no God, I do not consider myself higher than anyone else! Geez! I know I 've got no right to walk around with my nose in the air! I'm not that smart! I can't even do long division and my thumbs are put on backwards!! ^_^

[Pimpmaster McSlap-Bitch]

He he, yeah, I`m not the best Buddhist in the world. ;D Nothing much else I can say about that. My statements... yeah, a little rude initially I'd say, but they`re become more specific and less rude later on during the thread. As for the 'you's in my later posts... I can`t see where my error was... Ah well. Quote it.

[Dio]

What drives me crazy is when you try to get christians to think outside the box they have been taught all there lives.Like the church dosent have their best intrest at heart, or even the hypothectal questions of what happens when you die.Its just so forign amd wrong to question things like that.My family are all catholics, and i went through all the related trials and rituals of the faith but never cared about god or religion in general.And the hostility that was made when i didnt want to go to church was not fun,then i knew the extent of how far they realy were ...brainwashed i guess is the best term i can think of.

I guess ,my point/question is what would cause people to lose the ability to question and think independently?