Religion: What it means to you

Please, please, PLEASE don't turn this into a shit-flinging contest? PLEASE?

How does religion weigh in your personal life? Has it helped you through hard times? Has it formed a kind of moral construct for you? Are you devout, a believer, or don't believe at all?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by valiant

Follower of Christ, though I struggle with it now and then. This faith system has contributed towards my world view concerning morality and our being.

Just out of curiosity, was your religion handed down to you in your family?

No one take offense, please - I think a lot of people just accept the religion that their family has been for ages and runs with it. I see a lot of it with Catholics, really. I am not saying all Catholics are like that, but so many seem to just claim their Catholicism without ever having checked what Catholicism entails, I guess. They just accept and move on.

Sorry. I went off on a tangent. Back to the original question. Is your religion something you learned from your family? Or did you get into it yourself?

This question stands for everyone, really. I am curious to see how many families out there do what mine does.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I was raised Catholic as well, but when the time came for my first confession, my father asked me if I really believed in this stuff.

I told him no.
He said I didn't have to go to CCD or church anymore.

We're a rather scientific family, thanks to our father. I don't think we possess the capability to think in terms of a god. We think in terms of life.

My mother is a very spiritual person, but not at all in the traditional sense. It could be because she's a ranting lunatic. (I've been told about a magic spell book or some shit that I will get someday when all elder family members on my mother's side die.)

I've had mother figures come and go in my life - one of which was an Irish Catholic - INCREDIBLY devout. She's the one who got my sister and I into church and reading the Bible. She got mad when my sister and I laughed at it a lot.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Minion

Uh, except the very beginning, right? Where it's surivival was almost, what would you call it? A miracle?

Something to control people.

Fear and religion. Two most powerful populus controllers.

1.) You scare the ever-living shit out of people with fear of something
2.) If that doesn't work, use a superior power which the powerful appeal to. Ever hear of "Mandate from God?" Yea. Thats bullshit and you know it.

I like how this thread turned right back into the religious debate though.

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by kinkymagic

Didn't Moses make people worship an idol of a snake later?

Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.

Maybe it's me, but it doesn't sound like anyone was worshiping the snake there. =/

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by
shadowlink56

]Umm . . . I thought it was the science nuts trying to remove God from the Pledge of Allegience,

The science "nuts."

You realize that a lot of doctorate-holding scientists actually believe in a god, right?

It's not the "science nuts," it's the people who don't want religion taught in public schools. You want religion taught to your kid so you don't have to? Pay for private school. Some people know how to parent.

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..."Intelligent Design" is the hopelessly PC way of skating the line between atheism and religion.

"Hopelessly PC". I really hope you're not talking about "politically correct" because hoo boy, are you off base.

"Intelligent Design" is something that a bunch of religious folks trying to push on everyone's kids.

See, the problem here is this: religion should not be imposed in public school systems. Some would disagree (like Brady, I'm sure), but you really oughtn't teach all kids in public school that some higher being made the world. Even WITH a disclaimer thats it's only a theory. It presupposes the existence of a higher-being, which kicks it into FAITH WORLD, and therefore should be a sdiscussion best held at the dinner table or in church or something.

The theory of evolution is in fact just a theory (though it's accepted as fact in some areas of the nation), but it doesn't presuppose anything that requires a sort of faith. Which means ha ha that religion isn't involved! You can TEACH it.

And you know, those stickers on the books in Maryland that say "Yea, evolution is only a theory" is kind of unnecessary, as the THEORY of Evolution kind of makes that point FOR them.

Religion should be taught at home. Not in a school, as to impose beliefs of any kind on other children.

There's nothing politically correct about it, and it is not bridging a gap between atheism and religion. At all. Religion should be taught at home, much like proper manners, personal hygiene, so on.

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I do agree that whoever was trying to get rid of evolution and Darwinism is an idiot. That's censorship.

O jesus christ, do you even know what you're talking about.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by Hachifusa

No, but it is rather puzzling why God would make that a necessary requirement if he could just will it away. I mean, I know that's a slippery slope - because any and all of God's ritualistic actions are then unnecessary - but this one is a little more ridiculous - the magical nature of the "snake viewing" is pretty strange.

Oh, that's our YHVH.

I'm pretty sure the Old and New Testaments are pretty much talking about two entirely different "Gods." They have me convinced. ^_^

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by LordsSword

Bible breathing Christian worldview here, returning to the scene, I have an update to share.

I have found my Fath experience to be an incredible source of support.
In dealing with tremendous difficulties in living as of late I have found that having a church + God believing family & friends a source of refuge and stregnth.

In my Christian experience I haven't stood alone in my life. Not only do I have people who currently stand with me using the same play book (the bible), I also have histories of past believers and their legacy passed on to me.

Can the nonchristians here say the same?

Are you high.

This is the very example of why people WANT to be religious. They like feeling like they're a part of something. Believe me, buddy - if you want to be a part of something and want support, there are a million ways to do it - not just through j.c.

I'm an atheist. My life is chock full of morality, love, generosity, and loving my brothers and sisters in life. I don't need a book or a pretend man to do it, either. Do YOU?

I hate how people talk down, thinking "love," and "fellowship" are new ideas to a faith. You can do it even without a faith. It's a bigger challenge, too! =D

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

I know, the drug culture I came from is full of people who want to be apart of something. We gathered together in mind spinning bliss but it didn't last & it left you feeling more empty than before. A life of following Jesus with others has not left me with that empty feeling.

Good for you. I'm glad you found what fills your hole of emptiness and loneliness.

Some of us don't have that hole, see.

You're admitting that Jesus is just a hole-filler. That's awesome in so many ways, it hurts.

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Either you guys are real bad asses and can just walk over anything that comes your way or you really haven't had to go through much difficulty in life.

I've been through a living fucking HELL. Do not tell me I haven't suffered in life, as you have no idea what I've been through.

I guarantee you that I have a HELL of a lot more experience with pain than you can fucking IMAGINE.

And you know what I do? I suck it up and move the fuck on. It's not being a bad ass. It's called dealing with reality. You can't cry all day and pity yourself because you've fallen on bad times. You don't need to reach out and find an imaginary person to carry the load with you.

You throw the load on your back, and you haul it up the mountain by yourself. It's no one's burden but your own. Be a man. Stop pushing your problems on things like Jesus. That's cowardly.

Eventually, you'll get to the top of the mountain. I'd rather know I climbed the mountain on my own and by my own will, thanks.

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My prayer to God for you is to be blessed with something that is over and above what you are able to accomplish. Something so hard that it shakes your notion of what the world is about.

You're an ass, you know that? Take your prayer and shove it, you patronizing prick.

I've been through more than you can dream of living through. I've had to face the metaphoric "demons" straight-on, in both my family and elsewhere. I'm a STRONGER person for it. I'm not a sniveling little brat who can't deal with her with reality.

I face the music that life plays. I don't try to hide from it.

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When that day comes then you will see what the poor folk through the ages have been talking about.

You know, for future reference:

It's incredibly, incredibly offensive when you shit on people who don't believe in what you believe. ESPECIALLY when you condescend by implying you'll pray for whomever, and imply you hope for their "enlightenment."

You should probably work on that. I'm not telling you that I hope one day you'll find that there is nothing after death, or whatever.

You don't know jack shit about atheists and agnostics. But I DO hope that one day, you decide to take your head out of your ass and start THINKING.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

Try some volunteer work to get a different perspective. Visit a nursing home or a homeless shelter and clock in some time. I did, it helps.

Thanks to Devo, I just caught this.

You are one HELL of an individual, LordSword.

Do you really think that non-Christians don't contribute their time to communities or volunteer services? Man o man, are you living in the dark.

I go out of my way to help people - those I know, AND strangers. I promise you I have "donated" more time to strangers and efforts which do not benefit me at all more than your average Christian.

Who the hell do you think you are to make such awful, sweeping generalizations? You're UN.BE.LIEVABLE. You should be ashamed of yourself, as a Christian.

RR, what is that from?? I think I recognize it. I am sure you're trolling me, but hey.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

First of all you've committed a logical fallacy. It cannot be the case that God does and does not exist. Therefore it cannot not simply be a matter of personal choice or faith. This violates the law of noncontradiction. If 50% of us believe in God and God does not exist, then it logically entails that 50% of us believe a false proposition.

Uh, see, I think what he is saying that NEITHER camp can provide conclusive proof of their belief or reason for disbelief.

Therefore, it is left to personal interpretation.

Religion shouldn't be interpreted like a mathematical formula. It's more of an interpretation of a piece of art. There is no "right" or "wrong" when you step back, simply because there's no evidence either way.

Religion is an opinion. Not a proposal for federal funds, here.

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Secondly, there are literally dozens of specific sciences that are as close as we're going to get which prove there is no God. The evidence in many cases which support our naturalistic understanding of the universe is overwhelming. Even Israeli archeology has not managed to find a single shard left by our ancestors' 40 year trek through the desert. With regards to certainty we can be as close as makes no difference that there was no exile and there was no wandering. There is not a shred of evidence in support of religion or the existence of god. The best you can achieve to prove the existence of God is to infer him from an apparent harmony in the arrangements. This is an extremely weak argument which has been refuted time and time again. You also have the problem of evil to account for. Then again religion has a great deal of explaining which it cannot do.

Again, I think you're reading religion in a really...awkward light. It's just my opinion, and whatever works for you is what you should stick to.

I'm not talking about scripture, texts, and myths. I am saying that religion (no matter which) is more about the human condition, and not science.

If you want to dissect your personal belief/non-belief like it's a carcass on a table, go for it. But understand not everyone views it like you do.

The problem starts when one camp starts pointing fingers at another camp. Or when the recruiting starts.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

This is true from a biblical point of view. You tell me to think, and I do. I have confirmed what the bible says in my lifes efforts, I know for a fact that the promises in the book are verifiabel truths.

I wonder if prayer can fix your horrific spelling. I think you ought to try that theory out.

KEEP PRAYIN'! I betcha God will FIX YOUR POOR SPELLING FOR YOU!

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I just dont read the texts I test them out. This is the reason why I pray for folks so I can see my God at work.

If you want to pray for people you know privately, that's cool. No one has the right to tell you what to do there - pray to whatever for whatever. I actually encourage this shit, if it helps you.

HOWEVER. If you want to pray for them IN THEIR FACE, you're being intentionally provocative and deserve to be punched in the neck.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

No, i'm sharing the different aspects of what my religion means to me. If its preachy I am sorry.

Originally Posted by LordSword

Try some volunteer work to get a different perspective. Visit a nursing home or a homeless shelter and clock in some time. I did, it helps.

Originally Posted by LordSword

My prayer to God for you is to be blessed with something that is over and above what you are able to accomplish. Something so hard that it shakes your notion of what the world is about.

Originally Posted by LordSword

When that day comes then you will see what the poor folk through the ages have been talking about.

Just to name a few. There are plenty more, if you want me to go into it. You're not talking about what it means to you. You're PREACHING. No one likes to be preached to about their beliefs. People usually take the time to think about their choices in belief - RESPECT their choices. Don't tell them they are wrong, don't tell them you'll pray for them to find what you have found, don't think you are holier than any one else.

Like Capo said quite nicely: religion is a personal choice. What works for YOU isn't necessarily what works for others. You may think your god is the one and only, but I assure you, many many many other people think THEIR god (or lack thereof) is the ONLY way it is.

You need to take a step back and understand religion is not just Jesus and God. That system may work for you, but you can NOT tell others that it is the ONLY way.

You're on a high-horse. You have no more answers than anyone else on this entire planet. You offend people by stomping on what they believe. You went as far as to doubt that atheists have any compassion or have never been through a period of hard times. How presumptuous of you.

If you'd take a moment and think (as I often recommend), you'd start to see that people don't need religion to be good people - you can stop telling them that they do.

If it works for you, that's awesome, and I am happy for you. Honestly. But you have NO RIGHT to tell others that they're not believing in the right thing.

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But I am just showing what my religion means to me. Often people just say what they believe, i'm showing it, whats the harm?

Yea, see above. You're not talking about what it means to you. You're condescending to others.

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Originally Posted by Devoxycontin

But what if religion to him is being a preachy condescending bastard about his own?

It wouldn't make him any different from a typical bible thumper.

And that's why everyone hates a great Evangelist!

I see your point, though.

In the same vein, I could pull a scientology move and claim that "destroying" people is fair game 'cause L Ron and the thetans said so!

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

I see your belief system is not too different than mine. By your statements you show what your religion means to you as well by your dedication in speaking for your view. You preach just like I do and you point out that no other way is right except your own.

Did you read any of my posts?

I HAVE NO RELIGION.

YOU assumed that because some people don't have religion in their lives they either a.) haven't been through enough shit in their lives to find a religion or b.) they're not as awesome as you c.) are generally not good people

I don't "preach" anything. What I believe is MY business and MY choice. I have no right to tell others how to lead their lives or what to believe in.

I do have OPINIONS about people who flock to religion, but that doesn't mean I am telling you and your ilk to BELIEVE IN WHAT I BELIEVE IN, or else you're DAMNED and HOPELESS.

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We may have some differences though. My religion means security to me.
What I mean by this is the fact that I measure myself by biblical standards.
Unlike the standards of personal preferences, other people or trends mine are written down and don't change with the times. Sure, people come along from time to time to impose their own views on the texts but the book says what it says and its messages have remained consistent over time.

You put up with the religious crap - not me. I don't really care what or how people interpret their religious texts, so long as they mind their business.

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Security comes in other ways as well. As a christian when I do what the book says and I get flack for it, I am secure in the knowledge that the book is dead on with its promises. I knew before hand that attacks on my views would come because the book said so.

So you believe in your god because you.... jeez. Because a book told you so, pretty much.

Well, alright. But don't expect me (or anyone else) to necessarily share in your convictions.

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I am made secure in the fact that my book is the only one that is consistent with science. The bible is the only religious book that is aligned with reality as we know it. (Isaiah 40:22) People have attacked the bible more than any other religious book over the course of centuries and ultimately have failed because its full of truth.

Or it could be because not everyone believes in the same thing. Don't think that it's special because it's disliked. Consider Islam, for instance. Or perhaps Jews.

Every religion has it's persecution.

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The bible & its message through religion mean security to me because views like yours bring me none. I can't be secure in personal strength because with time I will lose that and you will too.

I'd like to point out your preachiness RIGHT HERE.

If my thoghts and ideas of religion don't work for you - don't believe in them! It's really quite simple, here.

My system works for me. Yours works for you. You have NO RIGHT to say what should and will work for me, as I have no right to say that to you.

RESPECT other people, LordSword. I am pretty sure Jesus was all about it.

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Finally I am secure in the hope that I will see some of you on the other side. My book has accurately predicted things that happened in the past and so I trust in is future predictions.

Nostradamus "predicted" a lot of shit too, you know. It's called "vague as fuck metaphors which can pass."

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As the years roll by, many of you will forget what you typed here on this forum but you must consider that it may be more evidence to condemn you.

Yea, you're not preachy AT ALL.

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My religion means security in eternal life with my maker and the folks who took his offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. It means patience, mercy & forgiveness which I have for all of you cause I know where youre coming from.

If thats what you want to believe, go for it. But it's not a universal truth - never think religion in any form IS a universal truth. It's not.

There's no evidence, there's no way to research - it's all a matter of personal belief. And that's all you've got.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by The_Melomane

INTERNET RELIGION IS SERIOUS BUSINESS GUYS!

I'm not sure why this is the second comment where you come in and essentially mock the discussion going on.

Sure, the discussion isn't always the most intelligent, but it's nice to see any genuine conversation about something so widely interpreted.

In fact, any religion thread where the monkeys aren't slinging their poo at each other is a good one (ie: insulting each other left and right). You should encourage the discussion - not spam in it.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

I have no right? I stated awhile back that my religion means freedom for me. The world system quite often tries to put chains on people with the system of being P.C. but a Christian is not in the business of keeping freedom to themselves. A Christian is supposed to declare the freedom through Christ. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 5:16,
2 Corinthians 10:5)

And you wonder why people dislike you folks as a group.

You've been bred to shit all over everyone else' religion. You realize that MOST Christians keep their religion to themselves? Right?

Speaking of silly things the Bible tells you to do:

Exodus 31:15 "Whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death."

Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord; I change not."
But in the Old Testament vs. the New Testament, we suddenly have a WHOLE NEW GOD!

Exodus 15:3 "The Lord is a man of war."

I think you better start being less selective about the directions you follow when it comes to obeying the Bible and the word of god.

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Throughout history everywhere the church has gone, people have become free.

Tell me about the Crusades and how you can excuse that.

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Through Christian education & moral conduct the people of the democratic governments of the world have enjoyed freedoms that other religious systems don't have. Even our sciences have the Christian faith to thank because of the freedoms the belief system provides.

This nation - the one you live in - was founded for "religious freedom." Which means everyone here gets the right to believe what they want. (Of course, provided they follow legal provisions)

I recommend you start living by this and respecting your brother and neighbor.

[b]In the U.S. my freedoms come from God not people.[/quote]
O, you're a JEM.

How can people like you even EXIST today. It's the twenty-first century. Sigh

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THANKFULLY I have the right to speak which the admins of this forum respect.

You want to try to say this again in English?

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You have the right to ignore my posts.

I do. And you can ignore mine.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by GhaleonQ

RainMan and Sassafrass, this is just a reminder not to be too overzealous about your knowledge of the Bible, religious history, and Christian theology. It makes you look as silly as I do when I try to grasp dynamics.

I don't read the Bible. I stole passages from a Christian site. =p (Though I know some about theology, I don't really toss it around. It's inconsequential. I agree with what you're saying.)

Don't mistake me for a Christian. I was just tossing back to him what he tossed at me. I am not zealous or anything. I don't really have much to be zealous in.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

But what is your basis for thinking that you are right? We all have gone to school and know that there is such a thing as a right & wrong answer to the basic facts of reality.
What body of knowlege do you turn to that says that I am wrong?

Look, LordSword.

You presume (probably out of your own ignorance) that the Bible alone teaches "right and wrong." Morality, if you will. Do you enjoy being ignorant?

I recommend - seriously recommend - that you try reading up on other religions, if anything for education.

No one is saying you have to BELIEVE in the religions you would read about, but I honestly think you need to explore the lines of religion a little more before you start believing everything people of your faith are spitting out to you.

If your pastor or whatever told you that the sky was red 100% of the time because the Bible said so, would you actually believe it?

There are so many religions out there that have some strong moral foundations. Christianity is not the one and only, believe you me. Since the beginning of man, there has been some basic foundations of "morality," however primitive. GOD did not set forth morality - humans did.

The Bible isn't exactly perfect when it comes to morality, either. If you'd like examples, please let me know. I know people don't enjoy scripture posted if it can be avoided, and I'd like to respect wishes (if you get my drift).

Maybe you'd even enjoy the line of philosophy, if you bothered trying to explore the world of ideas outside of your church.

There's so much out there to know, LordSword. It seems thoroughly depressing that you wouldn't explore it.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Originally Posted by GhaleonQ

Opening up the intertextual can of worms is something that irritates me even when very knowledgeable people do it, and it's something that (you'll admit, so I'm not just patronizing) you're weaker regarding.

How would you know, though, had I not said I'm not a Bible fan?

There are theologians out there that know it backwards and forwards, but are not Christian.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

I have yet to mention my occult background. I have "practiced" several other belief systems (mainly new age) and that is a part of my life I am especially ashamed of. I did some bad stuff and I knew it was bad but my past belief systems never aligned with my conscience, this is the reason for my current position.

Which religions other than Christianity have you practiced? Not the Occult. Genuine, widely-accepted religions.

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I am aquainted with hinduism, buddahism, islam, and even the satanic following. ALL of them require people to "earn" the favor of their associated deitys through "correct" living and or practice of the given system.

What do you think the 10 Commandments are? What do you think RELIGION is?

Do you honestly think that Christianity is EXEMPT from this? Your deity essentially says: "If you do not follow my rules, and if you do not love me, you're gonna PAY, boy."

What are you smoking, LordSword?

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I continue to stress freedom time and again because the bible teaches the we can be free from such systems by accepting the fact that there is nothing we can do to earn our way into happiness & heaven. Its free when you give up your way, place God first and ask Him to save you through His plan through is plan through Jesus Christ.

...

What do I even say to this.

Do you understand anything you read, LordSword? Go back and read that.

"You're free if you do everything God says."

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How about you give God a chance with a simple request for forgivness of the bad things you've done & a request to be saved through Him being in charge.

How about you start minding your goddamned business. Pray to whatever you want, and I'm cool with it.

Start recommending shit I should try to get on your god's good side, and I start to lose it.

MY recommendation? Get educated. Start respecting other people and THEIR choices. (How many times have I said this to you, LordSword. You're absolutely RIDICULOUS)

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You will get immediate evidence from your decision as I did because you are given a gift (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Like what?

FREE IPODS?

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Those other systems left me wanting and empty because there is never enough you can do and we are left with no evidence of any eternal reward for efforts.

Yea, thats probably because you decided to try something from the "Occult," as you said.

There are a lot of half-wits out there.

If you're trying on religious shoes to see which one best suits your needs, there's no harm in it. You're exploring yourself and your options.

But DO NOT tell people what they SHOULD and SHOULD NOT DO. One day, maybe you will understand.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

My religion means war in all aspects of life to me. From the moment I wake up the war is on against everything that seeks to undermine my walk with God.

You don't need religion. You need a therapist.

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I am fan of the R-type games and many here remind me of the drive it takes to play. One man, one cause against so much opposition. Some here tell me to basically sell out and try some other "religion" but where is the compromise of their part. Its a war but not against you guys, my struggle is against the very reality that has been given for you perceive.

Did you just seriously compare video games to religion?

Dude. GET A THERAPIST. IMMEDIATELY.

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What authority says I am wrong anyway?

You dolt, there is no "right" or "wrong" opinion, provided no one hurts one another OVER their opinions.

You're stomping all over everyone who doesn't believe in what you believe. That's so wrong, I can't even begin to explain. You seem not to understand though. Maybe if you got a therapist....

God can be neither proven nor disproven. Therefore, it's all a matter of speculation. See how that works?

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I asked this a few posts back and got no answer. You (the reader) dont know & don't care, your happy where you are being plugged in to something thats sucking the life out of you.

"Sucking the life out of me?"

First, you said atheists "had never been through hard times" because we hadn't found god.

Then, you say that we're having our lives sucked out of us.

Who the bloody FUCK are you to judge how I lead my life?

You seriously embody most of what I hate about evangelism. Congratulations.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

My religion means direction for me. My guide, the Bible, offers direction on what is right and wrong. It also gives guidance on defining the sources of right and wrong. What authority says its wrong for me to disagree and dialogue with people with opposing views.

I've sat down face to face with Muslims, Atheists, Jehova Whitnesses and hashed it out with them and they respected me more when I had answers for their questions and questions about their views. We even launched belief proposals against each other as well and walked away with no ill will. Often they are honorable opponents with well reasoned convictions because they have rule books too. You have no source of rules leaving you with no defense, no structure and no direction thus I offer you my own. Structure is the basis for all freedom in every discipline imagined. Please consider mine.

I won't consider yours because you won't fucking consider mine.

FIRST of all, people of opposing religions are not "opponents." what the fuck is wrong with you to think that they are.

I don't need to justify my lack of faith to you what-so-ever. I have structure and I have morals. You don't know jack shit about me, and the instant you presume to know anything about my personal moral structure is the second I call bullshit on you.

I will repeat myself AGAIN so maybe this time you will understand!

Being an atheist does not mean you do not have a moral structure. It does not mean atheists are bad people. It does not mean atheists are "lost" or "need help."

It means we've thought through our religious options and decided NOT TO FUCKING GO WITH ANY because we -JUST. DON'T. BELIEVE. IN. IT.-

You can think I am lost, you can think I'll burn in hell - you won't know shit until you die. Only in death will anyone know any "truth," and until then, we can only speculate on what happens. I mean, hell. We just may die, go into the ground, and that's that. We may not even THINK after death as a "soul" or whatever voodoo shit people believe in. We very likely just fucking die. I know, I know. It's a hard thing to accept! Not everyone can, I guess. Thus: religion.

I am a good person, and I work hard to do the good things in life, both for others and for myself. I'm not perfect, but no human is. The only difference between you and I is that you use your faith as a reason to be good and strong. I use myself.

Quote:

Our bodies are not made to cope with the stress of anger. I was raised by an angry atheist and have met many more afflicted with the same malady. Anger does suck the life out of you and it makes you a prisoner in its own way.

What the fuck do you know about my anger, O Ye Presumptious One?

Because I use the word "fuck" or "shit" or ANY OTHER profanity does not mean I am ANGRY. I'm not. I assure you, if I were really angry, I wouldn't be here right now, typing this crap.

I am disappointed that there are humans like you who exist in the twenty-first century. You're the reason wars are fought. You're the reason people ramp up emotions towards one another.

Your religion is NOT RIGHT, as no religion (or even LACK of religion!) IS RIGHT. THERE. IS. NO. SUCH. THING. AS. A. "RIGHT." OPINION.

Additionally, why would you even want to deny a human emotion. You make no fucking sense.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by RacinReaver

Atheism is the denial of anything existing outside of our realm of observation.

Where are you getting this definition?? =/

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

Originally Posted by RacinReaver

I defined it that way as to distinguish between people who simply don't believe because they don't know (agnostics) and those who actively deny the existence in some supernatural being.

But it's inaccurate to say atheists don't believe in anything outside of the realm of observation, man. At least I find it so. I may be in the minority

Jam it back in, in the dark.