Religion: What it means to you

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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

We all know the New Covenant ridiculousness was made up by that blasphemer, Saul of Tarsis, anyway.

Yahweh was talking to Jews. Let's please remember that gentiles have to make up gods out of men in order to feel included.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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

None but you put me in bind. I could spend more than a lifetime trying to get just one system right. Your request is not humanly possible to carry out. My request takes only a moment. If I am wrong what will it cost you?

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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

A guide that shows how badly we need a God to save us.

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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."

But His love is not earned though some act on our part.

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

What are you smoking, LordSword?

I was big on pot, but now I am high on God.

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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."

I'm free in my country so long as I obey the laws. Whats the difference?

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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

If my God was not real you have no reason to get mad. Why get angry at some loonie who lives in a make believe world?

Your problem is that on some level this discussion is important to you cause you do believe there is a God, my book says you do as well.

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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)

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. Most often the fight is against myself but in times like this, its a struggle of ideas. I continue the fight cause it makes me a better Christian.
People who come against me force me to practice my faith better.

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.

What authority says I am wrong anyway? 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.

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

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.

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

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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.[/b]

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.

Originally Posted by Sassafrass

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.

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.

I was speaking idiomatically.

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.

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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.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

My faith tradition started with nonconformance and continues to this day. As a black man I have my brother in the faith Martin Luther King jr. to thank for his nonconformance. I am made free because he too made a stand in his day to speak out and not give in.

It's very unfortunate you don't study a bit of your cultural history. You could learn much about the great but sadly forgotten secularists, Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, the two men to actually organize the march on Washington. As for Dr. King, it's a very good thing he only took a very small portion of the book of Exodus and used it as a metaphor when he said, "my people should be let go." Had he quoted the entire book he would have followed, "And once my people are free, they are then permitted to steal your land, rape your women children, and kill everyone who gets in their way."

Originally Posted by LordsSword

I stand for the Bible, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

I stand for the Iliad, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

I stand for Das Kapital, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

I stand for Mein Kampf, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

Many here don't have anything to stand on at all but their collection of rumor, here-say and shifting information that constantly needs updating.

You're right, many of us only have those silly, unreliable things like reason and logic and intellectual honesty and literature and scepticism and morality and ethics and science and politics and economics, mere piffle when having a discussion about humanity and its role in the universe.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

To me my book is a proven source of virtue but I have yet to see if my opponents seek to show the source from which they define what virtue is so as to show grounds for their judgments against me and my statements.
(Luke 6:42)
What makes YOUR opinions better than the bible? I bet you dont even know where your views come from even though it means "supreme authority over religious views" to you.

Even virtuous men can perform just acts for wicked reasons. If you need a religious warrant to keep you from murdering or stealing or to perform good deeds in the name of your faith, then very clearly this should not be confused with morality.

Originally Posted by LordsSword

My religion is backed by centuries of researchable facts of its benefits to humanity. To those who are critical of the bible, what about your belief system? What is its track record?

Science, reason and the others I listed above are to be wholly credited in finally giving humans the understanding and courage of stepping away from that horrible period we call the dark ages and leading us into the age of enlightenment. Something we can all be grateful for. Thanks to science we no longer have to burn women to death for casting spells on neighbours and people like J. K. Rowling can even make a very good career writing novels depicting fictional wizards.

Originally Posted by RacinReaver

An agnostic who's not arrogant enough to consider himself an atheist.

This is a weighted statement since you should have included theist to complete the definition of agnostic. Also, your use of "arrogant" is simply a red herring. Since atheism is a term devoid of any philosophical content I'll use the more appropriate worldview positions of the atomists, materialists or the physicalists. I'm here to tell you that arrogance has no relation with someone who holds this philosophical worldview which merely describes the universe as being made up of atoms or "stuff" and does not contain anything immaterial such as souls. It's a very serious and interesting philosophical view started by Democritus and Epicurus and persists today in Daniel Dannett, dare I say myself, and many others.

Now that you've broken out of your Socratic defense strategy, maybe you could share how your agnosticism works with regards to Santa Claus, Big Foot, Russell's Teapot, Sherlock Holmes, the inexaustable laundry list of other imaginery folk figures and the thousands of dead Gods which lie burried in that mass grave called mythology.

If God could be disproven then the logical consequence of this would see atheism as a truism or a tautology and theism as entirely nonsensical. Since God, or anything for that matter, cannot be disproven, anyone who describes themselves as an atheist is in a strong language describing themselves as agnostic with a lean towards a disbelief in the existence of the object in question (90-10). The problem of agnosticism is that it gives a false idea that the existence of the "thing" in question has an equal 50-50 chance of either existing or not existing, which is, I'm sure you must agree on, an entirely false impression. If you disagree then I can only describe you as a fundamental agnostic (strictly 50-50) which is a rather odd and frankly hopeless view.

FELIPE NO

I think it's dumb not to at least believe that there might be a remote chance of some higher power out there. I wouldn't ever want to be an atheist. Because my imagination wouldn't allow it anyhow. I have the imagination, and the open mindedness to believe in a God. To say that without God, I'd be an immoral individual is idiotic as well. Being a Christian didn't give me my morals. My morals are just part of what make me a Christian. I have no problem with people who are atheist, or agnostic. But seriously, if they can get in other people's faces about there being no God, why can't I get in there faces about there being a God? There really isn't a difference at this point. I've been finding both cliques of people to be equally annoying as of late.

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

Interesting point Smelnick. Imagination is a very powerful thing sometimes. When I was a child, my imagination was vast and God flourished in my mind's eye. As time went on, I simply couldn't keep keep pretending.

I don't want to be an atheist either. I'd love if God existed and it was irrefutable.

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I've been finding both cliques of people to be equally annoying as of late.

Agreed. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like without the suggestion of God. Would it better, worse?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

What I find annoying is certain people at my church. People go to church to seek perfection, both spiritually or whatever. But there is actually people at my church who judge other people, who are coming from a life of drugs and shit, and their coming to church to get clean. Basically my point is, you don't need to be perfect and then come to church, you come to church to get perfect.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

The problem of agnosticism is that it gives a false idea that the existence of the "thing" in question has an equal 50-50 chance of either existing or not existing, which is, I'm sure you must agree on, an entirely false impression.

How so?

Demonstrate, will you, how the existence or nonexistence of an unknowable omnipotent being can be said to be more or less likely in any fashion whatsoever past your own inherent bias.

Fuckin' clown.

How ya doing, buddy?

Are you agnostic as to the existence of Invisible Pink Unicorn?

I personally think whether or not one is theistic leaning agnostic or atheist leaning agnostic really depends on whether or not one accept solipsism as a valid argument when it comes to the discussion of observable physical realities.

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

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

This is a weighted statement since you should have included theist to complete the definition of agnostic. Also, your use of "arrogant" is simply a red herring. Since atheism is a term devoid of any philosophical content I'll use the more appropriate worldview positions of the atomists, materialists or the physicalists. I'm here to tell you that arrogance has no relation with someone who holds this philosophical worldview which merely describes the universe as being made up of atoms or "stuff" and does not contain anything immaterial such as souls. It's a very serious and interesting philosophical view started by Democritus and Epicurus and persists today in Daniel Dannett, dare I say myself, and many others.

Atheism is the denial of anything existing outside of our realm of observation. Are you arguing that because we don't see something it can't exist? How very solipsist of you.

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Now that you've broken out of your Socratic defense strategy, maybe you could share how your agnosticism works with regards to Santa Claus, Big Foot, Russell's Teapot, Sherlock Holmes, the inexaustable laundry list of other imaginery folk figures and the thousands of dead Gods which lie burried in that mass grave called mythology.

These are purported to exist within our realms of perception and not outside of our ability to grasp.

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If God could be disproven then the logical consequence of this would see atheism as a truism or a tautology and theism as entirely nonsensical. Since God, or anything for that matter, cannot be disproven, anyone who describes themselves as an atheist is in a strong language describing themselves as agnostic with a lean towards a disbelief in the existence of the object in question (90-10). The problem of agnosticism is that it gives a false idea that the existence of the "thing" in question has an equal 50-50 chance of either existing or not existing, which is, I'm sure you must agree on, an entirely false impression. If you disagree then I can only describe you as a fundamental agnostic (strictly 50-50) which is a rather odd and frankly hopeless view.

Are you just trying to use big words to make yourself sound smart or is there an actual point hidden in there?

I don't believe in any sort of supernatural being, though I don't see any reason why I should reject the possibility that one should exist.

PS: I'm a determinist (and it's a terribly boring belief).

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by RacinReaver

Atheism is the denial of anything existing outside of our realm of observation. Are you arguing that because we don't see something it can't exist? How very solipsist of you.

Athiesm is a term that describes somebody who does not believe in God or deities. I say that if there is no evidence that something exists then there is no reason to believe it exists, not that it can't exist.

Originally Posted by RacinReaver

I don't believe in any sort of supernatural being, though I don't see any reason why I should reject the possibility that one should exist.

It's also a possibility that a Nigerian prince really did e-mail me and ask me to help him transfer his money.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Originally Posted by RacinReaver

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

Where are you getting this definition?? =/

FELIPE NO

I always figured atheists to be people who didn't believe in any god. Agnostic to me is someone who believes there might be something, but not in any particular one

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

The whole Pink Unicorn gambit is so played out, guys, honestly. A pink unicorn is not significantly sillier than any other theoretical entity, I see no particular flaw in a sustained indecision re: pink unicorns. Agnosticism is not a pick-and-choose philosophy, it's a concrete decision to admit that I don't fuckin' know!

Originally Posted by kinkymagic

It's also a possibility that a Nigerian prince really did e-mail me and ask me to help him transfer his money.

Indeed! But statistically we can observe many hundreds of instances of such requests and determine that the likelihood of such requests being valid is very low. This is science! However, we cannot outright deny the existence of any secret princes in Nigeria, we have to way to determine that. To say outright that no Nigerian prince could ever conceivably send email is unprovable and rather unscientific indeed.

Most amazing jew boots

Originally Posted by Pangalin

The whole Pink Unicorn gambit is so played out, guys, honestly.

You gotta admit though, its got a nice ring to it.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by kinkymagic

Athiesm is a term that describes somebody who does not believe in God or deities.

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.

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I say that if there is no evidence that something exists then there is no reason to believe it exists, not that it can't exist.

See, that's the thing. Religious people see the universe as evidence that some sort of God(s) exist. I imagine it seems as self-evident to them as my belief in the electron existing is to me.

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

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

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

Originally Posted by LordSword

I was big on pot, but now I am high on God.

Am I the only one who saw this? This has to be quote of the year material. I'm starting to think LordSword is just some full-of-shit moron who's doing this to provoke us free-thinking logical people. No actual human being would say something so retarded and actually mean it.

Seriously, LordSword, just shut the fuck up already. Skip therapy and just kill yourself.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

I stand for the Iliad, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

I stand for Das Kapital, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

I stand for Mein Kampf, a document that has proven its worth, can be seen & researched by others and discussed openly to the benefit of all.

At last, after my long journey someone who is actually grounded in something we can all check.

As you know the word "religion" has many definitions. These describe my view of atheism:

Dictionary.com-->Religion
2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects
3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices
6. something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience

Please tell me what Atheism means to you? I have covered many aspects of my beliefs but the atheists here have not. The atheistic views of my religion have been made quite clear. Can you take this discussion in a different direction?

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

You're right, many of us only have those silly, unreliable things like reason and logic and intellectual honesty and literature and scepticism and morality and ethics and science and politics and economics, mere piffle when having a discussion about humanity and its role in the universe.

I can say the same. My book does not demand that I blindly accept what is written. Proverbs 4:5, Proverbs 4:7 & Luke 11:10 are just a start.
As a person who depends on the concept of a God, I am not without historical proofs. I stated that my book has true prophetic messages that have come true. I also have the lives of faithful people throughout history and in my current situation that say that prayers do get answered.

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

Even virtuous men can perform just acts for wicked reasons. If you need a religious warrant to keep you from murdering or stealing or to perform good deeds in the name of your faith, then very clearly this should not be confused with morality.

The bible does not teach believers to do good works by their own will but through the will of God. If a believer knows the will of God (by studying the bible) that person wouldnt do wicked things.

Originally Posted by JackyBoy

Science, reason and the others I listed above are to be wholly credited in finally giving humans the understanding and courage of stepping away from that horrible period we call the dark ages and leading us into the age of enlightenment. Something we can all be grateful for. Thanks to science we no longer have to burn women to death for casting spells on neighbours and people like J. K. Rowling can even make a very good career writing novels depicting fictional wizards.

Science started with God in mind->
"The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God." (Euclid, 365 - 275 BC)
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Science as you know it only denys God these guys believed why wouldnt you?Famous Scientists Who Believed in God

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

You are not going to convince anyone LordSword. There is no reason to fight a war for God when nobody cares.

FELIPE NO

Originally Posted by LordsSword

Please tell me what Atheism means to you?

To me, atheism is having your own soul. As in, not believing in an invisible man in the sky that clouds my judgement and essentially runs my life based on ancient doctrines that do nothing but prevent the progression of human civilization.

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prayers do get answered.

Oh that is such fucking bullshit. You can spin the "prayers get answered" thing so easily it's mindblowing. I've had a recent string of good things happening in my life lately. If I were religious, I could easily scam you simpletons into thinking that I prayed for my good fortune. And you know what? Morons like you would believe me without a moment's hesitation. Show me proof that "prayers get answered."

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The bible does not teach believers to do good works by their own will but through the will of God.

WHY IS THIS A GOOD THING?? Do you realize that you are advocating not having a free will!? Are you a fucking lunatic?

How ya doing, buddy?

Originally Posted by LordsSword

Please tell me what Atheism means to you? I have covered many aspects of my beliefs but the atheists here have not. The atheistic views of my religion have been made quite clear. Can you take this discussion in a different direction?

Look, you lunatic.

We've said over and over again: atheism is a lack of belief. We don't believe in ANYTHING. We live without deities.

We don't need deities. We can survive as your classic "good people" without the guidance of a deity.

The atheists I know are good, good people. They respect other peoples' religious beliefs, and never try to impose theirs on others. They realize it's fucking annoying - to mention disrespectful. They lead their lives the same way any other person does.

There is no "beliefs," LordSword. Thats why it's called "ATHEISM." Literally "without belief."

We don't look to the sky, hoping that something higher than us will guide us, give us strength, and help us through life.

We feel that all the thigns we do in life are OUR decisions. We are the masters of our own ship - we control our decisions, and we make them as best we can.

While we do not believe in a deity, we still strive to be HONEST, GOOD PEOPLE. Because every human DESERVES that.

I suppose it takes a HELL of a lot more strength to go through life knowing that you are making decisions ALONE. No one up there is watching out for us - we're watching out for both ourselves and those around us.

To go forth in life knowing that there is no guidance or love from a deity is more difficult, I think, than thinking Daddy God is up there to hug and kiss your boo-boos when you're down. We chose this way because we feel it's better to be honest with ourselves. I can see why people would turn to religion in times of pain or doubt; it's a very comforting thought. But to me, it's a lie. It makes you soft and warm thinking "golly gee, someone out there LOVES ME." But it's best not to delude yourself: you're just feeling down and out, and you need that feeling. You CRAVE that feeling. You want to feel loved and accepted.

But it's just a comforting device. And once it becomes more than that, wars can be waged in the name of My God X, and men will die over something so silly.

If you want to believe in a deity, no one can tell you that it's right or wrong, in the same fashion that you can't tell US what's right and wrong.

Jam it back in, in the dark.