I'm disappointed in this subforum. It seems like any time an atheist or agnostic posts something, the topics are severely derailed by theists arguing against atheism, or theists saying we're arrogant for our lack of belief, and so on. Where are the atheists and agnostics with something interesting to say? Why don't the theists go to a forum for theists and leave us alone? meh, I guess theists should be welcome to paruse and add to the conversation because this is a free-speech and inclusive forum, but at the same time, theists are in the majority of society and get plenty of forums to speak their mind, and we get so few. I don't think theists understand how much rationalist thinking and skepticism are traits that are so marginalized in society. You're allowed to be a non-believer, just not "out loud" unless you want to face a lot of criticism for it. To theists: I know you're not all intolerant bigots. I have christian friends who are intelligent and even believe evolution is valid. But it's not for me. I can't make myself believe in god. Sorry you don't like that, but thems the brakes. I don't need to be told you're praying for me, either. If you want to pray for me, go ahead, but I am not affected by it one way or another. Here's the thing: I also don't believe in things like ghosts, ESP/psychics, reiki, crystal healing, ear candles, ANY of it. I also don't believe in any gods, deities, heaven, hell, reincarnation, or anything like that. Don't think that Christianity is the only thing I don't subscribe to. I have read the entire bible, cover to cover. It didn't give me any sense of awe or wonder. I've been studying astronomy and cosmology and it gives me probably a similar feeling you get when you feel on pins and needles with spine tingles in church. It is at its essence a "spiritual" feeling, sans the need for spirits. Moreso I thought god was a very malevolent and snarky creature if anything, and Jesus had split personalities...sorry, it's just how it struck me. I wonder why the more intelligent Christians don't update that thing to include the fact that the world is BILLIONS of years old, not thousands. The "moral majority" pick and choose favorable passages to argue against making certain laws, but completely ignore others. You can modify your beliefs, which is groovy, but I personally feel fine and dandy going without belief at all. And I've had loved ones I hold very dear in my heart pass away, and it didn't "shake me" into believing in a diety. It DID teach me to appreciate people and to never hesitate to show them you care, and to live each day to its fullest and appreciate all I have. But it didn't make me want to believe in spirits. I don't come onto forums like this to hear theists defending their religion. What most theists don't know about atheists is that a good deal of us have read religious texts and we know what we're talking about. Disclaimer: I'm not arrogant, I'm just stating what I don't believe, as well as wondering why this forum seems to consist mostly of posts by atheists followed by a lot of responses by theists either defending themselves or their religions...it would seem theists have a considerable audience since they are in the majority, and should not feel the need to come to this forum to "debate" us.
It is probably because about 96% of the thread titles, on this sub-forum ,involve questions of a biblical nature. Perhaps the posters need to stop attempting to use the Bible or the word God in their thread titles. personally I have no dog in this fight, just an opinion.
Have you checked out the Christian & Muslim forums? What you complain about is tame in comparison with what atheists and agnostics have done on those. The atheists have been behaving themselves lately, but a year or so ago, the typical post would be :Christians cause all wars", "Christians are evil", Jesus was gay", or more typically "Christians suck." Christians could barely get a word in edgewise. Those who complained were told to get used to it. A forum isn't a sheltered workshop. Christians have a Sanctuary where they're supposed to be "protected" and allowed to quote the Bible. This was set up not for the benefit of Christians, but to give them a place to thump the Bible without pestering other people. Maybe you can lobby for a similar one of thin-skinned atheists. I seldom go there, because it's lame, although we get fairly lively discussions between Progressive Christians and fundies.. Lately, atheists like Rudenoodle have been posting there with strong attacks, and nobody does anything (I think because he livens the place up). Are you so insecure you can't tolerate other points of view? And you don't like people defending themselves? Interesting. I post here frequently (and may be the problem you have in mind) because I like to have discussions with rational people. As I understand the rules, that's okay.
Because Atheism&Agnosticism without juxtaposition would leave us with nothing to say? It'd be a forum of two threads "I don't believe in God" and "I can't say for sure" full of "I Agree!" Without the opposition, there is no need to elaborate or debate - which some of us find fun. It'd be awfully dull without the Deists.
I think I do understand. That's why I not only post in atheist forums, but also go to atheist meetings--not to put down the participants but to benefit from some rational discussion! In my state, Christians come in two flavors: fundamentalists who believe in the "inerrancy" of the Bible, and mainliners who mutter the same formulas as the fundies, but more quietly and without necessarily believing them. I consider myself a Christian freethinker, and prefer the company of other freethinkers, who tend to be mostly atheists. Atheists have been coming out of the closet lately. We have a thriving chapter in Oklahoma City--good people, good energy.[/Quote]
I first came to this forum because ignorant atheist were bashing religion. I have no problem with bashing religion-- but I got a big problem with ignorance. Over the years, it's flopped back and forth. But it occurs to me that theist come here to learn, wheather they admit it or not; and atheist go to religious forums to beat down there personal insecurity in their atheism.
