Why Atheism?

[c172]

I've only just begun my Bible study, but at this point believe in Jehovah the God of the Bible and the one whom he sent forth, Christ Jesus.

Yep, JW.

I got stuck in a car with three JWs from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh one time. 4 hours I think it was. Ole'!

[Paleophyte]

Why atheism?

Because that's what you are when you don't believe in any gods.

But there seems to be a stark contrast between your everyday atheist and the atheists you encounter on forums like this. I had checked other forums, most of them long dead, before I settled here and this doesn't seem like something exclusive to this forum. You seem so angry, mean, hateful and facetious.

You think this is angry and hateful? Wow. You must have led one very sheltered life. Several things here:

1) You're a theist starting arguments in the atheism-theism section of an atheist forum. I'll tell you what, let me go find a Christian forum and explain at them why there is no god.

2) You've acted like a bit of a twerp on occasion. Less than most theists we see here though so congrats on that.

3) People act differently on the interweb. If you actually want hateful then go read some Youtube comments.

4) You're projecting a bit.

5) You're generalizing grossly. Seriously, what have I or most of the people on this forum ever done to you?

[Minimalist]

[Unsapien]

Prove it . . . . Atheists love saying that! It isn't anyone's responsibility to prove anything to you. It's your responsibility. God doesn't live on a petri dish. He doesn't feel the need to prove himself to anyone, so if you reject him that's your thing. If you want to come looking for him you know where to find him. Not in any church, but the Bible. 

If, tomorrow afternoon a press conference is held by the world's leading scientists announcing that evolution was incorrect and we were in fact created. In effect, they discovered God . . . it would mean nothing to me. Today's science is tomorrows joke just as yesterdays science is today's joke.

Firstly, I was looking for god for 15 years & through probably a dozen "holy" texts, I prayed & meditated. I've gone more then half way to try and find a god. My job is done. Ball is in a god's court now.

It isn't anyone's responsibility to prove anything to you. It's your responsibility. The invisible talking pet dragon living in my house doesn't live on a petri dish. He doesn't feel the need to prove himself to anyone, so if you reject him that's your thing. If you want to come looking for him you know where to find him...   

If there was a press conference tomorrow saying that life was created on this planet, not evolved, my first assumption would be ALIENS, because at least I know that LIFE is actually something that CAN exist, and interstellar travel as big of a pain in the ass as it probably is, is actually possible.

I always say that I'm one of the dumber atheists because while everybody else seems to be debating whether a god exists or not, I'm still not past whether a god even CAN exist, what with no evidence that OMNI-anything powers are possible having no evidence that they can be.

Closest thing I think we can hope/fear for is a very advanced and powerful alien race that lookslike a god to us.

[brewerb]

>The burden of proof lies upon he who alleges. Religious people should be aware that I'm perfectly willing to believe in god(s), ghosts, mediums, demons, angels, spirits, channeling, miracles, horoscopes, astrology, psychics, Ouija boards, the supernatural, and anything else for that matter, as long as they adhere to one proviso: prove it! That's all I ask for. Just one simple request. Prove it!

>Don't give me speculations, guesses, hopes, dreams, wishes, desires, beliefs, faith (or appeals to faith), or indoctrinations. Don't give me one-time-only, non-repeatable, non-testable events. Don't give me internal alterations in one's psychology or physiology which cannot be tested, observed or demonstrated, only felt or believed. And don't give me effects that cannot be related to the supposed cause.

>I have no objection to believing in a deity as long as proof based upon a rational standard of knowledge is forthcoming. Is that too much to ask? But surely, theists can't expect me to adopt their beliefs on the basis of what has been presented, thus far. Every "proof" that I've heard and very piece of evidence that I've seen for the existence of God(s) has been easily countered by rational evidence/arguments to the contrary. No convincing evidence for the existence of any deity has ever emerged.

>I'm more than willing to listen to theistic arguments or view theistic evidence as long as cross-examination is permitted. No claims which must be shielded from rational scrutiny are worth believing. As conditions now stand, theology rests far more on superstition and faith, than upon facts and reason. 

Prove it . . . . Atheists love saying that! It isn't anyone's responsibility to prove anything to you. It's your responsibility. God doesn't live on a petri dish. He doesn't feel the need to prove himself to anyone, so if you reject him that's your thing. If you want to come looking for him you know where to find him. Not in any church, but the Bible. 

If, tomorrow afternoon a press conference is held by the world's leading scientists announcing that evolution was incorrect and we were in fact created. In effect, they discovered God . . . it would mean nothing to me. Today's science is tomorrows joke just as yesterdays science is today's joke.

Absolutely the most telling statement you've made so far.

[adey67]

I've only just begun my Bible study, but at this point believe in Jehovah the God of the Bible and the one whom he sent forth, Christ Jesus.

Yep, JW.

I don't think he is yet because his being here would be a disfellowshipping offence for any JW, but I strongly suspect he will eventually join that cult and I'm not altogether convinced he isn't trolling for JWs before he joins and is no longer permitted such Internet freedom. You could say he's an embryonic JW though, I'm sure of that and I'm pretty sure he's a troll too.

[GenesisNemesis]

Atheists keep telling me that they only have one thing in common followed by them telling me all the other things they have in common. I move around a lot and I've seen a lot of atheists shooting guns into the air. Rednecks, hired assassins, drug lords and so on. 

1. How do you know rednecks are atheists? 
2. How do you know hired assassins are atheists?
3. How do you know drug lords are atheists?

Seems to me you're making a lot of assumptions. You don't know much if anything about the beliefs these people have. You're just assuming they're atheists because they act immorally. You know what that's called? Bigotry.

So maybe atheists are dicks to you because you keep making the assumption that they act immorally. Whatever. I say if you do make that assumption you totally deserve ridicule, because it's really nothing more than bullying.

[Free]

Why atheism?

Because it is the natural state of mankind. We were born with no religious beliefs and should live with no religious beliefs.

It is also far more honest. It requires a lot of personal integrity to be an atheist. Atheists respect the truth and the value of the core principles of our shared humanity far more than religious people ever could.

You cannot possibly understand an atheist unless you become one. And if you do become one, the odds are very great that you will never be religious again.

[Tres Leches]

Before you start foaming at the mouth and spitting poison at me like some Benzedrine puff adder (Sybil Fawlty) just let me say I'm not challenging you, judging you or criticizing you, I just want to try and understand you. Of course I make my assumptions but I don't assume them correct. Having said that . . . . Why atheism? 

Now, the most obvious would be you don't believe in, or worship gods. But there seems to be a stark contrast between your everyday atheist and the atheists you encounter on forums like this. I had checked other forums, most of them long dead, before I settled here and this doesn't seem like something exclusive to this forum. You seem so angry, mean, hateful and facetious.

The majority of people I know are atheist, at least in their beliefs. Somehow I don't think that they are the same caliber as the atheists I've seen on all of those dead forums. The atheists I know in the real world don't want to discuss it. They don't act as if they are a part of the collective. 

From my admittedly brief observation of atheists online I can see them roaring into town in a beat up SUV with atheist bumper stickers pasted all over the vehicle, hanging out of the windows, hollering, guns shooting into the air, looking for the local church and courthouse to make absolutely certain that never the twain shall meet. 

Hair triggered to set off at the slightest provocation in case any of the locals, amateur atheists, or [I shudder to think] a theist should hazard a word. I know not all of you are like this, but a remarkably large percentage of you are.

To those and to the more subtle ones, why express your atheism in such a different way than the more subtle atheists in "real life."

You rant about hating the mythology. The pretense that the alleged deities are real, but it is more likely than not that you teach your young children Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny are real. In their prime stage of development. 

You rant that these mythologies shouldn't be allowed to enforce public opinion, especially in a political sense, but that's the nature of the game. 

Why atheism?

You can't possibly expect friendly and open conversation after posting trash like this. You're not asking us "why atheism" here, you're telling us your opinions of atheists. My opinion of you is that you'll self-immolate here shortly.

-Teresa

[Dom]

From my admittedly brief observation of atheists online I can see them roaring into town in a beat up SUV with atheist bumper stickers pasted all over the vehicle, hanging out of the windows, hollering, guns shooting into the air, looking for the local church and courthouse to make absolutely certain that never the twain shall meet. 

 

Nice story, needs pitch forks!

[Paleophyte]

Today's science is tomorrows joke just as yesterdays science is today's joke.

Whereas today's religion has always been a joke.

[no one]

I have 3 Unicorns and 3 Centaurs in my shed. I had sex with Marilyn Monroe. I also directed Citizen Cane, all the Star Wars movies, and the entire collection of The Lord of the Rings. I wrote the song Imagine.

[Dancefortwo]

Non organized religion is also a bunch of hooey.   No religion,  organized or not,  has provided evidence of a god. No theist has ever proven a god exists.

I've proven it here several times myself, its just that atheists are in denial. They say things like "That's just a figure of speech." Or "That's figurative." Or "That wasn't meant to be taken literally but refers to all manufacturers of dairy food products."

Nope.  You have NOT proven the existence of a god or gods. All you've done is claim a god exists without incontrovertible, falsifiable evidence to back it up.  Learn the difference between a claim and evidence.

[GenesisNemesis]

Today's science is tomorrows joke just as yesterdays science is today's joke.

It's a "joke" to update your view of the world based on new data? 

Guess you don't want to learn new stuff, then. Okay. Why are you here?

[jerryg]

Before you start foaming at the mouth and spitting poison at me like some Benzedrine puff adder (Sybil Fawlty) just let me say I'm not challenging you, judging you or criticizing you, I just want to try and understand you. Of course I make my assumptions but I don't assume them correct. Having said that . . . . Why atheism? 

Now, the most obvious would be you don't believe in, or worship gods. But there seems to be a stark contrast between your everyday atheist and the atheists you encounter on forums like this. I had checked other forums, most of them long dead, before I settled here and this doesn't seem like something exclusive to this forum. You seem so angry, mean, hateful and facetious.

The majority of people I know are atheist, at least in their beliefs. Somehow I don't think that they are the same caliber as the atheists I've seen on all of those dead forums. The atheists I know in the real world don't want to discuss it. They don't act as if they are a part of the collective. 

From my admittedly brief observation of atheists online I can see them roaring into town in a beat up SUV with atheist bumper stickers pasted all over the vehicle, hanging out of the windows, hollering, guns shooting into the air, looking for the local church and courthouse to make absolutely certain that never the twain shall meet. 

Hair triggered to set off at the slightest provocation in case any of the locals, amateur atheists, or [I shudder to think] a theist should hazard a word. I know not all of you are like this, but a remarkably large percentage of you are.

To those and to the more subtle ones, why express your atheism in such a different way than the more subtle atheists in "real life."

You rant about hating the mythology. The pretense that the alleged deities are real, but it is more likely than not that you teach your young children Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny are real. In their prime stage of development. 

You rant that these mythologies shouldn't be allowed to enforce public opinion, especially in a political sense, but that's the nature of the game. 

Why atheism?

I think more relevant to atheist/theist, is internet forum.  People looking to the internet for community are going to be a slightly different breed.  Expecting more defensive/reactive behavior makes sense, because many people who are resorting to a forum like this probably didn't have top notch real life interactions.  And people who specifically are looking for an atheist forum probably didn't have the best interactions with theists/religion.  So "Why so defensive, just because I'm a douchebag attacking a community that is important to you guys?" is something a smart guy/gal like you should've been able to figure out without creating a thread.

Just like people who look to start shit on internet forums are a slightly different breed.  We'll never know where exactly you fall on the troll/idiot scale with the half-ass ideas you treat like grand revelations.  Hopefully, you're just saying that nonsense to antagonize people for a laugh.  But since you say you're travelling from forum to forum specifically badgering atheists, you maybe do really think you're making some great points.  It's pretty cringe-y.  

If I were guessing your age, for example, I'd say 15? And I'd guess you found some bible youtuber who presents oversimplified arguments that would appeal to teenagers and now you regurgitate them around the internet?  No idea how accurate that is, but it's not a good sign that that's the vibe you've given off.

[Unsapien]

I have 3 Unicorns and 3 Centaurs in my shed.

Ever thought of trying to cross breed them? That'd be cool if it works.

 I had sex with Marilyn Monroe.

Haven't we all?

I directed [snip] ...all the Star Wars movies

Now that one's gotta be true, no one would ever admit to directing ALL of them if they hadn't, cause a couple of them were steaming piles of shit.

[madog]

I have 3 Unicorns and 3 Centaurs in my shed. I had sex with Marilyn Monroe. I also directed Citizen Cane, all the Star Wars movies, and the entire collection of The Lord of the Rings. I wrote the song Imagine.

Prove you have a shed ... I'll withhold belief until you supply receipts or a verified picture 

[Ima Believer]

Prove it . . . . Atheists love saying that! It isn't anyone's responsibility to prove anything to you. It's your responsibility.

Noone came to your house and asked you for proof of your god. You came here and made claims. Put up, shut up, or at least admit you have nothing to back your beliefs! Noone will force you to abandon your belief, but you shouldnt be suprised when you are called out after having made bold claims and been offensive (from the start!) to the people whose house you entered.

Its not only a matter of reason but civilty.

You're an idiot. This is a public forum on atheism and theism. I came here to discuss the later if you want proof of God get up of your lazy stupid ass and find it yourself, I don't find you worthy of it. Pearls before swine.

[Ima Believer]

I've only just begun my Bible study, but at this point believe in Jehovah the God of the Bible and the one whom he sent forth, Christ Jesus.

Yep, JW.

I don't think he is yet because his being here would be a disfellowshipping offence for any JW, but I strongly suspect he will eventually join that cult and I'm not altogether convinced he isn't trolling for JWs before he joins and is no longer permitted such Internet freedom. You could say he's an embryonic JW though, I'm sure of that and I'm pretty sure he's a troll too.

When someone constantly says there is no gods while constantly insisting I'm a JW when I full well know I'm not what does it say? That you reject things that are true that you don't like or that your not a very good judge of reality. Being here would not be a disfellowshipping offense. I am not, will not ever be and have not ever been a JW. 

But why do you keep insisting I am? Other than the stupidity mentioned above you also want to vilify the religious. I've noticed you doing this in other more subtle ways. You really are a disingenuous and vile group of people.

[GenesisNemesis]

 You really are a disingenuous and vile group of people.

Again: why are you here? Seems like your only objective here is to bully us and pretend you're so superior.

[brewerb]

I've only just begun my Bible study, but at this point believe in Jehovah the God of the Bible and the one whom he sent forth, Christ Jesus.

Yep, JW.

I don't think he is yet because his being here would be a disfellowshipping offence for any JW, but I strongly suspect he will eventually join that cult and I'm not altogether convinced he isn't trolling for JWs before he joins and is no longer permitted such Internet freedom. You could say he's an embryonic JW though, I'm sure of that and I'm pretty sure he's a troll too.

Maybe he's using us to practice up for the 80 questions prior to baptism. That may be why he continues to insist he's not a JW,......................... yet.

[Dancefortwo]

Prove it . . . . Atheists love saying that! It isn't anyone's responsibility to prove anything to you. It's your responsibility.

Noone came to your house and asked you for proof of your god. You came here and made claims. Put up, shut up, or at least admit you have nothing to back your beliefs! Noone will force you to abandon your belief, but you shouldnt be suprised when you are called out after having made bold claims and been offensive (from the start!) to the people whose house you entered.

Its not only a matter of reason but civilty.

You're an idiot. This is a public forum on atheism and theism. I came here to discuss the later if you want proof of God get up of your lazy stupid ass and find it yourself, I don't find you worthy of it. Pearls before swine.

..... if you want proof of God get up of your lazy stupid ass and find it yourself...

That's not how it work sweetie-pie.     You make the claim a god exists, the burden of proof falls on you to provide the evidence.  If I claimed a giant invisible cupcake orbited Pluto the burden of proof would be on me to provide the evidence.  The ball is always in the court of the claiment to provide the evidence. 

La-de-da.....la-de-da.  

[Minimalist]

When someone constantly says there is no gods while constantly insisting I'm a JW when I full well know I'm not what does it say?

I'll put $10 on "you're a bullshit artist."

[julep]

Yep, JW.

I don't think he is yet because his being here would be a disfellowshipping offence for any JW, but I strongly suspect he will eventually join that cult and I'm not altogether convinced he isn't trolling for JWs before he joins and is no longer permitted such Internet freedom. You could say he's an embryonic JW though, I'm sure of that and I'm pretty sure he's a troll too.

Maybe he's using us to practice up for the 80 questions prior to baptism. That may be why he continues to insist he's not a JW,......................... yet.

I think he’s looking for ways to annoy his parents.

[Unsapien]

Can I just defend Ima on this one point, that I exist as evidence that you can study JW texts and with JWs without becoming a JW.

I like that they at least are honest about the good, bad & ugly things that are in the bible & don't pretend that it's not there. They've got some pretty stupid ideas about the bad & the ugly I'll grant you that but they read the whole damn thing, which really helped me.

My favourite is still that "incest was okay in the beginning because Adam & Eve & their children's DNA was pure and uncorrupted." That's also why people lived to be a 1000years old back then, before sin started damaging it. That's why we only live until like 78 now, "60 is the new 600" as no one has ever said anywhere. 

Anyway @Ima Believer I'm pretty sure you'll cross over to the dark side eventually. I'll keep the porch light on for you, and a warm baby in the oven.