Atheist topics

[Inkubus]

Here's a question.
Why do atheists 'tolerate' religious stupidity? Not on the internet but in real life, We keep our mouths shut, they fucking don't.
Every time that there's a natural disaster, a mass shooting the fucking IDF murdering children there's faith leaders coming out of the woodwork on the TV having their say.

I'd like to see someone with half a brain commenting on this shit.

Dunno where you are, but that seldom happens downunder.
Australia is a nominally secular country, so unless some high
profile event occurs—such as clerical paedophilia—we don't
often see members of religion holding forth in the media.

It doesn't happen in the UK either. You might find the odd article in the Guardian by some twat of a bishop, and there's Songs Of Praise on the BBC that no one watches.

It wasn't always the case though. Dawkins (yes, him) in one of his excellent rants many years ago asked why, whenever there is any sort of science debate on the telly there is always the three wise men on the panel. A rabbi, a bishop and a mullah, or whatever the fuck they're called. His point was obvious, the three monkeys between them couldn't fit a plug to a toaster, change a printer cartridge or roast a chicken without setting fire to the house. And yet here they are in front of millions declaring stem cell research to be the work of Satan.

Not any more. The odd time you see any of these sky pilots in the papers is to announce some new initiative to draw people into their (empty) churches. Coffee mornings, bingo, making greetings cards. The cosmic Jewish zombie doesn't get a mention.

This is something the cousins appear to have trouble understanding.
'Ya'but in the states religion permeates the whole of society.'

Well tough titty.

Christianity is finished in Europe. Shame about Poland but as ever that's politics using religion oppress the masses.

[pattylt]

As an atheist in America, you have no idea how much we envy your secularization! Seriously, every shooting (of which we have too many), every act of violence, every political discussion, every weather disaster…a relish’s god gets mentioned.

Several years ago some weather event happened. The reporter interviewing a lady with a child on her hip was asked, “Are you thanking god for being spared” and her reply was “I’m an atheist”. Besides the reporter being a bit dumbfounded, it became national news because it’s such a typical question after a disaster and such a rare response. From sports players to politicians, mentioning god at some point is expected and considered normal…..sigh…

[airportkid]

The reporter interviewing a lady with a child on her hip was asked, “Are you thanking god for being spared” and her reply was “I’m an atheist”.

The far better response to that question:  "Should the deer the hunter didn't shoot thank the hunter for shooting the deer he did shoot?"

[mordant]

The reporter interviewing a lady with a child on her hip was asked, “Are you thanking god for being spared” and her reply was “I’m an atheist”.

The far better response to that question:  "Should the deer the hunter didn't shoot thank the hunter for shooting the deer he did shoot?"

I don't disagree, but the utter indifference the young mother presented in the face of religious assumptions is something I have to admire.

[Inkubus]

As an atheist in America, you have no idea how much we envy your secularization!  Seriously, every shooting (of which we have too many), every act of violence, every political discussion, every weather disaster…a relish’s god gets mentioned.

Several years ago some weather event happened.  The reporter interviewing a lady with a child on her hip was asked, “Are you thanking god for being spared” and her reply was “I’m an atheist”.  Besides the reporter being a bit dumbfounded, it became national news because it’s such a typical question after a disaster and such a rare response.  From sports players to politicians, mentioning god at some point is expected and considered normal…..sigh…

I remember that, it was about ten years ago and she received lots of donations from atheists It amounted to quite a sum of money most of which she gave to charity.

eta, found her:

[Cavebear]

"As an atheist, what are your thoughts on the plight of the North Atlantic Cod?"

I was never much of a fish eater. I preferred Haddock over Cod. I seldom eat seafood now because it contains purines which can trigger gout attacks. The only fish I can eat now, with moderation, is Salmon.

Salmon is among the worst for Gout on the "moderate" list. You can look HERE. I've sufferred from it twice, so I keep up on that.

[SYZ]

The US's ReFrame Christian Ministries asks the question:

"What does it mean when you’re in somebody’s thoughts and prayers?"

They then answer their own question as per...

Perhaps it works best for you to set aside a time each day to specifically
pray for those in your life. Maybe it helps to keep a prayer journal of
personal requests and national tragedies. Maybe you “pray continually”
throughout the day, almost like a stream-of-consciousness conversation
with God. However you do it, you are actively thinking about the person
or event and are making a conscious decision and effort to pray. This is
what it means to be in thoughts and prayers—to be so loved and cared
for that your needs are considered and petitioned to God by others.

While we often associate the idea of “thoughts and prayers” with tragedy,
we can also offer praise for good news. If the Lord has answered a prayer
for a friend, provided joy or comfort after a hardship, remember that keeping
your loved ones in “thoughts and prayers” can also mean to offer praise.

A prayerless life can result in effective action and accomplish magnificent
things, but if there is no developed interiority, the action never enters into
the depth and intimacy of relationships.” When we engage someone in our
thoughts and prayers, we build a deeper relationship not only with them
and their needs, but with God. Prayer is an act, and a commitment. When
we tell someone they’re in our thoughts and prayers, we are committing to
bring their suffering, worries, or jubilation in front of God.

[Gwaithmir]

I was never much of a fish eater. I preferred Haddock over Cod. I seldom eat seafood now because it contains purines which can trigger gout attacks. The only fish I can eat now, with moderation, is Salmon.

Salmon is among the worst for Gout on the "moderate" list.  You can look HERE.  I've sufferred from it twice, so I keep up on that.

Thanks for that info. It looks as though tuna is a better choice.

[mordant]

A prayerless life can result in effective action and accomplish magnificent
things, but if there is no developed interiority, the action never enters into
the depth and intimacy of relationships.” When we engage someone in our
thoughts and prayers, we build a deeper relationship not only with them
and their needs, but with God. Prayer is an act, and a commitment. When
we tell someone they’re in our thoughts and prayers, we are committing to
bring their suffering, worries, or jubilation in front of God.

This is utter throat-choking bullshit. The truth is the exact opposite. I submit that most believers don't have a deep, highly valued, cultivated, mature "prayer life". "I'll pray for you" is just a way to get off the hook by getting God on the hook. Tag, you're it.

That is not to say that prayer is never a "commitment" or that it never produces "developed interiority" -- whatever precisely that even is. It is just to say that most Christians know prayer doesn't "change things" and make the pro-forma effort because it's expected of them and because it somewhat relieves the sense of helplessness around the suffering of others, gives them a sense of agency in areas where they are basically powerless.

[Rhythmcs]

Developed interiority - if you don't talk to yourself then you're not a full person.

[pattylt]

The US's ReFrame Christian Ministries asks the question:

"What does it mean when you’re in somebody’s thoughts and prayers?"

They then answer their own question as per...

Perhaps it works best for you to set aside a time each day to specifically
pray for those in your life. Maybe it helps to keep a prayer journal of
personal requests and national tragedies. Maybe you “pray continually”
throughout the day, almost like a stream-of-consciousness conversation
with God. However you do it, you are actively thinking about the person
or event and are making a conscious decision and effort to pray. This is
what it means to be in thoughts and prayers—to be so loved and cared
for that your needs are considered and petitioned to God by others.

While we often associate the idea of “thoughts and prayers” with tragedy,
we can also offer praise for good news. If the Lord has answered a prayer
for a friend, provided joy or comfort after a hardship, remember that keeping
your loved ones in “thoughts and prayers” can also mean to offer praise.

A prayerless life can result in effective action and accomplish magnificent
things, but if there is no developed interiority, the action never enters into
the depth and intimacy of relationships.” When we engage someone in our
thoughts and prayers, we build a deeper relationship not only with them
and their needs, but with God. Prayer is an act, and a commitment. When
we tell someone they’re in our thoughts and prayers, we are committing to
bring their suffering, worries, or jubilation in front of God.

In other words, they’re thinking specifically and not just general thoughts that flit through our brains all the time.  Of course we also think specifically when solving a math problem or following a recipe.  We just aren’t including some ephemeral “god” with it…though I guess we could.

When I was 5 I had an invisible friend and I talked to him all the time.  I also internally responded in his voice in my head.  I fail to see any difference.  Heck, I still create stories in my head as I lay down for the night…sometimes my dreams pick up the story and usually gets weird with where it goes.  Aren’t our brains amazing!  So able to be creative and entertaining.

Since there’s no god actually there, it’s very much like my conversations with my invisible friend except I’m older now and no longer need his company.

[TheGentlemanBastard]

When we engage someone in our
thoughts and prayers, we build a deeper relationship not only with them
and their needs, but with God.

First, they need to at least show some actual evidence for their gawd. Second, how in the ever loving fuck does keeping someone hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away from me, that I never have and never will meet, in "thoughts ant prayers" help build a "deeper relationship" with them?!?

The people writing this shit really need to take a big whiff before publishing.

[SYZ]

...Thanks for that info. It looks as though tuna is a better choice.

   —With my apologies.

[mordant]

Developed interiority - if you don't talk to yourself then you're not a full person.

Lol -- all I can think of is Robin Williams channeling a schizophrenic:

"Shut up!"

"Wait a minute -- let him talk!"

[SYZ]

Have a look at this disgusting, enfeebled old paedophile enabler.
And look at the poor ignorant suckers bowing to him and kissing
his ring.  He's supposed to be the most powerful individual in the
Catholic church, but he can't even walk 50 metres from his plane.

[Edible crust]

I bet he loves having his ring kissed.

[brewerb]

I bet he loves having his ring kissed.

Do you think it's a Prince Albert???

[Edible crust]

I bet he loves having his ring kissed.

Do you think it's a Prince Albert???

Nah, I meant his bum hole.

[jerry mcmasters]

Christianity is finished in Europe.

Take care with what it's replaced by, please.

[Inkubus]

Christianity is finished in Europe.

Take care with what it's replaced by, please.

The church of zuckerberg?

[DsRed19]

The US's ReFrame Christian Ministries asks the question:

"What does it mean when you’re in somebody’s thoughts and prayers?"

They then answer their own question as per...

Perhaps it works best for you to set aside a time each day to specifically
pray for those in your life. Maybe it helps to keep a prayer journal of
personal requests and national tragedies. Maybe you “pray continually”
throughout the day, almost like a stream-of-consciousness conversation
with God. However you do it, you are actively thinking about the person
or event and are making a conscious decision and effort to pray. This is
what it means to be in thoughts and prayers—to be so loved and cared
for that your needs are considered and petitioned to God by others.

While we often associate the idea of “thoughts and prayers” with tragedy,
we can also offer praise for good news. If the Lord has answered a prayer
for a friend, provided joy or comfort after a hardship, remember that keeping
your loved ones in “thoughts and prayers” can also mean to offer praise.

A prayerless life can result in effective action and accomplish magnificent
things, but if there is no developed interiority, the action never enters into
the depth and intimacy of relationships.” When we engage someone in our
thoughts and prayers, we build a deeper relationship not only with them
and their needs, but with God. Prayer is an act, and a commitment. When
we tell someone they’re in our thoughts and prayers, we are committing to
bring their suffering, worries, or jubilation in front of God.

My experience with prayer is one of the things that has led me to atheism. 
The biggest one being when a close relative died suddenly in front myself and the rest of our family (including her children at a young age) during the holidays. After we called 911 and were still attempting cpr, everyone was fervently desperately praying for her to wake up. But in that moment I KNEW it would make no difference and she wasn’t going to miraculously get up and be ok. I think everyone else did too but would never admit it. I however was done with Christianity in that moment. What’s the point of it if it can’t even help in our darkest despairing times?.

[brewerb]

The US's ReFrame Christian Ministries asks the question:

"What does it mean when you’re in somebody’s thoughts and prayers?"

They then answer their own question as per...

Perhaps it works best for you to set aside a time each day to specifically
pray for those in your life. Maybe it helps to keep a prayer journal of
personal requests and national tragedies. Maybe you “pray continually”
throughout the day, almost like a stream-of-consciousness conversation
with God. However you do it, you are actively thinking about the person
or event and are making a conscious decision and effort to pray. This is
what it means to be in thoughts and prayers—to be so loved and cared
for that your needs are considered and petitioned to God by others.

While we often associate the idea of “thoughts and prayers” with tragedy,
we can also offer praise for good news. If the Lord has answered a prayer
for a friend, provided joy or comfort after a hardship, remember that keeping
your loved ones in “thoughts and prayers” can also mean to offer praise.

A prayerless life can result in effective action and accomplish magnificent
things, but if there is no developed interiority, the action never enters into
the depth and intimacy of relationships.” When we engage someone in our
thoughts and prayers, we build a deeper relationship not only with them
and their needs, but with God. Prayer is an act, and a commitment. When
we tell someone they’re in our thoughts and prayers, we are committing to
bring their suffering, worries, or jubilation in front of God.

My experience with prayer is one of the things that has led me to atheism. 
The biggest one being when a close relative died suddenly in front myself and the rest of our family (including her children at a young age) during the holidays. After we called 911 and were still attempting cpr, everyone was fervently desperately praying for her to wake up. But in that moment I KNEW it would make no difference and she wasn’t going to miraculously get up and be ok. I think everyone else did too but would never admit it. I however was done with Christianity in that moment. What’s the point of it if it can’t even help in our darkest despairing times?.

Dollars to donuts at some point during that time you heard 'god works in mysterious ways'. Or shit like 'he took her home'.

They have predictable programming.

[Cavebear]

Salmon is among the worst for Gout on the "moderate" list.  You can look HERE.  I've sufferred from it twice, so I keep up on that.

Thanks for that info. It looks as though tuna is a better choice.

I think I am always "on the edge" of about another gout attack. I like too many things that can trigger it. On the other hand, I like more stuff that doesn't so while I may be on the edge, I haven't suffered another attack in years. Twice was more than enough. The first time, I actually thought I had sprained my ankle and a doctor said "gout" after a blood test. LOL, I thought that was one of those imaginary medieval diseases like "miasma".

[SYZ]

...My experience with prayer is one of the things that has led me to atheism. 
The biggest one being when a close relative died suddenly in front myself and the rest of our family (including her children at a young age) during the holidays. After we called 911 and were still attempting cpr, everyone was fervently desperately praying for her to wake up. But in that moment I KNEW it would make no difference and she wasn’t going to miraculously get up and be ok. I think everyone else did too but would never admit it. I however was done with Christianity in that moment. What’s the point of it if it can’t even help in our darkest despairing times?.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16569567/.

Intercessory prayer itself had no effect on complication-free
recovery from CABG, but certainty of receiving intercessory
prayer was associated with a higher incidence of complications.

  (CABG = Coronary artery bypass surgery)

[DsRed19]

Yes, I have heard it all after that happened. “ he works in mysterious ways” , “ you just have to trust god”, and “god does everything for a reason” . Sorry, those answers aren’t good enough for me anymore ( and not just because of her death either). They are terrified to admit prayer has no effect, or as a study that someone just posted, may even make things worse.