05 Feb 14
I'm sorry, GB, (and I'll be the first to admit that I haven't read this entire thread) but I tend to think that a Christian telling Atheists anything about atheism is tantamount to an Atheist telling a Christian anything about having faith. I think it's tantamount to a man telling a woman anything about why she shouldn't have an abortion.
My point here is maybe those who have no experience with what another is doing should not have any say in what that person is doing.
It's rather like trying to teach a pig to sing or a fish to ride a bicycle. I'm not saying they could NOT do these things, but just that they'd have to be really, really motivated, and I doubt anyone who has no experience such as theirs could really offer that level of motivation.
Wouldn't you be rather offended if an atheist wrote a similar post outlining "the six types of Christians"? Sure, it depends on the nature and tone of such a post, but I'd venture that I probably would be.
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by twhitehead"an open mind and recognize the limits of human knowledge and experience"
Yes, you can quite easily deliberately misinterpret my posts - but in so doing, you are the looser, not I.
One of the reasons for my high regard for you and your thoughtful contributions is/was [?] your open mind.
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by Tabitha Marshall" only wish men would be more interested in leading a truly good life, less selfish and in solidarity with their fellow humans, instead of all this hypocritical bla bla bla about god, jesus, creation and paradise."
I don't find myself in any of those. I am not versed in religious matters apart from the basics received from my christian education, and am not interested at all, it bores me because I personally find the whole god business so stupid.
I only wish men would be more interested in leading a truly good life, less selfish and in solidarity with thei ...[text shortened]... ow humans, instead of all this hypocritical bla bla bla about god, jesus, creation and paradise.
Why do you suppose "men" behave so badly?
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by PenguinThank you.
Well 1, 2 and 4 all argue about religion. I see no real distinction between them.
I suspect all atheists are 3: they lack belief but remain open to relevant evidence to the contrary. That does not rule out them also being 1/2/4/6 at the same time.
I don't think that 5's really exist: the moment they become affected by some aspect of religion, they will re ...[text shortened]... of it and neither do they even think about it.
I would place myself as a 1/2/3/4.
Penguin.
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by SuzianneDo atheists [unpublished and published] ever initiate conversation with theists about theism, commenting in the process?
I'm sorry, GB, (and I'll be the first to admit that I haven't read this entire thread) but I tend to think that a Christian telling Atheists anything about atheism is tantamount to an Atheist telling a Christian anything about having faith. I think it's tantamount to a man telling a woman anything about why she shouldn't have an abortion.
My poin ...[text shortened]... ure, it depends on the nature and tone of such a post, but I'd venture that I probably would be.
05 Feb 14
1 edit
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyYes, and in that case, I will politely listen to what they have to say and then sometimes I say something related to "what's it to you, anyways?" I see that we agree to disagree and usually leave it at that. I'm not exactly going to follow an atheist's advice about "how to have faith" for example.
Do atheists [unpublished and published] ever initiate conversation with theists about theism, commenting in the process?
I also haven't thanked them yet for staying out of most of the threads where the theists are fighting amongst themselves. I know some of them are reading them. They just know better than to get involved, and leave it at that.
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05 Feb 14
Originally posted by Phranny
We all come into the world heathens and are promptly indoctrinated into the faith of our parents. I do believe most intelligent people begin to question this belief and then either reject, accept or modify the system, or lack of one, in which they were raised.
I think around 14 through 18 and beyond, I don't care how you taught your kids, they will begin to develop there own ideas about many things.
This is a mixed blessing. It is a natural transition of nature - them developing their own personality. And though you may at times wish to steer them in another direction it is also a decrease in responsibility that has to accompany bringing another life into the world.
Mostly what you were will teach them.
Secondarily what your beliefs were may teach them.
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05 Feb 14
Originally posted by SuzianneI am tempted to categorize the 6 types of things theists fight with each other about. One is the relationship between Jesus and God the Father (and sometimes, the Holy Spirit), one is faith vs. good works...
Yes, and in that case, I will politely listen to what they have to say and then sometimes I say something related to "what's it to you, anyways?" I see that we agree to disagree and usually leave it at that. I'm not exactly going to follow an atheist's advice about "how to have faith" for example.
I also haven't thanked them yet for staying out of most ...[text shortened]... ome of them are reading them. They just know better than to get involved, and leave it at that.
But first I need a hidden agenda.🙂
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by SuzianneApparently we share the same view of etiquette, protocols and interactive topic boundaries within this public forum.
Yes, and in that case, I will politely listen to what they have to say and then sometimes I say something related to "what's it to you, anyways?" I see that we agree to disagree and usually leave it at that. I'm not exactly going to follow an atheist's advice about "how to have faith" for example.
I also haven't thanked them yet for staying out of most ...[text shortened]... ome of them are reading them. They just know better than to get involved, and leave it at that.
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by JS357"Theists" would be wise to "fight" in private; family members don't launder their soiled socks and undergarments in public.
I am tempted to categorize the 6 types of things theists fight with each other about. One is the relationship between Jesus and God the Father (and sometimes, the Holy Spirit), one is faith vs. good works...
But first I need a hidden agenda.🙂
05 Feb 14
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyI'm sorry, my mistake. I should have said MAN in the general mankind sense.
" only wish men would be more interested in leading a truly good life, less selfish and in solidarity with their fellow humans, instead of all this hypocritical bla bla bla about god, jesus, creation and paradise."
Why do you suppose "men" behave so badly?
Then you just look at the world we live in. No one needs to look far, misery, suffering, exploitation, discrimination, etc.. is rampant, has always been. It seems to be part of the human genes. The law of the strongest, some would say, or the price to pay to live in paradise therafter, others would add.