Seriously Atheist's? Whats wrong with you!

LOL! Dude, super huge thanks for being so darn cool! It's frustrating on both sides I agree! No one should force their views on any other person.

Every group of humans on earth have some bad apples.. And no one likes to be lectured, etc.. now conversation, I think that's great!

I make it a point to try and not to be one of those Christians that try to wag their fingers or say I will pray for your soul. I just go into the discussion and when asked about my views I give my views but not to make any feel uncomfortable or try to "convert" anyone. I think everyone is entitled to their viewpoints whether it be about Christianity or not.

I have never been stalked but i can see how annoying and frustrating that would be. Mega sorry by the way! And yeah this could be directed at fanatical Christians as well!

Dear Raven....you are One cool Chick. Remind me to never pick a fight w/ you. I would definately get my a$$ kicked! I know what you mean too. My cousin gets all kinds of Creepy looks and Crap from people she doesn't even know.....Because she has her own way of doing things. Some folks call her a Tree-Hugger , or " Nature-lover " or sissy ,the list is endless. But recently......she told me about her Teacher... in One of her studies and Her Teacher has Shown her things that she thought were Impossible. And Guess what???? It involved God! Yes...who knew that she loved God? I mean she doesn't go to Church or anything!.....Some folks might be inclined to think that's a SIN! But you know what????I have Never seen such a transformation in her whole Demeanor. She's out going and Fun to Be around. I remember when she used to go to Church ( a Long time ago ) She was really Hard to be Around with! She always acted as if she were in trouble for absolutely nothing. She behaved like she was Being tortured , if She didn't adhere to a Specific set of Rules. But......you Should see her now. I love my Cousin!

BUT when a fanatic pesters me, gets blatantly rude, stalks and harrasses me... Sounds familiar... I wonder who you could be talking about... hmmm lol I love stalkers. I'll merrily head-butt that wall till it falls over. Maybe that's why I don't have any..?

I should also add that Wiccans/Pagans do believe in a higher power, just not the same one.

I was aware that Wiccans believed in a higher power, i did not mean to come across sounding like they did not. But dont you think that a christian deserves the same respect as a Muslim, or Buddhist, or Wiccan, for that matter? They all do things by their own religious beliefs and some (like christian fanatical's) take it over the edge. However is does not mean they should get a lack or respect or dignity.

I didn't say Christians shouldn't be shown respect. I was just pointing out why there seems to be a bit of a backlash against them. Lately it seems they have an inordinate number of fanatics. When the Fanatics come out of the other religions you'll also find them quickly being rebuffed & looked down upon. The fanatics actually hurt the religion as a whole because they give the religion a bad reputation & cause people to become defensive against it. If someone feels they have to defend themselves against something their probably not going to keep a civil tongue.

Growls eh? That would be interesting to see... I know this discussion wont change anything. But it makes me feel better. Which sounds selfish now that I think about it. But who knows maybe some one out there will agree and right their wrongs...

Growls eh? That would be interesting to see... Oh, it's hilarious. But who knows maybe some one out there will agree and right their wrongs... You never know, I doubt it, but you never know.

If you interpreted it that way I'm sorry. I did not want to come across saying that only christians believe in a higher power or powers. If I'm not mistaken i said others in there as well. And the fact that pagans aren't required to go door to door preaching your faith is totally cool. But christians are, well some any way. And on that note some take it WAY to far. So in theory your being intolerant of another's religious practices. That said I still say some take it to far, and i can understand how annoy and frustrating that is.

I think you missed AnimeMom's point. She mentioned Wiccan's specifically because they believe in many gods, and not just one. Or at least, that was how I read it. Do atheists only have a problem with monotheists, or is it theists of any kind? Because they don't seem to mind the polytheists, and many of them not even the Jews or the Muslims. Many seem to aim their hatred specifically at the Christians. At least the Christians are more broad in their bigotry... lol Seriously though, targeting a specific group, any group, for something they believe and you cannot disprove is wrong. By the way, I have been preached at by some pagans, I think they were wiccans. Honestly. I'm a wicked, hating, bigoted monster because er... I'm not a pagan (I'm currently a Liberal Christian Henotheist, if you want a label, but I so rarely admit my religion, it only causes trouble when I can;t be bothered with it). Apparently I should believe in and worship all the gods (that'd be a feat and a half!). So hate comes from all sorts, and no excuse is good enough for it.

shard.. i went back and re-read, and i did miss the quotes around the word "the" in refference to a higher power.. so you were right to point out my mistake. i do agree with you that NO ONE should be hateful or cruel to others for any reason, and when it is done sposedly because it is what yer religion requires you to do.. it makes it that much more of a crime, at least in my eyes. anime.. my appologies for mis-reading the line in regards to pagans not beleiving in a higher power. thanx to shard my mistake was pointed out to me. as far as my intolerance for others practices.. i have intolerance when they feel the right to invade my own space and intrude upon my life, my property, my home, and accost my children because it is what their religion command they do. that behavior is simply unacceptable to me.

Ok, good opinion. However I was speaking to those atheist that purposely go around telling others they are wrong for believing in god. I understand it's a persons right to believe or not to but it's rude to tell someone they are wrong or stupid for doing so. As yes many religions do have restrictions.

They also cause war and bloodshed all over the world.

To true.

That's very insightful! Never thought about it that way. You know, I was forced into being a Catholic by my father. When I was old enough I decided against Catholicism and decided christianity was more my style. No hateful feelings towards anyone, i just moved on.

I'm sorry to hear that people have hated you just because of your faith. I just get irritated when i think people aren't being treated fairly. I just dont see the need for rudeness when it comes to religion or other personal beliefs.

Christianity is not taught in schools, that's unlawful. And our country was founded on the basis of christianity, it's not some new fad that the courts decided to throw at atheist to piss ya'll off. I can understand the frustration of having to swear on a book you don't believe in. I personally dont think the bible is anything more than good stories, because it was written by man, it is flawed. But swearing on a book shouldn't bother you much more than swearing on a stack of magazines.

Religion IS taught in schools in the UK and 99% of those schools are Christian. They make no effort whatsoever to even offer a preference of religion to learn. I believe that if I go to court then (obviously) I should be made to swear on a book of my religion or which I believe in. Seeing as though I am atheist, then there is no book to believe in and they cannot therefore determine whether or not I am lying by making me swear on oath on the bible.

And I also wouldn't be breaking an oath if I was lying, therefore I am legally entitled to lie in court!

"They started it by declaring that atheists are going to suffer eternally just for not adhering to the same superstitions as them" You sound like a kindergartner. They started it first? You know it's funny for some one claiming to be an atheist you sure do profess a lot about being witnessed too. Methinks you might actually believe in the "hellfire" I mean if such a place does not exist then why be bothered by it? It's like me saying believe in my god Fragle, or else a thousand zebras will dance on your face. You know thats not going to happen so your not bothered by it or scared. But it sounds to me like hell actually scares you, an atheists. "If someone says something that makes no sense, I reserve the right to say so." It may make no sense to you but to others, of whatever religion they may have, it does. And i dont know who gave YOU the absolute right to tell others that they are wrong in their respective beliefs. I dont remember you being god...

But to assume that all Christians are evangelical and thus attack all Christians indiscriminately is as bad as being an evangelical Christian. It's funny how two identical discussions were started within hours of each other, one by a Christian railing against atheists and one by a pagan railing against Christians. I wonder if it was a coincidence or if they were linked in some way. Considering the OPs, I doubt it was done on purpose. That's because Wiccans don't go around trying to convert everyone There are many wonders in this world, many things we have yet to understand... and one of them is evangelical Wiccans. Believe me; they exist, and possibly in the same proportions as evangelical to non evangelical Christians... but there are so few Wiccans that the evangelist ones are few and far between. I happen to live in an area that attracts those of an unorthodox spiritual persuasion, and as my partner is an occultist I get to meet and befriend many people of many paths... so I'm bound to run into the funny ones once in a while. This coming from the person who goes on this whole rant against atheists but never once considers how offensive it can be for an atheist to be told they're going to Hell by a Christian. You've got it backwards, sorry to say. It happens on all sides though. As I say, I've been attacked by Wiccans as well Christians, Muslims and atheists... seriously. I can't win! Which is why I rarely state what religious persuasion I am... though it has to be said now and then. It just gets in the way of a good, honest conversation by throwing up false assumptions in the minds of the people I'm talking too.

""They started it by declaring that atheists are going to suffer eternally just for not adhering to the same superstitions as them" You sound like a kindergartner. They started it first?" Just making the point that it's ridiculous to give atheists a hard time for pushing BACK once in a while, emphasis on "back". "You know it's funny for some one claiming to be an atheist you sure do profess a lot about being witnessed too. Methinks you might actually believe in the "hellfire" I mean if such a place does not exist then why be bothered by it?" Grow the hell up. It bothers me because those people are going around teaching their kids to hate atheists for no good reason, and to convince themselves that we atheists DESERVE punishment just for being atheists. And then atheists will have to deal with another generation of discrimination thanks to the bigots. Frankly, that bothers us, as it should. Why do you fault atheists for defending themselves? "It's like me saying believe in my god Fragle, or else a thousand zebras will dance on your face. You know thats not going to happen so your not bothered by it or scared." Except there aren't "Fraglists" indoctrinating children and trying to push their beliefs into public schools. Big difference. Use your head. "But it sounds to me like hell actually scares you, an atheists." That's because you're not paying attention. Are you really SO arrogant that you truly believe that I MUST somehow SECRETLY believe in that nonsense, just because I want it to stop being shoved in my face? Yeah, it's easy for you, you're the majority. You don't understand. Atheists are the only demographic that it's still socially acceptable to hate in the USA. Polls show that people consider atheists the least American, and they also show that most people would never vote for an atheist for President REGARDLESS of his/her qualifications. Sounds to me like you need to see the board in your own eye. "It may make no sense to you but to others, of whatever religion they may have, it does." And they have the right to say it makes sense if they think so, just like I have the right to say the opposite. That's part of what makes the US so great. Unlike most evangelicals, atheists understand religious freedom and would never advocate BANNING religion. On the other hand, I have heard countless times cries for the deportation or even execution of atheists in this country, through legal (wanting to change the Constitution etc.) OR illegal means. "And i dont know who gave YOU the absolute right to tell others that they are wrong in their respective beliefs." Not who, but what. The Constitution gave me the right to tell you what I think, and you're just going to have to deal with it, or move to a country where there is no freedom of speech. It's nothing short of unamerican to imply that someone doesn't have the right to express him or herself in that way.

Thank you! :) That's all I was trying to say with this discussion and it got WAY out of hand!

It's just frustrating when any one of any religion goes out of their way to berate others for their beliefs. Sorry if the post seemed whiny to you, it was not intended that way.

Thats a good question!

Wow talk about being a hypocrite.... Dude not to burst your bubble but thats what christianity is about Witnessing to other people. Yeah it's annoying so ignore it. I was talking about those certain atheist out there that deliberately put down other people for believe in god. Like they are stupid for believe in a higher power. And freedom of speech does not include, or should not include berating others for those beliefs. And for the record i have no problem what-so-ever with other people's beliefs. Live and let live.

I disagree that Christianity is about witnessing to other people. Christians, from my interpretation, are to show their light and lead by example. Jesus spoke and then walked away. Those so inclined followed. He didn't follow people around the "desert mylot" telling them how wrong they were for not following.

See, this is why I so rarely tell people I'm a Christian (see above). It makes people assume that, just because I happen to believe in Christ and follow His teachings (well, I try...) that I'm an evangelist and I get yelled at, from all over the place. I've never been specifically targeted by atheists, though they have posted on threads I've been involved in, for no reason except to be a troll. But I have been preached at (IRL) by the odd pagan (possibly wiccan). Of course I mostly get preached at by the Christians because I don't conform to their dogma! I can't win. *hides under a rock* Oh, and the odd Muslim has had a go online. *thinks* No, that's about it for me.

I couldn't agree more! That is why I defend this thread, it is incredibly frustrating to state your belief only to be told you're wrong for believing! Moreover, not just wrong, but flat out stupid/ignorant for believing, as well! I welcome all polite discussion where two or more parties trade their views. The problem with something like this, however, is that it's such a touchy subject...

I'm sorry I think you just contradicted yourself. When you said "ALL people that try to push beliefs onto others are religious preachers, not atheists!" Well SOME atheists do try and "push" their beliefs on others. Look through some christian or Muslim threads and I'm sure you'll find many examples. I've met one in particular on mylot that seems to relish the chance to put a christian down. What would you call that?

Sure you can! I've seen it done quite a few times. For example... Bob: "I believe in god!" Frank: " That's a stupid belief, god does not exist." It's been said a lot around here... And all I was trying to say is that it's wrong to put others down for what they believe.

You can't push your beliefs onto somebody else if you choose to believe in nothing.

No, you didn't state that it's acceptable - you presupposed it to be acceptable. As I have already stated, what you choose to believe is entirely up to you, I respect that. You have also stated here that you respect other beliefs - I admire that! However, NOBODY should be trying to push beliefs or take away beliefs from anybody. YOU clearly do not know what you are talking about as you are constantly contradicting yourself and digging a deeper hole for yourself here.

OK lets sit down and re-read my original post. I did say that you should be the bigger person and ignore those christian fanatics who do try to push their beliefs on you. I never once said that it was OK or acceptable for them to do so. My ONLY problem with atheists is when SOME of them decide to tell Christians or people of other religions that they are WRONG for believing the way they do. In my opinion, it is wrong to put others down and even tell some people that there is no god and believing in him is wrong or stupid. I would never have the gall to tell an atheist they are wrong for what they believe, it's a personal choice and they have every right to believe thusly. I think your trying to put words into my mouth and pick a fight that need not be started. It's becoming quite clear to me that you don't really know what your talking about.

There is no need to put others down for their beliefs, you got that right buddy! Um... question real quick. Are you still a scientologist believer? Or does "just me" mean you believe in nothing?

lol, that's one heck of a path... Catholic through to Scientologist? How'd you make that jump?

Hi shardaerliss, it'is quite a jump eh! I loved catholicism when I was a child, I guess it was what I was used to but I was still very young when I realised that Adam and Eve and the Apple were probably figuratively speaking. A closer look at Genesis inspired the imagination and I started thinking maybe there were some aliens around in those days! Later, I came across Erich Von Daaniken and his chariots of the Gods and I was convinced of the alien theory! But we all mature! My reserches into beliefs were more centred around what makes a person a believer, rather than the belief itself. I came across scientiology in my early twenties as a challenge set to me by (oddly enough) a non-scientologist who had read their book 'Dianetics, the modern science of mental health' I thought it would have nothing new to tell me. How wrong I was. It IS the way the mind the works. Scientology became a fascination for me more in the sense of trying to disprove it at first, only to find (after 20 years of passive research) It's the only religion I have encountered which proves true everytime. Unfortunately in my early years, scientology had a much worse reputation than it does today, and mere association with it made others wary of me or eager to save me from a brainwashing cult or a host of other negative vibes, so I did'nt get seriousy involved. Mores the pity! This next part is also addressed to AnimeMOM: Just me!!! I do not follow any religion, just the personal ethics I have developed or was 'inborn' with. I follow my own view of life and the universe and respect everyone elses view, which is why I do get upset when others criticise or try to impose their beliefs on me. As for scientology, well I know this is quite a controversial statement, but since it's begining in 1950, there has NEVER been any criticism of it's phillosophy. Only of it's adherents, it's founder, and it's enrolment techniques. I even read a book written by a Psychiatrist, Cults of unreason, expecting a valid argument against it's mental health views, only to find him mocking scientology instead. Scientology is not a belief system, it's more the mechanics of thought and life and living, and everything follows laws. It's fundamentally a guide to those laws, although it does go much deeper than that. I have my own views based on tenets discovered through scientology, catholicism and science.

Very well said, thank you for looking at the post with a open mind! By the way I love your avatar!

I'm relatively new myself! So welcome! I'm a HUGE house fan as well, I cant seem to get enough of that show!

Obviously I'm new here, and seeing your avatar is what made me want to change mine! I LOVE House!! Anyway, I like this post for what it is. Folks need to leave the rude comments elsewhere...I'm sure everyone is quite capable of expressing their opinions without belittling someone else!