Why do Atheist/Unbelievers always clash heads with Christians?

[crwtom 0]

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Do I start asking them why they believe that they're from Mars or why they believe that the world is coming to an end today? NO. What do I do? I simply walk across the street to avoid them and go about my business.

well that is you - but others do actually take some morbid fascination in the contortion of the human mind. If someone tells me about the pink elephants he carries around in his pockets I will ask him about what kind of alternate universe he sees when he looks out to the other end of his ice box. The phenomenology of psychological disorders from your garden variety axiety to autism, the obsessive-compulsive or the halluzinating state is of interest to most who want to know about their own kind - if you see the human mind carried to its extremes it gives you also a better idea how it works in the "normal" range.

You'll witness in many examples the human minds defense mechanisms against overwhelming threat by creating other realities that sedate and sustain minimal functionality and survival.

Now look at evolution of species, particularly evolution of intellect. Humans are the first to have a sufficiently developped intellect that can think far ahead into the future. This suddenly creates a new philosophical problem that no species had to deal with before - i.e. we can think (at least abstractly) beyond our death - when we will, in reality, not be able to think anymore because we're rotting in a box six feet under.

The threat of death, even of latent, becomes continous & permanent. You mix this up with adaptive psychological behavior yo're bound to see some interesting phenomenon of the human mind - a latent and continuous defense mechanism.

So yeah - it can be very interesting to explore this now and then by instigating some theological argument. More intersting though where adaptive behavior will evolve into in regard to this "dilemma" in the next few thousand years. The emergence of religion on the evolutionary time scale as an adaptive mechanism may be noe more than a temporary fashion.

Cheers, T

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Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true

[crwtom 0]

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God doesn't believe in atheists.

i never told a guy called "god" to believe in me - don't know anyone by that name and don't care what he might think.

Chees, T

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Fear causes hesitation, and hesitation will cause your worst fears to come true

[CameraNewbie 0]

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a thread about the objectification of women and people that believe in really shallow and self serving goals?

Oh stop it...Money, Skydiving and Beer is what we all look forward to every now and then. Without money, no skydiving, without money, no beer, etc.

Who said anything about objectification of women? Not I, you did. You seem to be a bit old fashioned and probably more mature in age than I am and you're definitely not from the city. Therefore, you couldn't possibly imagine that mature women and mature men
have consentual sex without having to have a relationship with one another or even knowing each other at all. Sex with different partners is great. I don't know, maybe things are done differently in Minnesota than they are in the city.

What do protesters want? Dead cops! When do they want it? Every 2 weeks!

[CameraNewbie 0]

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Personally, I like to know what others believe and why - that's why I read and participate in some of the religion threads.

That doesn't make any sense. Why would you want to educate yourself about something you don't believe in? Life is too short and precious for it to be wasted on learning about something you don't believe in. Just live your life and let others live theirs. It's so simple.

I think that those that are curious minded are probably looking for something to believe in. If that's the case, don't call yourself an Atheist. Call yourself, waiting for an answer from above or a religion that you like to call your own someday.

How many Atheist here would rather just spend their time/energy on their own lives, loved one's lives and their families' lives instead of researching or knowing about beliefs that they don't believe in? Raise your hand.

What do protesters want? Dead cops! When do they want it? Every 2 weeks!

[CameraNewbie 0]

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of course, the irony there is you are responding to a poster who's occupation is listed as "unemployment collector"

I put that there to be sarcastic, Einstein. Anyway, stop attacking the poster and stick to the original topic.

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I admit, I did kneejerk to his rather childish list of beliefs instead of 'live and let live'. I'll assume it's a kid and I wasn't much different then either.

Childish? You're not from the city so you can't possibly imagine that I am one out of 1 million single people (men/women) in the city that share the same ideals. Besides, you don't have a single clue as to what goes on here in the city. Single Men and Women here prefer one night stands because there are no attachments.

What do protesters want? Dead cops! When do they want it? Every 2 weeks!

[CameraNewbie 0]

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"Why would anyone here that is an Atheist/Unbeliever want to be curious or argue points about things that don't exist or things that they don't believe in?"

They may see you in the same light.

Whatever you say Bill, you're always right. Why are you disecting my OP? Anyway, so what is the Great BillVon's opinion on the above question?

What do protesters want? Dead cops! When do they want it? Every 2 weeks!

[NCclimber 0]

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Doesn't hating something by definition mean an acknowledgment of it's existence?

Maybe "Christian haters" is a more fitting term.

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And no, I don't see many athiests trying to outlaw christianity.

Are you familiar with the ACLU?

[JackC 0]

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And no, I don't see many athiests trying to outlaw christianity.

Are you familiar with the ACLU?

I looked on the ACLU website for their stated aims and nowhere did I see oulawing christianity as one of their goals. On the contrary, they seem to advocate freedom of religion along with all civil liberties. Perhaps I missed it, could you point it out to me please?

After all I think facts are important and should be checked before drawing conclusions.

[NCclimber 0]

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And no, I don't see many athiests trying to outlaw christianity.

Are you familiar with the ACLU?

I looked on the ACLU website for their stated aims and nowhere did I see oulawing christianity as one of their goals. On the contrary, they seem to advocate freedom of religion along with all civil liberties. Perhaps I missed it, could you point it out to me please?

After all I think facts are important and should be checked before drawing conclusions.

I bet you couldn't find any mention of their defending NAMBLA on their site, either.

[kallend 2,150]

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Doesn't hating something by definition mean an acknowledgment of it's existence?

Maybe "Christian haters" is a more fitting term.

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And no, I don't see many athiests trying to outlaw christianity.

Are you familiar with the ACLU?

What a STUPID comment. ACLU isn't trying to make Christianity illegal. Just preventing the GOVERNMENT from ramming it down our throats.

I'm sure you can actually tell the difference.

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The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[JackC 0]

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I bet you couldn't find any mention of their defending NAMBLA on their site, either.

Do they? If you can't find it on the ACLU website, I'll take any reputable news source. So pony up, or don't you believe your own sig line?

[steveorino 7]

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I bet you couldn't find any mention of their defending NAMBLA on their site, either.

Do they? If you can't find it on the ACLU website, I'll take any reputable news source. So pony up, or don't you believe your own sig line?

I know I'm not NCclimber but here is the link about ACLU defending NAMBLA

BTW, I personally don't see this as the ACLU attacking Christians, but a very poor choice in choosing a defendant for sure.

http://www.aclu.org/freespeech/protest/11289prs20000831.html

steveOrino

[JackC 0]

According to the link, it was a freedom of speech issue (or at the least the ACLU publicly state that they saw it as one). Defending freedom of speech is a good thing isn't it? Even if you don't agree with what's said?

[rehmwa 2]

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maybe things are done differently in Minnesota than they are in the city.

Minnesota is a state.

This metro area here is pushing around 3 million people. Some might even call that a "city". I was single and young in Phoenix and also lived in DC and the Pittsburgh metro - all pretty decent sized cities.

Seriously, you want to start a post about how atheism is better and then hold up your 'values' as the poster child, then understand that those life choices aren't a great example for anybody long term and doesn't reflect well on any atheists that I know.

Also, I'm agnostic, but if I was surrounded by 1 million people with such a shallow viewpoint on life and sex, I wouldn't hide behind them by claiming I'm just part of the masses, I'd still stick with my values even if I was the only one. And, who am I to say what the other 999,999 people have for values? that's nuts. Have the guts to say these are "your" values and don't try to speak for others or find false strength in some imagine peer group.

To take the sting off - I know you're just posturing in the original post because that's what kids do. I know it's harmless and you have a real life and values. Take it from me - it impresses no one. Not any more than people here talking about how if something happens to them, they'd "tear off the other guy's head and throw it in a ditch" or other crap.

Lastly, if you don't think writing "picking up chicks and getting laid every night" isn't objectifying women as sperm recepticles, then I challenge you to tell that to every single woman you attempt to pick up.

Let me know if you DON'T have a dry spell with the ladies (and you can't count purchasing sex a breaking the dry spell)....

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Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[NCclimber 0]

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According to the link, it was a freedom of speech issue (or at the least the ACLU publicly state that they saw it as one). Defending freedom of speech is a good thing isn't it? Even if you don't agree with what's said?

Apparently, the ACLU is all about free speech... as long as it's not coming in the form of dissent from its own board members. Then it's all about muzzling the bastards.

[steveorino 7]

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According to the link, it was a freedom of speech issue (or at the least the ACLU publicly state that they saw it as one). Defending freedom of speech is a good thing isn't it? Even if you don't agree with what's said?

I agree to a point. I know even the most reprehensible speech should be protected, but I guess I do draw the line somewhere. To me it is the abuse of minors. Say anything offensive you want, but if your whole organization is about the abuse of minors (and that is what I think of NAMBLA) then I guess I draw the line without apology.

steveOrino

[goofyjumper 0]

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My opinion? It's a lack of peace.

Lack of peace on who? Christians or Atheists?

What's you problem? Why do you hate peace? You're one of them, aren't you?

I am sorry I must have been drunk when I typed that I hate peace.....
Can you show me where I typed that?

I just asked a question - Mr. Defensive!

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I love and Miss you so much Honey!
Orfun #3 ~ Darla

[JackC 0]

Do you have anything to back that up and explain what you mean or should I just write you off as a waste of time now?

[NCclimber 0]

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Doesn't hating something by definition mean an acknowledgment of it's existence?

Maybe "Christian haters" is a more fitting term.

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And no, I don't see many athiests trying to outlaw christianity.

Are you familiar with the ACLU?

What a STUPID comment. ACLU isn't trying to make Christianity illegal. Just preventing the GOVERNMENT from ramming it down our throats.

I'm sure you can actually tell the difference.

Tissue?
Pamprin?
Prozac?

[jakee 1,596]

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maybe things are done differently in Minnesota than they are in the city.

Minnesota is a state.

This metro area here is pushing around 3 million people. Some might even call that a "city".

Yeah, but its not 'the' city, 'kay?

Face it, you don't come from 'the' city and are hopelessly out of touch with what modern people say and do. Now toddle off and let the new generation talk

Do you want to have an ideagasm?

[NCclimber 0]

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Do you have anything to back that up and explain what you mean or should I just write you off as a waste of time now?

Tsk, tsk. Don't get you panties in a wad.

About the ACLU and NAMBLA:

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NAMBLA is "not just publishing material that says it's OK to have sex with children and advocating changing the law," says Larry Frisoli, a Cambridge attorney who is arguing the Curleys case in federal court. NAMBLA, he says, "is actively training their members how to rape children and get away with it. They distribute child pornography and trade live children among NAMBLA members with the purpose of having sex with them."

Frisoli cites a NAMBLA publication he calls "The Rape and Escape Manual." Its actual title is "The Survival Manual: The Man's Guide to Staying Alive in Man-Boy Sexual Relationships."

"Its chapters explain how to build relationships with children," Frisoli tells me. "How to gain the confidence of children's parents. Where to go to have sex with children so as not to get caught...There is advice, if one gets caught, on when to leave America and how to rip off credit card companies to get cash to finance your flight. It's pretty detailed."

"In his diary, Jaynes said he had reservations about having sex with children until he discovered NAMBLA," Frisoli continues. "It's in his diary in 1996, around the time he joined NAMBLA, one year before the death of Jeffrey Curley."

The practical, step-by-step advice Jaynes followed goes far beyond appeals to sway public opinion in favor of pedophilia. Such language aids and abets felonious conduct. If such conspiracy results in homicide, it is reasonable for NAMBLA to face civil liability if not criminal prosecution.

Ohio's Court of Appeals found NAMBLA complicit in an earlier child-rape case. NAMBLA's literature, discovered in a defendant's possession, reflected "preparation and purpose," according to the Buckeye State's top bench.

The ACLU has offered material support to those who openly preach pedophilia and arguably encourage kidnapping, rape, and murder. Yet this legal group is energetically hostile to an organization that tries to turn boys into men, with sex alien to the process.

Is this what the Founding Fathers meant to protect with the First Amendment?

[unformed 0]

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Personally, I like to know what others believe and why - that's why I read and participate in some of the religion threads.

That doesn't make any sense. Why would you want to educate yourself about something you don't believe in? Life is too short and precious for it to be wasted on learning about something you don't believe in. Just live your life and let others live theirs. It's so simple.

Huh? Education is s good thing. Being a well-rounded individual with the knowledge of many different philosophies stops one from being an ignorant prick.

It might be a bit over your head though.

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I think that those that are curious minded are probably looking for something to believe in. If that's the case, don't call yourself an Atheist. Call yourself, waiting for an answer from above or a religion that you like to call your own someday.

How many Atheist here would rather just spend their time/energy on their own lives, loved one's lives and their families' lives instead of researching or knowing about beliefs that they don't believe in? Raise your hand.

Nope. I enjoy learning about things, even those that I don't believe and will never believe in.

This ad space for sale.

[NCclimber 0]

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ACLU Targets Crosses And 10 Commandments
Today, the ACLU is waging war against the public display of crosses and the 10 Commandments. In California, the ACLU threatened to sue the County ofLos Angeles if it didn’t remove a small cross from the county seal. The cross is one of the smallest images on the seal. The pagan Greek goddess Pomona is the largest image, but the ACLU only targeted the removal of the cross—not the pagan goddess. A compliant liberal majority of county commissioners immediately caved to the ACLU’s demands. Angry citizens are calling for a November vote on keeping the cross on the seal. The ACLU has also won the removal of a cross in the Mojave desert that was part of a World War I memorial to our nation’s fallen soldiers. One of the primary targets of the ACLU is the removal of the 10 Commandments from all public property. According to a report on NPR(10/10/2003), since 2000, more than 24 lawsuits have been filed against the display of the 10 Commandments and more are filed each month. Now, the target is to remove crosses from city seals. The latest ACLU lawsuit is against Virginia Beach for a cross on its city seal. Jay Sekulow, head of the American Center for Law & Justice discussed this attempt to remove allreligious symbols from public life on “The O’Reilly Fac-tor” on June 24, 2004. Sekulow told O’Reilly, “...the ACLU is really on a vendetta of trying to remove every religious reference from any city seal, from our mottos.”Sekulow says this is a campaign specifically targeted against Christian symbols. He notes that in California, students are required to read the Koran in school and the ACLU has no problem with this. In New York City, public schools were forced to remove all Christian symbols of Christmas but not Jewish Menorahs or the Islamic Star and Crescent for Ramadan... and the ACLU didn’t object. Sekulow predicts that the ACLU will eventually sue cities like “Corpus Christi” to change their names because it means “Body of Christ....

Roger Baldwin would be proud of the misguided legacy he has left be-hind.“… the ACLU is … on a vendetta … to remove every religious reference from any city seal, fromout mottos.” — American Center for Law & Justice leader, Jay Sekulow

[JackC 0]

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According to the link, it was a freedom of speech issue (or at the least the ACLU publicly state that they saw it as one). Defending freedom of speech is a good thing isn't it? Even if you don't agree with what's said?

I agree to a point. I know even the most reprehensible speech should be protected, but I guess I do draw the line somewhere. To me it is the abuse of minors. Say anything offensive you want, but if your whole organization is about the abuse of minors (and that is what I think of NAMBLA) then I guess I draw the line without apology.

I'm all for freedom of speech but I think there is a responsibility that goes with it and it should be accepted by those who open their mouth. I guess I agree with you here.

[kallend 2,150]

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ACLU Targets Crosses And 10 Commandments
Today, the ACLU is waging war against the public display of crosses and the 10 Commandments. In California, the ACLU threatened to sue the County ofLos Angeles if it didn’t remove a small cross from the county seal. The cross is one of the smallest images on the seal. The pagan Greek goddess Pomona is the largest image, but the ACLU only targeted the removal of the cross—not the pagan goddess. A compliant liberal majority of county commissioners immediately caved to the ACLU’s demands. Angry citizens are calling for a November vote on keeping the cross on the seal. The ACLU has also won the removal of a cross in the Mojave desert that was part of a World War I memorial to our nation’s fallen soldiers. One of the primary targets of the ACLU is the removal of the 10 Commandments from all public property. According to a report on NPR(10/10/2003), since 2000, more than 24 lawsuits have been filed against the display of the 10 Commandments and more are filed each month. Now, the target is to remove crosses from city seals. The latest ACLU lawsuit is against Virginia Beach for a cross on its city seal. Jay Sekulow, head of the American Center for Law & Justice discussed this attempt to remove allreligious symbols from public life on “The O’Reilly Fac-tor” on June 24, 2004. Sekulow told O’Reilly, “...the ACLU is really on a vendetta of trying to remove every religious reference from any city seal, from our mottos.”Sekulow says this is a campaign specifically targeted against Christian symbols. He notes that in California, students are required to read the Koran in school and the ACLU has no problem with this. In New York City, public schools were forced to remove all Christian symbols of Christmas but not Jewish Menorahs or the Islamic Star and Crescent for Ramadan... and the ACLU didn’t object. Sekulow predicts that the ACLU will eventually sue cities like “Corpus Christi” to change their names because it means “Body of Christ....

Roger Baldwin would be proud of the misguided legacy he has left be-hind.“… the ACLU is … on a vendetta … to remove every religious reference from any city seal, fromout mottos.” — American Center for Law & Justice leader, Jay Sekulow

Nice rant, but you fail to make the point that ACLU is trying to outlaw Christianity.

I am sure that even you can actually tell the difference between outlawing something and opposing government sponsorship of it.

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The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.