Atheist/ Non-Believers/Agnostics

[God Is Dead]

I would sure like to know how many live in Scott cty... c'mon folks lemme hear from you.

[Obitchuary]

I personally go by the ways of a LaVeyan Satanist.
I use to live in Scott County, but I just moved from there a couple of weeks ago.

[Kobo]

Sorry GID, I'm totally a believer.

...I just don't seem to believe what everyone else on here does.

[God Is Dead]

Kobo wrote:

Sorry GID, I'm totally a believer.
...I just don't seem to believe what everyone else on here does.

Well, you can still be an honorary member of the club...although I won't be sharing my secret decoder ring...you're on your own with that one.

[Kobo]

Do I get to learn the secret handshake?

[God Is Dead]

Kobo wrote:

Do I get to learn the secret handshake?

Only if you wash them after you visit the bathroom..

[ehhh]

I dont really know if I believe or not. Sometimes I get the overwhelming feeling that God is real and that we really do have a higher power controlling our world. On the other hand, I'm a "have to see it to believe it" type of person. Sometimes I believe in the bile because some of the events described in it have come true..then my rational side says that the bible is so full of metaphors and contradictions that its just too far fetched to be taken seriously. I kinda keep going back and forth on the whole religious thing.

[Gamer84]

I believe in (Judeo-Christian) God, or at least I think I believe in Him. I think there is much good to be found in the Bible, yet I'm a rational thinker and hardly believe that every single thing written in this ancient book applies to modern life. I don't think it's 100% accurate, but the basic message is still intact. Be kind to your fellow people, don't lie, steal, murder, cheat, etc. There are just so many people that take it too seriously or take it out of context and I would never consider myself to be a part of their group. I believe Christianity is the only faith that is true to me, but I also think all religion may be somehow connected and that God has established different rules for different cultures around the world. Most religions follow nearly the same basic principles, and I don't think a just and loving god would send someone to hell just because they were born into a culture that doesn't accept his 'one true' faith.

That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if, upon my death, I find that there is nothing on the other side. I don't know 100% for sure that there is a god, yet I don't know 100% for sure that there isn't one. I think that anyone who can say they completely do or do not believe are lying to themselves, only the dead know for sure.

[TrYilL]

Gamer84 wrote:

I don't know 100% for sure that there is a god, yet I don't know 100% for sure that there isn't one. I think that anyone who can say they completely do or do not believe are lying to themselves, only the dead know for sure.

Very well said

[God Is Dead]

This is one of the reasons I get so perplexed when we're the ones accused of trampling rights...

http://atheism.about.com/b/2009/10/12/us-cath...

[Gamer84]

God Is Dead wrote:

This is one of the reasons I get so perplexed when we're the ones accused of trampling rights...
http://atheism.about.com/b/2009/10/12/us-cath...

A good, informative article. It's no surprise that atheism is on the rise in this country, especially with the younger generation. This, to me, just goes to show how badly the religious leaders of country have failed their people. With Catholic priests molesting children, Muslim fanatics committing acts of terrorism, and organizations like Westboro Baptist Church, it's easy to see why so many people are turning away from religion. Personally, I would rather see people strive to make their own religion more progressive and open-minded rather than dismissing their belief in God.

I do have a question for you, though. I wonder how you perceive the trampling of rights in this article? It seems to me that the priest being interviewed is more concerned that his religion is on the wane than anything else. He doesn't really say anything about it other than that it is happening and that he is alarmed by the trend. I'm not disagreeing with you on the fact that non-Christians and atheists are forcefully subjected to Christian beliefs in this country, I just don't see any example of that in the link you posted.

[God Is Dead]

Gamer84 wrote:

<quoted text>
A good, informative article. It's no surprise that atheism is on the rise in this country, especially with the younger generation. This, to me, just goes to show how badly the religious leaders of country have failed their people. With Catholic priests molesting children, Muslim fanatics committing acts of terrorism, and organizations like Westboro Baptist Church, it's easy to see why so many people are turning away from religion. Personally, I would rather see people strive to make their own religion more progressive and open-minded rather than dismissing their belief in God.
I do have a question for you, though. I wonder how you perceive the trampling of rights in this article? It seems to me that the priest being interviewed is more concerned that his religion is on the wane than anything else. He doesn't really say anything about it other than that it is happening and that he is alarmed by the trend. I'm not disagreeing with you on the fact that non-Christians and atheists are forcefully subjected to Christian beliefs in this country, I just don't see any example of that in the link you posted.

It's the motivation behind their accusations. I don't believe the priest himself is making that insinuation. But the people who keep crying foul on us are motivated for just this reason...religious fervency is on a steady decline...so is the money associated with it. Is that the case for each individual? No, but I guarantee you the bean counters in charge of these religious institutions are certainly aware of it.

[Gamer84]

God Is Dead wrote:

<quoted text>It's the motivation behind their accusations. I don't believe the priest himself is making that insinuation. But the people who keep crying foul on us are motivated for just this reason...religious fervency is on a steady decline...so is the money associated with it. Is that the case for each individual? No, but I guarantee you the bean counters in charge of these religious institutions are certainly aware of it.

That's a good point, I never really considered that the religious leaders might be in opposition to atheism because it cuts into their bottom line financially. I really hate to think churches would look at this as a financial issue, though I'm sure there are some that do. I'd say the majority of small churches around the country are sincerely concerned about losing souls to atheism. I think their hearts are in the right place on this issue, like you said, on an individual basis at least. It makes perfect sense if you apply this logic to the Catholic Church, the most corrupt religious organization of them all in my opinion. I'm not trying to put Catholics down for their beliefs, but I wouldn't be surprised if their leaders weren't at least a little concerned about the money involved.

[God Is Dead]

Gamer84 wrote:

<quoted text>
That's a good point, I never really considered that the religious leaders might be in opposition to atheism because it cuts into their bottom line financially. I really hate to think churches would look at this as a financial issue, though I'm sure there are some that do. I'd say the majority of small churches around the country are sincerely concerned about losing souls to atheism. I think their hearts are in the right place on this issue, like you said, on an individual basis at least. It makes perfect sense if you apply this logic to the Catholic Church, the most corrupt religious organization of them all in my opinion. I'm not trying to put Catholics down for their beliefs, but I wouldn't be surprised if their leaders weren't at least a little concerned about the money involved.

Money is a powerful motivator. Seems you've got a good head on your shoulders. I've been surprised lately by the number of people in this county who've posted on here that haven't lost their ability to reason.

[Gamer84]

God Is Dead wrote:

<quoted text>Money is a powerful motivator. Seems you've got a good head on your shoulders. I've been surprised lately by the number of people in this county who've posted on here that haven't lost their ability to reason.

There are those of us out there, even in small towns such as this one, that are capable of religious belief and rational thought at the same time. I'm willing to admit that belief in God is hard for some to fathom, I struggle with it myself quite often, but ultimately I try to take the beneficial aspects of my belief and share them with the rest of the world while at the same time discarding the negative parts of it. I see no need in the ugliness and hate that some believers have for the people that don't adhere to their lifestyle, especially considering they all subscribe to a belief that is based on forgiveness and love for your your fellow man. Christ didn't treat people that way, so why should I? I'm much more likely to sway your opinion of Christians and Christianity in general and could possibly contribute to your accepting Christ some time in the future, something I could never accomplish by constantly screaming 'You're going to Hell!' at you, by befriending you and treating you as an equal. When it all comes down to it I have no more proof that God exists than you do that he doesn't exist, but we could both benefit from discussing it in a rational manner.

As for the the issue of money and corruption within the religious hierarchy, I have to agree with you about that. The larger a church gets, the less personal it becomes, and many of these big churches run themselves more like a business than a church. That's not to say they're all bad, but I definitely see your point. I feel that worship is better in smaller groups, and personally don't see the need in organized religion. I feel as much spiritual stimulation after a deep theological conversation with a few friends (or strangers online, for that matter) as I do from a day spent in church, and I don't have to give them any money at all. The new generations I think will become increasingly more atheist, and the ones that do still believe will put less faith in organized religion. I already see this happening in my lifetime, and it's only going to get better (or worse, depending on your perspective.)

[enlightened]

Gamer84 wrote:

I believe in (Judeo-Christian) God, or at least I think I believe in Him. I think there is much good to be found in the Bible, yet I'm a rational thinker and hardly believe that every single thing written in this ancient book applies to modern life. I don't think it's 100% accurate, but the basic message is still intact. Be kind to your fellow people, don't lie, steal, murder, cheat, etc. There are just so many people that take it too seriously or take it out of context and I would never consider myself to be a part of their group. I believe Christianity is the only faith that is true to me, but I also think all religion may be somehow connected and that God has established different rules for different cultures around the world. Most religions follow nearly the same basic principles, and I don't think a just and loving god would send someone to hell just because they were born into a culture that doesn't accept his 'one true' faith.
That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if, upon my death, I find that there is nothing on the other side. I don't know 100% for sure that there is a god, yet I don't know 100% for sure that there isn't one. I think that anyone who can say they completely do or do not believe are lying to themselves, only the dead know for sure.

If I may throw my 2 cents in the mix here, and let me add that this is strictly my belief and that I am not trying to persuade anyone of anything (I've stated in a prior thread that I have been given the power of freewill, so therefore, I feel everyone is entitled as well)my faith tells me that although I can't see God, I feel that He is around me, that is where my faith comes into play...as the Bible tells me, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. I personally, can't believe that science can explain everything away...some things are just beyond my comprehension of how they were created and designed in such ways they are and how they work in the ways they do and often science has been boggled about some things as well. For example, love...love is an emotion as we all know, but why do we feel it? Why are we really on this earth and what is our purpose? As far as the "religion/cultural" issue, I don't think that God would send anyone to hell for that...I do believe however, that because we are given the choice (freewill) to either believe or not, that is an open invitation to accept God into our lives. That being said, I would much rather live my life, having accepted God, having accepted His gift of redemption (as I believe)and dieing without having a heaven or hell, than to live my life w/out that gift only to find out that God did exist. I myself would not want to take that chance. I honestly don't see the harm in living a life of love and forgiveness, as a christian is supposed to live and as Jesus intended us all to be, and in my opinion, I don't think that without Christ in my life, I could begin to understand the full measure of love and forgiveness without judgement. Without that understanding, I can't begin to forgive fully or see others without judgement or condemnation.

[TCA]

GID you have my support. I'm not an atheist, but i don't believe in traditional christian beliefs either

[Just Me]

I believe it is so simple ...you believe in the lord, be saved, leave all this other stuff out. It is personal between me and the Lord. How I worship, How I pray and how I believe is between me and Him. Forms and fashions have made it hard for people to find the true way with the Lord. I do believe any one who does not believe in God is an antichrist. But that word only means a non believer. Some are looking for great big powerful person to be THE antichrist and in truth we all were one at one time.

[God Is Dead]

Just Me wrote:

I believe it is so simple ...you believe in the lord, be saved, leave all this other stuff out. It is personal between me and the Lord. How I worship, How I pray and how I believe is between me and Him. Forms and fashions have made it hard for people to find the true way with the Lord. I do believe any one who does not believe in God is an antichrist. But that word only means a non believer. Some are looking for great big powerful person to be THE antichrist and in truth we all were one at one time.

Anti-christ? I'm sure people won't misinterpret that at all.

[Kobo]

Just Me wrote:

I believe it is so simple ...you believe in the lord, be saved, leave all this other stuff out. It is personal between me and the Lord. How I worship, How I pray and how I believe is between me and Him. Forms and fashions have made it hard for people to find the true way with the Lord. I do believe any one who does not believe in God is an antichrist. But that word only means a non believer. Some are looking for great big powerful person to be THE antichrist and in truth we all were one at one time.

I disagree with your reasoning to a point. One can be non-christian and be Christ-like. Unfortunately it goes to the old standby of the church. By demonizing those with differing beliefs, they are attempting to keep their followers from considering that any of the non-believer's opposing views have validity.

It would be like me saying by your own reasoning you are a devil worshiper. As non-believers do not believe in god, therefore they do not believe in the devil. As a Christian, you not only believe in the devil, but you put him in a position of authority for temptation. As a matter of public record, Anton LeVay's Ninth Satanic Statement advises "Satan has been the best friend the Church has ever had, as He has kept it in business all these years."