They obviously don't believe in any diety, class those who do believe in a diety as stupid, and probably some other beliefs I don't know about.
So what is their purpose for posting anything on a religious board?
2006-09-11 05:15:55 · 24 answers · asked by namsaev 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Thank you all for your comments. *BG* Even the one who reported me for being a pompous biblical beast of burden.
I guess my question was really there is enough animosity from the extremes of religion generated without having someone just try to stir up trouble?
It's easy to hypothetical questions of any religion. But what is the point of your question? Is it really a question or are you just being facitious?
2006-09-12 02:26:12 · update #1
Devil's advocate!
2006-09-11 05:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by Tatochka 3 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Even if all the atheists and agnostics were to run off to play together elsewhere, the Religion and Spirituality Forum would still be fraught with controversy . Christians have for millenia displayed a consistent pattern of fierce disputes, first with one another, and ultimately with Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jainists, Bahais, etc., both here and throughout the world.
Strongly religious people almost universally believe that everyone else is mistaken. This is a fear response, and one that successfully fights of anxiety of doubt. However, dogma builds barriers between people. It is one of the saddest facts that religions, most of whom try to teach peace, inspire such vitriol.
Selnyk, Jim Darwin, other skeptics, and to a minor degree I myself, serve the purpose of promoting honesty within the forum. In truth, no religious dogma, no matter how well thought out, is based on anything but the emotional synchrony experienced by the individual believer. Such faith may stem from inheritance or study, yet it is the comfort derived from one's faith that helps maintain it. But given the number of (mutually exclusive) religions and the corollary numbers of enthusiastic followers they each attract, it is certain that attraction to a particular religion is akin to (US Supreme Court) Justice Potter Stewart's comments on recognizing pornography. It's hard to define, but you know the right one for you when you see it. The fault for both of these distinctions (porn and religion) lies in assuming everyone sees things the same as you do.
2006-09-11 16:57:00 · answer #2 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you saying you are only allowed to question a diety but in a positive bible thumping sort of way? Alright, I'm game.
All hail Jenny Craig! Goddess of all dieters!
Okay I'll stop. You meant deity right?
Well if R 'n S is for only talking about ones god....and YOU are posting on here about Selnyk....one must draw the obvious conclusion that you have deemed Selynk worthy of godhood!
All hail Selnyk the one true God!
"The shoe is the sign. Let us follow His example. Let us, like Him, hold up one shoe and let the other be upon our foot, for this is His sign, that all who follow Him shall do likewise."
2006-09-11 09:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by Miss Guided 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know, they don't class ALL people who believe in a deity as stupid. They point out how stupid people act because of their belief. At least, that is what I have seen.
I think they offer a challenge to people who can open their minds enough and be honest enough to answer a serious question they give. Though, mostly what I see from other ppl when they do ask a serious question, is how they are going to hell......... so why wouldn't they call ppl who do that stupid? They are not answering the question... they giving empty threats and hoping it will make them back off. All that really does is push them harder.
2006-09-11 05:34:17 · answer #4 · answered by Kithy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This would not be a religious board. This is a site to ask and answer questions, and this section is to ask and answer questions regarding religion AND spirituality. Everyone gets to have an opinion, and everyone gets to have a stance. There are several very good reasons why an atheist would have interest in religion, and would be vocal in his or her opinions of it.
In America in particular, we have issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and gay marriage... and these issues are often decided based on religious beliefs rather than rational thinking. This means that the religious in America, and more specifically Christians in this case, are actively limiting the freedoms of people who don't believe as they do, based on their religion.
I would say that's reason enough to speak up, but there's more... there are several states in America where an atheist cannot hold public office and/or testify in court. We have public money spent on things like a "Day of Prayer" in Jacksonville, Fla, even though our govt is supposed to remain secular.
I've read the questions that you answered recently which were asked by him, and I see nothing wrong with what he asked. Pointing out the flaws he sees in your religion is not disrespect, nor is it against the rules of this site. Highlighting one user, as you have in this question, could be construed to be against the rules of this site, however.
2006-09-11 05:51:38 · answer #5 · answered by Snark 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Ah, the old "why don't nonbelievers mind their own business" question. It shows up on R&S only about a thousand times a day.
Why do believers run for political office? Didn't Jesus specify that religion and politics are not to be mixed? ("Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and render unto God that which is God's.")
Why should Selnyk's free speech be off-limits in certain places, while yours is not?
2006-09-11 11:49:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Belief in a deity is not the definition of religion. It is also important to challenge the unfounded beliefs of most religious people so that they at least realize why their dogma should have no say in governmant. The tendency toward theocracy in the USA is the reason non-believers need to be everywhere believers congregate.
2006-09-11 05:20:06 · answer #7 · answered by neil s 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You don't have to believe in Jesus to post on R&S. In fact, you'll probably learn more if you don't. This is not the PRAISE JESUS! catagory. This is the R&S Q&A category, which means you are free to post regardless of your personal beliefs. Quit being a hypocrite and get some tolerance.
2006-09-11 06:16:47 · answer #8 · answered by Kenny ♣ 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Do you feel that this sight is only for people with the same views? Personally, I am glad that there are different points of view. You don't have to feel threatened. Open your mind up and learn how other people feel and think. The world will be a better place when we learn to accept people with differing view points.
2006-09-11 05:20:50 · answer #9 · answered by yuvid6 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Why would we, who have a view of the universe that differs from yours, allow you to dominate spirituality and religion, when we as Americans have the right to free speech and want our fellow man to hear all of the available opinions, instead of just yours?
2006-09-11 05:26:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The people I really class as stupid are those that spell deity as diety.
Diety sounds like an adjective to describe people trying to lose some weight.
Wait until my posse shows up... :P
2006-09-11 05:17:49 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 1⤋