Comments on: 16 Common Myths About Atheists http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/ Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:01:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 By: japan pussy http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-18058 japan pussy Wed, 04 Apr 2007 10:57:33 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-18058 <strong>japan pussy...</strong> japan pussy source... japan pussy…

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]]> By: Good and bad news http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-6546 Good and bad news Thu, 11 Jan 2007 01:47:34 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-6546 [...] The bad news is that the server where this blog was hosted, apparently, couldn’t cope with the StumbleUpon effect of so many hits per second. Who’d guess that my 16 Common Myths about Atheists post would get so popular again? Therefore, I had to temporarily move Way of the Mind to my old server, located at my home in Portugal. Bandwidth may be worse (though it should still be OK), but the server itself is much more powerful, and it laughs at the StumbleUpon effect. [...] [...] The bad news is that the server where this blog was hosted, apparently, couldn’t cope with the StumbleUpon effect of so many hits per second. Who’d guess that my 16 Common Myths about Atheists post would get so popular again? Therefore, I had to temporarily move Way of the Mind to my old server, located at my home in Portugal. Bandwidth may be worse (though it should still be OK), but the server itself is much more powerful, and it laughs at the StumbleUpon effect. [...]

]]> By: Self-censorship, and the fear of offending http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-6331 Self-censorship, and the fear of offending Tue, 09 Jan 2007 13:42:35 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-6331 [...] And, yet, every time a post of mine, criticizing religious belief, is more popular than the usual, I get the same kinds of criticism - sometimes, “trolling” would even be a better word. Many commenters don’t even read what I write; they simply think “atheist… enemy!”. You can see, for instance, that most of the replies on my 16 Common Myths about Atheists post weren’t about the myths themselves, or about whether they existed or not, or about whether atheists were like that or not. No, most were about whether God existed or not (and almost everyone said he did, of course). And a lot of replies called me - and atheists in general - “arrogant” - again, not because of what I wrote, but simply because I, like other atheists, have the nerve to say that there is almost certainly no god, and that millions of believers are, therefore, wrong. Because, again, it’s not arrogant to believe without evidence, but it is arrogant to disbelieve, apparently… [...] [...] And, yet, every time a post of mine, criticizing religious belief, is more popular than the usual, I get the same kinds of criticism - sometimes, “trolling” would even be a better word. Many commenters don’t even read what I write; they simply think “atheist… enemy!”. You can see, for instance, that most of the replies on my 16 Common Myths about Atheists post weren’t about the myths themselves, or about whether they existed or not, or about whether atheists were like that or not. No, most were about whether God existed or not (and almost everyone said he did, of course). And a lot of replies called me - and atheists in general - “arrogant” - again, not because of what I wrote, but simply because I, like other atheists, have the nerve to say that there is almost certainly no god, and that millions of believers are, therefore, wrong. Because, again, it’s not arrogant to believe without evidence, but it is arrogant to disbelieve, apparently… [...]

]]> By: Pedro Timóteo http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2149 Pedro Timóteo Sat, 19 Aug 2006 17:01:15 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2149 People, this thread already has too many comments, making it cumbersome for new readers. If you want to comment, or reply to previous comments, please go here: <a href="http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/19/christian-myths-about-atheism-discussion/" rel="nofollow">Christian myths about Atheism: discussion</a>. Thanks. I'm closing off the comments for this post now. Just comment on the other post, if you want to, OK? People, this thread already has too many comments, making it cumbersome for new readers. If you want to comment, or reply to previous comments, please go here: Christian myths about Atheism: discussion. Thanks.

I’m closing off the comments for this post now. Just comment on the other post, if you want to, OK?

]]> By: Christian myths about Atheism: discussion » Way of the Mind http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2148 Christian myths about Atheism: discussion » Way of the Mind Sat, 19 Aug 2006 16:59:28 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2148 [...] The original 16 Common Myths About Atheists post currently has a huge amount of comments, which may scare new readers off. Besides, most of them have diverged from the original purpose of the article (and I’m guilty of that as well, in my replies). [...] [...] The original 16 Common Myths About Atheists post currently has a huge amount of comments, which may scare new readers off. Besides, most of them have diverged from the original purpose of the article (and I’m guilty of that as well, in my replies). [...]

]]> By: MilesK http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2147 MilesK Sat, 19 Aug 2006 16:48:56 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2147 forty-two forty-two

]]> By: Larry http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2139 Larry Sat, 19 Aug 2006 10:46:14 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2139 Ya know. You're all just contradicting eachother. One person said about 1/4 down the page "If everyone began to steal", well.. if everyone stole, it wouldn't be illegal. Infact, it wouldn't be a crime. Why? Because everyone did it. Who would be the police then? "God"? How would he punish everyone? Send everyone to "hell"? As for religion. If all religions would just hold hands for once, maybe we will see what true "power" is within it. Perhaps, a power of "nothing"? How can words spoken from a book (any book) be the word of god? Maybe a practice of religion, but definately not spiritual belief. There's a difference, spiritual belief and religious belief. The religious belief are the morals globally shared. Then you have the spiritual belief, which is what you belief by choice. Who are we to say that Christianity is bad? I for one do not have a religion, because, I believe that every religion has "good" factors and "bad" factors. But then, doesn't that mean that I'm just contradicting myself for posting here? Because I'm judging what's good and what's bad, just like everyone else has been. I do however, want to search for the reasons of existance, but the answer lies within "life". There is no explanation. How does it work, why does it work? When did it start to work.. Answer me that, and you have yourself a new religion. Ya know. You’re all just contradicting eachother.

One person said about 1/4 down the page “If everyone began to steal”, well.. if everyone stole, it wouldn’t be illegal. Infact, it wouldn’t be a crime. Why? Because everyone did it. Who would be the police then? “God”? How would he punish everyone? Send everyone to “hell”?

As for religion. If all religions would just hold hands for once, maybe we will see what true “power” is within it. Perhaps, a power of “nothing”? How can words spoken from a book (any book) be the word of god? Maybe a practice of religion, but definately not spiritual belief. There’s a difference, spiritual belief and religious belief. The religious belief are the morals globally shared. Then you have the spiritual belief, which is what you belief by choice.

Who are we to say that Christianity is bad? I for one do not have a religion, because, I believe that every religion has “good” factors and “bad” factors. But then, doesn’t that mean that I’m just contradicting myself for posting here? Because I’m judging what’s good and what’s bad, just like everyone else has been.

I do however, want to search for the reasons of existance, but the answer lies within “life”. There is no explanation. How does it work, why does it work? When did it start to work..

Answer me that, and you have yourself a new religion.

]]> By: blah http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2137 blah Sat, 19 Aug 2006 07:28:39 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2137 I was replying to "Atheist don’t believe in God? Then why do they work so hard to try to prove God doesn’t exist? P-L-E-A-S-E!" I was replying to “Atheist don’t believe in God? Then why do they work so hard to try to prove God doesn’t exist? P-L-E-A-S-E!”

]]> By: blah http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2136 blah Sat, 19 Aug 2006 07:24:32 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2136 Or, you know, there's no evidence to prove God's existence, and therefore it's unnecessary to try to prove his non-existence. The burden of proof is not on atheists. Or, you know, there’s no evidence to prove God’s existence, and therefore it’s unnecessary to try to prove his non-existence. The burden of proof is not on atheists.

]]> By: Whatever http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2135 Whatever Sat, 19 Aug 2006 07:01:39 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2135 Please don't make us laugh! There are many of us all around you, and we don't spend any effort trying to prove anything. Your mistake is in thinking that because you're threatened by the idea that we don't believe in something you hold so fundamental to your world, i.e., a god, that we must be similarly threatened by the idea that you do believe in a god. Trust me, we know what you believe - but you CLEARLY don't understand us. To an atheist, the chance that there is a god is the same as the chance that purple cows fly over our heads all the time and we just don't see them. Honestly. We have no need to prove to ourselves or you that those cows don't exist. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred Says: August 18th, 2006 at 10:48 pm Atheist don’t believe in God? Then why do they work so hard to try to prove God doesn’t exist? P-L-E-A-S-E! JimmyT Says: August 19th, 2006 at 2:03 am I agree with you Fred. It obviously worries them terribly. Please don’t make us laugh! There are many of us all around you, and we don’t spend any effort trying to prove anything. Your mistake is in thinking that because you’re threatened by the idea that we don’t believe in something you hold so fundamental to your world, i.e., a god, that we must be similarly threatened by the idea that you do believe in a god. Trust me, we know what you believe - but you CLEARLY don’t understand us. To an atheist, the chance that there is a god is the same as the chance that purple cows fly over our heads all the time and we just don’t see them. Honestly. We have no need to prove to ourselves or you that those cows don’t exist.
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Fred Says:

August 18th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
Atheist don’t believe in God? Then why do they work so hard to try to prove God doesn’t exist? P-L-E-A-S-E!

JimmyT Says:

August 19th, 2006 at 2:03 am
I agree with you Fred. It obviously worries them terribly.

]]> By: Whatever http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2134 Whatever Sat, 19 Aug 2006 06:50:27 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2134 You're confusing the Pledge of Allegiance, written by a Baptist minister in 1892, with the Constitution, signed over a 100 years earlier in 1787. Even the words "one nation under god" were added later, in the 20th century. The men who drafted the Constitution were very careful to keep religion OUT of government. Try reading it sometime to find the "facts" you are quoting. But they also recognized the right to practice religion as an inalienable right, meaning to allow people to believe any way they choose. Are you really unable to understand the difference? --------------------------------------------- Jim Says: August 18th, 2006 at 9:07 pm I only have one comment. This is not meant to be a mean comment, just a fact. This country was founded on religious beliefs and our laws were written as such. From that moment on, this is a religious country, “One Nation Under God.” We who believe in God will continue to fight for our beliefs to be heard in our country. If you do not like it, then go somewhere else. Then you can spend your tax dollars somewhere else as well. Otherwise, live with it and stop trying to change our way of life. You’re confusing the Pledge of Allegiance, written by a Baptist minister in 1892, with the Constitution, signed over a 100 years earlier in 1787. Even the words “one nation under god” were added later, in the 20th century.

The men who drafted the Constitution were very careful to keep religion OUT of government. Try reading it sometime to find the “facts” you are quoting. But they also recognized the right to practice religion as an inalienable right, meaning to allow people to believe any way they choose. Are you really unable to understand the difference?
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Jim Says:

August 18th, 2006 at 9:07 pm
I only have one comment. This is not meant to be a mean comment, just a fact. This country was founded on religious beliefs and our laws were written as such. From that moment on, this is a religious country, “One Nation Under God.” We who believe in God will continue to fight for our beliefs to be heard in our country. If you do not like it, then go somewhere else. Then you can spend your tax dollars somewhere else as well. Otherwise, live with it and stop trying to change our way of life.

]]> By: Whatever http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2133 Whatever Sat, 19 Aug 2006 06:26:02 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2133 This is so telling. Those who believe in a god typically have a limited capacity to understand what atheists think, confined by their own dogged allegiance to their beliefs. In truth, virtually all religious people are also atheists - there are literally hundreds of gods they don't believe in (and please don't get into the lame and egocentric idea that all religious people actually believe in your god and just don't know it). The difference between theists and atheists is that atheists just believe in one less god than theists. Only when you understand this point (and I challenge you to try), will you be able to understand how atheists see the world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ John Says: August 16th, 2006 at 3:44 pm I like the articulation of your points and recognize that many of them are valid. However, I’d like to address them individually. Responding here is a poor place to do so. I’ll write my “rebuttal” and let you know where to find it. Thanks for your article. It has helped me to see another side of atheism (not agnosticism) and inspired me to try to find a way(s) for you to accept Christianity as being just as valid if not actually the right way. John This is so telling. Those who believe in a god typically have a limited capacity to understand what atheists think, confined by their own dogged allegiance to their beliefs. In truth, virtually all religious people are also atheists - there are literally hundreds of gods they don’t believe in (and please don’t get into the lame and egocentric idea that all religious people actually believe in your god and just don’t know it).

The difference between theists and atheists is that atheists just believe in one less god than theists.

Only when you understand this point (and I challenge you to try), will you be able to understand how atheists see the world.
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John Says:

August 16th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
I like the articulation of your points and recognize that many of them are valid. However, I’d like to address them individually. Responding here is a poor place to do so. I’ll write my “rebuttal” and let you know where to find it. Thanks for your article. It has helped me to see another side of atheism (not agnosticism) and inspired me to try to find a way(s) for you to accept Christianity as being just as valid if not actually the right way.

John

]]> By: Thew http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2131 Thew Sat, 19 Aug 2006 04:35:04 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2131 Wow, I feel stupider for having read that. Wow, I feel stupider for having read that.

]]> By: Larry Bauder http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2129 Larry Bauder Sat, 19 Aug 2006 03:41:56 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2129 Whether there is a God is really not the question in this debate. Christianity and many other religions share a common belief in a higher power that chose to place humanity on earth. The name of this deity changes from one religion to another. From studying multiple religions, you can see the intent of writing down 'the word of [fill in the blank]' was to give its people something to follow (rules, guidelines, inspiration, aspiration, etc.) Because it was the holy ones who were hastened to write these doctrines, you can expect that a higher morality was added to the list of rules. You will note how many words in the Christian bible. (I'm sure someone has taken the time to count the total number of words.) Then consider how many of those words include a negative reference to homosexuality. How important this topic was it to the writers of the word of God can be judged by how few references there are to gay men and women. What has been drawn out of context by the vocalist of Christians are a few words in a book riddled with rules that no Christian on this planet could or would follow in their entirety. When you read the entire book of Leviticus, you can see that the list of rules clearly refer to a different century and time. If I can find just one Christian sect that follows the ENTIRE book (to the letter) of Leviticus, I will start to rethink my views on religion and homosexuality. But until then, they should just STFU. As far as having a belief in a higher power, that is purely a personal decision. If you have the time and place in your life for it, such a belief can be a comfort. However, if you do not have a place in your heart for such a belief, then the Christian thing to do is allow you the freedom to be who you are. No other option is given to us. The biggest mistake that early explorers brought with them when they arrived in far off lands was the thought that they were in some way superior to the natives they came across and that they should have the right to indoctrinate them with their religious beliefs. The assumption the early missionary made was they were dealing with people who had no belief system in a higher power. Christianity was better. End of story. This contamination of societies by missionary movements is what history should detail. It was a serious crime to humanity. The Muslim religion is another powerful belief system that has been overtaken by fundamentalist leaders who insist on ruling not just the church, but the entire country. And they will not be happy until all lands in which Muslims live are under the control of the Muslim clerics. It's not too strange that the most powerful 'free' country in the world is currently being ruled by such a hierarchy of fundamentalist Christians. It's scary considering they are at their throats in a punching match. A wise person would find a way out of this mess without blowing up the world. A crazy person would just go on making matters worse. Are the wise men among us those who decide there is no God and put aside the manmade belief system that rules us? Whether there is a God is really not the question in this debate. Christianity and many other religions share a common belief in a higher power that chose to place humanity on earth. The name of this deity changes from one religion to another. From studying multiple religions, you can see the intent of writing down ‘the word of [fill in the blank]‘ was to give its people something to follow (rules, guidelines, inspiration, aspiration, etc.) Because it was the holy ones who were hastened to write these doctrines, you can expect that a higher morality was added to the list of rules.

You will note how many words in the Christian bible. (I’m sure someone has taken the time to count the total number of words.) Then consider how many of those words include a negative reference to homosexuality. How important this topic was it to the writers of the word of God can be judged by how few references there are to gay men and women. What has been drawn out of context by the vocalist of Christians are a few words in a book riddled with rules that no Christian on this planet could or would follow in their entirety. When you read the entire book of Leviticus, you can see that the list of rules clearly refer to a different century and time. If I can find just one Christian sect that follows the ENTIRE book (to the letter) of Leviticus, I will start to rethink my views on religion and homosexuality. But until then, they should just STFU.

As far as having a belief in a higher power, that is purely a personal decision. If you have the time and place in your life for it, such a belief can be a comfort. However, if you do not have a place in your heart for such a belief, then the Christian thing to do is allow you the freedom to be who you are. No other option is given to us.

The biggest mistake that early explorers brought with them when they arrived in far off lands was the thought that they were in some way superior to the natives they came across and that they should have the right to indoctrinate them with their religious beliefs. The assumption the early missionary made was they were dealing with people who had no belief system in a higher power. Christianity was better. End of story. This contamination of societies by missionary movements is what history should detail. It was a serious crime to humanity.

The Muslim religion is another powerful belief system that has been overtaken by fundamentalist leaders who insist on ruling not just the church, but the entire country. And they will not be happy until all lands in which Muslims live are under the control of the Muslim clerics. It’s not too strange that the most powerful ‘free’ country in the world is currently being ruled by such a hierarchy of fundamentalist Christians. It’s scary considering they are at their throats in a punching match. A wise person would find a way out of this mess without blowing up the world. A crazy person would just go on making matters worse.

Are the wise men among us those who decide there is no God and put aside the manmade belief system that rules us?

]]> By: MilesK http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2127 MilesK Sat, 19 Aug 2006 02:26:58 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2127 The problem with some Christians, and some from any other faith for that matter, is the lack of questioning. Everything is neatly seperated into categories of right and wrong. Black and white. And while this may be an admirable trait to some degree, it soon becomes apparent that the whole blind devotion act can be easily manipulated and twisted by those who would deem themselves leaders of their respective religions. So the problem isn't religion. In my opinion, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism provide a great moral foundation in a world that is very confusing and more than a bit scary. It feels good to have a God looking after you. And the three aforementioned religions promote peace, unity, and understanding more than anything. The problem stems from us. Human beings manipulating their fellow man into becoming so fanatical as they would kill in the name of some abstract idea or purpose. It's the common man who no longer questions his own actions that causes the bloodshed we see so often today. I think it's wrong to blame religion for problems. Just as it's wrong to hunt down and slaughter those of a certain race or belief system. Athiests who blame this fanaticism on religion are just as unquestioning as the zealots they blame and are guilty of the same crime of unquestioning loyalty. Every time we place all the blame on a group we merely serve to continue the tradition of seperating ourselves from the whole. Alienating what we deem as wrong or incorrect so we paint ourselves as the 'good guy' and label everything else as 'wrong'. But... that's just my two cents on it. The problem with some Christians, and some from any other faith for that matter, is the lack of questioning. Everything is neatly seperated into categories of right and wrong. Black and white. And while this may be an admirable trait to some degree, it soon becomes apparent that the whole blind devotion act can be easily manipulated and twisted by those who would deem themselves leaders of their respective religions.
So the problem isn’t religion. In my opinion, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism provide a great moral foundation in a world that is very confusing and more than a bit scary. It feels good to have a God looking after you. And the three aforementioned religions promote peace, unity, and understanding more than anything.
The problem stems from us. Human beings manipulating their fellow man into becoming so fanatical as they would kill in the name of some abstract idea or purpose. It’s the common man who no longer questions his own actions that causes the bloodshed we see so often today.
I think it’s wrong to blame religion for problems. Just as it’s wrong to hunt down and slaughter those of a certain race or belief system. Athiests who blame this fanaticism on religion are just as unquestioning as the zealots they blame and are guilty of the same crime of unquestioning loyalty.
Every time we place all the blame on a group we merely serve to continue the tradition of seperating ourselves from the whole. Alienating what we deem as wrong or incorrect so we paint ourselves as the ‘good guy’ and label everything else as ‘wrong’.
But… that’s just my two cents on it.

]]> By: JimmyT http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2125 JimmyT Sat, 19 Aug 2006 01:03:59 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2125 I agree with you Fred. It obviously worries them terribly. I agree with you Fred. It obviously worries them terribly.

]]> By: Fei Meng http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2124 Fei Meng Sat, 19 Aug 2006 00:44:34 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2124 While the original article was informative and largely fair, I do feel that it is often self-contradictory, arrogant, and uses minor straw man assertions. I am an agnostic. I think that the article would've done much better to challenge religion with question whilst debunking the myths rather than make some blanket assertions (about thiests, Christians in particular, and athiests themselves). By the way, Einstein did not believe in God, not in the ordinary sense. He most likely held a belief in pantheism, which is, roughly, the idea that the complexity of the universe and its workings are so incomprehensible and beautiful that it could be called miraculous and have a sense of the divine. This could be called "God," but not God the Creator nor God whom we should worship nor God from whom we must take orders on how to live our lives. It's a lot like athiesm but with a much more positive (vs. neutral) outlook. Thus, technically speaking, Einstein was athiest. While the original article was informative and largely fair, I do feel that it is often self-contradictory, arrogant, and uses minor straw man assertions. I am an agnostic. I think that the article would’ve done much better to challenge religion with question whilst debunking the myths rather than make some blanket assertions (about thiests, Christians in particular, and athiests themselves).

By the way, Einstein did not believe in God, not in the ordinary sense. He most likely held a belief in pantheism, which is, roughly, the idea that the complexity of the universe and its workings are so incomprehensible and beautiful that it could be called miraculous and have a sense of the divine. This could be called “God,” but not God the Creator nor God whom we should worship nor God from whom we must take orders on how to live our lives. It’s a lot like athiesm but with a much more positive (vs. neutral) outlook. Thus, technically speaking, Einstein was athiest.

]]> By: Gruntwilligar T. Honkenoffski http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2123 Gruntwilligar T. Honkenoffski Fri, 18 Aug 2006 23:44:36 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2123 I believe in the one true Penguin. The protection of his feathers and beneficial guidance is a wonderful blessing to humanity and the world in which we reside. I shall squawk a blessing for all non-believers. Come to know The Penguin and you will be redeemed. Gruntie I believe in the one true Penguin. The protection of his feathers and beneficial guidance is a wonderful blessing to humanity and the world in which we reside. I shall squawk a blessing for all non-believers. Come to know The Penguin and you will be redeemed.

Gruntie

]]> By: Fred http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2120 Fred Fri, 18 Aug 2006 21:48:59 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2120 Atheist don't believe in God? Then why do they work so hard to try to prove God doesn't exist? P-L-E-A-S-E! Atheist don’t believe in God? Then why do they work so hard to try to prove God doesn’t exist? P-L-E-A-S-E!

]]> By: Ridgewo Dave http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2119 Ridgewo Dave Fri, 18 Aug 2006 21:01:05 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2119 I agree with what you say in the most part. Christians are judgemental and uninformed about other religions and beliefs. I am a christian sort-of. The reason for the sort-of is because being a christian isn't what it used to be, people have become judging of other christians as well as the other beliefs in this world. They don't just judge atheists or muslims, hindus or other said belief, they gossip and talk bad about the people in their own church. These things they are told not to do in the bible. I'm not expecting any atheist to belive what goes on inside the walls of church and I don't think they nessesarily don't, but it's completely crooked for the most part. Which is why I'm sort of a christian. I don't like churches and what they have become. I don't like most christians but I do love God and Jesus. Jesus would have never judged an atheist and told him how wrong he believed they are/were, He would simply acknowledge them and listen and answer. They are not the wrong ones, their followers are corrupt and wrong. Christian means to be "christ-like" which based on your definition of Christ is no one on earth christ like. Most atheists I know are kind and loving people who deserve all the same respect anyone else in this world is. I think religion is the one question on earth without a guaranteed answer. It's all opinion and that's your right as a human. I agree with what you say in the most part. Christians are judgemental and uninformed about other religions and beliefs. I am a christian sort-of. The reason for the sort-of is because being a christian isn’t what it used to be, people have become judging of other christians as well as the other beliefs in this world. They don’t just judge atheists or muslims, hindus or other said belief, they gossip and talk bad about the people in their own church. These things they are told not to do in the bible. I’m not expecting any atheist to belive what goes on inside the walls of church and I don’t think they nessesarily don’t, but it’s completely crooked for the most part. Which is why I’m sort of a christian. I don’t like churches and what they have become. I don’t like most christians but I do love God and Jesus. Jesus would have never judged an atheist and told him how wrong he believed they are/were, He would simply acknowledge them and listen and answer. They are not the wrong ones, their followers are corrupt and wrong. Christian means to be “christ-like” which based on your definition of Christ is no one on earth christ like. Most atheists I know are kind and loving people who deserve all the same respect anyone else in this world is. I think religion is the one question on earth without a guaranteed answer. It’s all opinion and that’s your right as a human.

]]> By: Tahko Tetsujin http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2118 Tahko Tetsujin Fri, 18 Aug 2006 20:43:08 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2118 Jim Says: "I only have one comment. This is not meant to be a mean comment, just a fact. This country was founded on religious beliefs and our laws were written as such. From that moment on, this is a religious country, “One Nation Under God.” We who believe in God will continue to fight for our beliefs to be heard in our country. If you do not like it, then go somewhere else. Then you can spend your tax dollars somewhere else as well. Otherwise, live with it and stop trying to change our way of life. " Jim, you are a fucking bonehead that cannot respect others way of life. You are a blight on real Christians. Have some respect for people who have a differant view. To say if they don't like it they can move would lead me to believe that you are biggoted and have no respect for others nor are you open to any other opinions on the subject. Again it makes your argument have no merit and does nothing but give ammunition to the people on the other side of the arguement that is just as stupid as you are. Jim Says:
“I only have one comment. This is not meant to be a mean comment, just a fact. This country was founded on religious beliefs and our laws were written as such. From that moment on, this is a religious country, “One Nation Under God.” We who believe in God will continue to fight for our beliefs to be heard in our country. If you do not like it, then go somewhere else. Then you can spend your tax dollars somewhere else as well. Otherwise, live with it and stop trying to change our way of life. ”

Jim, you are a fucking bonehead that cannot respect others way of life. You are a blight on real Christians.

Have some respect for people who have a differant view. To say if they don’t like it they can move would lead me to believe that you are biggoted and have no respect for others nor are you open to any other opinions on the subject.

Again it makes your argument have no merit and does nothing but give ammunition to the people on the other side of the arguement that is just as stupid as you are.

]]> By: Jackrabbit http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2117 Jackrabbit Fri, 18 Aug 2006 20:15:12 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2117 Pedro says: Why do people still believe in the God of the Gaps - that is, I don’t know how something works or could have appeared, so “God must have done it”? We used to believe thunder and lightning were the anger of the gods; now we know they’re natural phenomena. So many things were considered “acts of God” ages ago, and have been shown not to be, so people - some people, at least, including most scientists - have learned to say “I don’t know yet” instead of automatically saying “I don’t see how that could be, so it’s surely an act of God”, only to be proved wrong some time after. But I think I’m wasting my fingertips here - anyone who says evolution is “guesses” has probably made up his mind long ago, and won’t let any pesky facts interfere. Am I wrong? Can you tell me one thing that would convince you that there is no god? Jackrabbit responds: The answer lies in what you think God represents. If you think he's an old guy, in white robes, who stands over the world watching it and making changes here and there, then you're retarded. God, in my opinion, is a being who transcends physical and mental boundaries, instead lying in the spiritual realm. I do not deny Evolution, I do not promote the fundamental view of Creationism. Its a moot point, and it does not matter. The creation story is a mythical story, but again, if you did your research, you would also see that in the original documents, it is stated that "one day relative to God could be thousands relative to us". Seven days doesn't mean Seven days as we know it, but a set amount of time in which the world developed. Hmmm maybe, if these days were, say, 100 million years in OUR terms, then maybe the creation story, combined with Evolution, would make sense? Maybe. Maybe not. Who cares. Its a stupid argument cause science doesn't defeat God. Science cannot explain why we love or hate. Science cannot explain why music can make us cry, or explain our reliance on the psychological state of the Brain. Science is a part of understanding life. Pedro says:
Why do people still believe in the God of the Gaps - that is, I don’t know how something works or could have appeared, so “God must have done it”? We used to believe thunder and lightning were the anger of the gods; now we know they’re natural phenomena. So many things were considered “acts of God” ages ago, and have been shown not to be, so people - some people, at least, including most scientists - have learned to say “I don’t know yet” instead of automatically saying “I don’t see how that could be, so it’s surely an act of God”, only to be proved wrong some time after.

But I think I’m wasting my fingertips here - anyone who says evolution is “guesses” has probably made up his mind long ago, and won’t let any pesky facts interfere. Am I wrong? Can you tell me one thing that would convince you that there is no god?

Jackrabbit responds:
The answer lies in what you think God represents. If you think he’s an old guy, in white robes, who stands over the world watching it and making changes here and there, then you’re retarded. God, in my opinion, is a being who transcends physical and mental boundaries, instead lying in the spiritual realm. I do not deny Evolution, I do not promote the fundamental view of Creationism. Its a moot point, and it does not matter. The creation story is a mythical story, but again, if you did your research, you would also see that in the original documents, it is stated that “one day relative to God could be thousands relative to us”. Seven days doesn’t mean Seven days as we know it, but a set amount of time in which the world developed. Hmmm maybe, if these days were, say, 100 million years in OUR terms, then maybe the creation story, combined with Evolution, would make sense? Maybe. Maybe not. Who cares. Its a stupid argument cause science doesn’t defeat God. Science cannot explain why we love or hate. Science cannot explain why music can make us cry, or explain our reliance on the psychological state of the Brain. Science is a part of understanding life.

]]> By: Jim http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2116 Jim Fri, 18 Aug 2006 20:07:11 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2116 I only have one comment. This is not meant to be a mean comment, just a fact. This country was founded on religious beliefs and our laws were written as such. From that moment on, this is a religious country, "One Nation Under God." We who believe in God will continue to fight for our beliefs to be heard in our country. If you do not like it, then go somewhere else. Then you can spend your tax dollars somewhere else as well. Otherwise, live with it and stop trying to change our way of life. I only have one comment. This is not meant to be a mean comment, just a fact. This country was founded on religious beliefs and our laws were written as such. From that moment on, this is a religious country, “One Nation Under God.” We who believe in God will continue to fight for our beliefs to be heard in our country. If you do not like it, then go somewhere else. Then you can spend your tax dollars somewhere else as well. Otherwise, live with it and stop trying to change our way of life.

]]> By: Jackrabbit http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2115 Jackrabbit Fri, 18 Aug 2006 19:59:12 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2115 [quote]Which Christianity? Certainly not the one which says that the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God. The New Testament specifically says that nobody is saved except through Jesus Christ. And it doesn’t mention any exceptions for, say, somebody born in a deserted island, whose parents die before teaching the child any religion (or are simply atheists). Face it: according to the Bible, most people are going to hell. The only ones who don’t are those who accept Jesus as their savior. No exceptions. Of course, that’s pretty fundamentalist, and most Christians are “moderate”. But that’s another story.[/quote] Pedro, you're not listening! The New testment does say that the only way to go to heaven is through Christ, but that does not mean believing in the dogmatic bullshit behind modern day Christianity. It has to do with living your life with Christ's teachings in mind, more specifically, loving others and living to spread love rather than hate. Being unselfish, helping others, and finding worth in every soul is the path to happiness, and this is exactly what Jesus taught. It is this that denotes the way into heaven, not praying with some douchebag youth pastor who asks for your wallet two minutes later. Here's a little history lesson (with some theology mixed in for the "bible isnt history" folks): According to the Bible, the first covenent was made between the Jewish nation and God, making them his chosen people and allowing them to prosper when they adhered to his "rules" of sorts (the 10 commandments). When Jesus came along, he destroyed that covenent and established a new covenent, available to any who seek it. This covenent taught to move away from selfish ambition and move towards unity and relationships with those around you, regardless of caste or culture. Back in those days, the social laws and regulations were very strict. Being seen even talking to someone of low repute was extremely damaging to ones reputation, and this was one of the first things that made Jesus catch peoples eye. He was brilliant in the academic sense (debating with Temple leaders as a small child), yet rather than accepting a place into high society, he would rather talk to the people; rich, poor, or criminal. He taught messages of anarchy and anti-establishment messages. Worldly possessions were not important, but your soul was. This is a bit of the message of true Christianity. Also, as mentioned by a poster above, Hell is a creation of the Roman Catholic Church. Never mentioned in the Bible, aside from Revelations (which is CHALK FULL of imagery and is not to be taken literally... and if you do.... wow.) Hell was created to control and manipulate people, when really the definition of Hell, in its factual form, is coinciding with the Athiestic point of view: When you die, your body turns to dust, and it is over. period. The question that is more pertinent is this: If we have a soul, and "heaven" (whatever it is) isnt available, what happens to it? Jesus implied that it would exist in isolation, which therefore *could* be considered 'Hell'. Unfortunately, you seem to take the Bible as literally and as out-of-context as the blowhards you slam in your list. If athiests are so much smarter than believing-folk, then how come they can't do thier homework on the historical side of religious happenings? I can make broad, sweeping generalizations about things I don't understand as well, but I know better. [quote]Which Christianity? Certainly not the one which says that the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God. The New Testament specifically says that nobody is saved except through Jesus Christ. And it doesn’t mention any exceptions for, say, somebody born in a deserted island, whose parents die before teaching the child any religion (or are simply atheists).

Face it: according to the Bible, most people are going to hell. The only ones who don’t are those who accept Jesus as their savior. No exceptions.

Of course, that’s pretty fundamentalist, and most Christians are “moderate”. But that’s another story.[/quote]

Pedro, you’re not listening!

The New testment does say that the only way to go to heaven is through Christ, but that does not mean believing in the dogmatic bullshit behind modern day Christianity. It has to do with living your life with Christ’s teachings in mind, more specifically, loving others and living to spread love rather than hate. Being unselfish, helping others, and finding worth in every soul is the path to happiness, and this is exactly what Jesus taught. It is this that denotes the way into heaven, not praying with some douchebag youth pastor who asks for your wallet two minutes later.

Here’s a little history lesson (with some theology mixed in for the “bible isnt history” folks): According to the Bible, the first covenent was made between the Jewish nation and God, making them his chosen people and allowing them to prosper when they adhered to his “rules” of sorts (the 10 commandments). When Jesus came along, he destroyed that covenent and established a new covenent, available to any who seek it. This covenent taught to move away from selfish ambition and move towards unity and relationships with those around you, regardless of caste or culture. Back in those days, the social laws and regulations were very strict. Being seen even talking to someone of low repute was extremely damaging to ones reputation, and this was one of the first things that made Jesus catch peoples eye. He was brilliant in the academic sense (debating with Temple leaders as a small child), yet rather than accepting a place into high society, he would rather talk to the people; rich, poor, or criminal. He taught messages of anarchy and anti-establishment messages. Worldly possessions were not important, but your soul was. This is a bit of the message of true Christianity.

Also, as mentioned by a poster above, Hell is a creation of the Roman Catholic Church. Never mentioned in the Bible, aside from Revelations (which is CHALK FULL of imagery and is not to be taken literally… and if you do…. wow.) Hell was created to control and manipulate people, when really the definition of Hell, in its factual form, is coinciding with the Athiestic point of view: When you die, your body turns to dust, and it is over. period. The question that is more pertinent is this: If we have a soul, and “heaven” (whatever it is) isnt available, what happens to it? Jesus implied that it would exist in isolation, which therefore *could* be considered ‘Hell’.

Unfortunately, you seem to take the Bible as literally and as out-of-context as the blowhards you slam in your list. If athiests are so much smarter than believing-folk, then how come they can’t do thier homework on the historical side of religious happenings? I can make broad, sweeping generalizations about things I don’t understand as well, but I know better.

]]> By: Tahko Tetsujin http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2114 Tahko Tetsujin Fri, 18 Aug 2006 19:04:40 +0000 http://www.wayofthemind.org/2006/08/15/16-common-myths-about-atheists/#comment-2114 You know this is what happenes when you try to hold a serious discussion and actually try to make sense to some people. It is clearly obvious that both sides of this argument via comments have no respect or the open mind required to have a discussion that bridges the gap. Basically, anyone who openly blasts an argument that they "believe" is wrong without proof is irresponsible and has no merit in this conversation. You know, as a Christian, it is entirely normal to question your faith. It doesn't make you a bad Christian, it makes you human. The argument of Athiests typically are, if you cannot see God then he does not exist. Thusly the argument against that would be, You cannot see oxygen, yet you need it to live, however if you cannot see it it cannot possibly exist. Then the argument goes to morality. When are people going to understand that morality is an individual desicion based upon your enviroment. To say openly admit that our society is based on Christian ethos and yet say that your moral structure did not develop from it is just plain ignorant. You can be in denial about that all you want. Morality is is a relevant term. If you went to another country, you would discover differant moral structures that if you stuck around long enough you would adapt into your moral structure. That being said, could it not be argued that even though there are tragic mistakes made in the past in the name of God, that you have adopted things that are right and wrong based on the society you were raised in. Really the comment that pissed me off was this irresponsible peice of trash: "Pedro Said: So, what about the part that tells you to kill homosexuals? Or to stone to death anyone who works on a Saturday? Are you ignoring those? If so, aren’t you arrogantly implying that you know better than God? :) " You know there is a differance between being an athiest based on ideals and being one based on bad experience. The latter typically happens when a person is unable to make a difference between a person's individual actions and that of thier faith. That being said, if you read the Bible, it does in fact state that when Jesus came, it created new laws based on love and not punishment. Yes, it's true that alot of Christians don't respect that or an individuals free will but the same could be said for the statement. You know these arguments are never truly about what people say they are about. It's about stupid people. Stupid people can be any race or religion. Stupid people are everywhere and no one group is immune. If you could seperate the stupid people from the ideals then you'd have something but to say you are an athiest so you must be stupid or you are a christian so you are stupid, is not only in effect showing your lack of intellegence but cannot allow any merit to your argument. Seriously, who cares what a person believes in as long as they aren't a fucking bonehead. You know this is what happenes when you try to hold a serious discussion and actually try to make sense to some people.

It is clearly obvious that both sides of this argument via comments have no respect or the open mind required to have a discussion that bridges the gap.

Basically, anyone who openly blasts an argument that they “believe” is wrong without proof is irresponsible and has no merit in this conversation.

You know, as a Christian, it is entirely normal to question your faith. It doesn’t make you a bad Christian, it makes you human. The argument of Athiests typically are, if you cannot see God then he does not exist. Thusly the argument against that would be, You cannot see oxygen, yet you need it to live, however if you cannot see it it cannot possibly exist.

Then the argument goes to morality. When are people going to understand that morality is an individual desicion based upon your enviroment. To say openly admit that our society is based on Christian ethos and yet say that your moral structure did not develop from it is just plain ignorant. You can be in denial about that all you want. Morality is is a relevant term. If you went to another country, you would discover differant moral structures that if you stuck around long enough you would adapt into your moral structure.

That being said, could it not be argued that even though there are tragic mistakes made in the past in the name of God, that you have adopted things that are right and wrong based on the society you were raised in.

Really the comment that pissed me off was this irresponsible peice of trash:

“Pedro Said:

So, what about the part that tells you to kill homosexuals? Or to stone to death anyone who works on a Saturday? Are you ignoring those? If so, aren’t you arrogantly implying that you know better than God? :) ”

You know there is a differance between being an athiest based on ideals and being one based on bad experience. The latter typically happens when a person is unable to make a difference between a person’s individual actions and that of thier faith.

That being said, if you read the Bible, it does in fact state that when Jesus came, it created new laws based on love and not punishment. Yes, it’s true that alot of Christians don’t respect that or an individuals free will but the same could be said for the statement.

You know these arguments are never truly about what people say they are about. It’s about stupid people. Stupid people can be any race or religion. Stupid people are everywhere and no one group is immune. If you could seperate the stupid people from the ideals then you’d have something but to say you are an athiest so you must be stupid or you are a christian so you are stupid, is not only in effect showing your lack of intellegence but cannot allow any merit to your argument.

Seriously, who cares what a person believes in as long as they aren’t a fucking bonehead.

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