Atheism

[Dizzy~]

An atheist saves a few hours a week because he/she does not have to pray and does not have to go to church.

 

Those few hours are worth it in the end.

 

How are they worth it? Praying to a man/woman you can't confirm exists?

 

I can confirm God exists, but ok.

 

Wanna hear?

[Xazeon]

I'm proud of myself because ever since I was 7 or 8, my common sense kicked in. I stopped believing in something that I can't confirm; Like Santa, the Easter Bunny, and religion.

[Mehmani]

An atheist saves a few hours a week because he/she does not have to pray and does not have to go to church.

 

Those few hours are worth it in the end.

 

How are they worth it? Praying to a man/woman you can't confirm exists?

 

I can confirm God exists' date=' but ok.

 

Wanna hear?

[/quote']

 

Go on. Elaborate.

[Dark]

An atheist saves a few hours a week because he/she does not have to pray and does not have to go to church.

 

Those few hours are worth it in the end.

 

How are they worth it? Praying to a man/woman you can't confirm exists?

 

I can confirm God exists' date=' but ok.

 

Wanna hear?

[/quote']

 

If your confirmation includes any sort of religious text, just stop and don't bother telling me. I'd rather not get into a religious debate, but any sort of religious text is bullshit to bring up in a god debate. Because apparently god wrote the religious text, so it is obviously going to say that god exists, but that doesn't really prove your point at all.

 

Otherwise, I'm with Alfred. Continue.

 

EDIT: Also, if your confirmation includes a banana as proof, stop, and don't tell us.

[Dizzy~]

An atheist saves a few hours a week because he/she does not have to pray and does not have to go to church.

 

Those few hours are worth it in the end.

 

How are they worth it? Praying to a man/woman you can't confirm exists?

 

I can confirm God exists' date=' but ok.

 

Wanna hear?

[/quote']

 

Go on. Elaborate.

 

Well, when my great gramma was really sick, she seemed so miserable, so we prayed to God to take her into heaven so she wouldn't suffer any longer.

 

After that, she died.

 

How can you deny that?

 

...

What? Were you expecting bunches and bunches of lines of text?

[Dark]

Or, instead of dying by the hands of god, she died due to her illness?

 

...your proof didn't make any sense at all.

 

One sec, I'm going to church. I'mma pray to god for every child in Africa and Haiti and whatever to get a bountiful supply of food. We'll see if it works. :3

[Dizzy~]

*facepalm* Why did I know you would say she would die from her illness exactly after we prayed?

 

There's a one in a milion chance that would happen (Her dying from the illness)

[Dark]

*facepalm* Why did I know you would say she would die from her illness exactly after we prayed?

 

There's a one in a milion chance that would happen (Her dying from the illness)

 

So because you prayed to god' date=' you are assuming that the 1/1,000,000 chance did not happen, when it easily could have. You are ignoring the statistic [b']you gave me[/b] and pretty much saying she HAD TO HAVE died from god and god alone.

[MarbleZone]

No wonder atheists here feel like they have home advantage when the opposition is this horrible.

 

There should be a Religion sticky somewhere, new threads on this are popping up in General, Polls and Debates once every two weeks...

[Dark]

No wonder atheists here feel like they have home advantage when the opposition is this horrible.

 

There should be a Religion sticky somewhere' date=' new threads on this are popping up in General, Polls and Debates once every two weeks...

[/quote']

 

Technically, according to Icy or some mod, threads about atheism were against the rules. Since we don't have an active General mod, that rule is now horribly bullshit. If that rule is reinstated, which I want it to be, it better as hell be applied to threads about religion.

['tyleR]

Anyways' date=' I'm a Luciferian. So like, yeah, Hell is basically where I'm going to go. But tbqh, I'd rather be punished in Hell than serve in Heaven. Judging by the Bible, God is a jealous, selfish prick who only cares about himself. I would never serve him.

[/quote']

 

I don't know where you get your information on the Bible, or exactly what Bible you read, but the Bible I read doesn't make God out to be a selfish prick, bro.

 

Damn it you idiot' date=' it has already been explained in this thread before. Atheism isn't a religion. Do atheists believe in god? Do atheist have a holy book? Do atheists go to church every Sunday?

 

All those above comments can be answered with a simple "no".

[/quote']

 

Christians don't HAVE to pray, nor do they HAVE to go to church. :/

 

Eh, I don't like the word religion, I like the word belief, more. I believe in God and I want to please him, but I don't live by this "moral code". I, in all honesty, hate some Christians myself. Mainly because they act like total selfish, high authority pricks. They're the ones who give the people who actually believe in God a terrible name.

 

Eh. Oh well. I'll probably get flamed or something. Cool.

[Azmodius]

...So not playing Yugioh is a card game?

 

Also, all people of any religion should die in a holocaust. Morals don't exist. They are created by society for religious reasons, there is no right and wrong, there is just "beneficial to our species" or "not". Religion promotes weakness and being a pushover, having no fun in life, not procreating early, not killing people who need to die. Our lives are controlled by a jewish zombie the bastard jesus funking christ, if we believe in him or not.

[Kitty]

I'm proud of myself because ever since I was 7 or 8' date=' my common sense kicked in. I stopped believing in something that I can't confirm; Like Santa, the Easter Bunny, and religion.

[/quote']

 

This.

 

But I do have to argue with you on the Easter Bunny. He is totally real.

[CinnamonStar]

I dislike people who try to put Atheism and religion into 2 totally opposed categories.

Personally I think the 2 are nothing more than words, who decides what "religion" is and what gives "Atheism" a place at the totally remote end of the dictionary?

 

Alfred-kun, right now I'm doing a bachelor in Study of Religions at university and we haven't been able to get a definition of "religion". In fact we're taught that there is no decent definition, like "spirituality" and even a football fan can be religious in his own way, if he considers himself so. I mean, why not, no one has ever been able to give a final, correct definition of "religion" that we can appy.

 

Taoism for example excludes any deities, only worships ancestors who became "immortal" through their wisdom. Yeah right, religions that are tied to Atheism exist, you know...

 

But not only that, how about some of you start looking at the modern evolution of religion? Not the crusade-inquisition stuff of the Middle Ages and not the extremist minority actions by some demented near 100-year-old extremist US guy who can't think straight anymore.

 

Funny thing is, lately there have even been people who combine Atheism with Christianity, there's an entire movement based on it (http://www.atheists-for-jesus.com/), Richard Dawkins being the most prominent one (http://richarddawkins.net/articles/). One of many examples of how versatile modern religion is and how people combine beliefs if they feel like the old-fashioned dogmas don't fit to them anymore. Personally I'm not an Atheist but I find it interesting to see how religion changes with time.

 

So yeah what I think is, a little child knows what Atheism means but it's hard to pin it down as much as the term "religion". Sometimes they work together, sometimes not and if you personally think it's a religion (for example if you're a Taoist) then it's fine, if you divide them then it's fine too. I think it's up to individuals to decide what they believe but it's not anyone's task, surely not for ignorant people on this site, to give almighty definitions.

 

tl;dr: long post will go down, just continue the bullfights

[Yasu]

Atheism is not a funking religion.

edit: didn't read the whole topic ._.

[Godot]

Atheism is a religion about not having religion.

 

I don't care if somebody said this before me, which they probably did, but Atheism isn't a religion.

 

>_>

[Dark]

I dislike people who try to put Atheism and religion into 2 totally opposed categories.

Personally I think the 2 are nothing more than words' date=' who decides what "religion" is and what gives "Atheism" a place at the totally remote end of the dictionary?

 

[b']Atheism is the belief that there is no supreme being. I don't care what you define religion as, but that is the true definition of atheism.[/b]

 

Alfred-kun, right now I'm doing a bachelor in Study of Religions at university and we haven't been able to get a definition of "religion". In fact we're taught that there is no decent definition, like "spirituality" and even a football fan can be religious in his own way, if he considers himself so. I mean, why not, no one has ever been able to give a final, correct definition of "religion" that we can appy.

 

Religion doesn't have a set meaning, and I agree with you ten thousand percent. My religion is playing video games, and my god is Mario. That is a religion, isn't it? But apparently that is mocking what true religion is, according to some spiritual leaders. Pastafarianism is a legitimate "religion", but apparently it's just bullshit mockery. :/

 

Taoism for example excludes any deities, only worships ancestors who became "immortal" through their wisdom. Yeah right, religions that are tied to Atheism exist, you know...

 

You can say that Taoists have their religion based on atheism, but you can't say that Taoists are atheists, because they truly aren't.

 

But not only that, how about some of you start looking at the modern evolution of religion? Not the crusade-inquisition stuff of the Middle Ages and not the extremist minority actions by some demented near 100-year-old extremist US guy who can't think straight anymore.

 

I don't care how little the population is, but those extremists ruin religion for everybody. Because that one extremist could instill anti-gay laws in some African country, and that affects other people. I don't care if the other three million people of that religion are good; that one guy fucks everything over. All religious extremists should just die in a fire, and morons who think they can influence other people should fall down a hole.

 

Funny thing is, lately there have even been people who combine Atheism with Christianity, there's an entire movement based on it (http://www.atheists-for-jesus.com/), Richard Dawkins being the most prominent one (http://richarddawkins.net/articles/). One of many examples of how versatile modern religion is and how people combine beliefs if they feel like the old-fashioned dogmas don't fit to them anymore. Personally I'm not an Atheist but I find it interesting to see how religion changes with time.

 

Atheism is the belief that there is no supreme being. Religion is not defined. I don't mind mixing "no god" with "morals", as long as you don't attempt to influence other people, including the damn government. Can you give me a single proven reason why abortion is WRONG? No, only why it is immoral. Religion should not influence government, but people are too stupid to realize that.

 

So yeah what I think is, a little child knows what Atheism means but it's hard to pin it down as much as the term "religion". Sometimes they work together, sometimes not and if you personally think it's a religion (for example if you're a Taoist) then it's fine, if you divide them then it's fine too. I think it's up to individuals to decide what they believe but it's not anyone's task, surely not for ignorant people on this site, to give almighty definitions.

 

tl;dr: long post will go down, just continue the bullfights

 

Atheism is a religion about not having religion.

 

I don't care if somebody said this before me' date=' which they probably did, but Atheism isn't a religion.

 

>_>

[/quote']

 

I do apologize for going grammar natzie on Godot, but atheism is not a pronoun, and therefore should not be capitalized unless it is used to start a sentence. Capitalizing atheism makes it sound more like a religion, as you'd normally capitalize Christianity and Judaism and Islam. Just keep that in mind, for next time, or even irl.

 

Eh, I don't like the word religion, I like the word belief, more. I believe in God and I want to please him, but I don't live by this "moral code". I, in all honesty, hate some Christians myself. Mainly because they act like total selfish, high authority pricks. They're the ones who give the people who actually believe in God a terrible name.

 

What do you mean by you want to please God?

 

And no, you are the good type of religious person. The type who minds their own business, follows their religion by themselves, and doesn't think they have the right to force beliefs on others. There is nothing wrong with you. I feel a strong hatred towards that one sect of Christianity who went to an African country and instilled anti-gay laws, or the Christian people who thinks this country was founded on the Christian religion. If your beliefs affect someone else, there is something wrong.

 

My example being that in Texas, on Sundays, you are not allowed to buy alcohol. Even if you aren't Christian. I don't care if Christians are not allowed to buy it on Sunday, because of church or something, but if I am a Muslim living in Texas, I sure as hell better be able to buy a case of beer. The fact that the Christian religion rules the Texas government is horribly bullshit, italics for major emphasis.

[Godot]

Atheism is a religion about not having religion.

 

I don't care if somebody said this before me' date=' which they probably did, but Atheism isn't a religion.

 

>_>

[/quote']

 

I do apologize for going grammar natzie on Godot, but atheism is not a pronoun, and therefore should not be capitalized unless it is used to start a sentence. Capitalizing atheism makes it sound more like a religion, as you'd normally capitalize Christianity and Judaism and Islam. Just keep that in mind, for next time, or even irl.

 

I was kind of raised capitalizing atheism, so my bad.

 

It's kind of like a habit. =/

[CinnamonStar]

All religious extremists should just die in a fire' date=' and morons who think they can influence other people should fall down a hole.

[/quote']

 

I agree 100%.

But in that case, isn't the problem being an extremist rather than religion?=/ But then again, religion is shorter than "exclusive-madness-guy-from-a-minority-that-uses-stuff-for-stupid-causes-but-might-not-necessarily-represent-an-entire-group-of-people".

 

I'm also against mixing religion with government issues minus the cultural stuff (Shinto-based traditions in Japan f.ex.) and people who use religion to justify causes like homophobia shouldn't be allowed into a government anyway. But then again, many modern-day Christians are pro-choice, many support fights against homophobia, others again don't but might also be Atheists, Buddhists, Wiccans. I can imagine that there are non-religious arguments against abortion too. I recall someone posting before that around some age "his sense knocked in" and that's quite biased. Being an Atheist isn't an instant indication that someone's smart, people who consider themselves religious can have more than enough sense too.

 

Sad thing is just, there are MANY what you call "good kinds of religious people", unfortunately they're outranked by the nutheads as always. But extremists will always exist, scientists have killed millions of animals for research and politicians have hunted down and caused wars and the killing of uncountable people.

 

I know things are different in the US, with the "bible belt" and presence of religion in politics even though you don't have official state churches and it's really sad. But it's not like this everywhere.

Well first impression I got is that the US have huge religious variety but when you're into a religion, then you're really into a religion.

 

 

Oh and what I wanted to say before, I disagree with the topic poster that Atheism is simply about not having a religion. It is in many cases but what if your religion includes Atheism and denies the existence of any god/goddess/deity? So it's up to pick really. I think it's more like a set of beliefs, state of mind. Like Nihilism, Humanism, Dystheism (existence of a deity but he/she/it is an jabroni), can be part of a religion but doesn't have too.

 

Eh on the subject of Atheism itself I do capitalize it like I capitalize the ones mentioned above. Don't know why, but the -isms with caps just seem right.

[Fidel Castro]

Can i just point out the fact that once you reach the age of reason you relize that most religions are completely full of sheet, and that Atheism is just a collection of the more radical people who reached the same conclusion? (With Agnostics being the less radical)

 

Perhaps god exists. Perhaps he doesnt. But either way religion is still completly full of sheet, and those who say god doesn't exist have a 50% chance of burning in hell for ever and ever until the end of time... (But don't worry, god 'loves' you)

 

And before i forget... Calling Atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color.

[Madsen]

@Dark: Mariotism? I like.

[DARKPLANT RISING]

Mariotism. The best religon ever. Join NAW.

[Mehmani]

Can i just point out the fact that once you reach the age of reason you relize that most religions are completely full of s***' date=' and that Atheism is just a collection of the more radical people who reached the same conclusion? (With Agnostics being the less radical)

 

Perhaps god exists. Perhaps he doesnt. But either way religion is still completly full of s***, and those who say god doesn't exist have a 50% chance of burning in hell for ever and ever until the end of time... (But don't worry, god 'loves' you)

 

And before i forget... Calling Atheism is like calling bald a hair color.

[/quote']

 

50%? fr srs?

 

Agnostics are unsure of whether God exists or not. Atheists believe that God doesn't exist.

[Fidel Castro]

Their are a diffrent types of Agnostics. Some are unsure if god exists, some beleive god exists but what religion says about the god is false.

 

But on a religious subject... Why the transition from fire and brimstone to he will forgive what ever you do? If you want to keep people from sinning then fire and brimstone would work a lot better then do whatever the funk you want but don't forget to pray to god jr.

[CinnamonStar]

Can i just point out the fact that once you reach the age of reason you relize that most religions are completely full of s***' date=' and that Atheism is just a collection of the more radical people who reached the same conclusion? (With Agnostics being the less radical)

 

Perhaps god exists. Perhaps he doesnt. But either way religion is still completly full of s***, and those who say god doesn't exist have a 50% chance of burning in hell for ever and ever until the end of time... (But don't worry, god 'loves' you)

 

And before i forget... Calling Atheism a religion is like calling bald a hair color.

[/quote']

 

Sorry but... Can I also point out that the number of people who believe into "burning in hell" was probably insanely high during the Middle Ages but is turning into a minority? Even within, say Christian communities in the US there are endless possibilities of viewing a god, some have a Pantheistic view, others add afterlife stuff, for others he/she/it can interfere into your life and you can establish a closer relation through meditation or whatever, for others he/she/it doesn't give a damn.

 

Also again, I still hold on to my point that Atheism is more like a state of mind, like Humanism. But it's not always a "lack of religion", some people consider it as one, for example if their religion has no deity. That way Atheism is an integral part of their beliefs and isn't excluded from religion.

 

Oh and before I forget, I've been described as a fairly rational person and I'm perfectly able to use my reason and decide which moral advice I want to follow and filter the magical or extremist stuff I don't want out. It's not like I'm mentioning gods and fairies every time I eat, sleep and sheet, in fact my boyfriend never questioned me about my beliefs until lately and has thought for months that I was an Atheist.