Freethought & Rationalism Archive

maxxmann · 03-23-2007, 05:56 PM

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Originally Posted by reddhedd

You're right; not all theists think or care how I raise my kids...or whatever. Or, at least they are willing to keep their thoughts to themselves.

No not all theists are alike and I am too busy trying to figure out how I am to be a dad to get too worked up about someone else, unless their kid is messing with my kid, then...

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This is a line, a boundary. If I ask your advice....then yes, you may cross it. If not, then STFU about it. Same goes for me. It's the unasked for advice the unsolicited commentary that rubs me the wrong way. Perhaps our common ground will be the soccer games, or the crap TV the kids seem to enjoy....and food is off limits. In order to maintain a civil relationship, even if we can't be close friends, that's what we do.

Well said

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I know you gave that scenario to Steve,

but the first thing that popped into my head is, while the other person is praying " I'll be helping you find a pair of shoes to fit". Go ahead, pray; I'm willing to actually do the practical stuff.

I understand what you mean about prayer and I try to remember that when I pray for God to meet others needs, when I get done, I need to live in response to my prayer.

maxxmann · 03-23-2007, 06:16 PM

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Originally Posted by Steve Schlicht

Well, kudos, because more often than not I stated the same thing as well.

More common ground?

Sure, because we should just let our good deeds be good deeds and leave it at that. If someone I help inquires why I do it, then fine, I may give a spiritual reason as to why I do it, but at least I am answering their question.

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No hope at all...y'all can keep Johnny Demon by the way, looks like Jesus, throws like Mary.

That's just funny.

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Would that have been your first assumption knowing only that I was an atheist or did you come to this conclusion after questioning my credentials as a human being.

I try to assume the best of pretty much anyone I meet and let them screw up my perception of them. I have read a lot of your posts since I have been on here. You haven't ruined it, yet

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The only reason I ask is that we both have notions about how atheists and theists perceive each other...the question is...are you and I the rule or the exception

I have a much more open view toward atheists than do many people I interact with. Someone's gotta rebel against the status quo, it might as well be me.

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I'll ask again:

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Originally Posted by steve
In a church setting, would you publically refute the notion that atheists and/or secular humanists are immoral and deplorable people out to destroy the fabric of decent society?

I honestly await a more direct answer to the inquiry posed.

I didn't intend to deflect your question, I just miss read it. I have publically stated that atheists are good people who have a different view than us and have sought to help others to see atheists as people and not evil incarnate. While there are extreme cases for nut-job evangelicals and atheists alike, I think using the extremist example is not a good way of building friendships across the divide. Christians like to paint an extreme example of those not like them and then attack it and feel good about themselves. Strawman, right? I think atheists and others can do the same thing. It is better to avoid it.

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What political views do you think I have just knowing I'm an atheist?

Steve

Interesting question that I will answer tomorrow.

Steve Schlicht · 03-23-2007, 06:19 PM

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Originally Posted by maxxmann

No not all theists are alike and I am too busy trying to figure out how I am to be a dad to get too worked up about someone else, unless their kid is messing with my kid, then...

Agreed. I have three, by the way.

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I understand what you mean about prayer and I try to remember that when I pray for God to meet others needs, when I get done, I need to live in response to my prayer.

If that is your perception then...in my view...you have wasted however much time you spent in prayer in order to eventually "live in response to it".

Just get out there and do it.

Steve

Steve Schlicht · 03-23-2007, 06:40 PM

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Originally Posted by maxxmann

Sure, because we should just let our good deeds be good deeds and leave it at that. If someone I help inquires why I do it, then fine, I may give a spiritual reason as to why I do it, but at least I am answering their question.

Except that you then associate yourself with the supernatural realm of "spirituality" and assign baggage to your motivation.

Humanism leaves off such frivolities, in my view.

If the ideal is "to leave it at that" then I wholeheartedly agree.

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That's just funny.

Yankee scum!

See you on the field, moneybags!

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I try to assume the best of pretty much anyone I meet and let them screw up my perception of them. I have read a lot of your posts since I have been on here. You haven't ruined it, yet

Cool.

You're okay as well.

If you're ever down south please look us up.

We'll put you up and grill you a great southern meal!

You can handle cajun spice and a humble home of good gumbo, right?!

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I have a much more open view toward atheists than do many people I interact with. Someone's gotta rebel against the status quo, it might as well be me.

Then I will henceforth consider you an ally in the cause.

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I didn't intend to deflect your question, I just miss read it. I have publically stated that atheists are good people who have a different view than us and have sought to help others to see atheists as people and not evil incarnate. While there are extreme cases for nut-job evangelicals and atheists alike, I think using the extremist example is not a good way of building friendships across the divide. Christians like to paint an extreme example of those not like them and then attack it and feel good about themselves. Strawman, right? I think atheists and others can do the same thing. It is better to avoid it.

I find, by virtue of our minority, that misperceptions and maliciousness are most often promoted vocally by theists and seek the same common ground you appear to.

My hope is that we can all get along within the context of our common humanity.

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Interesting question that I will answer tomorrow.

Very good!

We're off to watch Eragon...my son's current fave.

Take care, stay safe.

Steve

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