Queen of Swords

Originally posted by Amie
Hi Queen
I wasnt aware I had that history either.

Well, you learn something new every day.

Thats assuming believers are believe the same I guess. Lets take a look at your examples my pretty.

If you feel the need to address me in any way, Amie, I would appreciate your doing so with my username, QueenofSwords. If this is too long for you, please feel free to shorten it to Queen or QoS, but save the "my pretty" for when you act in The Wizard of Oz.

I am a believer and I say ABSOLUTELY evolution is far more "realistic"

Bully for you. When all believers say the same thing, I won't need to be optimistic about it, will I?

I have learned why people are pro choice however I am pro life.

Again, this is very nice, but I hope you don't think all believers are at your level, do you?

No arguments there. I *agree* so you see one really doesnt necessarily have to deconvert for you to remain optimistic,

Did I say they had to? My optimism is reinforced by the effect discussions here have had on several people, but I doubt I would become pessimistic and stop posting if no one deconverted.

you can be just as optimistic with believers

With the ones who don't make unwarranted assumptions, anyway.

No. You want to remain optimistic about fundamentalists recognizing *what you believe to be* flaws in their belief system.

When their belief system includes leaving welts on their children's bodies, and when their belief system encompasses fairy tales like Noah's ark, those are flaws.

I think your *non* belief is flawed but thats simply my opinion

In other words, no evidence to back it up?

and to each their own. I can't nor do I have a desire to change anyones beliefs to adhere to mine.

That's nice for you. When all believers feel that way, let me know.

Why just those two? why not use the term "theist"?

Have we moved away from your use of the term "people"?

Since there are many that don't fit into either "liberal Christian" or "fundamentalist".

And these would be what?

Amie

I generally see praying as a positive, but if one focuses all sorts of energy praying that non believers will believe like they do that can have a negative impact on them psychologically. I know a priest once who felt as if he somehow "failed" because he was not able to "convince some believers the wonders of Christ" What someone else believes should never be a focal point in my life. I don't think that would be a healthy thing.
Joke

Infinity Lover

Not that I didn't already know that; I just thought I'd make it official .

(ps. your mailbox is full/ I'm signed in on msn/ I wish I was with you)

Amie

How about a new concept for you, its called live and let live. Become familiar with it.

I wasnt aware I was any specific "level"

everything else you said falls under the live and let live.
Bottom line: YOUR beliefs or *non* in this case are not necessarily "right" they are only right for you.

Queen of Swords

Originally posted by Amie
How about a new concept for you, its called live and let live. Become familiar with it.

You too.

I wasnt aware I was any specific "level"

One more thing you're not aware of?

Bottom line: YOUR beliefs or *non* in this case are not necessarily "right" they are only right for you.

Any evidence to back up this assertion? Is my non-belief in a 6-day creation "necessarily right" or just right for me?

Amie

You know you're a waste of time. Keep up that optimism that people will deconvert. Just maybe one day you'll realize its *not* important what other people believe in. Worry about your own damn self.

Infinity Lover

Personally, I find the whole God does/doesn't exist thing to be kinda tedious, in that sense that though neither side can disagree that at least some degree of faith and believing is involved, both sides and up bickering about whether that shouldn't stop you from believing, or whether there's no reason to start believing, and all that accomplishes is that it get's in the way of discussing more fruitfull matters.

To me, whether you believe God exists or not, doesn't effect much beyond the side you'll rigidly stick to, during beforementioned bickering. What's way more interresting to me, is what one believes God is or should be. That can actually tell you a lot about that person.

In that sense, I guess discussing religion can be worthwhile.

Queen of Swords

Originally posted by Amie
You know you're a waste of time.

I do? Why, thank you, Counselor Troi.

Keep up that optimism that people will deconvert.

I will, with much gratitude for your permission.

Just maybe one day you'll realize its *not* important what other people believe in.

Not unless it inspires them to brainwash your children or ostracize you.

Worry about your own damn self.

Shouldn't you say, "Worry about your own damn self, my pretty"? Doesn't that sound so much sweeter?

pz

I don't care to have sewage play a part in my life, but if someone were to start pumping out their septic tank into my backyard, I'd be very concerned and would probably spend a fair amount of time trying to get them to stop. Would you then berate me for dwelling too much on poop? Would you suggest that I should instead sit back and try to pretend it doesn't exist?
What compels us is that a lot of people out there in the rest of the world try to force this crap down our throat. Perhaps it's not a problem where you live (although I'm not sure I'd believe that), but here in the US we are surrounded by nonsensical dogma that is taken for granted by the majority of the population, is well represented in our leadership, and represents a very real threat to the community of reason.

Perhaps you find it of little consequence, but simply speaking out and representing atheism is a valuable function. We stand in forthright opposition to superstition, and that's a start. Silence is surrender.

Starboy

Good question Infinity. If others would "'leav(e) God out of it' for a change" there would be no point to the discussions you speak of. I can't wait for that day, but until then I will not let them get away with spewing their nonsense and parading it as "truth" and then shoving it down our throats. As long as they have the good sense to keep their superstitions to themselves they can believe anything they like.

Starboy