David Mathews

Hello Everyone,

I do not regard Atheism in its pure philosophical form as possessing negative connotations. The Atheistic concept is in reality quite useful as the theistic/atheistic controversy motivates people to investigate the Universe and the human mind/soul for the purpose of gathering evidence for their viewpoint.

Atheism in its practical form may take a negative connotation only because of the obnoxious and offensive behavior of a small minority of outspoken atheists.

I think all controversies are beneficial in their ability to generate and thought and conversation between opposing viewpoints, though all these benefits are sometimes overwhelmed by the negative and hateful dialogue of those governed by emotions rather than intellect.

Best Regards,

David Mathews

The Admiral

"Atheism in its practical form may take a negative connotation only because of the obnoxious and offensive behavior of a small minority of outspoken atheists. "

How does this compare with the same type of behavior on the part of a large percentage of Christians?

The Admiral

mizpah

As a believer (kind of), I like the idea of an athiesm PR department. While I'm not an atheist myself, I agree that most folks I meet have a very strong reaction to the word "athiesm" that doesn't seem fair. I'm not sure I always understand why.

I was very interested in the recent poll cited in the Kiosk section of the Infidels website that reported that only something like 10% of Americans believe in non-theistic evolution. It makes me wonder why, and I also want to challenge "evolutionists" (I know that's not really much of a word) to figure out a new plan to combat that. Why is Creationism or Theistic Evolution so prevalent in this culture. And what's to be done about it?

David Mathews

Hello The Admiral,


David: Christian hate, anger, bigotry and prejudice against atheists is evil and sinful in my view.

I believe in tolerance, open-mindedness and persistant conversation between all religions, philosophies and viewpoints.

I belive in a free society, religious liberty and diversity.

I believe in love and mercy for all people no matter what.

Sincerely,

David Mathews

Mageth

mizpah:

Since approximately 10% of Americans identify themselves as non-theists, it's not too surprising to me that the poll shows approximately 10% of Americans "believe" in non-theistic evolution.

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I hear the hatred for "Atheist" all the time. According to many, atheism == evil, immoral, leftwing ultraliberal, god-hating, anti-family, unpatriotic, communist, etc.

Even so, I think it's important for us to "out" ourselves to let the small part of the world we each live in know that atheists live among them as ordinary, law-abiding, good citizens trying to make our way through the muck just like everyone else.

mizpah

Thanks Mageth - I'm new at posting here, and always a little anxious that, as a believer, I'll get trashed. Kind of like I'd do to you if you showed up at my church....haha, that's a joke. But I always appreciate responses

I guess what surprised me is that I thought evolution had been pretty well accepted, except in very conservative circles.

I also agree that people often equate athiesm with all kinds of nasty things.

But, what's the solution? I always admire the Infidels population for their smarts, so what do you problem-solvers think is the best way for things to change for the better? Do you think people "outing" ("Outting"?) themselves is the answer? Or something else?

missus_gumby

There is no ranting, raving or preaching in this thread!

Therefore it has been promoted to Misc Religious Discussions. It's not very often we can say that is it?

Martin

ohwilleke

Suppose you're right and the Christian God exists. Suppose further that in the absence of religious liberty that many of us wouldn't have gone to the trouble of considering deconverting. Has religious liberty sent us to eternal damnation? Do you share responsibility for not trying hard enough?

If you're a universalist, it isn't important to convert anyone. But, if you, like the vast majority of Christian denominations believe that acceptance of God is necessary for salvation, isn't this a problem for you?

David Mathews

Hello ohwilleke,

David: If you are eternally condemned it is by your own choices.

David: I am not a universalist in the sense of guarateeing everyone's salvation no matter what. I am a universalist in the sense that God's grace will save the honest and humble souls even if those souls were at one time atheists or anything else other than Christian.

For those atheists who blaspheme God, repudiate the blood of Christ and otherwise demand hell, I believe that they will be condemned.

Best Regards,

David Mathews

Krieger

When people ask me what my "beliefs" about religion are I am proud to tell them that I am an Atheist.