Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Vorkosigan · 03-22-2002, 05:38 AM

Other than the running of charities, which even Communists do, what is there to like about Christianity? After 20 centuries of genocide, surely one need not even ask such an obvious question.

Michael

Clarice · 03-22-2002, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Godless Sodomite:

All are fairly liberal regarding their religion, which means they basically have religions of their own design based on wishful preference (I can't fault them for having a rich fantasy life, I have one, too). It makes them feel good and from conversations we've had, the truth of their theistic beliefs matters less to them than worrying if they have medical insurance or can afford to go on vacation--the basic things most of us worry about or look forward to. In other words, I found that people tend to deal with each other as individuals--not as a member of a group.

Jerry, that sums it up beautifully!

Also, I agree with Kvalhion that the most frustrating thing is knowing people who are rational and skeptical in every other way, but turn all that brain power off when addressing the religion they adhere to. Usually, the real answer to why these people believe seems to me to be that they believe it because they were taught it's true as children, and part of the teaching was that the teaching can't be questioned. Darned theistic memes!

[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: Clarice ]</p>

sighhswolf · 03-22-2002, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Friend:
<strong>I was curious about what you believe is the biggest reason to disfavor a Christian in any circumstance. Rephrased; what is the biggest thing against a Christian besides their specific belief in Christ?

For me, it is their arrogance, lack of grace, staleness, and the fact that most in the US don't stand up for their beliefs (they don't live what they believe)

(Coming from a Christian)

~ Friend ~

</strong>

Well, an interesting question to say the least.
I dont really hate christians, of course I dont really hate watching endless reruns of the Andy Griffith show either, but I do steer clear of that activity at every opportunity.
Wolf

Krieger · 03-22-2002, 03:07 PM

Friend, most of us atheists were Christians at one time.

The thing I don't like about fundamentalist Xians is that they want to force their religious beliefs and legalisms on everyone via the government.

x-member · 03-22-2002, 03:53 PM

Hate is not the word I would use to describe my feelings towards xians. In daily interaction, a person's religion just doesn't come up much. When I speak with my coworkers I don't speak with "Jerry The Christian" I just speak with Jerry The Human. I doubt many people introduce themselves by their religious beliefs any more than I introduce myself as an atheist. The reality is that I have no idea the religious persuasion of most ofthe people I interact with. I'm sure this is so for most people.

I think, then, that a part of what your asking is "How do we feel about someone when they announce to you that they are xians". That is an entirely different beast for me. I've found that typically, when a person brings up their religion, there is an ulterior motive involved. Often the motive is simple affirmation, "Yes Jerry, God will take care of that". Other times it is to proselytize. I rather dislike ulterior motives.

What do I do when someone brings up their xianity looking for affirmation or trying to convert me? I politely tell them that I am an atheist and do not share their views. What happens afterwards is what determines my feelings towards them. Very often, what happens afterwards I find offensive and distastfull.

So with that all said there is one more thing. I do find xian beliefs silly. This might lower my opinion of someone to a small degree just as those who believe in Reptoids living in Antarctica are a little tougher to take intellectually seriously

"Okay, you believe that there was a guy and a gal, and the gal was duped by a talking snake.. And now we're all sinners but they really procreated a lot.. Then there was a flood and this guy builds a boat just big enough for every species on the planet (even pubic lice) and adequate toilet facilities. So we're back down to a family.. Not sure of the chronology, but you figure we all speak different languages because some blokes built a big tower (taller than even the one's in Kula Lumpur) and god got mad. Later a guy talks to a burning bush and gets 10 rules.. We fastforward a bunch of other silliness and we get this guy named Jesus who gets nailed to a couple of peices of wood and that's why we can be forgiven for our sins. And if we don't, then when the dragons, and the horsebackriders come, we'll be throwen in a burning pit".

See, I'd kinda be tempted to hand that person a tinfoil hat and regale him with tales of Reptoids in Antarctica.

JOn

[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: Jon Up North ]</p>

MadMordigan · 03-22-2002, 05:55 PM

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03-22-2002, 05:38 AM	#21
Vorkosigan Contributor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Barrayar Posts: 11,866	Other than the running of charities, which even Communists do, what is there to like about Christianity? After 20 centuries of genocide, surely one need not even ask such an obvious question. Michael

03-22-2002, 03:07 PM	#24
Krieger Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: ... Posts: 2,191	Friend, most of us atheists were Christians at one time. The thing I don't like about fundamentalist Xians is that they want to force their religious beliefs and legalisms on everyone via the government.

03-22-2002, 03:53 PM	#25
x-member Banned Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: free Posts: 123	Hate is not the word I would use to describe my feelings towards xians. In daily interaction, a person's religion just doesn't come up much. When I speak with my coworkers I don't speak with "Jerry The Christian" I just speak with Jerry The Human. I doubt many people introduce themselves by their religious beliefs any more than I introduce myself as an atheist. The reality is that I have no idea the religious persuasion of most ofthe people I interact with. I'm sure this is so for most people. I think, then, that a part of what your asking is "How do we feel about someone when they announce to you that they are xians". That is an entirely different beast for me. I've found that typically, when a person brings up their religion, there is an ulterior motive involved. Often the motive is simple affirmation, "Yes Jerry, God will take care of that". Other times it is to proselytize. I rather dislike ulterior motives. What do I do when someone brings up their xianity looking for affirmation or trying to convert me? I politely tell them that I am an atheist and do not share their views. What happens afterwards is what determines my feelings towards them. Very often, what happens afterwards I find offensive and distastfull. So with that all said there is one more thing. I do find xian beliefs silly. This might lower my opinion of someone to a small degree just as those who believe in Reptoids living in Antarctica are a little tougher to take intellectually seriously "Okay, you believe that there was a guy and a gal, and the gal was duped by a talking snake.. And now we're all sinners but they really procreated a lot.. Then there was a flood and this guy builds a boat just big enough for every species on the planet (even pubic lice) and adequate toilet facilities. So we're back down to a family.. Not sure of the chronology, but you figure we all speak different languages because some blokes built a big tower (taller than even the one's in Kula Lumpur) and god got mad. Later a guy talks to a burning bush and gets 10 rules.. We fastforward a bunch of other silliness and we get this guy named Jesus who gets nailed to a couple of peices of wood and that's why we can be forgiven for our sins. And if we don't, then when the dragons, and the horsebackriders come, we'll be throwen in a burning pit". See, I'd kinda be tempted to hand that person a tinfoil hat and regale him with tales of Reptoids in Antarctica. JOn [ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: Jon Up North ]</p>

03-22-2002, 05:55 PM	#26
MadMordigan Beloved Deceased Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 2,704	ROTFLMFAO

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