Shadowy Man

woodchuck (emphasis mine):

You do not.

Hobbs

There may be some theists out there who do understand atheism, but I haven't met any. On the other hand, Christians of the type I used to be, though they usually assume I don't understand Christianity, end up having to admit that I do after I explain my understanding to them, so they conclude that I must just be stubborn, obtuse, or perhaps downright evil to reject it. Other types of Christians say that since I wasn't their type of Christian I was never a real Christian, though when I was a Christian I was convinced that their types were the ones who weren't real Christians (ditto for theists of other religions).

Kassiana

Hi, Hobbs! I'm Kass.

Now you've met a theist who knows what atheism is.

Heathen Dawn

woodchuck,

I have considered the Christian option. Also the Islamic option. You know why I rejected them? Because they are founded upon bribe and blackmail: heaven if you do, hell if you don't. It is the lowliest foundation that can ever be used, a foundation common to the most astute politician.

Heaven if you do, hell if you don't. That's a very human system. But there's nothing divine in it. If you want divinity, look at Nature.

Hobbs

When I posted that comment, I was thinking of people I have met and discussed such issues with in real life, but after posting it I thought of HelenM here, and I'd say she is one I've met online who fits the bill. I know I've seen you around these boards before, but since I can't spend a lot of time here I can't recall specifics about your previous comments.

And after thinking about it more, I suppose that I should modify my statement to cover the evangelical types who claim their version of their religion is the only Truth. I do know some theists who are quite theologically liberal and who fit the bill.

So I guess I should just back off that comment and say that there are plenty of theists, woodchuck among them, whose account of atheism doesn't come close to accurately describing me and atheist friends of mine.

Well, as Lucy van Pelt once noted, if you go around watching everything you say, you'll never get much said.

Goliath

woodchuck,

Very well. In turn, do not take my scathing dismantling of your argument personally.

First, of all, it's atheists, not athesists. I have no idea what an athesist is.

Secondly, you're correct in that every individual atheist has some kind of worldview. However, given any two atheists, their worldviews will probably differ at least slightly. Therefore atheism is not in and of itself a worldview. Got it?

You do not understand correctly. Atheism is the lack of belief that any gods exist.

Absolutely incorrect. Here is a complete and total list of every belief that I hold regarding anything supernatural (including your god):

Nothing.

I dislike it when theists rant and rave against things that they don't know about.

See above. Atheism is a lack of belief, not a belief system.

Unsubstantiated claptrap, used to stuff an ugly strawman.

You are incorrect. I hold no beliefs regarding your god. Therefore I am a counterexample to your claim.

No, sir. I do not.

Stuff that straw man, theist!

Please point out where I claimed that I was.

Absolutely false. I hold no beliefs regarding anything supernatural, therefore I am a living counterexample to your ridiculous claims.

Unproven assertion.

I embrace mathematics, computers, reading, watching movies, listening to music, and enjoying the company of my friends and family. You are therefore demonstrably wrong.

I hold no such belief. You are therefore demonstrably wrong, xian.

I have no faith, and I am an atheist. You are therefore demonstrably wrong.

Could you please back this up? I find theism--especially xianity--to be supremely arrogant.

Incorrect, sir. Atheism is a lack of belief, not a set of beliefs.

And I have already told you why you are wrong.

Well, where could one possibly begin? Any specific facet that you'd like to look at?

Sincerely,

Goliath

woodchuck

Aw Goliath, how bout a big ol' hug? I was pretty harsh in my post, though I do stand by most of it- I admit I'm closed minded, I'm bound to my beliefs... and if you think I'm arrogant, what can I say...I'm sorry. Like i said, I did not mean to judge you or say that what my post stated was who you are- I was simply saying what I've been seeing around here, and i just thought, why not flick'em some crap? I know I'm just a dumb theist anyway- but hey, we're all just dumb people trying to act smarter than eachother right?
Ok well... I'm really not going to counter much of what you said because hey, we made our points i suppose. Are you really a giant? I can imagine you being one the way you talk in your post I imagine this deep thundering giant vice bein' all like "theist!!!!!!!" I don't know if I sound like a wood chuck in my posts or not... ok well. Maybe we can rant the crap out of eachother again sometime.
-eef the worshipper of X.

Heathen Dawn

woodchuck,

Christianity is Satan's big black lie. Flee it!

woodchuck

It is...?

Oh crap, thanks.
-eef

Goliath

woodchuck,

Hug a bigot like you? No thanks, I save hugs for people that I care about (or at least people whom I don't dislike).

And I have shown that your beliefs about atheists are completely false.

I don't believe you for a nanosecond. Lemme share a secret with ya, little clubber: everyone judges practically everything.

BULLSHIT! You did exactly that!

*nod* Sure, you made your bigoted, closed-minded statements, and I shattered them to pieces.

No.

Sincerely,

Goliath