cleopas

ReasonableDoubt,

I'm not sure if your questions were rhetorical or directed toward me, but in the context of this thread I suppose I'm the only one qualified to give an answer.

The 'quality'.. I'm not sure I could accurately attest to the overall quality of that forum, but subjectively I will say from what I've seen, it seems reasonable, much in the way I have found this forum reasonable.

Yes, the regulars would primarily consider themselves Christian, but there is a population of contributors whose idealogies run the full gamut of 'ologies'. There was an insightful, albeit biased imho, lengthy response to the original post that included a excerpt from Wren Walker, a founder of WitchVox.com.

I'm not convinced that whether or not his intent was obvious is really the issue, that it might not be obvious to everyone is closer to the issue, but perhaps I am somewhat guilty of blowing it out of proportion. I think what bothered me is that tiny things like that have a way of growing in proportion, and I did not like seeing my friend add to it, even in the tiniest way.

Concerning the possible judgments... I would guess my friend felt warranted to copy/alter the original, and even that others might find some justification in him doing so. My questions revolved more around the implications of actually carrying it out. What is missing from my earlier comments is that I bring more into the issue than what is available within the context of that post made to that forum. My relationship with him extends beyond that context.

And, as I come to discover from my friend, there is yet another context beyond the original post that comes into play at a whole other level. A past history with the poster, unusual and possibly skewed application of authority by the moderators, emotional reaction to emotional writings.. all of which deserve recognition before I will jump to conclusions.

Still, your words have not gone unheard, and based on my limited knowledge I would agree that atheism is not an ethic. My friend has been sharing his discoveries as he explores humanism. I will need to do some of my own exploring as time permits. Thanks again.

Peace in your journeys,

cleopas

Mackjoy

So, if you can tell me... is there some tenet or factor of Atheism, or Humanism that would support or encourage that action? If not, can you speculate as to what factors might motivate someone to do that?

Could it be just for entertainment?
You are worried your friend might start a real war between beliefs? (as if) To late they already are at war and have been since....way back.

Good luck in your journeys..

Mack

Grizzly

Cleopas,

I just wanted to chime in and say that most people (myself included) don't consider atheism to be anything other than a lack of belief in a supernatural being. There are no tenants of atheism or atheistic rules to live by.

Humanism, on the other hand, does have tenants and principles, but not all atheists are humanists.

As for your friends action, I really have a hard time discerning his intent. If I were to do somehting like that, it would be for the sole purpose of pointing out that blind hatred is wrong, no matter what the groups are - but I would have included that message at the bottom of the email.

Peace to you as well

Grizzly

[ May 11, 2002: Message edited by: Grizzly ]</p>