HelenM

Fwiw I do think it would be a good idea to define "haughty", because some Christians seem to regard "atheist" and "haughty" as synonyms. (Not me - in my opinion it has more to do with whether one thinks oneself better than others, than whether one believes in God)

Not only that, but to know that one is smarter than other people does not make a person "haughty" per se. It's more what you do with being smarter than other people.

take care
Helen

GeoTheo

"Haughty" is someone who is condescending and thinks not only that they are better than almost everyone else, they think most people are far inferior to them. They are elitists. There is an elitist undercurrent among atheists here. Many actually do think people who believe in God are stupid. Several people I have encountered here toy with the idea that belief in God is a form of mental illness because it is so irrational. There is also the element that hang out in the political forum who think America is in imminent danger of a theocratic take over because the President says "God Bless America". They appear to live their life in fear as they read Christian media, obsessed with the idea that they are engaged in some type of war and need to "keep track of the enemy".
There are right wing whacko's in this country, but I think they gain power because people are so sick of the left in government and academia. So some Christians are listening to some of the extremists . But I really think that once people understand what they are about they will reject them. I am interested in trying to reach out to other Christians and warn them about the danger of Reconstructionism and point out that it seperation of Church and State is one of the things that has made this country great and also made Christianity so strong here. But I really have a bad taste in my mouth from some of the atheists here. I think of them kind of like KKKers. KKKers, I think have a right to free speech, but they are a bunch of scum bags. So in principle I defend their right to free speech but they still make me sick.
Same way with many atheists here. If you want to know who they are go read the thread entitled "Why should atheists respect Christians beliefs."
I probably won't post here much any more. I have a lot of respect for many of the agnostics and more polite atheists here but am looking for a forum with less extremism.

atheist_in_foxhole

GeoTheo, studies have shown that the overwhelming majority of the nation's top scientists are non-believers. Studies also show that the vast majority of high school dropouts and people living in backwards hick towns like Bemidji are extremely devout.

What does that tell you?

Starboy

Point taken. I should have directed my post to GeoTheo. Apologies to agapeo.

Sorry,

Starboy

GeoTheo

It tells me that you are the kind of person I'm talking about.

Starboy

GeoTheo, based on this exchange it would appear that when you use the world “haughty” what you really mean is someone who disagrees with you and thinks that your stated position has no merit. The exchange doesn’t reveal atheists_in_foxhole being “haughty” as much as it reveals your insecurities about your own Christianity.

Starboy

[ November 09, 2002: Message edited by: Starboy ]

[ November 09, 2002: Message edited by: Starboy ]</p>

Albion

Geo, it gets really annoying to hear things like "if so and so would only become a Christian, he'd be a better person." We live in a society where Christianity is equated with good. What is that society telling us about atheists? And atheists who spend their lives being productive and conscientious citizens are lumped into the category of bad people right along with all the criminals and deadwight (and if the criminals and deadweight profess to be Christian, they're dismissed as not True Christians, making this whole "Christian equals good person" thing a self-fulfilling prophecy).

There's an elitist undercurrent on Christian boards to, but of a different sort. You probably aren't seeing it because it's more familiar to you.

Geo, people are individuals. Don't tar us all with the same brush. There are Christians out there who don't think atheists are the cause of all the world's problems, but some of them are less vocal than the extremists.


Well, I don't read that forum all that often, but I think it's a real concern. Not just because of the "God bless America" stuff, but because of the "atheists shouldn't be considered citizens or patriots" stuff. If Bush Sr had said that about ANY other group, it'd have hit the national headlines. I've had argument after argument with people who seem to be unwilling to be content to just live Christian lives of their own but who demand that this be a Christian country and everybody live by the rules of the Christian church. And I've asked them what difference it would make to them if I go ahead and read Harry Potter books or go shopping on Sundays since I'm not asking them to do so if they don't want to, and they just say that they deserve to live in Christian country and people who don't like it can leave.

Let us just hope it won't be too late by then.

Some of the atheists here are ex-Christians from fundamentalist homes, who have suffered as a result of this religion. I'm fortunate in that respect because I came from an atheist home to start with - although part of the reason my mother was an atheist was her own Fundamentalist Christian mother. And mother was none too pleased when I moved from atheism all the way to agnosticism! People have been damaged and hurt by that religion. Of course they're going to be bitter and lash out. People like Helen M - and like you, if you'd try to understand the reasons behind some of this aggression rather than taking it personally - are doing good things here just by showing that this sort of narrow-minded extremism isn't all that Christianity has to offer.

Well, I'd be sorry if you left, but you need to do what's best for you. Have you tried the Beliefnet baords?

agapeo

Well, Starboy, I accept your apology (even though no offence was taken). Still, I think I'll take the time and respond to your comments which you say should of been directed towards GeoTheo. You may want to retract your apology. We'll see.

agapeo

Hmm . . . I suppose that may be a possible definition held by some Christians. I am not among them. It really matters very little to me if you disagree or disdain my beliefs. Shoot! It's your life to do with as you please. I don't have a problem with what you do so long as you don't step on my toes in doing it.
Was this the part that should have been addressed to GeoTheo? Seems a little sarcastic to me. Was it your intent?
Perhaps a little more sarcasism. Hey if you have a convincing argument showing how aChristian is irrational, then go for it. But I ask: Why should you? What have you gained?
Could be said to have a problem. Perhaps. So what.
Has a major problem. No doubt. But, again -- So what.
Well, thank you kindly. You could of added: "Keep up the good work". But that might be asking too much of you. So I'll take your compliment and count my blessings.
That's a good possibility. So -- How have Christians treated you poorly? Are you really that miserable and it's them mean ole Christians fault for your misery?
&lt;Snip&gt;
What can I say? If you were mistreated by a Christian unjustly then you have my sympathies. I can't answer for what others may do. If Imistreat you then you have my apology.
Hey! I ain't done roasting my marshmellows yet.

ELECTROGOD

HelenM wrote:
Yea, someone define "hottie".