Filed under: nnxj.com — rose @ March 15, 2010 edit
why are atheists so interested in religious issues, they seem to be opposed to the spread of religionThey are seeking meaning to their life, just like you!Why are people, especially supposed Christians, opposed to the opportunity to share their witness of Christ. Atheist are no different that any lost souls, be they mormans, jehovah's witness, baptist, methodist, catholics, that have yet to discover that Christianity is about their relatioship with Christ and not all the rules and regulations of a religious meeting. We are to be that light in a darkened world for all. The very fact that this question seems to be ask over and over is quite disturbing. All have an expression to be given here - the only thing that disturbs me is when people choose to express themself vulgarly or as though this category is limited to a chosen few. I am chosen by Christ to spread the gospel - if no one but other true believers are on here, who am I going to spread the gospel too?They need attention. Their lives are so depressing that it hurts them. The only other interaction with humans they get is abusive. The only positive stimulus they can get access to is when they confound some Christian with a question they can't answer satisfactorily.
You name it.i as an atheist am here to see what makes people tick. i have a love of human nature and love to watch how people react to different questions. and contrary to popular belief we are not all depressed as some would like you to believe.Should they be banned from having and/or expressing their opinions because they disagrees with yours?to try and understand the opposing view. It's the best way to argue intelligently.They are here to find God.
Prayers to you and yours. <><To educate people such as yourself.Because religions is a disease, and we want to give the cure for it.Its their choice if they want to find out something. Dont judge them because they oppose to religious situations..You can have theologians who are atheists - you don't have to believe in something to know about it! Just because their opinion is different than yours doesn't mean that there is nothing you can learn from them or that they have nothing to add to the community.I realized recently that no one reads this when I just link to it, so here you go, my answer to a previous version of this question:
I believe that I have been nothing but courteous to the people of faith here. I openly deny their belief-system. They openly deny mine. That's fine. We have, however, engaged in some very respectful debate, much to the benefit (I hope) of both sides. I know that my beliefs have not changed, but my preconceptions about young-Earth Christians have been shattered by some of the people I have found here. I think that they are wrong, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debate with them without resorting to name-calling or rudeness.
Granted, this requires an openness on both our parts. I think that their faith is "wrong." They think that my lack of faith is "wrong." This is where most people get hung up and debate can go no further. If someone disagreeing with you is "offensive," you're stuck. Once you accept this disagreement, you are quite free to exchange ideas. This is what I have found here (for the most part.)
As for why I spend so much time in the religion and spirituality forum, I see faith as playing a huge role in the lives of everyone in the world, be they moderate Muslims, fundamentalist Christians, Pagans, or Atheists like myself.
In my supposedly free country I see gays discriminated against due to faith. People who would never think of using the N-word openly hate and criticize homosexuals for what they are, not who they are.
I see medical advances that could help millions of people stymied by arguments that have their basis in faith. Stem cell research could potentially ease the suffering of billions around the globe, but people of faith stand in the way.
We are currently involved in what may or may not be a holy war. This is an issue of faith.
Our current government supports "faith-based initiatives" in what may be a breach of The Constitution itself.
I know that faith helps people sleep at night. This doesn't undo the tremendous amount of suffering it has inflicted at every turn of history.
I see faith as a problem, and would like to encourage people to put aside their myths and embrace reason. However, I realize that this is futile. As Jonathan Swift said, "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into."
That said, I think that Yahoo Answers provides a wonderful opportunity to try to see where other people are coming from. I disagree with the Christians (and Muslims and Pagans...), but I think it is very important for me to try to understand them. I would hope that they will try to understand me. Once we find some common ground and some mutual respect, we can truly start to talk about things.
I hate the name-calling. The largest problem I have with religion is that it is divisive. I feel that this is the most important aspect of faith that needs to be removed from the equation. Name-calling is also divisive and does not fit into my attempts to act reasonably.
I feel that I deny, but do not scoff. I embrace and enjoy open debate. I think that the things discussed here are important. I'd like to think that some of the things I have to say are pertinent.
If you want a place for only Christians (for example) to exchange ideas, there are plenty of places on the web for that. However, I think that this exclusion of other mindsets and worldviews does a disservice to those who would seek such a closed system.
That's why, as an atheist, I show up on the religion thread.they have the right to be here and say your opinion as all people with different religion are here.They are on their spiritual journey just like everyone else. We, as people, need to start accepting people for who they are and where they are in life. Almost everyone that I know has been an atheist at one time or another, that doesn't make them bad or wrong... that just means that their beliefs differ from yours, which is allowed.Because they haven't accepted God.. they are in Satan's hands. They just want to sway are opinon and have anything to rebel against!religion and spirituality
im a gnostic druid neopaganCopied/pasted an excerpt from my 360* blog, as this question pops up frequently.
I, as only one spiritual atheist, am here to learn about the various religions, philosophies and spiritualities of the world. I always held fascination with religions in general (not just christianity---ALL religions, old and new). I do not seek a "god" belief, but here to seek how people attain inner-peace, self-knowledge, inner-wisdom and how they attain peace in their lives in general---and that I might learn a thing or two. :-) I seek to find and improve on my own atheistic spirituality, to improve upon myself. Isn't that what spirituality is basically about? I believe so!
I also hang out here NOT to "defeat religion" but mainly to give the "other side" of the equation, to give information, and to let others know that there are more than one valid way to see, learn and experience the world. R/S section is not "just reserved for the theists". It is reserved for all.Because atheism is a religion. Think about it.to try and understand why religious people think like they do.
makes no sense to many of us...He's got a point...They aren't here to learn anything but only to run people down and down grade others beliefs no matter what religion you place your faith in.
That is the only intentions of Atheists being in the Religion & Spirituality Catagory.Let's just pray for them!We are here to keep your feet grounded and a constant reminder about reality and not live in a fantasy world. Get it?
Lol@ dirtyracist hahaha good one!I am glad they are on here. i welcome their questionsMaybe they are looking for answers? Maybe they know they should not be atheists? Maybe they are trying to listen to others' points of views? But I don't get it when people just use these pages to mock, insult and patronise others.I find religionists quaint and amusing.I wonder how many come to inquire & investigate under the guise of criticism.Yes, they are opposed to the spread of religion. They prefer the spread of logic, reason, scientific discovery... you know, the things that have produced all progress in the world to date?
What do you mean "on here"? Where's here? The Internet. I didn't realize it was for god's people only.Why are people so bothered that an atheist is "on here"? Are you saying that because I don't agree with you then I don't have the same rights as you? That's pretty scary. Also, people who answer this type of question (it seems to come up often) always talk about Christianity. The category is Religion and Spirituality not Christianity. Do you think that anybody from a different relgion should also be banned? I strongly encourage you to look at your attitude towards those that don't agree with you. It isn't very Christian like.we have a right to learn, understand and ask questions just as any one else. we also have a right to have an opinion and express them just as any one else.Jesus loves atheists too and just wants them to make you think a bit more that's all.#If you have any other info about this subject , Please add it free.# |
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