A rise in anti-religious sentiment on the forums?

[Terrywoodenpic]

Is it just me or has there been a rise in anti-religious sentiment on these forums lately? It seems to have become a common theme in most of the threads I've looked at recently. Has anyone else noticed and been concerned by this?

Getting back to the OP...
these forums change their mood in cycles..
when I started my long leave of absence and retired from the staff, the mood was one of internal battles to do with new ownership and rules.
The balance between all the religions and none was far more evenly spread than now.
Political views were still mostly about Bush and he was taking the brunt of the hate.
There were rather more European subscribers, and as a result the world view was more to the left.

To day the views have polarized differently. There are far more republican views being expressed, there are relatively few European voices. The Jewish voice seems to be far more on the back foot. the most disturbing difference is the "hate" towards Obama, in the past the office and person of the President has always been respected by Americans at least.... it seems that is no longer the case.

On the religious front there are far fewer fringe religions being represented. and the arguments of the non theists seem to be at a far lower level than in the past.
It seems to be very difficult to have a serious discussion any more, unless they are about the old chestnuts.

Fortunately, these things go in cycles and eventually a more reasonable balance will establish itself.

 

[gnomon]

Hate towards Obama?

During the elections it was nothing but gushing over praise for Obama. Now many of us that voted for him are voicing complaints.

That should be praised. It shows people are thinking for themselves rather than falling into idolization.

 

[The Neo Nerd]

There is always complaints

He's trying to 'bootstrap' the economy.

He's trying use the might of the US to solve world conflicts and for nuclear disarmament.

He's trying regain good will towards america.

He's got a lot to do and some of the things might not please everyone but boohoo he's running a country sometimes unpopular thinigs have to be done.

 

[DavyCrocket2003]

It bothers me to see how much people blame Obama for everything. He ultimately is a tiny tiny factor in the outcome of our lives. I don't agree with most of his policies. But I respect him as a great person who is trying to make the world a better place. I think the extremes of adoration and hate are both typical of Americans and very unhealthy.

 

[MoonWater]

I prefer to avoid labels actually.

I shutter to think what your pantry looks like.

But more to the point your entire argument is over the content of the lable "Religious." Apparently some labels are imporant to you.

I recognize that it is sometimes necessary to use labels in order to have a meaningful conversation. It's simply the way the english language and the human mind is structured. As such I will use them if necessary and I will only debate them when someone tries to use them to pigeon-hole a group of people and stuff them all into a nice neat little box of their own design regardless of whether or not they fit.

yes.....why? what difference does that make? There are many different kinds of religious leaders, both good and bad. What's your point?v

Well thank you for that at least.

My point is that HIS religious faith MATTERS. He makes an impact on the larger society. What HE believes affects ME because of his power and influence. No so our friend Mr. Crockett here. If we take him at his word (no reason not to) his faith is HIS. Beyond polite conversation he makes no attempt to alter MY behavior. His faith does NOT control his attitude on public policy. He would even go so far to vote for a non-believer in some circumstances. Now I am sure his faith matters to HIM and likely those closest to him. And in that sense his faith is important. Perhaps quite important. But only to that rather small circle. And most certainly NOT to the larger society. His church – an entirely different matter. As we have seen recently in CA.

Religious faith only has significance if and when it enters the public square.

hmm... I think I can see what your getting at here. Though I would alter your last sentence to specify that religious faith only matters to the public square when it enters the public square. In that sense I would agree.

My main contention is with the idea that you seem to be proposing that one must push their religion "into the public square" in order for them to be considered a true believer in your book. As I have stated before, to do that would go against the creeds of most religions out there. Jesus Himself said that religion should be a private matter, that one should worry about fixing themselves before they try to fix others and I believe the bible states somewhere that one should respect the laws of whatever country they are in. As such it would seem that those who are Christian and push religious policy upon government are actually going against some of the creeds in their own bible.

 

[s3v3n]

I believe the bible states somewhere that one should respect the laws of whatever country they are in. As such it would seem that those who are Christian and push religious policy upon government are actually going against some of the creeds in their own bible.

Not to dispute your point, I think its an important one, but the quote actually comes from a situation with St. Augustine, so it would be catholic in origin.

To more fully address several of the points you've made, I'm new, so I couldn't comment on the ebb and flow on conversation, however, I spent a great deal of time reading the old posts before I began posting my own, out of respect for those here, and to understand the rules and boundries. I don't think that there is a specific theist departure, it might be of concern that several of the representation from the carpenter in particular (no offense intended to anyone) are more on an emotional basis than one of rational debate or intellectual exchange, which is a bit disappointing, one loves a good debate. As far as the president, and the christian constituancy, we all have to be concerned about what the president believes, he can indeed make life difficult, but I also agree that in the long run, in the big picture when we look back at the path which was this life, he will not be a big part of that...I remember not so long ago a leader who scared the hell out of me, one who openly said not only that he spoke to god, but that god spoke back, he made horrific changes that will be long reaching, and have done much harm. But in twenty years, if I am able, I doubt I will remember a single quote from the man....I'll remember the day the towers fell, but not the man who sat motionless and speechless in response. I think history is horrific today, in a thousand years, it's a footnote.

As a final thought on that footnote, your comment concerning not following their own book, you are referring to a group (specific sects responsible for their own histories, no one need think I'm attacking the belief system itself, only what was done in it's name) that was openly responsible for three crusades, an inqusition, not to even mention what could be said about feminist rights, racial rights, human rights for that matter, in the long history of that particular book....

Again, just my thoughts.

S3V3N

 

[Heneni]

Goggle works. Look them up. But I will say they range from Harris's "The End of Faith" with which I pretty much agree to the Right Reverend Pat Robertson who would, if he could, have me roasted at dawn. And enjoy every minute of the process.

If Christians taste like chicken (as noted in this thread) what do atheists taste like?

 

[Heneni]

I think the extremes of adoration and hate are both typical of Americans and very unhealthy.

You have to wonder if the UNITED States is as united as the words imply. UNITED in what way I wonder. What do you think the UNITED states is UNITED about?

Obama said in one of his speeches that he wants to be the president of a UNITED america. There is great power in unity. It will be interesting to see in the coming months what he most wants the americans to be united about. If extremism is rampant as you say...he has a tough job ahead of him, unless he can unite the nation in one particular matter....always good to have a significant starting point. A spring board so to speak. Maybe the uniting will be a religious issue...or the lack of religious affiliation. We live in interesting times.

Heneni

 

[gnomon]

It bothers me to see how much people blame Obama for everything.

Do they?

 

[s3v3n]

Do they?

Well some do, I mean he has been in charge for almost a year now, why hasn't he fixed every problem that the previous administration managed to destroy in the previous eight years....that's it, he's had his chance, bring back a Bush, maybe he can think of a reason to entirely strip away the constituion and invade Canada, you know they like those gays up there....


Sorry maybe a bit over the top, point being, we're not even at the quarter mark yet, has he done what I hoped for yet, no, but if you had to get everything expected of you on monday done by 10am after arriving at 8am or be considered by all around you a complete failure and by others that you should loose your job how realistic do you think you're chances would be?

S3V3N

 

[Reverend Rick]

Frubals. synonym: Sunstone.

:biglaugh:

Hey! Where is mine?

 

[Erebus]

If Christians taste like chicken (as noted in this thread) what do atheists taste like?

Well the best way to cook them is to take the "steak" from the thighs, cook it slowly like you would do a turkey. I find that if you cook it with a few strips of bacon it will take away some of the excessive "sweetness" human flesh sometimes has and it also gives any fussy guests the option of only eating the bacon (I know some people aren't keen on the farming techniques used to harvest atheists).

Serve with vegetables and a fine wine.

Tastes divine.

 

[Reverend Rick]

It bothers me to see how much people blame Obama for everything.

I'm still waiting for him to take responsibility for anything. He can only blame GWB for so long.

 

[Reverend Rick]

If Christians taste like chicken (as noted in this thread) what do atheists taste like?

I have a wonderful recipe for cooking atheists.

First, you wrap them in burlap before cooking.

Put them on a rotisserie over an open spit and smoke them for 18 hours.

Remove from fire and let cool.

Remove burlap.

Eat burlap.

 

[monta]

I have a wonderful recipe for cooking atheists.

First, you wrap them in burlap before cooking.

Put them on a rotisserie over an open spit and smoke them for 18 hours.

Remove from fire and let cool.

Remove burlap.

Eat burlap.

If I could make a suggestion, you will find that if you don't sprinkle the atheist with salt and leave them under clingfilm over night, the naturally bitter flavour will intensify with cooking and render the meal almost inedible. You could also try a honey or sweet barbeque based marinade. :drool:

 

[darkendless]

Anti-religious sentiment is proportional to preachy, fundamentalism.

I don't think we see any more religious bashing than we do anti-religious. They compliment each-other. I mean i've been trying to explain for 100 pages which Noah's story cannot be literal. Its driven me ****** insane.

 

[Heneni]

If I could make a suggestion, you will find that if you don't sprinkle the atheist with salt

Salt...love salt...tastes good on snails when cooked, but lethal on them when uncooked.

Come to think of it...atheists are just a tad slow to catch up with God....

Hang on a minute....we christians are the salt of the earth.....hmmmm....interesting.

I vote they taste like snails. I hope we can add a bit of butter and garlic into the mix.

Wonder how many of my atheists friends will come round for dinner. I'll dress up with my Hannibal face mask just incase I want to nibble prematurely. Or maybe we could come to a compromise....you can have my thigh...not my breast :faint: (Talking about chicken thighs here......:slap and I'll have a piece of their 'tail'.

Or we can just put on some music and watch 'the left behind' series together.

Heneni

 

[Heneni]

Anti-religious sentiment is proportional to preachy, fundamentalism.

I don't think we see any more religious bashing than we do anti-religious. They compliment each-other. I mean i've been trying to explain for 100 pages which Noah's story cannot be literal. Its driven me ****** insane.

You are going insane? Well now...I think that is something we Christians are suppose to be.....:angel2:

I believe that noah and his boat was real, so i'm insane, you insane....seems like we have something in common.... you are on the verge of being converted. Well done! Only the crazy are plucked and ready for the pot.

Heneni

 

[monta]

Wonder how many of my atheists friends will come round for dinner. I'll dress up with my Hannibal face mask just incase I want to nibble prematurely. Or maybe we could come to a compromise....you can have my thigh...not my breast :faint: (Talking about chicken thighs here......:slap and I'll have a piece of their 'tail'.

Or we can just put on some music and watch 'the left behind' series together.

Heneni

Yeah you should only watch 'the left behind ' series with the sound off, but what kind of music?
YouTube - Q Lazarus - Goodbye Horses

 

[darkendless]

You are going insane? Well now...I think that is something we Christians are suppose to be.....:angel2:

I believe that noah and his boat was real, so i'm insane, you insane....seems like we have something in common.... you are on the verge of being converted. Well done! Only the crazy are plucked and ready for the pot.

Heneni

Haha.... i'm slowly being converted to the good side. Away from all my cookies ....

And all i did was try and put a few things in perspective. Gosh, Christians are good, i've been converted and i didn't even know it.... sneaky sneaky