Atheists, so WHY are we really on a 'religious' forum

[Caladan]

Since this question seems to be haunting us on the forum, maybe its about time we hear it straight from the horse's mouth, and see what atheists have to say on this topic.

I'll start with a modest presentation.
if you notice, the main directory of this forum is titled Religious Education Forum, and this is a main reason for me being here, education.
We live in a world in which religion is an intense factor and a phenomenon which has shaped much of our history and is shaping our reality today.
I'm here because I am deeply concerned by the political and social tensions in our societies and on the world stage in which religion is a major player. whether we dicuss global terrorism, the influence of religion and international politics, homosexuality and religion, the theology of religions, or the mysticism of the world religions, all of these issues are highly relevant for anyone who wishes to 'stay in the game', and to understand current events. we are all directly influenced by religion, and we can all directly influence affairs in which religion is a player, we have the duty as citizens to understand our society and the world, and some of us also have the desire to learn for the sake of learning, in order to sharpen our mind and be informed.
religion is involved in too many issues to count in our societies, from the emergence of the New Age in the west, to Buddhism in the US, to the importance of issues of Christianity in the US, to the debate between secular Europe and Islam in Europe, to Islam in the middle east and outside the middle east, and to understanding religious movements in the US, such as Wicca, neo-paganism, and the different branches of Satanism or the Left Hand Path.
As an atheist, it is crucial for me to understand all of these tensions in order to find my place in the world, and in order to manifest the interests which I have decided that I want to see take place in society.
to me atheism is about education and being as much informed as you can about religion.

So, lets hear it from our atheist members. here is your chance to clear the misconceptions.

 

[Revoltingest]

1) Religion surrounds us in society & government.
2) Religion is interesting....a window into how the mind works.
3) I make friends talking about it.
4) The babes.....the believers have hot babes.
5) I can make the fundies less threatened by my kind. I know, I know...you could use a better positive example than me.

 

[Caladan]

I can make the fundies less threatened by my kind. I know, I know...you could use a better positive example than me.

That's actually a great point.

 

[Revoltingest]

That's actually a great point.

Great...just great....you didn't have to agree so quickly & enthusiastically about needing a better example than me.
But, hey...when you're right, you're right. So it's all good.

 

[Random]

Since this question seems to be haunting us on the forum, maybe its about time we hear it straight from the horse's mouth, and see what atheists have to say on this topic.

I'll start with a modest presentation.
if you notice, the main directory of this forum is titled Religious Education Forum, and this is a main reason for me being here, education.
We live in a world in which religion is an intense factor and a phenomenon which has shaped much of our history and is shaping our reality today.
I'm here because I am deeply concerned by the political and social tensions in our societies and on the world stage in which religion is a major player. whether we discuss global terrorism, the influence of religion and international politics, homosexuality and religion, the theology of religions, or the mysticism of the world religions, all of these issues are highly relevant for anyone who wishes to 'stay in the game', and to understand current events. we are all directly influenced by religion, and we can all directly influence affairs in which religion is a player, we have the duty as citizens to understand our society and the world, and some of us also have the desire to learn for the sake of learning, in order to sharpen our mind and be informed.
religion is involved in too many issues to count in our societies, from the emergence of the New Age in the west, to Buddhism in the US, to the importance of issues of Christianity in the US, to the debate between secular Europe and Islam in Europe, to Islam in the middle east and outside the middle east, and to understanding religious movements in the US, such as Wicca, neo-paganism, and the different branches of Satanism or the Left Hand Path.

As an atheist, it is crucial for me to understand all of these tensions in order to find my place in the world, and in order to manifest the interests which I have decided that I want to see take place in society.

to me atheism is about education and being as much informed as you can about religion.

So, lets hear it from our atheist members. here is your chance to clear the misconceptions.

Hubris. :areyoucra Sheer. What makes you think you have any say in what direction society takes?

 

[Caladan]

Hubris. :areyoucra Sheer. What makes you think you have any say in what direction society takes?

As a citizen of Israel, a veteran, a soldier in reserve, its people like me who place their votes in support of secularism in the elections, its people like me who study religion academically in a secular way which we (personally) find more enlightened, my teachers have already shaped the social discourse on various topics, if its not citizens who feel responsible in making their interests manifest in society then we truly still live in the dark ages, furthermore these citizens have no right to complain on the topics which bother them if they dont voice their opinions and study the issues, or work to see the results they desire for.
if this is Hubris, then call me Judas Iscariot, and understand that I'm not doing it for 30 pieces of silver, call me Prometheus, and call me Icarus.

 

[Phasmid]

I was a Christian when I first signed up... now I stick around for the odd topic that interests me.

 

[Random]

As a citizen of Israel, a veteran, a soldier in reserve, its people like me who place their votes in support of secularism in the elections, its people like me who study religion academically in a secular way which we (personally) find more enlightened, my teachers have already shaped the social discourse on various topics, if its not citizens which feel responsible in making their interests manifest in society then we truly still live in the dark ages, furthermore these citizens have no right to complain on the topics which bother them if they don't voice their opinions and study the issues, or work to see the results they desire for.

Oh I see, Israel. Well, that explains it so...

Perhaps the hubris was in your suggestion that an atheist could possibly have anything positive or relevant to contribute to the direction of society.

If this is Hubris, then call me Judas Iscariot, and understand that I'm not doing it for 30 pieces of silver, call me Prometheus, and call me Icarus.

Melodramatic.

Religious Forums, despite the name and the pretensions for "Education", is really a net-renowned place for smug, self-satisfied and highly conceited atheists to mock, demean and bully theists and other assorted believers; each new believer being fodder for the atheist clique on here who frubal each other furiously for every sarcastic jibe and dismissive demure as the believers are chewed up, spat out and eventually leave in despair and misery. Some new one signs up soon after, and so on it goes.

This is its reputation outside of these confines; I personally am not judging, I sort of like it here, but I'm just saying - and it needs to be said.

 

[Phasmid]

Religious Forums, despite the name and the pretensions for "Education", is really a net-renowned place for smug, self-satisfied and highly conceited atheists to mock, demean and bully theists and other assorted believers; each new believer being fodder for the atheist clique on here who frubal each other furiously for every sarcastic jibe and dismissive demure as the believers are chewed up, spat out and eventually leave in despair and misery. Some new one signs up soon after, and so on it goes.

This is its reputation outside of these confines; I personally am not judging, I sort of like it here, but I'm just saying - and it needs to be said.

Some are like that, not all.

 

[Random]

Some are like that, not all.

Most, Phasmid. Sadly.

 

[Caladan]

Oh I see, Israel. Well, that explains it so...

Perhaps the hubris was in your suggestion that an atheist could possibly have anything positive or relevant to contribute to the direction of society.

By Jupiter, the terrible thought that an atheist can make a positive contribution.

Melodramatic.

Religious Forums, despite the name and the pretensions for "Education", is really a net-renowned place for smug, self-satisfied and highly conceited atheists to mock, demean and bully theists and other assorted believers; each new believer being fodder for the atheist clique on here who frubal each other furiously for every sarcastic jibe and dismissive demure as the believers are chewed up, spat out and eventually leave in despair and misery. Some new one signs up soon after, and so on it goes.

This is its reputation outside of these confines; I personally am not judging, I sort of like it here, but I'm just saying - and it needs to be said.

Wow so much hatred, so much frustration.. I love it.

 

[it's_sam]

I think Caladan that you have spent alot of time in the face of all the sides of national leadership, wich is a shock at almost every turn. I understand that you as a soldier and debater you have a hardened sense about these at your core for purposes of protection due to what you know. I also understand what your saying how these problems are from the people due to this religion that if it wasnt a factor, would resolve the issue of mental or physical religious wars. What your not understanding is that these people have spent their time as a family and for as many generations as they can track. This is who they are because they can see the love and life in religious family structure. This isnt because it's easier because infact it's harder, but we do it because we have actualy had experiences to lead us to it that make the journey worthe while. I have the most respect for people that face what you do every day, but don't forget how we started out as society. Before communities there was only survival, and whatever that meant to you. This face was ugly but very real on Earth and families were what held our minds and bodies mostly intact. We have a heart to share beyond the one that beats, you just have to find out how it sings to you.

 

[Caladan]

I think Caladan that you have spent alot of time in the face of all the sides of national leadership, wich is a shock at almost every turn. I understand that you as a soldier and debater you have a hardened sense about these at your core for purposes of protection due to what you know. I also understand what your saying how these problems are from the people due to this religion that if it wasnt a factor, would resolve the issue of mental or physical religious wars. What your not understanding is that these people have spent their time as a family and for as many generations as they can track. This is who they are because they can see the love and life in religious family structure. This isnt because it's easier because infact it's harder, but we do it because we have actualy had experiences to lead us to it that make the journey worthe while. I have the most respect for people that face what you do every day, but don't forget how we started out as society. Before communities there was only survival, and whatever that meant to you. This face was ugly but very real on Earth and families were what held our minds and bodies mostly intact. We have a heart to share beyond the one that beats, you just have to find out how it sings to you.

Its sam, hullo.
I think you misunderstood me, I'm not saying we should rid the world of religion. I am saying we should be informed on the religious issues. religions is probably here to stay, but without the loyal opposition, religion becomes corrupted.
I fully understand the deeply rooted phenomenon of religion, and my family before the second generation in Israel was religious as well and probably has been religious since the dawn of history.

 

[it's_sam]

I suppose I could have worded that allil better, i didnt mean to imply that you were trying to rid the world of religion. I'll try to explain this better, we have seen in religions all kinds of changes and little additions and all kinds of things "changing" these religions. Similair to evolution the little practices here and there change depending on how its perceived by others and whether or not it's worthe it. In some ways the people in these live in similair ways "basics like terrain, food, etc.." and even if one of these non-biased world religions came to some real influence people arent willing to give up their history. I find it beyond us to expect people to give up the names and practices their people have fought and died to protect. Almost all nations around Rome and Egypt have been threatened by some kind of takeover be it religious or slavery and this effected these people. They have had people putting their time into how to exploit peoples weaknesses literally in the shadows. What im trying to say is we can't expect to take away their heritage, but we as always can expect our thoughts to change and grow towards the right thing. This is slow and takes time but time is much shorter in recent events due to the internet reducing the transfer time for word and response, its also nice not having messengers killed or being killed by messengers. I would say you got a good head on your shoulders but that wouldnt stand for most people proclaiming their athiest right. I know this isnt what your aiming at but your result in this debate would be athiest as the new religion for everyone and back at all the same problems as before but with a whole lot of new ones thrown in. Poeple need our ancestral core because that is where we are directly from and closest to, I feel enforcing this in a possitive way is our only hope at world peace.

 

[YmirGF]

Since this question seems to be haunting us on the forum, maybe its about time we hear it straight from the horse's mouth, and see what atheists have to say on this topic.

*gallops up to the post*

I'll start with a modest presentation.

And I will merrily continue in what is hopefully a similar, albeit a traditionally more incendiary manner.

if you notice, the main directory of this forum is titled Religious Education Forum, and this is a main reason for me being here, education.

Indeed. I will openly admit to stealing Jayhawker Soule's catch-phrase, "That is most instructive." simply because it is appropriate so often here on RF. When you see what are arguably incredibly offensive viewpoints shrouded in religious packaging one really should endeavor to sit up and pay attention. The point is, these wee human animals are not generally kidding. They are perfectly serious and that is a cause for considerable concern.

We live in a world in which religion is an intense factor and a phenomenon which has shaped much of our history and is shaping our reality today.
I'm here because I am deeply concerned by the political and social tensions in our societies and on the world stage in which religion is a major player. whether we dicuss global terrorism, the influence of religion and international politics, homosexuality and religion, the theology of religions, or the mysticism of the world religions, all of these issues are highly relevant for anyone who wishes to 'stay in the game', and to understand current events.

As erudite as ever, Dan. He who does not consider the far-reaching implications of religious thought cannot especially appreciate the geopolitical nature of our world.

I'd like to get into that more ...

we are all directly influenced by religion, and we can all directly influence affairs in which religion is a player, we have the duty as citizens to understand our society and the world, and some of us also have the desire to learn for the sake of learning, in order to sharpen our mind and be informed.

Further to this, it is incumbent on the individual to look at as many sides of the equation as is possible in order to develop the judgment required to read between the lines.

religion is involved in too many issues to count in our societies, from the emergence of the New Age in the west, to Buddhism in the US, to the importance of issues of Christianity in the US, to the debate between secular Europe and Islam in Europe, to Islam in the middle east and outside the middle east, and to understanding religious movements in the US, such as Wicca, neo-paganism, and the different branches of Satanism or the Left Hand Path.

Indeed, one reason I am here is to try to understand why people believe what they do. I am considerably less interested in WHAT they believe, as the why is more germane to understanding the psyche of my fellow human animals. I am far more interested in what compels people to believe in what are most likely delusional belief systems. My guess is that they believe in those systems because it is much more comforting than arriving at the stark realization that "We just don't know some things."

As an atheist, it is crucial for me to understand all of these tensions in order to find my place in the world, and in order to manifest the interests which I have decided that I want to see take place in society.

Exactly. It is always best to keep an eye on those who wish to impose their beliefs set on your reality because they are on a mission from god or simply feel that their way is better. I don't consider "my way" to be better than any other, but I'll be damned if I'll let anyone force the issue on me. Two examples, Communism and Islam. Both are unquestionably totalitarian "big brother" systems. Both look pretty good on paper, the trouble is that neither work very well when applied to the real world. Personally, I would prefer a race of cats, doing their own thing than to live under a system that thinks it can control said cats.

to me atheism is about education and being as much informed as you can about religion.

In effect, it is similar for me, but for slightly different reasons. You see, Dan, I look at the worlds religions and find that my answers are often better that the simplistic fair they give. My discussions with Buddhist and Zen followers regarding the ludicrous "no/not self" doctrine and the shabby concept of "karma" have highlighted this reality to me. What puzzled me is why people are so hung up on suppositions that they cannot adequately explain. As I said in one thread recently, something to the effect, "how some very intelligent people can come up with such stupid thinking". It's a mystery to me, really.

So, lets hear it from our atheist members. here is your chance to clear the misconceptions.

I'm here to hone my skill at writing. I'm also here to learn why others believe the suppositions that they have accepted as reality. I'm also here because people fascinate me and being detail oriented, their thinking, good or bad, stimulates my own thought processes. And of course, I am here because I genuinely like getting the feedback I do from others. I simply do not care if people are overly polite. I don't care if they are particularly respectful. I have fairly broad shoulders and can take the heat. The main reason though is that I am a curious animal that never intends to stop learning.

 

[Caladan]

I suppose I could have worded that allil better, i didnt mean to imply that you were trying to rid the world of religion. I'll try to explain this better, we have seen in religions all kinds of changes and little additions and all kinds of things "changing" these religions. Similair to evolution the little practices here and there change depending on how its perceived by others and whether or not it's worthe it. In some ways the people in these live in similair ways "basics like terrain, food, etc.." and even if one of these non-biased world religions came to some real influence people arent willing to give up their history. I find it beyond us to expect people to give up the names and practices their people have fought and died to protect. Almost all nations around Rome and Egypt have been threatened by some kind of takeover be it religious or slavery and this effected these people. They have had people putting their time into how to exploit peoples weaknesses literally in the shadows. What im trying to say is we can't expect to take away their heritage, but we as always can expect our thoughts to change and grow towards the right thing. This is slow and takes time but time is much shorter in recent events due to the internet reducing the transfer time for word and response, its also nice not having messengers killed or being killed by messengers. I would say you got a good head on your shoulders but that wouldnt stand for most people proclaiming their athiest right. I know this isnt what your aiming at but your result in this debate would be athiest as the new religion for everyone and back at all the same problems as before but with a whole lot of new ones thrown in. Poeple need our ancestral core because that is where we are directly from and closest to, I feel enforcing this in a possitive way is our only hope at world peace.

Again, I think you misunderstood me. I don't have any desire to take away people's heritage, and you need to understand that I come from a very ancient heritage as well, a heritage which is very important to me. my position is that in the modern world, the people who choose to be atheist should aspire to be the most informed people about religion, this does not mean that I want to make atheism the only right way, or that I dream to live in an atheistic world, I live in this world, I'm deeply influenced by the three monotheistic faiths, and regardless of my atheism, these faiths have shaped a great deal of my personality if not most of my personality. I would be willing to sacrifice alot in preserving the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic heritages, and any heritage for a matter of fact, however in the society in which I live in, as a secular man I need to push for secular interests, if this is too much of a threat to religious people who push for religious interests, then thats just the way it is.

 

[Rakhel]

*gallops up to the post*.

Indeed, one reason I am here is to try to understand why people believe what they do. I am considerably less interested in WHAT they believe, as the why is more germane to understanding the psyche of my fellow human animals. I am far more interested in what compels people to believe in what are most likely delusional belief systems. My guess is that they believe in those systems because it is much more comforting than arriving at the stark realization that "We just don't know some things."

I'm here to hone my skill at writing. I'm also here to learn why others believe the suppositions that they have accepted as reality. I'm also here because people fascinate me and being detail oriented, their thinking, good or bad, stimulates my own thought processes. And of course, I am here because I genuinely like getting the feedback I do from others. I simply do not care if people are overly polite. I don't care if they are particularly respectful. I have fairly broad shoulders and can take the heat. The main reason though is that I am a curious animal that never intends to stop learning.

Ahhhh so you are here for research

 

[Caladan]

*As erudite as ever, Dan. He who does not consider the far-reaching implications of religious thought cannot especially appreciate the geopolitical nature of our world.

I'd like to get into that more ...

That's why we're here for.

Further to this, it is incumbent on the individual to look at as many sides of the equation as is possible in order to develop the judgment required to read between the lines.

Absolutely.

Indeed, one reason I am here is to try to understand why people believe what they do. I am considerably less interested in WHAT they believe

*nods*

 

[Danmac]

Since this question seems to be haunting us on the forum, maybe its about time we hear it straight from the horse's mouth, and see what atheists have to say on this topic.

I'll start with a modest presentation.
if you notice, the main directory of this forum is titled Religious Education Forum, and this is a main reason for me being here, education.
We live in a world in which religion is an intense factor and a phenomenon which has shaped much of our history and is shaping our reality today.
I'm here because I am deeply concerned by the political and social tensions in our societies and on the world stage in which religion is a major player. whether we dicuss global terrorism, the influence of religion and international politics, homosexuality and religion, the theology of religions, or the mysticism of the world religions, all of these issues are highly relevant for anyone who wishes to 'stay in the game', and to understand current events. we are all directly influenced by religion, and we can all directly influence affairs in which religion is a player, we have the duty as citizens to understand our society and the world, and some of us also have the desire to learn for the sake of learning, in order to sharpen our mind and be informed.
religion is involved in too many issues to count in our societies, from the emergence of the New Age in the west, to Buddhism in the US, to the importance of issues of Christianity in the US, to the debate between secular Europe and Islam in Europe, to Islam in the middle east and outside the middle east, and to understanding religious movements in the US, such as Wicca, neo-paganism, and the different branches of Satanism or the Left Hand Path.
As an atheist, it is crucial for me to understand all of these tensions in order to find my place in the world, and in order to manifest the interests which I have decided that I want to see take place in society.
to me atheism is about education and being as much informed as you can about religion.

So, lets hear it from our atheist members. here is your chance to clear the misconceptions.

So why do you feel the need to justify being here? You are like the kid that is trying to explain why he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Random makes a good point. The atheists that I have observed on here do nothing more than demean anyone that disagrees with them. And they tend to do it in herds.

 

[Storm]

So why do you feel the need to justify being here? You are like the kid that is trying to explain why he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Gee, maybe it has something to do with newhope's pathetically cowardly assault?

The atheists that I have observed on here do nothing more than demean anyone that disagrees with them. And they tend to do it in herds.

Funny, the vast majority of them treat me with perfect courtesy, even in heated debate. You think that might have something to do with the fact that I return it?