Brainwashing Christian Children: Scary.

[averagejoe]

You're saying everyone who agrees with California's decision is a hypocrite if they don't move there?

That's a possibility?

Lots of people are jumping on there band wagon these days and forgetting their own roots!

[steven lloyd]

Atheists aren't seeking money or power when we educate religious people. We are simple saying "Hey man, get with the program. God is no longer necessary, god no longer fits into the equation."

“We” ? Actually, I suspect the vast majority of atheists are not so fearful and insecure that they need to be that concerned about the religious or spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof) of others. I suppose, however, that just as there are those religious zealots who feel threatened by those who do not believe as they do, there are also atheistic zealots who feel threatened for the same reasons. I mean, it really doesn’t get much more desperate than coming onto a discussion board and making it your life mission to criticize people who’s spiritual beliefs are different from your own simplistic understanding. A more sound belief system would more likely recruit more new members through attraction rather than promotion. Certainly, anyone who is really self-assured in their beliefs would not need to expend so much time and energy justifying and defending them, or in criticizing others.

In contrast, what do religious zealots do?

The same things Atheistic zealots do.
One is no better than the other, and both are nuts.

Exactly the point I was making. Both fearful and insecure. Both promoting ignorance and intolerance.
And both too petty and weak to "man-up" to their own shortcomings.
In these regards there is little difference between the religious zealot and the evangelical atheist.

[Jo]

Okay, let's get this back on topic, and please keep it civilized.

[Nebula]

I don't buy the 'atheists are fearful or insecure bit'. Sure, some could be, but it's rather irrelevant in the context of a public forum set up for people to debate issues.The whole point of discussing things on a forum is to express differing views.

[steven lloyd]

I don't buy the 'atheists are fearful or insecure bit'.

As a general rule I don’t buy the 'atheists are fearful or insecure bit' either. In fact, as I’ve clearly stated, I strongly suspect the vast majority of atheists are not so fearful and insecure that they need to be that concerned about the religious or spiritual beliefs of others. In fact, my experience with many atheists tells me that. Discussing differences in opinion and belief is one thing. Embarking on an agenda of promoting misunderstanding (ie. using generalized presumptions to describe entire groups) and intolerance is quite another. If you are not fearful or threatened, it would just not be that important.

[Nebula]

I strongly suspect the vast majority of atheists are not so fearful and insecure that they need to be that concerned about the religious or spiritual beliefs of others.

We aren't on the same wavelength. I don't believe being concerned with the religious or spiritual beliefs of others is indicative of an atheist being fearful or insecure.

steven, you have had some pretty good 'discussions' with Liberal supporters on these forums. You have even gone so far as to insinuate that anyone who supports the Liberals are dumb. Are you fearful and insecure because you are concerned about the political beliefs of others?

One need not be fearful or insecure to be an atheist or to express atheistic views.

[steven lloyd]

steven, you have had some pretty good 'discussions' with Liberal supporters on these forums. You have even gone so far as to insinuate that anyone who supports the Liberals are dumb. Are you fearful and insecure because you are concerned about the political beliefs of others?

Yes Neb, I am. I am very concerned about the political beliefs of others. I am fearful that despite the overwhelming indications of the cost to us we are still collectively stupid enough to re-elect this government into power. I can admit that.

[steven lloyd]

One need not be fearful or insecure to be an atheist or to express atheistic views.

That is true - and again you have missed my point.

[Mr. Personality]

I don't buy the 'atheists are fearful or insecure bit'. Sure, some could be, but it's rather irrelevant in the context of a public forum set up for people to debate issues.The whole point of discussing things on a forum is to express differing views.

So why do so many people, Atheist and otherwise, spend their time calling people with differing views stupid?

[Nebula]

I don't buy the 'atheists are fearful or insecure bit'. Sure, some could be, but it's rather irrelevant in the context of a public forum set up for people to debate issues.The whole point of discussing things on a forum is to express differing views.

So why do so many people, Atheist and otherwise, spend their time calling people with differing views stupid?

You'll have to ask one of those people when you find one.

[Nebula]

steven, you have had some pretty good 'discussions' with Liberal supporters on these forums. You have even gone so far as to insinuate that anyone who supports the Liberals are dumb. Are you fearful and insecure because you are concerned about the political beliefs of others?

Yes Neb, I am. I am very concerned about the political beliefs of others. I am fearful that despite the overwhelming indications of the cost to us we are still collectively stupid enough to re-elect this government into power. I can admit that.

You've basically admitted you are intolerant of others beliefs, yet you keep hounding some atheists on this thread for being intolerant of those with religious beliefs.

[forum]

Lets keep it on topic shall we?

Christians generally don't tolerate homosexual behavior and lifestyles because they are brainwashed by their belief systems. And their attitudes and public displays rub off on the general public causing more acts of hatred and segregation of homosexual people.
Another strike against Christianity.

[steven lloyd]

steven, you have had some pretty good 'discussions' with Liberal supporters on these forums. You have even gone so far as to insinuate that anyone who supports the Liberals are dumb. Are you fearful and insecure because you are concerned about the political beliefs of others?

Yes Neb, I am. I am very concerned about the political beliefs of others. I am fearful that despite the overwhelming indications of the cost to us we are still collectively stupid enough to re-elect this government into power. I can admit that.

You've basically admitted you are intolerant of others beliefs, yet you keep hounding some atheists on this thread for being intolerant of those with religious beliefs.

So you are incapable of understanding the difference between politics, religion and spirituality (and still grossly misinterpret what I have suggested). I can buy that. These can be murky waters. However, as I have a lot of respect for you I'll come back later when I have the time and elaborate on these points if you insist I still have to. However, I am already operating under the presumption you have the intelligence to appreciate the difference and I'm anticipating that with a couple of deep breaths you might be able to figure it out on your own well before then.

G'night

[Nebula]

I insist nothing.

I realize there is a difference between politics and religion, but what if one comes from a paradigm where there is no difference? A paradigm that says religion is valueless and not worthy of tender touches, respect and reverance?

While there has been some suggestion on this thread that there is a difference between a 'regular' atheist and an 'evangelical' one (that's just got to me an oxymoron), it seems any time someone on here merely suggests that religious people are misguided or even plain wrong that they are immediately slapped with the label intolerant or some such thing.

[fluffy]

...Christians generally don't tolerate homosexual behavior and lifestyles because they are brainwashed by their belief systems. And their attitudes and public displays rub off on the general public causing more acts of hatred and segregation of homosexual people...

An interesting theory, but I have to wonder if it's grounded in fact, or just a generalization based on a highly vocal minority. I would hesitate to brand it as a "strike against Christianity" as intolerance and homophobia are hardly the exclusive realms of Christians. Bigots come from many different walks of life.