Question for you guys.

[AtheistAaron]

This post was originally in the Teen Commons area, but I felt maybe you guys in here could get a bit of interest out of it.

First of all, Yes, I am a atheist. I am a firm believer in evolution (Yes, I have read both the bible and the orgin of the species. I have a educated opinion), and I do not believe in God. I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person? I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.
Now, I ask you. What's your opinion? do you agree/disagree with me?
also, keep the discussion civil, please.

 

[Mr Dave]

I'll give this one a whirl

This post was originally in the Teen Commons area, but I felt maybe you guys in here could get a bit of interest out of it.

First of all, Yes, I am a atheist.

Agreed, introductions are always good, I'm Dave, and I am a member of the Methodist Church of Great Britain.

I am a firm believer in evolution (Yes, I have read both the bible and the orgin of the species. I have a educated opinion)

I believe in evolution too as the explanation for how the diversity of life came to be on the planet. I read the Bible, I have not yet read 'On The Origin Of Species' but through the great British state education system and through various other mediums I am not ignorant of evolution, and don't blindly accept it. I strongly agree with it.

, and I do not believe in God.

As you may have gathered, I do.

I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture aveand lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

Those who have done these things have no justification and frankly need to re-read the Sermon on the Mount.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I am older than you, I drink (legal drinking age in Great Britain - 18(not that I am, just trying keep as close to your post as possible)), I tend to not go wild on parties (not my thing), and through being human have flaws that are not consistent with the perfect will of God (sin, if you will ). Hell, interesting topic, no doubt this will come up in discussion as to what it is...

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person?

I got fairly good grades at school/6th Form and currently at University am averaging a 2-1 although get some firsts and some 2-2s. I have a good number friends too, have gone through more and less active phases in the community, and help my family where possible. Bad in a subjective or objective (the objective being as defined by Christianity) sense? In a subjective sense, you are a good person, in an objective sense, no. No-one is good but God alone. (No doubt this will all be expounded upon later in discussions, assuming they keep going).

I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.

Unsurprisingly I disagree .

Now, I ask you. What's your opinion? do you agree/disagree with me?
also, keep the discussion civil, please.

I approve of civil discussion

 

[Hentenza]

Thread moved to Exploring Christianity from theology Formal debates.

 

[seashale76]

First of all, Yes, I am a atheist. I am a firm believer in evolution (Yes, I have read both the bible and the orgin of the species. I have a educated opinion), and I do not believe in God. I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

Where on earth? Denmark you say? Not being in Europe, I must admit to being shocked at hearing you are receiving threats of violence, torture, and death for being an atheist. Here in the US, Europe has a reputation for being quite secular and mostly agnostic these days. I was even once told (by another atheist from Denmark here at CF) that (just because it is a cultural tradition to do so) out-of-the-closet atheists routinely get baptized in your country. I also read an article about an atheist pastoring a church and his congregation supporting him staying on. I also read from someone in the UK about a year ago that her church is frequently vandalized and has issues with gangs of youths attempting to disrupt their services. I must admit, there seems to be mixed messages here. However, if Christians are indeed threatening you, then they aren't following their faith.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person? I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.
Now, I ask you. What's your opinion? do you agree/disagree with me?
also, keep the discussion civil, please.

My opinion- 'hell' is vastly misunderstood. It is also my opinion that our purpose for existence is communion with God. I can understand how someone would be a nihilist if they didn't believe in God. I don't think that people are inherently evil- there are a lot of nice people out there. However, this doesn't mean that we're good either. If we're not in communion with God (it's a life-time journey) then we're missing the mark and need medicine for our sickness.

 

[AtheistAaron]

Where on earth? Denmark you say? Not being in Europe, I must admit to being shocked at hearing you are receiving threats of violence, torture, and death for being an atheist. Here in the US, Europe has a reputation for being quite secular and mostly agnostic these days. I was even once told (by another atheist from Denmark here at CF) that (just because it is a cultural tradition to do so) out-of-the-closet atheists routinely get baptized in your country.

True. Most people here are very liberal around faith, it's mainly American Immigrants and/or people over the internet doing it.

 

[seashale76]

True. Most people here are very liberal around faith, it's mainly American Immigrants and/or people over the internet doing it.

The internet attracts trouble makers. It's hard to tell who it is you're really talking to on-line.

For the record, being in the US and living in the so-called bible belt, I haven't seen anyone being threatened. I'm sure it has happened- I hear about it on-line- but it usually occurs in rural communities where everyone is expected to be the same. I live in an urban area and know a lot of atheists and agnostics who go about their lives without anyone saying or doing anything to them. I actually know more agnostics and deists right now than people who have faith.

ETA: If there are American immigrants to Denmark threatening you, surely it is against the law? Have you told your parents and reported these incidents? Are these students doing it at school? Shouldn't you tell your teachers, if so? It sounds like bullying, and if it is occurring, then you need to take a stand. Document them in some way- dates, times, people involved, and give details as to what you were doing, and what was said by all.

 

[a_ntv]

I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

Honestly I do not believe you. Not in Denmark where most of the people is Atheist.
If you like to create imaginary enemies, this is a different issue.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

Well, also Jesus, our Lord and our God, liked to drink wine and go to (wedding) parties. The important is not to use drugs and to drink only with friends, never alone.

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person? I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.

Don't flutter about like a hen, when you can soar to the heights of an eagle.

 

[AtheistAaron]

Honestly I do not believe you. Not in Denmark where most of the people is Atheist.
If you like to create imaginary enemies, this is a different issue.

This is implying that I only have conversation and socialize with people from Denmark, or even people from Europe.

Besides, we have large amounts of religious people here, just not Christians. We have large amounts of Muslims, for example. I am in no way mentioning them, though.

 

[Mr Dave]

Not after the debacle with the 'unmentionable cartoon'.

 

[AtheistAaron]

Not after the debacle with the 'unmentionable cartoon'.

I just call it the Paper Crisis, because that's what it was. This also means aforementioned threats are just considered speech, since they tell me stuff like "You're going to be lynched and tortured in hell"

 

[Mr Dave]

I just call it the Paper Crisis, because that's what it was. This also means aforementioned threats are just considered speech, since they tell me stuff like "You're going to be lynched and tortured in hell"

I understand where said threats have come from now. Have you received such things from supposed Christians as well or was is it all in relation to the Crisis. We had some of it all go on over here over that too.

 

[bling]

A lot of young people go through a stage of unbelieve. We are not born a Christian, so all Christian have to decide to be a Christian and you have not “decided yet” and at 14 you may not even be accountable. It sounds like things are going well for you, but if you live long enough you will experience lots of tragedies, if not in your own life then through the lives of others (it is sometimes easer to experience it directly). The burden of hurting others through your own mistakes will weigh on you. You can try lots of ways to relief this burden, but the only way is to accept the Creator’s forgiveness.

 

[Sketcher]

People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

I don't know who would be doing that, but that is definitely not Christian behavior. If anyone is doing that, they are acting on their own impulses, rather than according to what Jesus commanded and the apostles preached.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant)

Well, drinking without getting drunk is not sinful as long as it's within the confines of your local laws. Heavy use of alcohol, particularly when your brain is still forming isn't good for you, but I'm not saying this in a "thou sinner" kind of way.

I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person? I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.

There are no truly good people, including myself. So yes, you're a bad person. And good deeds do not cover over bad deeds according to God. If you're doing x, y, and z sins yet you're doing a, b, and c good things, the good things will not make up for your sins. You must turn away from your sins, and confess them to the One who will judge you when your life is over. If you accept the way out which he provided, which is through Jesus Christ, then very good. If not, that's your choice, but I can't say it's a good one.

 

[seashale76]

I just call it the Paper Crisis, because that's what it was. This also means aforementioned threats are just considered speech, since they tell me stuff like "You're going to be lynched and tortured in hell"

American immigrants are telling you that you're going to be lynched? They use that particular word? Are these teenagers? What are they saying exactly and in what context? The language you're using sounds a bit old-fashioned for an American teen to be using. Set up a conversation for us, if you wouldn't mind.

You may not have read the edit I made to my last post, but have you reported these threatening incidents to the authorities?

 

[drich0150]

This post was originally in the Teen Commons area, but I felt maybe you guys in here could get a bit of interest out of it.

First of all, Yes, I am a atheist. I am a firm believer in evolution (Yes, I have read both the bible and the orgin of the species. I have a educated opinion), and I do not believe in God. I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person? I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.
Now, I ask you. What's your opinion? do you agree/disagree with me?
also, keep the discussion civil, please.

Being a "good person" has absolutely nothing to do with True Righteousness in God's economy. The only way to obtain this righteousness is through the blood of Jesus Christ. It can not be bought with "works" (or the stuff you do or do not do.)

 

[razeontherock]

Aaron, if you would like to know what the Bible says about your viewpoint here it is:

Ecclesiastes 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun."

Sounds good? But now read the rest of the passage:

Ecc 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment."

What drich says above is 100% correct. Reconciling the 2 is ... not the easiest thing. Your question (tolerance and loving vs torture and kill) is a simple matter of evil people.

 

[oi_antz]

This post was originally in the Teen Commons area, but I felt maybe you guys in here could get a bit of interest out of it.

First of all, Yes, I am a atheist. I am a firm believer in evolution (Yes, I have read both the bible and the orgin of the species. I have a educated opinion), and I do not believe in God. I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person? I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.
Now, I ask you. What's your opinion? do you agree/disagree with me?
also, keep the discussion civil, please.

Aaron, you have your head in a good place, you are determined to be correct in your opinion, and that is all we ever strive to be. Your understandings will change, change is a constant, a result of decisions over time. You've made some pretty strong decisions to not accept God, but pride is a pill you can swallow any time.

You are assuming there is no God, which is a dead end, after searching all your life on that path you'll find no God there. This is different for Christians, as we assume that God does exist and by knocking on His door, are given a relationship with Him. This is a spiritual relationship, we are discussing spirituality when we discuss God, spirituality is a real artifact of our world - do you believe this?

What difference does it make either way? Well Christians share the understanding that the Lord has great plans for the future of the planet. It get's sticky when you put destiny beside free will, but what I think is there is ample tolerance in the world that most of the time we can go round as we are and it won't impact on His plans so it will be allowed. It is only when something is against God's will that it He will prevent it, so mankind is given free will to such extent that it doesn't interfere with God's grand plan.

Well I believe you are better to consider that God does exist and He has a desire for how the future will turn out, it will make your code of ethics radiate from your bones and you'll be allowed to open your mind to some of the ideas you've probably been suppressing.

 

[razeontherock]

I would also add to this mix that it's not we who "knock on G-d's door," but rather it is He who knocks on our's. And if the OP weren't experiencing that, this thread wouldn't exist.

 

[98cwitr]

This post was originally in the Teen Commons area, but I felt maybe you guys in here could get a bit of interest out of it.

First of all, Yes, I am a atheist. I am a firm believer in evolution (Yes, I have read both the bible and the orgin of the species. I have a educated opinion), and I do not believe in God. I am here to ask you all why, as your bible preaches both tolerance and loving, People threaten to kill, torture and lynch me for no other reason that not agreeing with you.

Hey, Im Brett and for most of my life I was atheist/agnostic, I can identify with your beliefs. People do these things because they are passionate about their God, and are under a false pretense that He needs to be defended, or that you saying things may be a stumbling block for others. I like to remind myself when people make me angry, that God knows what's going to happen to them anyway, so I'm not convinced that they or even I will make that much of a difference.

I am 14. I drink (Legal drinking age in Denmark is virtually nonexistant), I party, I do things that will probably send me straight to hell.

I started drinking when I was 15, legal age here in the states is 21. I partied pretty hard myself and partook in many activities. Even as a Christian, I will have a few beers when playing pool with friends or at home

I also get top grades, have lots of friends, help my local community and my family. Am I a bad person?

Bad person? No. Unsaved? Yes.

I'm a nihilistic atheist, meaning that I believe that humans just are. We have no real purpose other than to duplicate and keep the race alive, therefore, we might as well get the best of it.

We are quite overpopulated as it is, do you think it is wise to continue down the reproductive road?

Now, I ask you. What's your opinion? do you agree/disagree with me?
also, keep the discussion civil, please.

I disagree with your beliefs, yes.

 

[Mess]

Just take a look at this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6t0s7fpg1M&feature=player_embedded