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You know what's funny?.....

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arunma

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Maybe some of the atheists on this board really do want to know God, but reject Jesus Christ who is his very image. But most, I think, are simply trying to validate their own beliefs. Personally, evangelical atheism makes no sense to me. The proselytization of any other religion is perfectly understandable, but preaching atheism seems like a waste of time.
 
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Caitlin.ann

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I don't understand this post. Like Sidhe, I too believe in a god and a goddess, but I do not worship the Christian god. How are non-christians "promoting" something they don't believe in? Could you elaborate?
 
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tapero

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....Is how those who don't believe in God spend a lot of time promoting something they don't believe in.

Does that make any since at all?

Or is it the fact that their heart really wants God and they are just too stubborn to call to it?


brother, name calling ('too stubborn') and thinking you know any mans heart to write what you wrote is not the way.
 
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FadingWhispers3

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The proselytization of any other religion is perfectly understandable, but preaching atheism seems like a waste of time.

Some people believe that religion of any kind is innately harmful. For people such as these, it is a moral imperative to proselytize atheism.

For instance, reasons may be that religion is a useful device for authoritarian rulers to justify evil deeds. Similar to the idea of divine right of kings where a ruler and all his acts supposedly as the support of God such that to rebel against the king is the same as rebellion against God.

It may also be seen as a divisor. If one does not believe in religion, then the distinctions religions make and the wars over them are nonsensical. An atheist would not fight over whether Jesus is God who died on a cross or whether he was only a human prophet who was saved from his enemies and escaped death on a cross. There was an infamous ad with a picture of the towers and what would happen if religion did not exist.

It may be seen to hinder science and progress. If, as when Galileo was opposed by the church, what is discovered is silenced because it does not agree with traditional dogma. Or when the Catholic Church discourages the use of condoms where one might see the result as being rampant dead and suffering due to stds.

For some it is simply a matter of truth. That is, they want people to believe what is true.

For some it is because many religions emphasize an afterlife. If there is no afterlife, then this is harmful because it is teaching false hope, encourages contentment in this life whereas someone who believes there is no afterlife will has greater incentive to make the world better while they are still alive. For instance, Paul encourages slaves not to rebel against their masters, but to be obedient such that the gospel may spread. However, if one is an atheist, then perhaps it could be seen as encouraging slavery.

If you believed all religion to be irredeemably and severely harmful, would you not also be preaching atheism?
 
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tapero

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Maybe some of the atheists on this board really do want to know God, but reject Jesus Christ who is his very image. But most, I think, are simply trying to validate their own beliefs. Personally, evangelical atheism makes no sense to me. The proselytization of any other religion is perfectly understandable, but preaching atheism seems like a waste of time.

Are you saying that Atheists are not allowed to have thoughts and feelings and do whatever they desire to do?

Do you realize that some Atheists may think that you are also simply trying to validate your beliefs?
 
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R3quiem

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....Is how those who don't believe in God spend a lot of time promoting something they don't believe in.

Does that make any since at all?

Or is it the fact that their heart really wants God and they are just too stubborn to call to it?
They, in general, promote logical thinking, being honest with oneself, and the idea that in order to believe in God, there must be a valid reason to do so.

Many atheists on this board have said that the main reason they are so "loud" about their atheism is because of how it is intertwined with governments.

And besides, even if an atheist really wanted God, it's not like he could do anything about it anyway.
 
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morningstar2651

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....Is how those who don't believe in God spend a lot of time promoting something they don't believe in.

Does that make any since at all?

Or is it the fact that their heart really wants God and they are just too stubborn to call to it?
Wait, what?
 
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vajradhara

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Namaste Noodle,

thank you for the post.

i suspect that you have a misunderstanding of atheists in general and the reasons for their views and chosen manner of expression.

i can assure you that i spend no time promoting the concept of a creator deity regardless of how such is envisioned.

metta,

~v
 
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Eudaimonist

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....Is how those who don't believe in God spend a lot of time promoting something they don't believe in.

Promoting what? Promoting how? :scratch:


eudaimonia,

Mark
 
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FaithLikeARock

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I'm guessing what you mean is atheists who "hate God" or atheists that spend time talking about God. That isn't atheism. I'm not sure what religion "hates" the Christian God, but I don't see atheists promoted Christianity, just trying to debunk it.

What's more funny is why atheists put down Christians for having imaginary friends and calling them ignorant and then complain that Christians are too nosy and always evangelizing. Double standard if you ask me. I rarely see other non-Christian religions doing this. From what I've found it's strictly an atheist thing.
 
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uberd00b

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but preaching atheism seems like a waste of time.
Actually it's a public service.

If (hypothetically speaking) you were trapped in a belief system that was demonstrably wrong, flawed in many ways, and prevented you from telling right from wrong (that in fact required you to believe things that are morally wrong that you would never accept otherwise), would you not wish to know about it?

Interestingly some people don't wish to know about it, it seems, but we can but try.
 
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FaithLikeARock

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Actually it's a public service.

If (hypothetically speaking) you were trapped in a belief system that was demonstrably wrong, flawed in many ways, and prevented you from telling right from wrong (that in fact required you to believe things that are morally wrong that you would never accept otherwise), would you not wish to know about it?

Interestingly some people don't wish to know about it, it seems, but we can but try.

Well with that logic preaching any structured religion is a public service. :scratch:
 
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arunma

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You can understand it in terms of Memetics.

Which, I would remind you, is pseudoscience because it is non-falsifiable and has no significant representation in refereed scientific literature. To borrow an atheist illustration, I could also understand this in terms of the invisible pink unicorn which pokes atheists with its horn and then says "it's Christianity's fault." By Occam's Razor, the unicorn theory is more favorable than Memetics, which requires belief in an entire formalism.

You can also understand it by watching how Christians in the U.S. vote. ;-)

But this is foolishness (that is, foolishness on the part of atheists who hold to this as their motivation). I assume you refer to the fact that many Christians in America vote Republican. However, there are quite a few atheists who support the Republican party, so one might think that the intelligent evangelical atheists would direct his efforts against the Republican party. Or, if you're referring to a specific candidate, then it would be more logical for atheists to focus on said candidate. If atheists are motivated by alleged Christian political interests, then please tell me why they're fighting on the wrong battlefield.

Are you saying that Atheists are not allowed to have thoughts and feelings and do whatever they desire to do?

This wasn't what I was trying to convey. But as long as you mention it, yes, atheists do not have these freedoms. God judges humanity on the basis of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. And indeed the preaching of atheism (or any non-Christian religion, for that matter) is a sin against God.

Do you realize that some Atheists may think that you are also simply trying to validate your beliefs?

Yes. I also realize that atheists think I believe in an imaginary friend, that I'm just trying to get them to vote Republican, and that they won't have to bow to Jesus Christ regardless of whether they accept him in this life or not. Atheists believe a lot of things that are wrong, as the title "atheist" itself demonstrates. But the best course of action, I think, is to point out these beliefs as wrong, rather than showing understanding for them.
 
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tapero

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Which, I would remind you, is pseudoscience because it is non-falsifiable and has no significant representation in refereed scientific literature. To borrow an atheist illustration, I could also understand this in terms of the invisible pink unicorn which pokes atheists with its horn and then says "it's Christianity's fault." By Occam's Razor, the unicorn theory is more favorable than Memetics, which requires belief in an entire formalism.



But this is foolishness (that is, foolishness on the part of atheists who hold to this as their motivation). I assume you refer to the fact that many Christians in America vote Republican. However, there are quite a few atheists who support the Republican party, so one might think that the intelligent evangelical atheists would direct his efforts against the Republican party. Or, if you're referring to a specific candidate, then it would be more logical for atheists to focus on said candidate. If atheists are motivated by alleged Christian political interests, then please tell me why they're fighting on the wrong battlefield.



This wasn't what I was trying to convey. But as long as you mention it, yes, atheists do not have these freedoms. God judges humanity on the basis of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. And indeed the preaching of atheism (or any non-Christian religion, for that matter) is a sin against God.



Yes. I also realize that atheists think I believe in an imaginary friend, that I'm just trying to get them to vote Republican, and that they won't have to bow to Jesus Christ regardless of whether they accept him in this life or not. Atheists believe a lot of things that are wrong, as the title "atheist" itself demonstrates. But the best course of action, I think, is to point out these beliefs as wrong, rather than showing understanding for them.

Where in the world do you think that atheists have no freedom or rights to think, or feel, say whatever they desire.

That is your own feeling, and is not of God. Such is common to some Christians who project their prejudices and dislikes/hates or misguided beliefs onto others, and tag Gods name alongside it.

You say Atheists do not have such freedom..oh man oh man.. again, where are you getting this from? I as a Christian say anything I say to God, and it may not be pretty and often is not, what I bring to him such as my feelings or thoughts about another or about myself..

and I guess you wouldn't feel safe with such, so then would have to hide things from God as you would most likely think the same freedom you think Atheists are not allowed to have you most likely think the same of yourself in Christ.

If we can not have any feeling or thought, believer or non believer than we are not human, and God made us human and gave us free will, and if you are of the kind doesn't believe we have free will, then I can see where your confused on some things perhaps, but if you think that any person doesn't have a right to feel, say and think as they desire, I don't know what species you are talking about but it sure isn't man kind.

you are careful to keep your ears closed if you speak with anyone in this world who is not a Christian or to you that means you are 'sympathising with the devil?' (understanding another)

Ever hear of relationships? It's a word.. and you probably have some in your life. family, friend, co workers etc.

you think perhaps that any that differ with your beliefs should perhaps be taken out, would that be the right thing, or else you are giving them understanding?

You need to be intolerant in other words of anyone different than how you believe feel and think? So, if you like big macs and the other whoppers, than you must be intolerant of all who like whoppers?

silly example, but no different than how I see what you are saying.

So, if you came to Christ and your mother was not a believer, then you would need to be intolerant of her, until she did like you and comes to Christ.. once in Christ someone is tolerable. So you would never sit and listen to her speak as that would be called showing understanding?

Where do you see that in the NT?

Where do you see any of the stuff your saying in the NT?

Did Paul run up to all he preached to and say shut up and only listen? Did Jesus do the same? Do you think that's what they did in the bible?

Dont speak? you have no right to speak?

and you have no right to be heard? as to your feelings and thoughts and beliefs?

you wrote:

This wasn't what I was trying to convey. But as long as you mention it, yes, atheists do not have these freedoms. God judges humanity on the basis of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. And indeed the preaching of atheism (or any non-Christian religion, for that matter) is a sin against God.

I hate to break or burst your bubble, but the bit in blue needs be replaced by your name.

And again hate to burst your bubble, but you sin against God all the time..or have you missed that part in the bible as well.

Have you also forgotten that you once were without Christ?

Have you any idea that all sin and fall short of the glory of God, or do you think it's just Atheists? and do you think that you didn't sin and still don't sin?

or is it for nothing that Jesus says believe in me and you shall be saved. What does Jesus bring or give us..forgiveness..and much more.

Was it people who say as you are saying that you have no right to your feelngs etc, that led you to Christ?

Did every body silence you?

Should they have been better off doing away with you before you were a Christian, such as an execution as prior to Christ then.

Getting an inkling why some non Christians might be a little concerned by the way some Christians think?

by the way, I pray to God that your republican comment was just an add in..cause and while off topic fairly much; if any believes that only republicans are Christians as if political stances have any bearing on being in Christ or not in Christ... well, funny thing tho, many do.

but you did say that you feel that atheists think you want them to be republicans, but just in case due to just bringing up the word, thought i'd toss above in

Anyway, when you get a chance..

explain the reason to me that atheists and all non believers (which is what atheists are) must be silenced, and why they are not to be listened to or given understanding.

and when you say understanding I think I know what you mean when you say that, but am not sure, so you might want to explain it more. are you saying they should not be tolerated on CF? in the world? what?

Do you think Jesus does not have understanding for every single human in this earth who ever lived and will.

Do you think that while two people can hold extreme opposite opinions on a matter, that the one opposite from you must be silenced?

you do realize we are on earth, and that on earth, it is said, this is not our home, and Jesus said I am not of this world.

again I pray that you may somehow recall that you were not once a believer?

and thank God for any who sat with you and heard matters of importance to you.

even if disagreed, heard and understood perhaps if were able.

you may not have had such, which may be why you don't see that is a normal thing on earth.

to listen to others, hear others, respect others. doesn't mean have to agree..but is just normal stuff here.
 
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yaqovzadeek

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....Is how those who don't believe in God spend a lot of time promoting something they don't believe in.

Does that make any since at all?

Or is it the fact that their heart really wants God and they are just too stubborn to call to it?
Actually when they are in a situation and death is looking them in the eyes.May be in a plane and it ias going tro crash.What do they call out.Oh! my Car ! oh my self.
They call out OH! My GOD.So deep down inside they beleive in GOD they are just to arrogance to admit it.
Peace
yaqovzadeek
aka james the Just
 
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