Scott Klarr Jr
Collection of atheist and atheism motivational posters
Posted On Oct 25, 2008 at 2:50 am
Here is a collection of 41 atheism motivational posters. If you know of any more that are not on the list, post them in the comments!











































This topic has the following tags:
Last 5 Linkbacks
- Oct 12, 2009barryfail.com
- Aug 30, 2009topsy.com
- Jul 26, 2009reflexionesateas.wordpress.com
- Jul 26, 2009agunata.com
- Jul 26, 2009www.bloguniverso.com
Chris Bourton Nov 13, 2008
oh that gave me a good laugh, just viewed them all, and me and my gf found them all very entertaining.
Alex Apr 08, 2009
I'm Christian and I have to admit a lot of those are funny. And before you blast me for just believing something you don't, try this:
Creates lots of crazies and wars, but have you forgotten the millions of religious followers that actively help the poor and injured? Good things are caused by religion, too.
And any Christian that has a brain hates crazy fundamentalists too. They pervert and destroy the meaning of faith for human interests which is one of the reasons you atheists hate us.
I have a coexistence theory for religion and science if you'd like to hear it.
And you are all defining your life by religion too. Think about it. Without religion to criticize you'd have nothing. Your doctrine exists only because of religions.
Will Apr 08, 2009
"Without religion to criticize you'd have nothing. Your doctrine exists only because of religions."
Error. I don't have AIDS, and my life is not defined by it. I don't have faith and my life is not defined by it. I criticize racism -- does that mean I owe racists a debt of gratitude for "allowing" me not to be prejudiced?
When I was still trying to find truth in religion and mysticism my life was much more defined by these things. When I accepted a more elegant model of the world I became defined by own reasoning and observations, rather than the parroted justifications of other people's faith.
Anyway, people who do good works deserve credit for what they've done. God or the Pope can take credit for good works when I see either one of them stocking soup kitchen shelves.
Alex Apr 08, 2009
Good point. But Catholicism in general is so far from Christianity to begin with. Hence the Schism. Anyone between Jesus' message and an individual is a problem, including the pope. But I have yet to meet an atheist that just relaxes in their world view. Every single one I have met, and for the most part the ones online actively and pompously aggrandize themselves.
They look down on everyone they don't view as "smart" enough to be an atheist. You revel in your opposition to the belief systems. That means you define yourself by it. (see goths fighting conformity as an example)
Chris Apr 08, 2009
It's an interesting time in atheism. Sure, a lot of Christians are chill, but ALOT aren't.
The study of biology and science in general is under broad assault in our country. Physics is the study of energy. Chemistry is the study of elements, and reactions. And Biology is the study of evolution.
Yet across the country, we're seeing Christian politicians and their Christian constituents time and time again strike Biology/Evolution out of schools. It's happening nationwide.
In polls, Americans respond that they'd be twice as willing to elect a gay president as an atheist one.
You say we're all tightly strung, but you have to understand, we're under attack. Science is under attack. And make no mistake, science is the reason America is (was) a super power. Why our economy was unparalleled. Why our military had no rival.
And in the name of faith, our country seeks to destroy science.
I won't go so far to say that it's the verge of the dark ages in America, but quite frankly, that's EXACTLY what a lot of Christians want. A no-science education.
It's not my fault if science opens minds and contradicts a 2,000 year old book.
Marcus Apr 08, 2009
You do realize that Christians searching to understand God and how He created all of this (created it for himself, not for us) are the driving force behind most of the scientific advances since the dark ages? Many Christians still feel this way. Evolution explains how animals have become so diverse, but not how humans separated from the rest of the animals. The big bang explains how the universe was formed and how it is continuing to spread, but not where the cloud of cosmic dust came from. Yes we should continue the search for answers in every ethical way. We may eventually find definitively that man evolved from the other animals, but there are many of us who would not find that a contradiction of the truths of the Bible.
Alex Apr 08, 2009
Science and religion aren't mutually exclusive. View the motivations of most of the revolutionary scientists. Newton was Christian, Einstein believed in an afterlife. It is morally reprehensible to strike science from schools, I agree completely. But substituting science for religion isn't right. They're answers to different questions.
Science answers how things work.
Religion trys to answer why things work.
billwalker Oct 11, 2009
Einstein didn't believe in an afterlife. He said, & I( quote : One life is enough for me. I cannot conceive of a god who rewards & punishes his creatures, or has a will of the kind that we experience in ourselves. Neither can I nor would I want to conceive of an individual that survives his physical death: let feeble souls, from fear or absurd egoism, cherish such thoughts. Albert Einstein
Aaron Smyth Dec 07, 2009
Einstein had NOT belief in an afterlife. Get your facts straight. Newton was an open Epicurean, the first true atheists.
Matt Apr 08, 2009
False actually, the majority of scientists are/have been athiests.
Cameron Apr 08, 2009
Incorrect. Copernicus, Bacon, Kepler, Einstein, Galileo, DesCartes, Newton, Boyle, Mendel, Kelvin, and Planck, just to name a few, were all religious.
creepermclurker Apr 09, 2009
B.S.
Citation?
Alan Apr 09, 2009
Einstein was not religious and believed "God" to be how matter and energy revealed themselves. He also did not believe in free will.
joshua Oct 09, 2009
einstein was jewish...
A+ for you
Scott Klarr Oct 09, 2009
He was of Jewish heritage, but he was not of the Jewish faith.
FreeThinker May 19, 2009
It is interesting your pick of scientists is confined historical reference at a time when EVERYONE was a believer or else they risked being burned at the stake for Heresy. Those early thinkers are famous for their observations of how the real world didn't support current church doctrine. I object to your revisionist history. Darwin was a "believer" as well, why didn't you give him credit? Maybe because he was so sure that his findings would be considered Hersey that devoted his life to providing exhaustive evidence to make his point. Please don't call me a Darwinist or Evolutionist. That implies that I follow some kind of Atheist doctrine which is soo contrary to the point of being a person who arrives upon life choices by thinking about them instead of following.
Levering Lewis Oct 18, 2009
Look that up because it is BS. Galileo definitely was not religious and neither was Copernicus. Both were convicted by religious people for doubting that the sun did not revolve around the earth.
apatientdr Apr 09, 2009
I hate to argue/discuss these topics online because of the impersonality of it but, I thought I would just share this.
I have been doing some research lately on postmodernism and the history of western thought. In the process I learned that around the dawn of modern western thought (somewhere between 1400 & 1600ce) the university was born. The original intention of the university was answering the philosophical question of the christian worldview. Hence the title university; coming from the latin words uni and veritas, which literally mean one truth. My point is that higher education and science [more or less] to aid and explore the christian worldview. Unfortunately man gave up on God.
dave thayer Aug 30, 2009
I don't reject the idea of god, but the gods expressed by the existing religions are silly, if not horrible to me. The threat of punishment by most religions for not believing is proof that they are false. On the same token, I don't feel pressured into having to believe in a god, as most religious people are (when I was "religious" it was out of fear). I believe that the christian religion is a religion of hatred because it promises hell before it promises salvation (those who do not accept jesus are damned).
I also don't see the limitations of the natural selection theory to be a proof for god. Indeed, evolution seems is a creative process, as seen in the complex camouflage of butterflies, the colors of birds, adn the intellect of humans: natural selection cannot explain this - this does not mean that god created it; it just shows the limitations of science.
And just because there might be 'soul' this also does not prove the existence of 'god'. God is a very limited theory which may or may not be true, and we have no right to use the word as a political tool. I believe that those who utter the word 'god' are either being manipulated because they are of limited mental or spiritual capacity, or they are the ones benefiting politically or economically from religion. Religion is simply 'crowd control'. I think if we had a healthy society we would need no religion, and the ending of religion is the beginning of a healthy society, where people are educated beyond simple and clearly wrong explanations for how life was created.
TheScientist Oct 08, 2009
Fellow atheist here.
just one thing-- get your shit straight before trying to act smart:
The word Universe derives from the Old French word Univers, which in turn derives from the Latin word universum. The Latin word was used by Cicero and later Latin authors in many of the same senses as the modern English word is used. The Latin word derives from the poetic contraction Unvorsum â€" first used by Lucretius in Book IV (line 262) of his De rerum natura (On the Nature of Things) â€" which connects un, uni (the combining form of unus, or "one") with vorsum, versum (a noun made from the perfect passive participle of vertere, meaning "something rotated, rolled, changed").[4] Lucretius used the word in the sense "everything rolled into one, everything combined into one".
billwalker Oct 11, 2009
Although you are correct, I think you are a pedantic old poop.
Levering Lewis Oct 18, 2009
And look at how much smarter we have become.
Levering Lewis Oct 18, 2009
This is correct, 99% of Scientists are Atheist, leaving only 1%.
joe Dec 16, 2009
that is incorrect. a study done shows that somehwere between 90-95% of scientists in the National Academy of Sciences are atheist or agnostic.
Larry Apr 11, 2009
Easy answer to being "under attack"...keep your mouth shut. I am (for the most part) considered a Christian...I don't actively go to church, and I don't pray (in the traditional sense)...but I also don't volunteer my religious view every time I open my mouth. I have met a rather disproportionate number of people who claim either Paganism (Wicca and the like) or Atheism as their religion (or anti-religion, as is, in each case appropro.) and I have yet to meet one...JUST ONE...who doesn't rattle on about it from the first moments of any conversation.
It seems to me, if you want to avoid persecution for your beliefs...don't go 'round spouting rhetoric to everyone you meet.
I have no discordance with anyone's beliefs, and I expect the same from those I meet...but if the collective thought amongst Atheists is that it takes someone smart to deny the existance of God, well...I can show you a whole room full of Kindergardener-age kids who can back you all up.
That's not an attack on intelligence, just a viewpoint concerning the lack of reference that children have that just happens to coincide with Atheistic beliefs. Instead of attacking a religion for it's faults, why not bend your (obviously) formidable insights towards a more productive goal? Religion has been a force (problematic or not) for almost as long we mankind has been able to communicate amongst his own kind...you are not going to release the mindless masses from the grip of something ingrained into our psyche with clever posters or ad campaigns...I don't think there will ever be a world without a religion...Humans need something to believe in more than they need companionship.
And while I am on about it, helping those who are less fortunate than yourself is a wonderfully humanitarian effort and a greatly fulfilling prospect...it matters not if you are (misguidedly or not) doing it because you feel it is your duty under your religion's tenets, or because you believe in Karma...whatever your reason, good deeds are still good deeds.
I myself have never been at ease with the concepts that Catholicism spreads. I suppose, in my own way, I have come to terms with my faith, and I no longer need the "shepherding" that is offered by organized religions.
Wynnde
John May 06, 2009
If you want atheists to stop voicing their opinion, stop persecuting them.
ReligonKills Dec 27, 2009
Humans need something to believe in? How about the truth. There is no one in the sky concerned about you. You are not special. When you die thats it.
Superjump01 Feb 14, 2010
And Exactly what is "The Truth" or rather "The Truth" in your Opinion. Even Science has been tainted time and time again by over zealous "scientists" so badly in fact that there are more proven forgeries then there have been reliable and legitimate data. How many Fake skeletons of ancient Pre Homo Sapien ancestors does academic science have to suffer through before Scientists finally put forth that work and energy into something Useful.
VeganDogLover Apr 12, 2009
Did it ever occur to anyone that time does not exist? In the grand scheme of the universe, time is irrelevant. Humans created time.
So, if you question where the speck of dust came from to create the universe, how can you not question where god came from to create that dust? It's really the same concept...something was there to create the universe, whether it be god or just some dust.
matt dama Apr 25, 2009
dude that shit blew my mind i never thought of it that way. Hes right and you all know it no one knows where the dust from the big bang came from but no one can answer where god came from.
Steve Sep 18, 2009
well.. also with that god had to come from something.. sure u can believe in that as much as u will.. but take it one step farther than.. where the world come from, the galaxy everything beyond.. there had to of been a start? no?
kumash Jan 23, 2010
fellow atheist here...
actually i thought about that a week before viewing this whole page.
Levering Lewis Oct 18, 2009
But Science would be much better without religion because every time a theory comes about, there is a religious person saying that it is insane and against the bible. The only reason that evolution remains a theory and not a fact is due to religious people contradicting it with nonsense. Plus, we understand that not all things in Science have an explanation YET, but we will get there a lot faster without religious interference.
Dave C Dec 01, 2009
I can't take it anymore...evolution is still a theory because thats all it is!!! A theory!!! No proof whatsoever!!! Why do we still have ape,if we evolved from them? Hell, why do we still have primordial soup floating around in our swamps? There are no facts to truly back it up!!! It is just another...Religion!!!!!
ReligonKills Dec 27, 2009
Obviously you don't understand that the scientific meaning of theory isn't quite the same as the usual cultural reference to the word. Gravity is just a theory, does that mean I won't fall if I jump off a cliff?
Aaron Smyth Dec 07, 2009
This simply is NOT true. Never has been true. And, why would an omnipotent being NEED proving by science? Would he not simply reveal everything?
God does not exist...get used to it...and when you die...blissful oblivion.
Michael Dec 11, 2009
No but see, the thing is, you're wrong.
imperium has no rival Apr 11, 2009
US imperium has no rival, thanks to Gorbachev suicidal disolution of USSR. This tragic useful idiot was abused by US imperialism, and was so naive that he believed that NATO will disapear same way as Warsaw PACT as one was established against the other. Instead US has 747 military bases and the number still growing. the biggest now is bondsteel in kosovo - a muslim jihad creation to make endles problems for EU. neoclowns craziness was limited to 2 unjust agressive wars, but Brzezi%u0144ski madness is unlimited. hi wants to control russia or at least constantly anoying it thru such regimes as georgia run by anti russia and anti georgia idiot sakashwili. Thanks Nial Ferguson we know that US will loose 1 place as superpower affter MMXXXI same way as great britain after the second war.
Tobias Oct 16, 2009
Meh theres a flamewar up already so i'm just gonna say 1 thing:
When athiests say that A LOT of christians want a no science education you're very VERY wrong and saying that we're holding science back is unfair as most science development has been because they want to further their knowlage of god.
But some of the pictures themselves were funny but i felt that it was just made to start a flame war up i mean really why post loads of anti-god posters? Seroiusly less than 5% of the world is athiest (check wikiapedia it's true) you're highly likely to insult someone!
Julie Nov 27, 2009
We're likely to insult someone with this? Relious freaks insult us everyday. I really hate how they will go about bashing us for making a comment every now and again but they find it A-OH-KAY to come around door to door everyday to try and convert us Ridiculous.
ReligonKills Dec 27, 2009
To live in a world and a country where most people assume there is magical dude in the sky is offensive to us atheists... and to people who are able to reason.
Henry Dec 30, 2009
Actually, 15.0% in the US are non-religious. It's the third highest demographic behind Baptist (15.8%) and Catholic (25.1%). There are also 5.2% who did not know their religion, or did not reply to the survey. Here is the link just so we're sure that we aren't looking at different wikipedia articles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_the_United_States
And just so you don't say something about the world being more religious, 16% of the world is non-religious. So the US is above average when it comes co concocting asinine theories.
Here's the cite for that one too:
http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html
OAS Apr 08, 2009
Wow, you're wrong about atheists AND goths. Nice job.
Alex Apr 08, 2009
Man goths claim they don't conform but they conform to the same "non-conformist" image. ie black makeup, clothes, and chains. They define themselves by the other (mainstream image) like atheists generally define themselves by ridiculing religion.
I'm right on this point. You know it, at least about goths.
OAS Apr 09, 2009
It must be a privilege and a burden to be able to ascertain the motives of entire subcultures and belief systems without ever needing to listen to anyone from that group. Why, you could easily go incognito into an atheist forum or a goth club, and I'm sure no one would suspect you for a moment! It must be a gift from God.
Is it too much to expect you to ask questions instead of relying on stereotypes and your own assumptions? Oh! But then it wouldn't be all about you. Naturally, anyone who has a different perspective must only be doing it to rebel against your religion and your wardrobe. How solipsistic can you be, man?
Meatmonkey May 07, 2009
Anyone who accepts the label "goth" is a poser. It's a label created by someone else.
heaye Apr 15, 2009
you guys argue about what you will never really know, i bet youll make some good points.
Will Apr 08, 2009
"I have yet to meet an atheist that just relaxes in their world view."
This is almost certainly not true. A good number of nonbelievers don't bother to advertise their stance because it's simply not an issue they're dwelling on, so you've probably met many atheists and never even known it.
"You revel in your opposition to the belief systems. That means you define yourself by it."
I'm a skeptic and a cynic -- I enjoy and consider it important to take apart fallacious arguments, whether religious, political, scientific, or what have you. I'm no more defined by my opposition to religious belief than I am by my opposition to political belief, and if I bother to engage in debate it's in the sincere desire to come to a point in time where I will not have to be subjected yet again to the same woolly-headed thinking that I'm faced with, or better yet to have my own argument defeated and learn something new in the process.
The problem is simple -- if you do not literally live and die by every last command given throughout the entire bible then your Christian faith is hollow. If you pick and choose which portions of the book to listen to then you can't call yourself a Christian. More importantly once you discard some of the instructions of that book (stoning for disobedient children and those who work on Sundays for instance) there is no reason to attach special significance to any of it. Either it is a complete and inviolable text, without exception and with God's own imprimatur, or it's just another book. I've found value in plenty of portions of the book -- the Song of Solomon has some nice bits, and Jesus seemed like a decent if confused man. I don't call myself a Christian or pretend that the book has unique significance to me. I've also found valuable lessons in other ancient mythology, the poetry of e.e. cummings, and the allegory of Moby Dick. If I were to form an argument based on Dick's portrayal of hubris I would not call on Melville's authority to defend my argument, but examples of how pride -- in and out of that text -- lead to bad results. The ultimate shortcoming of the ethical teachings of the bible (aside from their own contradictions within the text) is that they almost all rest on the authority of God and the threat of damnation to justify them. In many cases there is no meaningful argument for these proscriptions without these threats and intimidation. Even the nice bits with Jesus are largely proclamations and parable without substantive argument behind them.
So, the argument for Christianity is that based solely on the (long since transcribed in difficult to translate ancient tongues, with many variants of the source texts in existence) word of an absolute deity who refuses to show himself or act directly to correct the faults of his own creation, we are to follow a byzantine and inconsistent code of conduct that advocates murder by mobs, discrimination, slavery, and war. The authority this god is presumed to have is derived entirely from claims made in a single book supposedly written by . . . himself. (Meanwhile a number of similar books with differing proscriptions and commands present similarly absolute arguments based on similar reasoning. The Christian bible makes no effort to justify itself over their counterclaims.)
My counter offer is that people mind their own business, make peace and fairness their first goals in conduct, and mostly just try not to be dicks. My argument rests on no authority but can rather be supported by the countless examples of how this manner of living leads to increased happiness and productivity for everyone, including the practitioner.
So no, when I'm at home or out for a drink or socializing I don't often go out of my way to bring up any particular religion. I'm far more likely to talk about some geeky tech stuff or music or food. But -- just like if someone were in my vicinity trying to sell Amway or gather a crowd to go queer stomping or steal a car -- when it's in my face I'll spare a few minutes to try and quell that noise.
Sybil Smith Apr 16, 2009
Regarding April 8, 2009 comment, Will, Good job, write a book,entitle it "Will's Words", I will buy and read it.
ravenlynne May 10, 2009
Brilliant, Will. Great food for thought!
Brandon Aug 15, 2009
I... I think I love you.
Anthony Oct 29, 2009
That is a work of art sir. I completely agree with you, because not to do so would completely disagree with my own way of living. People are to worried about "God", when they should be worrying about mankind and if we are doing all we can to make lives better, and to make our race stronger as a whole.
Bree Nov 05, 2009
I love it how you atheists think you all so special and alternative. We have our beliefs and you have...you know. I feel that you have no reason to bash and crash our want for a spritual, giuding outline for our lives. Christianity is relative, (for me being a lutheran) we all have our interpretations of God and Christianity in general. If you live by the earth than thats ok. I respect that, but you militant atheists are beginning to make unnessesary accusations for us christians. Grow up. And for you passive atheists... thank you for sharing your point of view. I will take it into consideration. Otherwise We will do our thing and you can do yours. Hows that.
Henry Dec 30, 2009
The problem with letting religions "do their thing": People who believe in them hijack airplanes and crash them into buildings, starve their children because they believe god will feed them, and just all and out murder people they disagree with fundamentally.
I respect that you are peaceful in your beliefs Bree, but with all the pain, suffering, intolerance, and countless other negatives that accompany religion, I just don't think there will ever be a day when religion and peace can coexist, nor do I think I will ever be able accept religion as something other than a problem, let alone affiliate myself with it.
Levering Lewis Oct 18, 2009
We do not define ourselves by Atheism at all. I have met stupid Atheists and stupid religious people, as well as smart Atheists and smart religious people. You say you have never met an Atheist that is relaxed, well I call BULLSHIT on that. The reason is because you are religious and probably don't hang out with Atheists, just as I am an Atheists and so are a majority of my good friends. I have better things to do in my life than argue religion, but if the opportunity presents itself why the hell not. Plus, most Atheists have explored and studied religion to make sure they understand what they are disbelieving. I have never seen a religious person that has studied Atheism or even taken time to understand it.
Levering Lewis Oct 18, 2009
Excellent point, Will.
And to all the religious people out there, you all think that Atheists can do no good. You should be thanking us, we are made up of Scientists that are helping cure diseases. We make up volunteers that help because we want to, and we will never be blinded by faith. I do not hate religious people, I just think that life would be more peaceful without it. Most people that talk to things they can't hear or see are called crazy, but that is just my opinion.
Jake Oct 22, 2009
Wow... you sound incredibly intelligent. You sir are the modern example of what an atheist should be not some kid saying he hates god because church is boring. But you actually have reasons.
Thank you
Pablo Dec 28, 2009
I know that God exists. I don't just believe that God exists, I am 100% sure that God exists. Also I know for sure where God exists. God exists only in the imagination of the believers.
Sean Apr 08, 2009
"but have you forgotten the millions of religious followers that actively help the poor and injured? Good things are caused by religion, too."
If people are only helping the poor and injured due to religion, then we have a problem.
redalert Apr 08, 2009
"If people are only helping the poor and injured due to religion, then we have a problem."
Then what motivates an atheist? For starters, look at it this way, there are misled religious people who do stupid things with little or no regard for life but there are religious people too who died doing selfless service to others, even willing to offer his life for the sake of others. Religion is a broad landscape and I find it funny how atheist skew the picture to their liking.
Rob Apr 08, 2009
You don't need a god to have morals.
redalert Apr 08, 2009
Yes you do. Superseding your argument, God created us with conscience. We are created to do good things. So if you feel owed to do good things it's that because we are created that way.
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
"Superseding your argument, God created us with conscience."
An interesting statement. But completely circumventing any semblance of an argument you seem to think you have, God created not one person with a conscience. As a matter of fact, God only created two people ever. From the good book itself, Genesis 3:22 / "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever."
What God DID give humankind was free will. With conscience, Eve wouldn't have eaten the apple from the tree; she would have already known the serpent was a manifestation of evil and was attempting to spoil the life she and Adam led. With free will, she made a conscious (not conscience) choice to take the apple over the warning of both God and Adam, leading to the aforementioned gain of a conscience and the expulsion from Eden.
You also write "We are created to do good things." The concept of free will is one of the largest cornerstones of most major religions, including Christianity; this essentially destroys your argument. People aren't created to "do" anything; the choices each person makes in life forge the consequences they face, good or bad. Stalin and Hitler exterminated 35 million people between their regimes; I find very few ways you could create any sort of "good" argument for these acts.
My point in making these statements is simply this: religion is both one of the most edifying and terrifying establishments in the history of mankind. Your approach to the discussion is simply to spout out what someone told you in Sunday school with no actual knowledge of the subject; might I suggest you actually read the Bible before you attempt to dictate Christianity to anyone?
redalert Apr 08, 2009
Well, we can all agree that conscience don't exclusively manifest itself before an act.
Much that I like to discuss bible matters to you, this is not the right place but I leave you these: Genesis 1:26 God is spirit, what is the image here referring to: I Peter 1:15-16.
Jeff Apr 09, 2009
^
Cop out.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
"An interesting statement. But completely circumventing any semblance of an argument you seem to think you have, God created not one person with a conscience. As a matter of fact, God only created two people ever. From the good book itself, Genesis 3:22 / "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever."
What God DID give humankind was free will. With conscience, Eve wouldn't have eaten the apple from the tree; she would have already known the serpent was a manifestation of evil and was attempting to spoil the life she and Adam led. With free will, she made a conscious (not conscience) choice to take the apple over the warning of both God and Adam, leading to the aforementioned gain of a conscience and the expulsion from Eden."
Man is free to do what he wants as long as it is within the boundary of being constructive. We are free to do good but not bad. The serpent manipulated the constructive sense innate within us to fool Eve. If the serpent told her all along the truth she must not likely have eated the forbidden fruit.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
Sorry I hit submit button prematurely. Sorry for the wrong grammar and everything else since english is not my primary language.
"An interesting statement. But completely circumventing any semblance of an argument you seem to think you have, God created not one person with a conscience. As a matter of fact, God only created two people ever. From the good book itself, Genesis 3:22 / "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever."
What God DID give humankind was free will. With conscience, Eve wouldn't have eaten the apple from the tree; she would have already known the serpent was a manifestation of evil and was attempting to spoil the life she and Adam led. With free will, she made a conscious (not conscience) choice to take the apple over the warning of both God and Adam, leading to the aforementioned gain of a conscience and the expulsion from Eden."
Man is free to do what he wants as long as it is within the boundary of being constructive. We are free to do good but not bad, we are not free to harm others. The constructive sense imprinted to all of us guide even the people and society who don't believe in God. This constructive sense is not same for everyone. It's basically the sense to do something good so people do stuff though it may be actually detrimental to others or destructive.
The serpent manipulated the constructive sense innate within us to fool Eve. If the serpent told her all along the truth she must not likely have eaten the forbidden fruit.
Diane May 14, 2009
You're using a different definition of free will than I think everyone else is. Free will, to most of us, means that a god wouldn't get directly involved in your life to force you to make this or that choice, and in that definition, of course we're free to do evil things. It doesn't make those things right, but a god wouldn't stop us. (FTR, this is all hypothetical to me, since I'm atheist.)
Diane May 14, 2009
I would argue with just one of your points: Eve may well have had a conscience, but just not think obeying him was as important as gaining the knowledge. It could that her conscience is exactly what led her to disobey--it happens all the time among humans.
Kelley Brown Jun 02, 2009
Morality does not come from god. Or if it does, then he/she/it has a skewed moral code. Examples: Spanish Inquisition, The Holocaust, 9/11, Irish Bloody Sunday, etc, etc...
To get a good view of god's morality all one needs to do is consult the bible, koran, or torah.
I am a secular humanist, I volunteer at meals on wheels every Thursday here in Houston because feeding the poor and the elderly is a good thing to do. Not because my invisible space daddy told me too.
Lib Apr 14, 2009
I'm certainly not Christian but I went to a religeous school and so know a lot about the religeon. I help other people because I care about them. Do I need another reason? If you do then you're not really understanding Jesus' message. If you look at the teaching's of Jesus you'l see he taught people to be selfless, not just help others because it will take you to Heaven when you die. You go to Heaven if you're a good person, you don't be a good person just so you can go to Heaven.
Lib Apr 14, 2009
I'd like to point out that if it is unclear I'm telling you "Christians" you've got the idea wrong, not that people that aren't Christian have to give a toot what Jesus' teachings are. As I see it the Bible is propaganda written hundreds of years after the actual man was alive so even if he was anything like the Christian faith suggests the facts wouldn't be at all correct.
I bet all you people who call yourself Christians still think the animals went in two by two, but if you look at the actual translation they go on the arc in fives and sevens... But that just doesn't have the same ring when you try and sing about it does it? And all you homophobes... God said it isn't right for man to live with another man right? I bet you all eat shellfish. In Which the same part of Liviticus it says the previous satatement says you shouldn't do the latter. So either you're ignorant of your own faith or you are just picking and choosing which bits to believe.
There are thousands of different ways to take the messages in the bible and without studying it extensively you are simply picking and choosing what you wish.
Furthermore it contradicts itself all over the place = "thou shalt not kill" and that you should practice forgivness... but also states "an eye for an eye"... You can do anything and back it up with the bible.
talkingdeadguysdontexist Apr 08, 2009
I look forward to the progression of the human race and human mind and science is to thank for that. When a good portion of the world has their mind enslaved to a ridiculous notion of God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Mary, Peter (polytheistic now isn't it?), those people are holding the human race behind. I'm really happy how life religion has improved YOUR life and the ones around you. Regardless, your thinking is one thousand years too late and therefore are useless in these times.
Alex Apr 08, 2009
That polytheism is called Catholicism. Not christianity.
And by virtue of me and thousands of christian missionaries, religion has enriched more than just MY life.
Who besides missionaries by the way go and help the remote peoples of the world? I would say by far those helping African villages are Christian missionaries. (personal scales mind you, Unicef/aids relief is different)
Elizabeth Apr 08, 2009
Why is Unicef and Aids relief different? From your tone, it sounds like you believe the work of the individuals in these organizations is somehow less than the work of those in missionary groups because it's not 'personal'. That seems ignorant and obtuse. For example, do you think that a nurse with Doctors Without Borders, who provides health care to the sick and injured in third world countries, does not take her work 'personally'?
Anyone who chooses or commits themselves to do this kind of work takes it personally. You don't have to be religious to want to help others and make the world a better place.
Zorg Smith Apr 08, 2009
The work is different because the UN workers are not expecting to go to heaven. They see this work as important to help their fellow man and not for some misguided reward in the after life like the missionaries.
redalert Apr 08, 2009
"The work is different because the UN workers are not expecting to go to heaven. They see this work as important to help their fellow man and not for some misguided reward in the after life like the missionaries."
Duh.. religious people see charity and relief works as important to help their fellow man. You talk as if all religious people as self serving when in fact religious people with religious beliefs are more willing to perform selfless deeds.
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
"Duh.. religious people see charity and relief works as important to help their fellow man. You talk as if all religious people as self serving when in fact religious people with religious beliefs are more willing to perform selfless deeds."
You are generalizing again, and there is absolutely no proof you can show that religious people are more willing to do anything than a non religious person. Police officers and fire fighters put their lives on the line daily; this doesn't espouse some religious overtone. They might be religious; they aren't more courageous because of that fact, they are relevant because they know that what they do might have serious consequences for them, yet they do it anyway.
Religions may give you a belief structure, but they don't instantly make you less of a d-bag. The Avignon papacy proves this; the French line of kings in the late 14th century decided they could buy their way into heaven and created a pope in their own country they controlled; dividing the church in a massive plot to accumulate wealth and subjugate neighboring states with their new found "divine authority."
You can't look at the world with such a black and white set of blinders on; human beings aren't black and white and neither are religions. Times change, and with them so do religious doctrines.
That's right, religions do get things wrong. The big shocker is that people seem to forget that religions are created by... *gasp* humans! And humans, being their lovable, fallible selves, do occasionally screw things up. The proof in the pudding is if you, like they have in the past, open your mind to realize that having a belief structure doesn't necessarily make you right or wrong; it just gives you a compass through which to respond to other people's beliefs and ultimately should allow you to codify your beliefs into something more concrete.
I tried Again Apr 09, 2009
"You can't look at the world with such a black and white set of blinders on; human beings aren't black and white and neither are religions."
Sorry dude, but human beings actually ARE black and white. Some of them, at least.
Random Jun 02, 2009
Ok, I just have to throw this in here....you can't really consider humans black or white...just different shades of brown and tan....a truly white person is an albino and even then you can't really call them white....and i have yet to see a truly black human..just a really really really dark brown one.
The world exists with all differnt shades, emotions and actions and words are all different shades. EVERYTHING has an exception to the rule, everyone picks and chooses what to believe no matter what religion they're in. Everyone's oh-so-important views and beliefs can be challenged and altered when the need calls for it. A strict pro-lifer will consider abortion for her 12 year old daughter who was a vitcim of family rape if the pregnancy poses a life threat to one or both of the children. A devote preacher of 50 years may come to accept the evolutionary theory if someone takes the time to teach him and show him that this is not about denying the existance of god, but rather trying to understand how this all happened, why things are the way they are without using the fall back "because god wanted it that way" b.s. A family who is against the death penalty may scream for one when a loved one is brutally murdered...the list goes on and on. Nothing is black and white. Nothing is that simple. Remember, if god is omnipotent then he made lucifer with the full knowledge and intent of him becoming the devil. he created adam and eve and the tree of knowledge knowing that she would eat from it and summarily be cast aside. if god is omnipotent than there is no such thing as free will. as long as someone knows what you're going to do, when you do it and how you're going to do it than free will is a lie. just like the cake. ^_^
Alex Apr 08, 2009
To Elizabeth too, that was poorly worded on my part. That is very much a selfless act by those people and I applaud them for it. But you are extremely hardpressed to find individuals that aren't Christian who raise money for themselves to go with a very small group of people to live in rural/poor places for years at a time completely changing life in a small community for the better. THAT is very different thing than a guy that hands out a bag of rice from a truck every few weeks.
And missionaries don't do it just for the reward, it comes from the love of their fellow man. Which granted is the same reason others that aren't Christian do it. To do a good work for the reward is hypocritical and wrong for ANY person regardless of faith or lack thereof.
Stupid Idea Apr 11, 2009
"And missionaries don't do it just for the reward, it comes from the love of their fellow man. Which granted is the same reason others that aren't Christian do it. To do a good work for the reward is hypocritical and wrong for ANY person regardless of faith or lack thereof."
So if people (Christians and athiets alike) do good deeds just because they want to help others, then we can say that it has nothing to do with religion, right?
Agreed. The desire to do good comes from within, not from any particular relgions beliefs.
Lyn Aug 28, 2009
No, christian missionaries don't just do it to "help people", They do it to shove their own world view down the throats of these poor people and convert them. The food and education is totally secondary to the dogma.
Orange Juce Jones Dec 09, 2009
"The work is different because the UN workers are not expecting to go to heaven. They see this work as important to help their fellow man and not for some misguided reward in the after life like the missionaries."
I don't know if you are an Atheist or not I just disagree with the comment you made. I am not a missionary but the way I see and understand it is that they do not do this work for the reward of going to heaven but rather to help people who need it. There is no ulterior motive of pushing their religion down other people's throats or at least I hope not. You are correct in a way because there are some religious people out there who do good deeds just because they think that it will get them into heaven. These people will not go to heaven unless they realize the error of their thinking and follow their faith correctly. I think the purpose of most of the missionary work is to:
A. Take care of the fellow man in need.
B. Use the opportunity to share your beliefs with your fellow man.(Not force it upon them. Share only with those who wish to be shared with.)
This is the way that I view it. You may argue that point B is exactly what you're saying in your first comment but I guess it's all on how you interpret it. If I met you in the street and I decided I wanted to help you because you looked down on your luck, I would do so without thought of a reward. If I chose to spend time with you daily to help you and I noticed after a while that you didn't really seem to have a faith or religion I would ask you to share in mine. If you said no then I would not stop helping you and I would not try to force my religion on you. I would however ask why and ask that you at least give me a chance to explain to you my viewpoint. After that I would leave it alone. The Bible tells us that we should go out and fellowship with our brethren and spread the word of God. This to me means exactly what I just described with my scenario. I help people because I feel like it not because I think it will get me into heaven. I find that when talking on the subject of religion one cannot generalize every person of a particular religion or belief because it always leaves room for an argument. I would like to continue this conversation away from this site if you are interested.
Orange Juce Jones Dec 09, 2009
"The work is different because the UN workers are not expecting to go to heaven. They see this work as important to help their fellow man and not for some misguided reward in the after life like the missionaries."
I don't know if you are an Atheist or not I just disagree with the comment you made. I am not a missionary but the way I see and understand it is that they do not do this work for the reward of going to heaven but rather to help people who need it. There is no ulterior motive of pushing their religion down other people's throats or at least I hope not. You are correct in a way because there are some religious people out there who do good deeds just because they think that it will get them into heaven. These people will not go to heaven unless they realize the error of their thinking and follow their faith correctly. I think the purpose of most of the missionary work is to:
A. Take care of the fellow man in need.
B. Use the opportunity to share your beliefs with your fellow man.(Not force it upon them. Share only with those who wish to be shared with.)
This is the way that I view it. You may argue that point B is exactly what you're saying in your first comment but I guess it's all on how you interpret it. If I met you in the street and I decided I wanted to help you because you looked down on your luck, I would do so without thought of a reward. If I chose to spend time with you daily to help you and I noticed after a while that you didn't really seem to have a faith or religion I would ask you to share in mine. If you said no then I would not stop helping you and I would not try to force my religion on you. I would however ask why and ask that you at least give me a chance to explain to you my viewpoint. After that I would leave it alone. The Bible tells us that we should go out and fellowship with our brethren and spread the word of God. This to me means exactly what I just described with my scenario. I help people because I feel like it not because I think it will get me into heaven. I find that when talking on the subject of religion one cannot generalize every person of a particular religion or belief because it always leaves room for an argument. I would like to continue this conversation away from this site if you are interested.
Beth Apr 09, 2009
Alex,I think your comment is biased and thoroughly un-researched.
I am going to Africa personally to volunteer and not to force desperate people into lip-service to a religion in order to receive the basic resources for survival missionaries dangle in front of their face.
Which unfortunately, I have seen time and time again both in the states and throughout the world where missionaries come to provide "aid".
Missionary "aid" is deceptive and it does nothing to promote a sustainable living situation.
When you go back to your comfortable bed and tally up your points in heaven for your "good deeds" people are still living in developing parts of the world lacking and the one-time aid missionaries provided in exchange for submission to their ideologies does nothing to change that in the long run. It simply provides you with more to feel self righteous about.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
You still REFUSE getting her point. There are people who do charity for reward or other ulterior motive but there are also people who do it for the love of fellowman. There are people who don't do bad things out of fear and there are people who don't do bad things because of high morals. To claim atheist exclusively do the latter and generalizing religious people to be hypocrites doing things with ulterior motives and motivated by fear don't quite sound right.
You can claim to develop sense of morality from school and parents the same as theist though they're complimented by religion which has love at the paramount, 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
matt dama Apr 25, 2009
so what do christians believe in then if they do not believe in the holy ghost and the virgin mary?
Diane May 14, 2009
They believe those beings exist, they just don't worship them. Some Christians believe that Catholics, OTOH, DO worship them, in the same way they'd worship a god (when really, what Catholics do is ask them to intercede with god on their behalf).
Aaron Smyth Dec 07, 2009
Christianity has forced ignorant and poor people to become Christians, often by the sword. The pope said that little holes existed in condoms to allow the passage of HIV.
Religion is poison...it is very a force for good. Some good people have been religious, but this proves nothing. Being "good" to get brownie points before the cosmic tribunal seems FAR less meaningful than being kind to people for no reason except they are fellow creatures of evolution.
Alex, you are an idiot.
man dude bro Apr 08, 2009
atheism is not a religion. nor a faith. nor a belief. it is the absence of those things.
what you are doing would be like calling "nothing" something, merely cause the word "n-o-t-h-i-n-g" has value because it defines "something".
if religion did not exist, the the word "atheism" would be gone. not the idea at the core.
and the life style of atheists has nothing to do with a certain style, but just how life works without religion.
and not all atheists hate all religious people. its just when peoples faith requires or asks them to have strong devotion to it, people do not know how far to take its rules and beliefs. and that can get ugly.
so in general, atheists might see religious people as a potential harm.
im an agnostic/existentialist/a large mess of ideas....what eva is out there, is way too big for me to see.
my religion is science.
my creed is Faith in Open-mindedness.
my motivation is my love of curiosity.
and my life is what i make it.
rock on
Naumadd Apr 08, 2009
Point in fact, "religion" causes nothing - people do. It's simplicity itself - those who wish to "do good" will, those who do not - won't. Whether strong passions or weak or non-existent passions - action is is either rational or irrational. Truly rational thought tends to be the most compassionate. Irrational thought merely pretends.
Use whatever label you wish. The question is always - are you rational and compassionate, or mere pretender? The blood in your eyes and the blood on your hands is usually a good indicator of your answer.
Natty Apr 09, 2009
That last point is just not true. The philosophy that evidence is the best way to discover the truth persists with or without religion.
S reply Apr 11, 2009
"but have you forgotten the millions of religious followers that actively help the poor and injured? Good things are caused by religion, too."
It's sad that you use religion as the reason for helping others more unfortunate in the world, instead of just doing it because you have the means and because you want to help.
"Without religion to criticize you'd have nothing. Your doctrine exists only because of religions."
Ummm...wow...really? Well, clearly your doctrine exists only because of stupidity.
Redalert Apr 11, 2009
"It's sad that you use religion as the reason for helping others more unfortunate in the world, instead of just doing it because you have the means and because you want to help."
Well, the idea that people who grow up in religious environment nurtured with love and actually helping others with utmost sincerity and compassion must sound alien to you.
The desire to do good by man is an affirmation of my religious beliefs just to let you know. God created us to be constructive being ideally (Ephesians 4:23-24, Ecclesiastes 7:29).
S reply Apr 12, 2009
"Well, the idea that people who grow up in religious environment nurtured with love and actually helping others with utmost sincerity and compassion must sound alien to you."
Nope. Not alien to me at all. I grew up in a religious environment and was actually always helped by other religious people because, unfortunately, we didn't have the means. However, some of those who helped us were not religious at all. And, let me explain this to you in the clearest way possible: I do not believe in a higher power and I do not believe in an after life; therefore, I am expecting no sort of reward when I die, or during my time on earth, but I still continue to help others. Just so you know, you don't have to grow up in a "religious environment" to be "nurtured and love[d]"-my nephew is extremely loved by an atheist mom, uncles, and aunt every single day of his life and the result is an incredibly kind-hearted, funny, witty, and exceptionally intelligent (partly because he's not wasting his time with religion) eleven-year-old boy.
P.S. Andrea Yates' five children were very nurtured and loved in their religious home. So religious, she put God before all five of them.
Redalert Apr 12, 2009
"Nope. Not alien to me at all. I grew up in a religious environment and was actually always helped by other religious people because, unfortunately, we didn't have the means."
Do you happen to have any scientific means able to read the heart of those religious people that you seemed inclined to construe their actions as reward motivated and not out of sincere compassion and love?
"However, some of those who helped us were not religious at all. And, let me explain this to you in the clearest way possible: I do not believe in a higher power and I do not believe in an after life; therefore, I am expecting no sort of reward when I die, or during my time on earth, but I still continue to help others. Just so you know, you don't have to grow up in a "religious environment" to be "nurtured and love[d]"-my nephew is extremely loved by an atheist mom, uncles, and aunt every single day of his life and the result is an incredibly kind-hearted, funny, witty, and exceptionally intelligent (partly because he's not wasting his time with religion) eleven-year-old boy.Nope. Not alien to me at all. I grew up in a religious environment and was actually always helped by other religious people because, unfortunately, we didn't have the means. However, some of those who helped us were not religious at all. And, let me explain this to you in the clearest way possible: I do not believe in a higher power and I do not believe in an after life; therefore, I am expecting no sort of reward when I die, or during my time on earth, but I still continue to help others. Just so you know, you don't have to grow up in a "religious environment" to be "nurtured and love[d]"-my nephew is extremely loved by an atheist mom, uncles, and aunt every single day of his life and the result is an incredibly kind-hearted, funny, witty, and exceptionally intelligent (partly because he's not wasting his time with religion) eleven-year-old boy."
I wish you can satisfy his curiosity when your nephew asked where we all came from, justifying the mathematical probability that all what we see living now first came from non living.
"P.S. Andrea Yates' five children were very nurtured and loved in their religious home. So religious, she put God before all five of them."
Andrea Yates is a disturbed woman and what she did is not because of her belief in God, not because she grew up in religious environment but because she is mentally disturbed. Nobody here I think can claim religion taught her to kill innocent children.
S reply Apr 12, 2009
"Do you happen to have any scientific means able to read the heart of those religious people that you seemed inclined to construe their actions as reward motivated and not out of sincere compassion and love?"
And do you have any religious means to explain why the non-religious do good for others? Listen, I'm not saying that all religious people help others because of religion, but the first comment that I replied to was stating just that. I'm just saying that people shouldn't need religion as the reason for helping and giving to the world. And by the way, it is psychologically proven that people help others for a selfish internal satisfaction- which in turn is rewarding for both sides.
"I wish you can satisfy his curiosity when your nephew asked where we all came from, justifying the mathematical probability that all what we see living now first came from non living."
My nephew knows all versions of creation and scientific explanations for life (probably better than most people do); he simply chose the one that made the most sense, the one that continues to expand, explore, and make breakthroughs. He stopped believing in Santa Claus a few years back (to partly relate back to this page).
P.S. The apple doesn't far from the tree.
Jepthah sacrifices his only daughter because he gave his "word to God," and Abraham almost sacrifices his son to prove his dedication to God, and not to mention Jesus who sacrifices himself. But since those are in the Bible, of course they're not disturbing.
Redalert Apr 12, 2009
"P.S. The apple doesn't far from the tree.
Jepthah sacrifices his only daughter because he gave his "word to God," and Abraham almost sacrifices his son to prove his dedication to God, and not to mention Jesus who sacrifices himself. But since those are in the Bible, of course they're not disturbing."
So where it is specifically and directly that bible command people to sacrifice their children or are you just implying, making that up like disturbed Andrea Yates did? Not because people don't understand the bible means they must blame it for everything people did as result of misinterpretation.
S reply Apr 12, 2009
I'm not blaming the bible so much as religion as a whole, but she killed her children because she believed that that's what god wanted since the life she was leading would send her children to hell.
But since you brought it up, will you do me the favor of properly interpreting these stories for me and explaining to me why in all of them (3 of many more) none of those people were considered mentally disfunctional but Yates was (also only one of many)?
Redalert Apr 13, 2009
"I'm not blaming the bible so much as religion as a whole, but she killed her children because she believed that that's what god wanted since the life she was leading would send her children to hell."
I wonder why you keep entertaining Yates' justifying her delusion. Will you be that accommodating if there happened (knock on wood) to be a deranged atheist killing the deformed and ugly for the absurd reason that they pollute the gene pool?
"But since you brought it up, will you do me the favor of properly interpreting these stories for me and explaining to me why in all of them (3 of many more) none of those people were considered mentally disfunctional but Yates was (also only one of many)?"
Jeptha hadn't received any command from God to do so. Abraham was merely tested from his faith. 3. The idea of a person offering himself for the sake of others is not a novel idea even to the atheist.
S reply Apr 13, 2009
Wow. Well you can't even interpret what I say properly, how can I expect you to interpret the bible? Thanks for the discussion though!
Orange Juce Jones Dec 09, 2009
She put God before them because that is what she was supposed to do. Some people abuse this though. Resulting in the neglect of their families and loved ones. No one is supposed to come before God but that does not mean use God as an excuse to be absent when your family needs you or give your children an ultimatum(ex. "You can't play in your football game because you have to go to church.", "Sorry I can't see your play because I'm going to church". I really dislike people who use God as a cop out. Missing one service won't send you to hell. If that happened to you I'm sorry but that is not a reason that you should give up on God. The Bible is merely a guide for you to base your life upon and Church is for education and fellowship. There is more I wanna say but I'd rather continue this with you in a different forum if you wish to.
Orange Juce Jones Dec 09, 2009
I do not know who Andrea Yates is but I just want to say excuse the reference to her in my previous post.
heather Apr 13, 2009
I do not believe in God but i do know that we must respect other religions, even as we respect our own. Mere tolerance thereof is not enough. But religion in itself is a MAJOR cause of conflicts and death all over the world. Yes, Religion does help a lot of people who cannot help themselves, but you still have no point to argue.
Sybil Smith Apr 16, 2009
You wrote, "we must respect other religions" That is what we are taught, but are you sure about that?
Here are some of my thoughts about it.
"People" deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, as an inborn right. That is agreed on, but If "respect" is automatically granted to ALL ideas, beliefs[ religions], opinions , then "respect" has NO meaning whatsoever .
Not all opinions, beliefs[religions], ideas deserve equal respect.
Because all ideas, beliefs, opinions, do not have equal merit, some are right, provable,[with universal criteria], some are wrong, with an absence of proof. [Not all evidence is equal either]
We can respect differing opinions, when they are backed up with reasoned arguments.
We can withhold respect from those opinions, ideas, beliefs
[ religions] which have no reasoned supporting arguments.
And - Divisive ideas, beliefs[religions] and opinions which prevent people from finding common ground, which prevent people from working together for the common good - do not deserve "respect".
We can "respect" the believer but we do not have to "respect" the religion. We do not have to defer to opinions, religions which openly "disrespect" people who disagree with them.
Mitzu Sep 16, 2009
Ok! How about all you God-fearing men do this for us atheists. You look at all of the motivational posters, and you come up with an actual credible rebuttal for each of them. For example,you know that quote by that old dead Greek guy named Epicurus? Give us an intelligent argument, and most of these posters have just lost total value.
Oh, and atheist don need no stinking Religion!
Our doctrine is science, math, logic, and philosophy. In fact, without religion, everyone would be an atheist. Sorry if that's too true.
The truth is, true atheists don't categorize all believers as warmongers and insane-o kill-brains. We don't hate, we don't discriminate, we prefer to push all beliefs and emotions to the side,and judge whether or not an idea is logical.
For example, creationism v evolution.
We atheists prefer evolution, for a few reasons:
1. F-O-S-S-I-L-S!!!!
2. Matter cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, just cause something as old as time itself whispers some demanding requests at VOID, DOES NOT mean that that law is broken.
We dislike Christianity (not necessarily Christians) because it wants its followers to turn their brains off, and trust in a potentially non-existent being to do things that would be better solved by being logically proactive.
Mitzu
African-American
16 years old
11th grade
TheScientist Oct 08, 2009
once again-- fellow atheist here.
i dont believe in god much as the next guy but that doesn't mean we have to be ignorant about it. there are several fundemental flaws in some of the stuff you are saying:
" In fact, without religion, everyone would be an atheist. Sorry if that's too true."
without religion the term atheist would have no meaning. i think that douglass adams described it best with his story about the sky over the planet Krikkit. The sky (religion/atheism/where did we come from?) was there, yes, but it had no imact on the daily lives of the planets inhabitants and therefor had no significant meaning.
"We don't hate, we don't discriminate, we prefer to push all beliefs and emotions to the side,and judge whether or not an idea is logical."
and yet you are hating on religion with this post. you are talking down to them as if they haven't the mental capacity to for intelligent thought. Lots of good, scientific and philisophical advancement has com from religion. When Descartes famously said "Cogito ergo sum" he started off trying to prove the existance of god. many of the researchers at the LHC are looking for the "God" particle. being religious doesn't presuppose ignorance.
"Matter cannot be created or destroyed. Therefore, just cause something as old as time itself whispers some demanding requests at VOID, DOES NOT mean that that law is broken."
i'm not actually sure what you're trying to get at here, because your "proof" switches ideals half-way thought. in any event the statistical probability that all the matter in the universe collapsed to roughly the size of a house and then exploded is neglidgibly different from the probability that a hyper-intelligent being suddenly happened and then shapped the universe.
reigion says that from nothing came god. atheists say from nothing came everything. its the same philosophy with different words.
---------
both sides have some great arguments from great posters as well as some not so great aruments from not so great posters.
Peace
Jacob Oct 29, 2009
We can argue religion, faith, belief, and a number of other things until we all are dead and gone. But what are we accomplishing? Just because someone lives a lifestyle you disagree with doesn't mean you have to criticize them for it. Our lives are difined by 1)where we were born, 2)who our parents/siblings/friends were, and 3)the choices we make in our lives. Example:(1)A kid you grows up in rual America, works on a farm all their life, has friends and family with pickup trucks, and packs up everything and moves to a city and drives a compact fuel efficient car. (2)A kid born into an atheist family, taught and raised by the belief in evolution, turns to creationism and christianity after meeting new friends at his workplace. In conclusion, we can argue concepts all we want; we can say your right, your wrong. But how do we ourselves "KNOW" what is right and what is wrong. I can argue the subject all day long, however, im not going to
Henry Dec 30, 2009
Our "doctrine" is simply the absence of religion. The only reason anyone notices it is because there are still religious people. I'd very much like to have nothing, because that would mean nobody would be out there trying to convince me I'm worse off because of it.
Harry Rose Feb 25, 2010
Hi Alex.
If you were terminally ill would you not want to know? The truth is always better even if Christianity can be charitable. I give to many charities and live by a decent morale code. I do not need a god to tell me this, I need the knowledge that many people are suffering while I am not. This is why I want to help.
Randy Apr 08, 2009
Thanks
that guy Nov 27, 2008
1 for atheism
ive only ever seen one pro-religion motivator that had any type semi-inteligent argument and even that one was just a copy of one ive seen here with a the point twisted around
Jeffersonite Dec 01, 2008
Well now, you a theistics had better hurry. Life on this world is short and allegedly having no future beyond this life leaves you little time to accomplish something more than collecting foolish posters. Good luck to you. Me? I don't have luck. I enjoy divine intervention from my God, who speaks to me and cares for me. Do us a favor. Take some time and consider the marvelous eyeball. What a splendid accident that was, huh? Say, I've often wondered why you folks act as though you have morals when you deny the giver of morality. If there are no eternal consequences for bad behavior, why not rob, rape, and murder your way through life. Indeed, why suffer through this life at all? With no God, why not have a worldwide atheist suicide party? Just wondering...
Scott Klarr Dec 01, 2008
Lol, first off, a theist is someone who believes in god. You just addressed all the believers. Learn your vocabulary.
I use to be a Christian. I know your state of mind first hand and I truly feel sorry for you. Perhaps someday you will wise up and stop wasting away the only life you get: this one.
The old argument of irreducible complex is nothing but ignorant speculation that has been refuted more times than the number of verses in the bible. If an eye has no use at a simpler state, then why do we find simpler states all through nature that all give benefit to the particular animal whom has it?
Do some research on morals and behavior (the murder/rape/hate-laden bible does not count as a source of moral guidance). Our morals and behavior are not something divine or else no human would ever murder. Moral is a phenomenon that evolved alongside social advances that allows animals to work together to create a synergy thus making each individual's life span gain the advantage over surviving alone. The mere fact that there are good atheists and not a "worldwide atheist suicide party" proves that morals do not come from having invisible friends. IF you are truly interested in learning the facts (I doubt it), you can start with studying biopsychology and the game theory.
Your stupidity and ignorance shine through your words. Get an education before claiming that everything you personally don't understand is God unless you like people with sense laughing at you.
Brad Feb 05, 2009
Sorry for seeing this so late! I wish i was here from the beginning to crush this stupid theist before they began to ramble. THE EYEBALL!!!! SO MAGNIFICENT!! SO PERFECT!!! WITH ITS PERFECT BLIND SPOT AND CATARACTS!!
kris Apr 08, 2009
did you catch the delusional poster? Its not the eternal consequences, you just made that part up. The reason why we don't rob, rape and kill at random is only because you people are so hard to get alone... Just keep your divine inclinations to yourself, and no one has to retaliate.
redalert Apr 08, 2009
Give me one bit of evidence that shows that the Christian god is any more real than Thor. Then, if there is some way to prove that the god is in fact the Christian God, then how do you decide which denomination of worship is right? Many denominations believe that other denominations are going to Hell. Let me also ask you this, how many holy texts did you fully read before you claimed that Christianity was right?
You living and breathing is a proof that God exists. If you hate the idea then convince your best atheist scientist to create even a simple living organism from basic building blocks of life. I wonder if millions of years starting from freak chance and primitive intelligence made us what we are today through evolution, why can't these people with intelligence figure out how to build one themselves.
"I'm a good person because Its the right thing to do, not because I'm afraid of eternal punishment. Someone who is good ONLY because of fear is not a good person no matter what kind of act they put on."
Duh, Religious people must be good person because they also think it's their purpose and nature. What do you think some atheist different when they seem to be in far worse situation requiring them to observe norms ONLY if others are not looking since they don't believe in divine beings monitoring their every actions.
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
Redalert, you never learned the whole concept of giving up when you're so far behind that the race ended a week before you walked up to the starting gate.
"You living and breathing is a proof that God exists. If you hate the idea then convince your best atheist scientist to create even a simple living organism from basic building blocks of life."
No, me living and breathing is a proof that my father had sex with my mother during her menstrual cycle and I was the fastest swimmer. C'mon now, do we have to really have an argument that humans beget other humans in this day in age? Even by returning to the "God created man" argument, God would have only created two people: they then would have had children that intermarried, and we would all be like the Hapsburgs in the late 19th century: inbred, sterile defect ridden people. The fact that nearly every human being on Earth has a unique genetic code speaks volumes into what I think of the theory of there being two universal parents to the ENTIRE human race.
"Duh, Religious people must be good person because they also think it's their purpose and nature."
What if you're religion is modern Satanism, or a religion that believes that by inflicting pain upon others you become closer to your god? Religions don't make people good, for the last time. Religions are a belief structure. People decide whether they are "good" or "evil" based on the decisions they make; there have been plenty of religious people that have committed horrible atrocities, and plenty of atheists that would be considered "saints" if they had simply prescribed to a religious model.
Stop spouting off the crap you learned in your confirmation class as dogma, and start actually having an original thought on the subject. Once you do, you might care a little less about people just agreeing with you and more about why other people don't prescribe to your beliefs in the first place.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
"No, me living and breathing is a proof that my father had sex with my mother during her menstrual cycle and I was the fastest swimmer. C'mon now, do we have to really have an argument that humans beget other humans in this day in age? Even by returning to the "God created man" argument, God would have only created two people: they then would have had children that intermarried, and we would all be like the Hapsburgs in the late 19th century: inbred, sterile defect ridden people. The fact that nearly every human being on Earth has a unique genetic code speaks volumes into what I think of the theory of there being two universal parents to the ENTIRE human race."
Let's go back to the basics since you derailed my point. Scientist can't create life even with all the materials are here, the basic building blocks of life/organic compounds are abundantly available. If they can't do it with their advance intelligence what's the odds a non living accidentally turning to a living organism?
mew4ever23 Apr 13, 2009
I'm sorry - What are you trying to say? That just because we do not have the scientific means to create life, means that there is a god? Your argument is flawed, jut because we don't have the technology to create organisms, does not mean that it cannot happen. Someone will invent the technology one day, keep an eye to the newspaper.
Redalert Apr 16, 2009
"I'm sorry - What are you trying to say? That just because we do not have the scientific means to create life, means that there is a god? Your argument is flawed, jut because we don't have the technology to create organisms, does not mean that it cannot happen. Someone will invent the technology one day, keep an eye to the newspaper."
Sure, freak and astronomical probability and non conscious, non thinking scrap materials had just beaten modern scientists by million of years, yeah, sounds logical to me.
Have you bothered looking in your backyard and see how many of those non living things suddenly turned to living things or it's just a thing from a million of years ago?
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
Have you ever heard of Cloning? or genetic construction? artificial organs? how about the Humans natural carnal instinct to "reproduce" im fairly sure when a man has intercourse with a woman he technically "scientifically" in his own way makes another human being? why don't you study a little bit before making uneducated remarks.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
"What if you're religion is modern Satanism, or a religion that believes that by inflicting pain upon others you become closer to your god? Religions don't make people good, for the last time. Religions are a belief structure. People decide whether they are "good" or "evil" based on the decisions they make; there have been plenty of religious people that have committed horrible atrocities, and plenty of atheists that would be considered "saints" if they had simply prescribed to a religious model."
Satanists are misguided people. Some of them in the first place because they must be there yearning for spiritual fulfillment (one facet of our innate constructive sense as man, Carl Jung even supported the spiritual mystical yearning of man.). Christians define what they do as bad while Satanists define themselves to be right. Basically both are fulfilling their yearning "to do good".
Stop spouting off the crap you learned in your confirmation class as dogma, and start actually having an original thought on the subject. Once you do, you might care a little less about people just agreeing with you and more about why other people don't prescribe to your beliefs in the first place."
Well you are referring to religious bigots not me, I can't deny there are some of them but I sense not love but more rather prejudice here from some atheists toward us theist so go enlighten them first how to properly deal with us.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
...Some of them are there doing Satanist stuff because they must be yearning for spiritual fulfillment in the first place (one facet of our innate constructive sense as man, Carl Jung even supported the spiritual mystical yearning of man.)...
Patrick M Apr 08, 2009
Am I the only one who is extremely conconcerned that the only thing that keeps this person from killing, raping, and stealing his way through life is religion?
I think instead of trying to explain this person the fallacies of his statment, we should allow him to live on in ignorance so that people do not end up dead, raped, and stolen from because of we who convinced him of the illogical nature of his religion.
Jeffersonite Dec 01, 2008
"Scott K", You sir, may think I am the stupid and ignorant one. It does not surprise me in the least. Go ahead and laugh to your hearts content and think of yourself as the enlightened sensible one. I know precisely what theist means. I separated the two in order to stress the A. As you may know, prefacing with the letter a means without, lacking, against. Learning the facts has absolutely nothing to do theories of any kind, especially not the biopsychological or game kind. No one , except you, said anything about eyes at a simpler state. Each creature has the eyes, or lack of them, that God gave them to fulfill the station said creature was created for. The Holy Bible speaks to us of all manner of good and bad as it must to teach us how to live and how not to. That you once called yourself a Christian, (thanks for properly capitalizing it), doesn't make you one. The FACTS are,in spite of whatever you were taught, a person must be born again of the spirit and have an intimate personal relationship with the Christ, Lord Jesus, to be a Christian. It means caring nothing for this world. It means caring only for the Kingdom of God and taking the message of His grace and love to the lost, like you. I will pray that somewhere, sometime before it is too late, someone will lead you to the Lord. You will be welcomed into His Kingdom and all the host of heaven will rejoice when you surrender you life to the One that paid the price for your sin. Without a life of sin, we would have no witness of the grace of Lord Jesus. I was once a wicked God hater, so I know what you are going through and I feel sorry for you. I do pray that you will wise up and stop wasting the time you have in this life so that you may fulfill your purpose for existence and serve your Creator. God bless you and keep you. J
Scott Klarr Dec 02, 2008
Give me one bit of evidence that shows that the Christian god is any more real than Thor. Then, if there is some way to prove that the god is in fact the Christian God, then how do you decide which denomination of worship is right? Many denominations believe that other denominations are going to Hell. Let me also ask you this, how many holy texts did you fully read before you claimed that Christianity was right?
"Take some time and consider the marvelous eyeball. What a splendid accident that was, huh?"
That is the standard IC argument of "its too complex to have not been designed in its current state." Well, nature proves that is simply not the case. Everything that is complex can be broken down into simpler but still beneficial states.
"The Holy Bible speaks to us of all manner of good and bad as it must to teach us how to live and how not to"
Have you actually READ the bible? It is disgusting. Your god is a vile and monstrous being. According to your bible, It would be a good deed - that actually used to be required - for me to be stoned to death for simply writing this message. Yeah, that is REAL good moral guidance! Your God is a lovely guy so covered in blood. Lets not forget that he damned all of human species to live pain-filled lives before dying all because Eve ate an apple. Someone needs to take some anger management classes!
BTW, Yes I used to be a "real" Christian, and because I have since committed the only unforgivable sin, it doesn't matter if I spend every second of every minutes of the rest of my live worshiping your make believe friend, I would still be punished and tortured for all eternity in fire. Boy, your god sure does know how to show his love. "You do not live the way I want with no evidence of my existence in a measly 50-100 years, then I am going to make you burn alive for ALL OF ETERNITY!!" Even if that god was real, he is not the type of being I would want to worship or consider righteous. By your very support of such monstrosity makes you a horrible person, IMO especially if you think that you would be compelled to murder and rape if you found out God was not real.
I'm a good person because Its the right thing to do, not because I'm afraid of eternal punishment. Someone who is good ONLY because of fear is not a good person no matter what kind of act they put on.
Phillip Feb 27, 2009
What evidence is there for the model of evolution??? I have been trying to research it and no one seems to have any proof! Perhaps some one on here who is so absolute about the theory oops I mean model of evolution could help me with some answers
Phillip Feb 27, 2009
Scott, another question, what is your standard of "good" and "bad"?
Tom Apr 08, 2009
I have goodone for you: What evidence there is to the theory of god? Oh sorry, I forgot, there is no theory of god, because you believe in it's existence so much, that your intelligence has atropheed from lack of use! Welcome to the smartass longue.
Reckless Apr 08, 2009
Evidence of god? Why, there's the bible, which is the WORD of god. How much more evidence do you need?
Thank you Kirk Cameron for opening my eyes.
haha
John Bull Apr 09, 2009
And where did "they" find the Bible?
Elle Apr 09, 2009
Unfortunately, you can't use the Bible as proof that God exists.
That's what we call tautological reasoning.
Try again.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
Evidence of God is through His creation. Modern science even adopted borrowed employed some of clever stuff in nature for his benefit. Before compass and other navigational instrument was invented, birds can migrate consistently to their destinations reliably using their own natural navigational guide.
Tom Apr 10, 2009
Are you mocking yourself? Evolution is crap, because you can't see it in action, but allmighty invisible god exists, because everything around you is singing and dancing the moment you open your eyes?
Is this how you make sense of the world? In case nobody else has told you - this is not reasoning. Oh I forgot, "believers" don't know what reasoning is.. they think it's this running in circles thing you do around the bible..
..IN KINDERGARDEN!
Redalert Apr 12, 2009
"Are you mocking yourself? Evolution is crap, because you can't see it in action, but allmighty invisible god exists, because everything around you is singing and dancing the moment you open your eyes?"
I believe in God not because I blindly accepted what my religion taught me so but rather partly because tracing the base root of atheist argument like you asserting the astronomical probability of living things springing out of non living things by itself is wishful thinking at best using your own measure.
"Is this how you make sense of the world? In case nobody else has told you - this is not reasoning. Oh I forgot, "believers" don't know what reasoning is.. they think it's this running in circles thing you do around the bible....IN KINDERGARDEN!"
When specific science reaches maturity it actually affirms ideas from religion that sound previously absurd though I am not saying that all religious beliefs coincides with science.
David Apr 10, 2009
Have you ever heard of genetics?
Redalert Apr 12, 2009
Let me just say living things springing out by itself from totally scrap materials and not from scientists' pre cultured organic stuff taken from living organism itself from some laboratory.
Phillip Feb 27, 2009
Scott more directly, it is truly sad that your encounters with the "church" were so bad that they have blinded you to the greatness of God. I know that my Redeemer lives and all sin is forgiven at the point of salvation, which is when one confesses with their mouth and believes in their heart that Jesus is the Christ. As for the unforgivable sin, the Bible does speak of one but if you were to look at the context, the Pharases were saying that Jesus was of the devil and was working for him. They were saying this in Jesus' physical presence while witnessing His miricles. That was the unforgivable sin. I dont think that you were alive 2000 years ago to do that. But unless you are born again you will not enter into eternal life. Jesus said that. God loves you and the great thing is that you and I dont have to love Him back. He still loves us though we dont deserve it, though at may times we dont return it. Please forgive the harshness of the other posts of the other followers of Jesus, we are easily excited when we learn something new or when we feel like we can make a difference by posting something on someones web-site. The truth is you believe what you believe and no post of mine or his or hers will change that. Only the power and love of God will change that.
Cole Apr 08, 2009
What is this ridiculousness?! I was raised christian, and went to a christian high school- biggest in the city, I was pretty into it for awhile until I was taught things like the earth being 5k years old (lol) how they didnt believe in Science etc. None of it is based on reality! I dont need a god to tell me not to kill others, I dont need some strict moral guideline with mindlessly stupid rules (no sex before marriage? why?) Hell most churches in this province condemn alcohol. Grrr
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
"But unless you are born again you will not enter into eternal life. Jesus said that. God loves you and the great thing is that you and I dont have to love Him back. He still loves us though we dont deserve it, though at may times we dont return it."
To me, this is a contradiction Phillip. If I don't believe in God, then I can't get into heaven. But; He is infinitely patient and loves me unconditionally, and will forgive any trespass I make against him. (By the way, there are no unforgivable sins in the bible with the advent of the New Testament, belief in Jesus apparently trumps even the ten commandments.) If God loves me, forgives me, and welcomes me no matter what I've done; wouldn't me not believing in him simply be another fault that he forgives itself?
Not to get off the subject, but being raised as a Christian myself, I still have never understood the concept of the phrase "born again." Your soul, body, mind and beliefs might change, but they don't just spring into existence when you believe or convert. At least that wasn't my experience, but hey, apparently I don't understand the divine mysteries written two centuries after the death of Christ himself. Go go gadget Bible!
John Bull Apr 09, 2009
"It means caring nothing for this world."
Is that what I really have to do to make it into the kingdom of heaven??? Really??? Now that's just downright stupid...
Jeff Apr 09, 2009
Maybe a little less time in Sunday School, a little more time in English class. Does the term "paragraph" ring a bell?
Jeffersonite Dec 01, 2008
Oh yeah Scott, You can be my avatar if it makes you feel better. I don't mind. One day, the light of truth will shine on your life and you will find yourself sickened by the nastiness of your ways. I know, it happened to me. I do know that the Holy Spirit of God reveals the truth to every human being and provides an opportunity to repent before death. I hope and pray yours hasn't passed already avatar.
Scott Klarr Dec 02, 2008
Perhaps one day you will have the light of truth shine down on your life. Hail Odin!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cok36kO0bX0
(your preaching is just as ridiculous as this video will sound to you)
redalert Apr 08, 2009
How many religions have you tried before you totally abandoned the idea? People in religion may all share the idea of believing in divine beings but certainly there is a dark contrasts of believers and beliefs ranging from ridiculous to healthy skepticism. Some of these atheist seems to be product of disillusionment or dissatisfaction from their former religion then summarily dismiss religion altogether. This is reflected by the atheist motivators here which depict all the negative sides of religion.
Jeffersonite Dec 02, 2008
Your have the God given right to choose your destiny. Your opinion ouf me is as irrelevant as where my droppings end up. Now would be a good time for you to post another hateful, name calling, crass reply to further display your ignorance as this is my last visit to this unholy site. Still praying for you! Now shaking the proverbial dust from my feet.
Tom Apr 08, 2009
Sorry kid. No "god" has given me anything, but your "god" has taken stuff from you you don't even know exists! Do you know how it feels to really believe in yourself? I mean really. Not because you have been good boy and bowed your ass off to some nicely cut and painted piece of wood, not because you have done what mommy told you to do, but really, truly believed in your own ability to be. Not because somebody made you, but because you are.
Without all this shit about "come to my church and I will share my happiness with you" and "oh, in case you don't come, to hell with you, just because I love you so much!" crap. Have you ever realized, that you have your own mind, your own thoughts. Not because some "good" and "evil" do some fucking ridiculous battle because of your "soul", but because you can be whatever you want to be! You can choose, not because you fear some "all seeing-eye" somewhere in the clouds, but be cause YOU CAN CHOOSE!!!! Even in this stupid fucked up world, where you are beaten into your place before you can even understand shit - once you start understanding.. onlyone who can stop you is your own stupidity. And of course god, but this comes mostly with stupidity... or childhood trauma, say "thank you, parents!"
Cole Apr 08, 2009
Oh yes.
ACCEPT ME
OR
BURN
real nice right to choose.
Jeffersonite Dec 02, 2008
Sorry, I forgot to mention that nature never proves anything except the magnificent glory of God, the Creator. Are you in favor of incarcerating rapists and murderers? God is just. He gave the law, prescribed the penalties, and enforces His law. He also is love. He provided a way for lawbreakers, like me and you, to avoid the penalties and enjoy the benefits of kinship with the King through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ! Saul, the murderous pharisee, who made it his business to seek out and murder Christians, became Paul, the apostle after surrendering his life to Christ. You can, too.
Micheal Smith Dec 04, 2008
Okay, so he is just, he prescribed the law, that makes it all better, now if you excuse me I am off to stone my fiance for not being a virgin, dispite the fact I am one of those people who have slept with her, of course it doesn't matter as it is God's law. Screw God's law, to hell with it Screw God himself. You heard me.
Have you not realised that God is just a way of explaining things you are to ignorant to understand, I bet you that if you'd have been brought up in a society of people who don't believe in God, you would be Athiest, or at least if you still had turned to God it would be based on your own ideas, not everyone elses, you're a sheep, cattle, you follow because you are too ignorant to lead, and that is why I and all Athiest are better than you, we think for ourselves, you let others do the thinking for you.
Jeffersonite Dec 12, 2008
all hail the never ignorant, everyone else is stupid godless ones. Your assumptions are false. No one thinks for me! I don't follow man, I lead man. You have no clue concerning the society I grew up in and I am not an animal of any kind. Please do remember to beg God to allow me to touch your desert dry tongue with a half drop of water after several millennium. Sorry, but as with Lazurus, the void will make such kindness impossible for you. Go on, though. Keep believing that you are far too wise for the Deity named Jehovah to exist. Continue to think there is no justice in His law. Call me and those like me ignorant fools. Hey, you might even consider tattooing 666 on your foreheads and taking up arms to massacre us in the name of no god justice. And calling yourselves wise, you became fools. I pray for mercy on you and those like you in God's love. Bless you. May you find Jesus and never want for anything. PEACE, LOVE, and AMEN.
Scott Klarr Dec 12, 2008
Yeah, yeah, I know all of the dreadful threats. You are wasting your time trying to make me quiver in fear and repent to a non-existent being.
David Apr 10, 2009
Oh yeah, I think that scared them enough. Please pass the collection plate to your left.
Cha-Ching.
Your religion is a business.
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
"all hail the never ignorant, everyone else is stupid godless ones. Your assumptions are false. No one thinks for me! I don't follow man, I lead man. You have no clue concerning the society I grew up in and I am not an animal of any kind. Please do remember to beg God to allow me to touch your desert dry tongue with a half drop of water after several millennium. Sorry, but as with Lazurus, the void will make such kindness impossible for you. Go on, though. Keep believing that you are far too wise for the Deity named Jehovah to exist. Continue to think there is no justice in His law. Call me and those like me ignorant fools. Hey, you might even consider tattooing 666 on your foreheads and taking up arms to massacre us in the name of no god justice. And calling yourselves wise, you became fools. I pray for mercy on you and those like you in God's love. Bless you. May you find Jesus and never want for anything. PEACE, LOVE, and AMEN."
bwahahahahaahahah! Jehovah!? 666!? oh no! Christians are so ignorant and into their own clique yes I said clique that they even had to bash on math and numerology. A number is even considered evil. all fear the number omfjesus!!!
once idiots like you destroy the world and bring upon your own "apocalypse" I'll make sure i'm alive so I can preach about dungeons and dragons and make everyone believe that the DM is the all powerful being who controls everything, then make everyone roll a die for their entire lives and so on and so forth bwahaha.
seriously jehovajeff, go to walmart, buy a bunch of crap in bulk, support your hate mongering society of logic denying ignoramuses, and then enjoy your afterlife of fairies, and magical unicorns. Oh btw when you get there tell santa he's a dick and I wanted a bike back in the day not clothes
Ginger Feb 13, 2010
"I am not an animal of any kind"
Human's are animals the sooner you face this fact the more relaxed you will be. Humans are no better or worse than other animals where just different!
Piotre Dec 12, 2008
You persons claiming no God are quite mistaken. I have met on many occasions with Him. He has even revealed Him self to a great number of my country men. On my first encounter with God. A bosnian had shot me in the chest with a rifle. I am yugoslav. I reside for a time in Sydney now. When the muslim shot me, I was carrying turnips to market and I fell over. God appeared out of nowhere. I had been alone on the road except for the muslim. I hated and wished to kill this enemy when God touched my chest. I became whole again instantly and hate and vengance left me. My country men and some serbs have told similar truths. I have not been wounded again but God has walked to market with me. He is very good but does not like islam,
Piotre Dec 12, 2008
You persons claiming no God are quite mistaken. I have met on many occasions with Him. He has even revealed Him self to a great number of my country men. On my first encounter with God. A bosnian had shot me in the chest with a rifle. I am yugoslav. I reside for a time in Sydney now. When the muslim shot me, I was carrying turnips to market and I fell over. God appeared out of nowhere. I had been alone on the road except for the muslim. I hated and wished to kill this enemy when God touched my chest. I became whole again instantly and hate and vengance left me. My country men and some serbs have told similar truths. I have not been wounded again but God has walked to market with me. He is very good but does not like islam,
John B Dec 12, 2008
That's so cool' Pete:)
Scott Klarr Dec 12, 2008
Why does god not show himself to EVERYONE? That would shut all of us atheists up right away and prove us wrong.
If we are so in the wrong and going to be punished SO HORRIBLY for not buying into fairy tales (how am I supposed to know WHICH fairy tale to believe as truth? There are THOUSANDS of them), then it would be the loving and kind thing to do for God to just show himself and erase all doubt.
Wolfgang DelaSangre Dec 13, 2008
Even if He showed himself to you, would you be willing to submit to Him? I think that's the question you really have to ask yourself.
Oh, by the way, you forgot these two.
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m117/Super_Puzzler/Religion.jpg
http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m117/Super_Puzzler/UnderstandingGod.jpg
Scott Klarr Dec 13, 2008
I would acknowledge his presence, but I do not think I would submit to him because I do not agree with his ideals and actions. I would choose to continue using my free will and be the best human being I could be - then when judgment day comes I would accept the "punishment" he saw fit for my refusal to bow before him.
There once was a time that I did believe and agree with the words in the bible (of course, I didn't know everything in the Bible then); Yes, I was once a Christian, and I probably still would be if he wasn't so invisible and keen on "working in mysterious ways."
Thanks for the links, I will add them.
cheribom Apr 08, 2009
Good point, god's a dick.
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
You sounds like blaming, ranting against a non existent god now.
John B Dec 12, 2008
Hey I don't like no muslims niether
Stephen S Jan 09, 2009
Unfortunately, there's no reasoning with these people, they are the ones that believe in god completely and utterly and even if someone had solid evidence that there is no god they wouldn't believe it, and keep their "faith". In my opinion religion has caused more problems than solutions, their morals are outdated, as are their methods, they justify almost everything they do with their religion even though the topic probably has no real concrete meaning to it, religions also clash with each other frequently, such as two civilizations justifying their ownership of land through their religion (hint hint). These people will just drink the kool-aid until the world's crackpots stop their mindless preachings and civilizations advance to a point where people don't accept "Becuase god says so" or "Becuase god did this" as the answer to everything. Hopefully it doesn't take centuries, but the faster, the better.
Stephen S Jan 09, 2009
Oh and there's this one.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/discoweasel/3031196157/
Artanis186 Jan 15, 2009
Heh, I printed out a buncha these and some religious dumbass started reading them, he crumpled them up along with some other pages of my school work and threw em out angrily. I kicked him. ^.^ *prints off more*
WACHNA Jan 23, 2009
SHUT UP AND JUST LET PEOPLE BELIEVE WHAT THEY BELIEVE! EVEN IF THEYRE WRONG *POINTS AT ATHEISTS*
Scott Klarr Jan 23, 2009
I love how badly you contradicted yourself in such a short span of words. If you truly believe people should be quiet about what they believe and leave others alone, why are you coming to MY blog and posting a comment telling me to shut up?
Scott Klarr Jan 23, 2009
We will keep our anti-belief personal when people start keeping their religious beliefs personal. If Christians feel they can force their ideas onto me through government and social control, then I have no reason to sit by idly and let them do whatever the fuck they want.
John Bull Apr 09, 2009
And there, good Scott, lies the essence on your entire forum.... speak up dude!!!
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
"We will keep our anti-belief personal when people start keeping their religious beliefs personal. If Christians feel they can force their ideas onto me through government and social control, then I have no reason to sit by idly and let them do whatever the fuck they want."
on that note, where is the atheist TV channel? or the national Atheist banks? Why aren't we allowed to publicly display and tell our logic that has actual scientific proof without criticism yet these ignorant bastards get to just spread the shalalalalleeeleelololo talking in tongues crap, and tell us we will BURN IN THE FIERY DEPTHS OF HELL IF WE DON'T ACCEPT JAJAJAJESUS CHRISTAH!!!
fuck Christians, try to spill me your nonsense and I will fucking stab you, seriously.
Steve K Jan 25, 2009
First of all, I agree that people should respect others' beliefs. Second, John B, what reason do you have for not liking Muslims? Muslims as a whole have done nothing, it is simply the incompetent, brain washed idiots that have caused the war on terror. True Muslims have similar beliefs to Christians, in that they believe in God (or Allah in Arabic), and they believe in many of the sins that Christians do, except they believe that Jesus was simply a prophet and not the Son of God. I know this for a fact because my best friends' whole family is Muslim and they own a copy of the Qu'ran. Also, there is no possible way of proving the existance of God or gods, and if He/They did exist which religion (or lack thereof) is correct. If the Universe came from the big bang or any other natural occurance, and if the Theory of Conservation of Matter/Mass is correct, and matter cannot be created or destroyed, where did all of the matter in the Universe come from? And if God(s) created it, then where did He/They come from?
Scott Klarr Feb 06, 2009
"First of all, I agree that people should respect others' beliefs."
I find it important for everyone to respect others' RIGHT to believe; I do not, however, find there be any reason that you should automatically respect WHAT they believe. :)
Phillip Feb 27, 2009
If I am free to believe what I want to believe then I believe this "You and I are sinners destined for eternal punishment because God requires perfection to enter into His kingdom. But God is love and sent His Son Jesus, to take our place and die for our sins (Jesus being God, the Creator of all died for you and me) so that by his death His perfection can be placed on our account so then we have perfection to enter into God's eternal kingdom. It is by grace through faith not by works that we are saved. Any thing in contradiction to this is not true. This is the only way to heaven. If you reject this, you reject Jesus, if you reject Jesus, He will reject you. That results in your eternal punishment." That is what I believe. You dont have to believe that if you dont want to. I will never force the truth on anyone, I will only share it freely to anyone who will listen or read. I in return will listen or read your opinion. It is fair.
Tom Apr 08, 2009
Probably it's comforting for you to know, that there is nothing in the world that will prevent the mechanics of our reality from working the same way on all the elementary particles that you and everybody and everything else are composed of.
Now keep on dreaming, that something else happens to you after your body stops functioning than to cats and dogs and Richard Dawkins. And to be extra sure, spend most of your life doing nothing but dreaming to be dead and happy. Because maybe it will increase the probablilty that it will actually happen. Because you know, there is already one "documented" case!! That's like sure fucking thing compared to all the living things EVER existed on this planet.
Rcihard B. Apr 08, 2009
In response to the Conservation of Mass question: the theory (and this is scientific theory, meaning it's been tested rigorously and been proven many a time) is more accurately called the Conservation of Energy, where mass is equated to energy using Einstein's famous E=mc2 (that's m times c squared). Thus, the total energy in a system cannot change, but the total mass can. A perfect example of this is the matter-antimatter reaction in which a positron and an electron annihilate and are both transformed into pure energy (~511 mega-electron volts each).
Richard B. Apr 08, 2009
and, the same occurs in the reaction involving two photons having a combined energy of more than 1022 MeV which creates the positron-electron pair to begin with. Thus, the energy released in the big bang was changed into mass.
Ray Apr 08, 2009
You're mistaking the essence of that equation. When Einstein says (simplifying the real equation) "E=Mc^2" he's saying that Mass and Energy are the *same thing* in different forms.
The proper name of the law is the Law of Conservation of Mass-Energy.
Energy can change form into mass just as easily as mass can change form into energy.
Jeff Apr 12, 2009
If I understand what you say correctly, it would imply that all of the matter/energy in the universe was at one time concentrated in a singularity so small as to have so many digits after the decimal point that I lose count of them. Additionally, this incredible constant energy singularity spontaneously came into existance without a known cause and possessed such a complex structure and group of forces (or evolved into them) so as to result in the universe we see around us and the life forms we are today. Is that essentially it (with obvious over-simplification in an attempt to summarize all processes)? Just asking.
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
no all of it has existed for all of the "man made" measurement of time, just like god supposedly has existed for "all time" hmm, funny. Man made the existence of time, man made the existence of religion, wait a second, religion is MAN MADE NO WAY!!!
once again, I don't think people who look into religion are wrong, I just think they are so helplessly ignorant that there is no hope for them. Religion on the other hand is the source of so called "evil" on this earth. just IMO
SFC Jan 29, 2009
There's probably no god.
You ought stop worrying and start to enjoy the rest of your life,
peace!
redalert Apr 08, 2009
"There's probably no god. You ought stop worrying and start to enjoy the rest of your life."
I am religious person and I stop worrying, been enjoying my life. What makes us different is I have things to look forward to and some higher purpose other than enjoying or worrying myself to death.
Tom Apr 10, 2009
No not really. The difference is, that you THINK you have some higher purpose to DIE for.
Now just THINK for a moment, why is this good? Is this good because you will live happy carefree life.. or is this just handy, in case somebody tells you to do something incredibly stupid for the "higher purpose" that might very likely get you killed ..and well, YOU WILL BE JUST HAPPY TO DO IT!!!
So if this higher purpose is something so wonderful, and death is something to look forward for.. why do you think your lord makes you wait so long..?
I think you don't think enough. And that's why you are easy to exploit for stupid things, that no sane person would do, that may get you killed. Right now you are just waiting for your turn. Don't worry, it will come.
Redalert Apr 16, 2009
"No not really. The difference is, that you THINK you have some higher purpose to DIE for."
And you think you have? Share that higher purpose and let's see if that can click something within us.
"Now just THINK for a moment, why is this good? Is this good because you will live happy carefree life.. or is this just handy, in case somebody tells you to do something incredibly stupid for the "higher purpose" that might very likely get you killed ..and well, YOU WILL BE JUST HAPPY TO DO IT!!!"
Maybe a statue or relic erected somewhere to commemorate your greatness will be your highest motivation, is that it? If not, well what a pathetic life we have to spent, right?
"So if this higher purpose is something so wonderful, and death is something to look forward for.. why do you think your lord makes you wait so long..?"
Temporal life is not that long, it's fleeting in my standard, before you know it, you're through.
"I think you don't think enough. And that's why you are easy to exploit for stupid things, that no sane person would do, that may get you killed. Right now you are just waiting for your turn. Don't worry, it will come."
The difference is when my time comes, I wont be crapping my pants.
TimD Oct 17, 2009
"The difference is when my time comes, I wont be crapping my pants."
Wanna bet? What's the closest you've been?
Spyrl 9 Feb 16, 2009
It is amazing how much fighting there is on the topic of religion, (both here and throughout history). Especially when a said religion claims to be one of universal love. If a deity is truly benevolant and "full of love", how much do you really believe (s)he would approve of all the hate and violence that is projected at those of differing DETAILS of faith?
Faith is a beautiful thing, it is healthy to believe in something -and can give meaning to one's life. But blind faith is ignorant (the same could be said for blind lack of faith). Why would God give us the gifts of reason and contemplation if we are not meant to use them. We Should question our faiths. Find what what truly does hold meaning to us and find a belief that best applies to us. We all have lived different lives and have had different experiences and thoughts. It makes sense that the details of what we hold faith in would differ.
If you are a good person doing good things, than you believe in the same thing as myself -the details of those beliefs just may differ. And it is these details that all of the fighting is about. It is understandable to want to share what has brought you joy, but you shouldn't push your beliefs onto another. And, on the same note, you should not let beliefs be pushed on you. Better to truly believe in something and be unpopular than only half believe something to "fit in". Faith should be something we find comfort, and happiness in. Not something forced fed to us.
conor Feb 22, 2009
motivational
or
arrogant and condescending?
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
The reference to motivational is simply the format of the pictures themselves, consisting of the black background, the large primary word of phrase, then a witty statement. But you knew that, you were going for the quick jab and a grasp at witticism yourself. Clever you.
Dave Feb 25, 2009
I used to be godless, but then I read these posters and decided to convert. Scott Klarr, this website is awesome, you are my new God. I'm going to go drink some fresh lamb's blood now before class.
Amanda Wrigglesworth Mar 01, 2009
"Every animal lived within walking distance of Noah's house" "Abstinence" and "Spoiler: Jesus Dies" made me laugh the most, but they're all great. Thanks for sharing these. :)
Billy Smee Mar 14, 2009
1) How if God revealed Himself would we know it was him?
2)If God revealed Himself surely the need to "believe" in him would be diminished by the simple fact we all know he existed. Nobody believes in something you see everyday, like cars or other such items, so if we saw God he would become materialistic and nobody would believe, would they?
Rcihard B. Apr 08, 2009
So... let me get this straight, you don't believe in things you see every day. So you don't believe cars exist (using your own example)? Or even light, gravity, skittles, concrete, birds, etc? That's some mighty fine logic there.
Rayterrin Mar 18, 2009
Dear Scott,
Where do we go when we die?
Rcihard B. Apr 08, 2009
Dear Rayterrin,
We go into the ground (or fire, if you choose cremation). After that? Your cells are now dead, and will slowly be eaten by bacteria, which in turn will give off nutrients that will leak into the ground. Those nutrients are then used by plants for the process of photosynthesis. Then, some animal (or person) eats those plants. See, it's the effing circle of life.
In terms of our "soul", nowhere. The soul is just something we create in our minds so we don't have to deal with the reality of not existing any more. No person can imagine what nonexistence would be like, so we assume we must have a soul, or something that lives on long after we die.
Mugget Apr 08, 2009
The ground. Nobody goes anywhere, just dead. Pray to your sky daddy all you like. The fact that you have sinned is meaningless if you accept God as your savior on your death bed then you will go to heaven. so on my death bed I will lie to myself as you have and accept God as my savior and go live with the great sky daddy.
If you tell yourself a lie all your life you may start to believe it.
redalert Apr 08, 2009
Atheist will more likely not put himself in jeopardy for the sake of others. That's what missing in these people. They can't be totally selfless. They are about enjoying or devising ways to make mans' fleeting life enjoyable. A purpose so shallow I can't really imagine living.
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
"Atheist will more likely not put himself in jeopardy for the sake of others. That's what missing in these people. They can't be totally selfless. They are about enjoying or devising ways to make mans' fleeting life enjoyable. A purpose so shallow I can't really imagine living."
Seriously... Where the hell do you get this hair brained information from, the 700 club on the Christian cable channel?
If I want someone religious to put himself totally at stake for me, I'll call Tom Cruise. As we all know, the Scientologists are the only ones that drive by crises in action and have any real knowledge of what to do to help. *jumps on a couch and spouts about Xenu*
redalert Apr 08, 2009
"You are generalizing again, and there is absolutely no proof you can show that religious people are more willing to do anything than a non religious person. Police officers and fire fighters put their lives on the line daily; this doesn't espouse some religious overtone. They might be religious; they aren't more courageous because of that fact, they are relevant because they know that what they do might have serious consequences for them, yet they do it anyway."
Let me quote Alex to answer you:" To Elizabeth too, that was poorly worded on my part. That is very much a selfless act by those people and I applaud them for it. But you are extremely hardpressed to find individuals that aren't Christian who raise money for themselves to go with a very small group of people to live in rural/poor places for years at a time completely changing life in a small community for the better. THAT is very different thing than a guy that hands out a bag of rice from a truck every few weeks."
John Bull Apr 09, 2009
Cool but I'll get Bruce Willis to help me he does it out of selflessness whereas the Scientoligists are still following some kind of dictum....
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
LOL, some atheist seems to resort to cherry picking when religion actually is so broad to reduce them simplify them associate them with a bad apple.
Donovan L. Rich Feb 01, 2010
Really now... Just because I myself am an Atheist, I will not put myself in harms way? I am a member of the armed forces and the thought that the man standing next to me is simply "better" than me because he has this deity who essentially commands him to be selfless is something to laugh at. The only reason he has to be selfless is because someone wants him to be proves that he is weak and primitive... Denifitly the opposite of "better".
Also to comment on the fact that I want to enjoy the life that I have... You are saying you don't want to? You'd rather be completely miserable your ENTIRE life? What exactly is your purpose anyway? What could you possible be doing here that makes yourself superior to me?
By the way, I joined up with the military to be COMPLETELY selfless. Sacrificing myself everyday I'm here for people I don't even know. I don't see any better way to conduct myself.
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
"Atheist will more likely not put himself in jeopardy for the sake of others. That's what missing in these people. They can't be totally selfless. They are about enjoying or devising ways to make mans' fleeting life enjoyable. A purpose so shallow I can't really imagine living."
UM WRONG, just the other day I An atheist took it upon myself to jump in front of a child of which was about to be hit by a car to protect said child, people help people because its morally correct, and morals are also MANMADE, not santa made, MANMADE!
why dont you read a book with logic instead of a nursery rhyme book that is however many thousands of pages long.
Try Again. Apr 08, 2009
I'll answer for Scott on this one: ASGARD!
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
i second that notion
anthony Mar 18, 2009
It is so funny to see theists get so worked up, they can go around shoving phamplets into my hands at the supermarket telling me to get saved but you post your beliefs on your own blog and its like you've crucified THEM.
Seriously, god is not real. Just like santa, just like thor, just like Jedis....ok Jedis are more likely to be real than god.
Either way, people shouldnt NEED god to be good people; if the only thing convincing you to live your life by some ancient, irrelavent mandates is a reward then there is something seriously wrong with your moral compass. I am a good, moral person and I know when I die-I will be DEAD; as in no heaven, no hell, just freaking dead.
sheeesh
Redalert Apr 09, 2009
"It is so funny to see theists get so worked up, they can go around shoving phamplets into my hands at the supermarket telling me to get saved but you post your beliefs on your own blog and its like you've crucified THEM."
I don't do the pamphlet stuff and I don't feel like being crucified with the narrowed views of atheist toward religion in general.
"Seriously, god is not real. Just like santa, just like thor, just like Jedis....ok Jedis are more likely to be real than god."
I don't believe in Santa neither thor, but I believe in God because I can't accept taht we are all products of accident and million odds chance and not by intelligent design.
"Either way, people shouldnt NEED god to be good people; if the only thing convincing you to live your life by some ancient, irrelavent mandates is a reward then there is something seriously wrong with your moral compass. I am a good, moral person and I know when I die-I will be DEAD; as in no heaven, no hell, just freaking dead.
sheeesh"
Even the migratory birds without the human-like comprehension can't be aware or comprehend what is reliably guiding them towards their destination. This birds' natural guide can be compared to your moral compass, this constructive yearning is there imprinted to all of us.
Elle Apr 09, 2009
Our narrow views, your narrow views. Could be narrow all around, but at least take a look at what you're saying as well.
Santa is irrelevant. But why not Thor? Why not the Olympians? Why not Allah? Why not one or several other(s) of the multitudes of gods that have appeared throughout history? Because they're ridiculous? More ridiculous than Christianity?
Well, they could be aware, so let's not rule that out. I would like to ask, though, if by stating "your moral compass," (as opposed to "our", perhaps) you intend to 'lower' atheists to the cognitive level of a goose? I don't intend to be horribly touchy. I merely ask to learn.
I'd also like to add that humans are a social species, so the interest of doing good for other humans is probably the manifestation of personal interest in gaining connections or perhaps "taking one for the team". There is natural empathy and compassion. Biologically, this makes sense, or else, as a social species, we likely would have disintegrated. But we still don't need a god to follow natural inclination.
Redalert Apr 10, 2009
"Santa is irrelevant. But why not Thor? Why not the Olympians? Why not Allah? Why not one or several other(s) of the multitudes of gods that have appeared throughout history? Because they're ridiculous? More ridiculous than Christianity?"
There are misled theists who worship false gods and proving all of these divine beings to be true is not the issue. These people are just fulfilling their yearning and inclination toward the mystical and spiritual as manifestations of what God ideally created us to be.
"Well, they could be aware, so let's not rule that out. I would like to ask, though, if by stating "your moral compass," (as opposed to "our", perhaps) you intend to 'lower' atheists to the cognitive level of a goose? I don't intend to be horribly touchy. I merely ask to learn."
Both atheist and theist acknowledge and are aware of the constructive drive, the moral compass though they differ in meaning.
"I'd also like to add that humans are a social species, so the interest of doing good for other humans is probably the manifestation of personal interest in gaining connections or perhaps "taking one for the team". There is natural empathy and compassion. Biologically, this makes sense, or else, as a social species, we likely would have disintegrated. But we still don't need a god to follow natural inclination."
I believe you look at man at the base levels, man is more than that if you look more deeply. There are things imprinted in man that supersedes, defies mere self preservation, self aggrandizement and most can be seen on the theist side, stuff though that atheist may see as stupid. The ultimate goal of religion for me is to detach himself from these base needs of specie prosperity and propagation.
Redalert Apr 10, 2009
...Both atheist and theist acknowledge and are aware of the moral compass though they differ in interpretaion....
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
um there is no proof that we are the only living beings in the NEVER ENDING universe, they odds are more against your claims than with them.
how big do you think you really are, take yourself "redalert" and measure yourself against the solar system, against the galaxy, then against the universe. Then logically tell me that same bs again
Rayterrin Mar 19, 2009
So if we r just dead when we die what does it matter to be a moral upstanding person? cuz ultimately in the end of ur life it doesnt matter one way or the other... correct? doing what u please when u please right? im not trying to strike out and aruge, truly curious thou? any thoughts anyone?
ely Apr 08, 2009
one does not need God or Gods to have a sense of morality and understand the difference between right and wrong.
philosophy and ethics are tools that try to determine our place in this natural world, how best to treat other humans, animals, and the world in general. these sciences do not need a divine source, nor do they exclude a divine source.
atheists, agnostics, and the religious all have the same opportunities to cause "evil" in this world. all have the opportunity to view their dogma as more correct than another's dogma and decide to do the "right thing" and wipe it from existence. pagans v. christians, christians v. everyone else, jews v. islam, islam v. everyone else, etc.
in fact, with the prospect of nothing after this life it is more of an incentive to create, to do good, to do right towards all the inhabitants of this planet. an atheist wouldn't have the crutch of being able to say "i'm sorry, please forgive me father" after buggering that poor child or lopping off some "infidel"'s head and then still getting into heaven (or bettering his chances)
atheists need to do what is RIGHT; now, in THIS lifetime, because it is all that they have. No crutches, no excuses, no "God made me kill my son because he's the anti-christ" bull shite.
i am an agnostic, not atheist. not christian, nor any other -ian. I believe in a divine spark that imbued the universe with life and we are to work with that life to make it better. I don't need a named God to tell me that.
My version of Intelligent Design... The Divine _whatever_ spent 6 "days" in getting all the programming setup, all the if, then, else statements written, and quite a bit of self-regulating code to tweak things on the way. Getting that whole framework setup and then hitting the Big Bang button and see what happens. Science is the study of that work (the Vatican has a very good science program to study God's creation from a science and a religious aspect)
Larry Apr 11, 2009
Calling Philosophy and Ethics a science is utterly ludicrous. Neither of those intellectual pursuits are even rigidly defined, as any "true" science is.
Philosophy is a system by which one determines how to rationalize anything that does not fit snugly into a pigeon-hole with your own little reality.
Ethics, on the other hand, is a term used to describe our moral compass...although it sets your bearing based on society's general concepts.
Don't be such a sheep...decide for yourself and create your own ethics and moral path.
Wynnde
Ray Apr 08, 2009
Think of it like hiking where the rule is to leave the trail in better shape than when you arrived:
Leave the world in better condition than when you arrived in it.
That's the Meaning of Life. The only thing left of you after you die is whatever change you made in the world that persists after you die. If you think that's "nothing", well, I don't want to associate with you, thanks much.
When it comes down to it, that's really all that most religions are trying to teach. They have to couch in in carrots and sticks to convince people for whom it's not just inherently obvious (or who are too anti-social to care). This is where the whole completely nonsensical concepts of Heaven and Hell came from.
The "Believe or you shall be punished" bit is really just there for meme propagation. Here's a 99 things they want you to believe, most of them pretty reasonable and obvious... in order to "hook" you they add a 100th thing: "Believe this whole set of rules or you're going to hell".
Scott S. Mar 20, 2009
I have faced the same struggle as many of the people who have posted here, trying to wrap my head around the concept of death. I think that that is what it comes down to. Try to think about the end of your consciousness... imagine not thinking anymore. It is impossible for us to do. Yes, you can sit on your couch and veg out on crap tv, while not having any significant heigher level thought processes... but you can't shut it off. You can merely distract yourself. I have read several of the holy texts out there, to include; the Bible, the Book of Mormon and the Quran. I have met both virtuous and wicked people in each of the associated religions, and wicked and virtuous Atheists and Agnostics. The ability to commit offenses against another person exists in all of us. Whether that be because of evil placed within us by the devil, that whisper in your ear if you will... or the lack of divine intervention in our decision making processes, I think it is impossible to know.
I, as you may have guessed, consider myself an Agnostic. I pussy position by some peoples view. Cast your stones, I shall forgive your trespasses. Agnostics sit on the fence between the theists and atheists.
Websters defines an Agnostic as someone who does not deny the existence of God, but rather the possibility of knowing Him (Her/It).
That is me in a nut shell. I can't fathom the end of my consciousness, nor can I fathom that anyone has gotten in right either. If you hear a synic talk about Christianity, it sounds insane... as insane as Scientology to not just Christians but everyone.
For those of you who came here and said ignorant things baout just shutting up and letting people think and do what they want, (yes I am about to get slightly hostile) are you out of your ever loving mind? Much in the same way that 'all it takes for evil to triumph over good, is for good men to do nothing', all it takes for subjugation ot triumph over freedom, is for opposite minded people to say nothing. This is a healthy discussion. A necessary one as well. Most of the world beleives in some form of higher being, and of that majority, most of them want us all to be governed by the tenants of their various religions. Look at the fanatics in the Middle East, the lengths they go to in order to have a country governed by Sharia law. Look at the debate in the U.S. over Gay marriage, abortion, creationism vs evolution being taught in schools, school prayers, In God we trust on our money... the list goes on and on, and it affects each one of us in our daily lives.
Morality is relative to our socialization process. What we consider socially and morally reprehensable in America is not the same as, well lets say a Ugandan or Congolese 'rebel'. Raping of women is a hobby that receives little to no criticism by ones peers in those circles. That is how they were brought up. Read up on the affects of ones socialition process on ones actions.
To address some other comments made here;
1) though it is a valid point about stoning your fiancee, don't reduce yourself to using obvious extreme arguements in lieu of an intellectual one. No one is going to convince someone else to shut up or give up their point of view on this site.
2) whoever it was that made the comment about not being here for this life, but for the next. You are required by your faith to give up all things worldly, this includes your car, house, clothes on your back, and all of the money in your bank account. In order to live properly by this, you have to stop eating, sleeping, or anything else that would distract you form 'spreading the good word'. Because that is what you believe God asks of you. So, what was the last movie you saw in the theatre? Why were you not out spreading the word now? Why have you spent the past five minutes reading my post on this blog.
Now, my father who is a very evangelical Christian always poses the question of, 'If Christianity turns out ot be wrong, but you led your life according to its values, what harm has been done?' The well articulated arguement for living by a set code of morality. Not a lot of harm I always have to agree. However, in the process, you give up that truth seeking part of yourself, and allow whoever is in control of the religion to control your thoughts. Look of Mormonism. It has done a fantastic job of anticipating turns in the moral majority, and dictating the behavior of its believers for the past century or so. When they had a steady base, they turned form polygamy in order to appeal to the masses. They were ahead of society, but right on target with scientists, about preaching of the dangers of tobacco, alchohol, and caffeine. When the church started, they were not as straight laced as they appear to be now. As science was proving it was bad for you, the church took it as a prompt, and a prophecy was revealed to not use these things. It did take them a bit longer to catch on to the whole civil rights thing, with not allowing blacks to hold their priesthood until the '80's, but aside from that, not a bad track record or dictating behavior.
This is what many Christians, Muslims, Catholics etc... want for all of us. If someone does not agree with the tenants by which you live your life, they should not sit quietly by while you attempt to ammend the constitution to support your beliefs. That would be as wrong as those who beleive Gay marriage is a disgrace to the sanctity of the union not saying anything... (although one is reminded to not cast stones, or make claims to know Gods wishes, and perhaps let God go ahead and decide if he wants to honor that union or not on his own terms. Kinda makes sense to just leave that one alone... unless you are claiming to know what exactly God is thinking right now about the whole thing. Good luck not getting judged yourself for that one).
I digress,
My point is this, a) consider Agnosticism b) continue the debates, but in an intellectual manner that the gravity of the discussion deserves
and c) challenge yourself. So many people hate out of fear. Christians, or rather all theists, far too often try to shut people in order to not have to think about or confront their own beliefs. If what you beleive is trully correct, don't be afraid to listen to and think about the other side of the arguement. Not just for ammunition or a way to spin and convert, but for the actual merit of the view point.
Joe W Apr 08, 2009
Scott S; An absolutely brilliant summary of many of the thoughts I have had myself on this issue. As an agnostic man myself, I must congratulate you on presenting your view in a sensible manner whilst managing not to stoop to the level of offence some others on this site have.
Oh, and lol at many of the pictures :)
Jeff Apr 12, 2009
Your comments are reasonable. Agnosticism is an intellectually honest position so long as one continues to explore the underlying issues of our existence in an effort to figure out what one believes is true.
I would also add that an agnostic should evaluate each belief system he or she thinks worthy of consideration and discard those that seem irrational. In doing so, I would also suggest that one disregard the behavior of some of the extreme practitioners of each belief system because those practitioners are usually not representative of the belief systems themselves (The Inquisition is not a justification for rejecting Christianity; Mao and Pol Pot are not justifications for rejecting atheism).
If you evaluate your own beliefs/understanding with an open mind when considering the claims of a given religion or of atheism you may find that your agnosticism will fade, to be replaced with an affirmative belief system / understanding. But in my humble opinion listening to the rants of rabid theists and rabid atheists is pointless.
There is a reason that moderate, intelligent people come to opposite conclusions about God. For example, there are prominent contemporary scientists who are theists, among them Francis Collins (a former atheist and head of the Human Genome Project); John Polkinghorne (Physicist and priest); Paul Davies (Physicist and cosmologist at Arizona State University. He chairs the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) postdetection committee) for starters. Other scientists are atheists. Among them, Richard Dawkins (Evolutionary biologist) and Carl Sagan (astronomer). Read them all. Evaluate them all. Make up your own mind what seems most plausible.
Listening to an atheist ranting about what God is or isn't or who Jesus is or isn't is no more valid than listening to a fundamentalist Christian bashing evolution. Each is a partisan, locked into his or her point of view and neither is thoughtfully listening to the other. The uproar is deafening.
Your father has made his choice and he is comfortable with the consequences of that choice. You get your turn to do the same. So did I. Like you, I was once an agnostic, a position that I found troubling because it does not admit to an answer. I've read much, studied much, and I am comfortable with my belief system / understanding. I still read constantly (both sides of the argument) because I am not afraid of ideas, including those I ultimately discard. The consequences for my life are mine. It is the same for all of us.
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
Scott S wrote on March 20: "I think it is impossible to know. ... I, as you may have guessed, consider myself an Agnostic. I pussy position by some peoples view. Cast your stones, I shall forgive your trespasses. Agnostics sit on the fence between the theists and atheists."
gnosticism and agnosticism describe *knowledge* or lack thereof.
theism and atheism describe *belief* or lack thereof.
They describe different things, and just as someone can be brown-haired and blue-eyed, someone else could be blonde-haired and blue-eyed. There can be agnostic theists (theists who don't claim to know the nature of their deity), gnostic theists (theists who claim to know the nature of their deity), agnostic atheists (people who don't believe in deities but don't claim to know they don't exist), and gnostic atheists (people who deny the existence of gods).
Since you don't subscribe to theism, that makes you an atheist by default. You withhold belief until you have evidence, which is the reasonable position to take.
Since your stance is that the existence or non-existence of deities is unknowable, this also makes you an agnostic. This can also a reasonable position to take, imo, as long as sentience isn't a requirement in a deity, and that deity doesn't have to be its own separate entity.
You, Scott, are an agnostic atheist, and there is nothing wrong with that. :)
Scott S. Mar 20, 2009
Sorry for the crap ton of spelling and grammatical errors I must have maid in the above post. Trying to write quickly on my lunch break.
Rayterrin Mar 25, 2009
Thank u for the above post, very much something to wrap ur mind around :), i do have another question, see what u think on this one.
So why is Satan evil, what makes him so in the wrong? Silly question right? Well look at it in this light. Why would someone leave a home in glory where everything is perfect, wonderful to rebel against ur master? Why is he rebeling, there has to be more than power hungry evil, in satans point of view God is evil, every bad guy thinks they r in the right and the good guy is wrong. However is u live in glory, and u can read and see ur fate of everlasting fire, why do u continue to fight against? makes u wonder, must really have to believe what ur fighting for u to sacrifice everything u r like that... what do u think?
Cray h. Apr 08, 2009
idk but he like wanted to the glory of creating earth and man from god or something im not really sure...
Portal Apr 08, 2009
The cake is a lie.
Ellykay Apr 09, 2009
This was a triumph.
I'm making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS.
It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
Aperture Science
We do what we must
because we can.
For the good of all of us.
Except the ones who are dead.
But there's no sense crying over every mistake.
You just keep on trying till you run out of cake.
And the Science gets done.
And you make a neat gun.
For the people who are still alive.
I'm not even angry.
I'm being so sincere right now.
Even though you broke my heart.
And killed me.
And tore me to pieces.
And threw every piece into a fire.
As they burned it hurt because I was so happy for you!
Now these points of data make a beautiful line.
And we're out of beta.
We're releasing on time.
So I'm GLaD. I got burned.
Think of all the things we learned
for the people who are still alive.
Go ahead and leave me.
I think I prefer to stay inside.
Maybe you'll find someone else to help you.
Maybe Black Mesa
THAT WAS A JOKE.
HAHA. FAT CHANCE.
Anyway, this cake is great.
It's so delicious and moist.
Look at me still talking
when there's Science to do.
When I look out there, it makes me GLaD I'm not you.
I've experiments to run.
There is research to be done.
On the people who are still alive.
And believe me I am still alive.
I'm doing Science and I'm still alive.
I feel FANTASTIC and I'm still alive.
While you're dying I'll be still alive.
And when you're dead I will be still alive.
STILL ALIVE (x2)
Eddy Feb 23, 2010
and the point of listing the entire lyrics of still alive was..... 0_o
Kevin Apr 08, 2009
Does anyone else realize that the "Major Schisms of Atheism One", the Occam's Razor one, and then the "The simplest answer is often the cleverest and is also usually wrong" all contradict one another? Just saying...
kott sclarr Apr 08, 2009
thanks a lot, scott, for being such a smart guy.
religious people,get over it. honestly, you're delusional if you really believe some crackpot theory concieved 2000 years ago over modern science.
just get over it.
Christine Apr 08, 2009
I was raised Catholic until I was around 10. Now I am an avid follower of the Church of FSM. Unlike Christianity or most of the other world religions, there are actual sitings for my revered deity. My faith fills my soul, and my stomach. http://www.venganza.org/
Shazz Apr 09, 2009
So happy to find a fellow FSM follower. May his Noodly Apendage touch you, and all who comment here.
Fascinating reading, but my thoughts haven't changed. Believe what you will, but don't force it on others and don't use it as an excuse for what you do in life. You make your own choices so don't try to coat it with a religious banner when it doesn't work out.
If there were such an omnipotent being as your "god" then why would s/he cause/allow pain and suffering to millions of innocent children? No-one has ever been able to tell me that. There is no viable reason. It does no good at all.
Just be nice to each other, because now is all you have. How disappointed you'll be when you find your "next life" doesn't exist! Much like your "god" really! Better to make the most of this one - I guarrantee you, it's real! Cheers!
Rose Apr 08, 2009
Nice, but you missed one: http://jewmanist.com/2007/08/28/amotivational-poster/
:)
John Jones Apr 08, 2009
Wow, excellent collection dude! Well done www.anon-tools.cz.tc
Incognito Apr 08, 2009
I have an MS in applied physics and I believe in God. Are you going to call me ignorant? I have nothing better to do? It seems that you people have nothing better to do than bash organized religion.
The man who cracked the human genome now believes in God. Very interesting read. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article673663.ece
Richard B. Apr 08, 2009
From the sound of this, he already believed in god (no I won't capitalize it). Thus, he thinks the findings of the Human Genome Project support his belief in god. This, however, is a common fallacy, and when conducting research you have to go in having a clear mind and assuming nothing, or your findings will only prove that you have disregarded every other idea and forced your data to fit your pre-conclusion.
While this man is smart, and his work (along with the others at the HGP) is great, he's been brainwashed from a young age (like many children) to believe something, and nothing will prove otherwise until he opens himself to the possibility. Instead, he's dug his heels in, just like every other religious person, and refuses to believe, even for a second, that what they believe in might not be true. Until you do that, you cannot be free of it.
Richard B. Apr 08, 2009
And yes, before anyone says it, it does say he was an atheist until age 27, but no child is an atheist. It is in our nature as children to make gods and superheroes out of those stronger or brighter than ourselves, and to attribute things we do not understand to those individuals. This is why children so willingly believe in god. Combine that with the fact that a vast majority of children are not 'raised atheist', I seriously doubt he did not have some sort of faith before be became an atheist, which he then regressed to seeing something he could not quite grasp.
ely Apr 08, 2009
raised agnostic... no religion was forced on me by my immediate or extended family. Extended family is generally Southern Baptist.
i label myself as agnostic pagan. i view the Gods as a personification of the Divine. They are made in Man's image and in turn we are made in God's image. (I love how the middle easterner man/God, Jesus, turned into a Western European in form and appearance)
The divine is beyond knowing, outside of space, outside of time (something we created). The divine is beyond form, beyond Good, beyond Evil. The divine is everywhere, the Divine is nowhere. The Divine Is, the Divine Is Not.
suggested reading Nietzsche, Zoroastrianism, and Brahma. They are all related. I saw concepts in the Atheist philosophy of Nietzsche that are mirrored in Zoroastrianism and their concept of the Divine (as well as mine) stems from the related concepts of Brahma.
Jeff Apr 13, 2009
Age 27 is not a "child".
Interesting that you challenge what he believed up to the age of 27 instead of just taking his word for what he believed. His beliefs are, after all, "his". What justification do you have for contradicting him?
He may not fit your view of what a "scientist" should believe. So be it. Intelligent people, including scientists, can and do reasonably come to the conclusion that God exists. Francis Collins is one of them.
interesting Apr 08, 2009
I agree that there need not be a "constant war" between science and religion. Though I don't believe there is a god I don't see how discovering the human genome (or any biological, physical or chemical discovery) explicitly means there is no god. We figured it out so by applying the logic(?) of religion to the same idea it is entirely possible that god in fact designed the genome and it is something entirely discoverable.
The idea of god should take more of a central role in the ever going argument between religion and science, not merely his existence. That being recognized more interesting conclusions may be reached.
BoredAfterReadingThis Apr 08, 2009
yawn yawn yawn
fdsa Apr 08, 2009
Creationism poster
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3424046311_cc37b07268_o.jpg
chkno Apr 08, 2009
Three more:
http://notsomotivational.com/?p=2639
http://chkno.net/found/christian-fiction.jpeg
http://chkno.net/found/died-for-our-donuts.jpeg
Phoenix Apr 08, 2009
awesome read. gave me a good laugh. I am spreading it around.
WhyIsThisAnIssue Apr 08, 2009
"...you follow because you are too ignorant to lead, and that is why I and all Athiest are better than you, we think for ourselves, you let others do the thinking for you." Wow. Powerful words. Spoken like a true believer. Turning his hate on those who do not follow his ways. Sounds a lot like a religion to me. And it seems, like in all religions, that you have the extremists who give the rest a bad name.
You Athiests throw stones at the Christians only because there's a little, tiny, shred of doubt in your mind that "What if i'm wrong?". None of us are going to know if we're right or wrong about our personal beliefs until the end. And beliefs are personal. And very much like opinions if you know the reference. Why not each of us have our belief and go about being the good person we each want and need to be. Or is it more important to stand around in groups talking smack about the other guy and feeding off the group dynamic? Maybe work yourself into a lather? Nothing good comes from debating politics or religion. If you're ready to find God, you will. If not, so be it.
I for one refuse to believe that all of this was a string of random events that put us here and that we evolved up from mud. The world, the universe is too grand to be a coincidence. If you feel that you should think so little of yourself and us as a species, then whatever blows your hair back. You should find some solice in the approaching darkness of your pending non-existance as nothing follows. Me, I believe that this is not the end, but just one step on the path to eternity.
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
WhyIsThisAnIssue wrote: "You Athiests throw stones at the Christians only because there's a little, tiny, shred of doubt in your mind that "What if i'm wrong?"."
No, we speak up because there is much in religion that hinders society. It hinders science, it hinders critical thought, it promotes bigotry, and it does its best to base our laws on its doctrines. Not to mention what it does to children who have nightmares of themselves or of those they love suffering for all eternity in a lake of fire, or gays who take their own lives because religion tells them they are an abomination.
Personally, I have nothing against Christians, any more than I have anything against someone with cancer. It's not your fault for having that affliction, but if you don't actively *and honestly* seek answers, you'll be stuck with that affliction for the rest of your life.
Jim Apr 08, 2009
Durr. Efforts like this simply portray atheism as more fundamentalist than fundamentalists. Atheists are thoughtful and intelligent people. This propaganda makes them seem insular, self-satisfied, and dumb. These pictures just scream "I'm a 16 year old internet atheist who makes nasty comments about Jesus to make me seem rebellious!". Yeah super you are really rebellious and shocking.
Eric (Lord of death and the Underworld) S Apr 08, 2009
OMG!!! Reading this bickering is about as hard as believing in god (yes, I'm leaning to the atheist side in this). A lot of these posters are funny and clever and they made me laugh. Mostly creationist, pro-religion etc posters just aren't very funny (sorry it's just the truth, they are usually kinda lame and if you disagree then you're just being difficult). The point is that "atheism" is really just another religious view when argued in such a way as it is here! Albeit the lack of holding a god as omnipotent and all knowing, but a religious view all the same. A true "atheist" if you want to call it that needs not argue their stance at all since THERE IS NO STANCE TO ARGUE!!! I have no time to worry about bibles, churches and how to properly behave. I treat people well, I am thoughtful of the universe as it is the most wondrous and exciting thing beyond our imaginations and I keep an open mind to anything I hear/read/see.
I really cannot say (nor can anyone on alive, on this earth) what happens after death and where (if anywhere but the ground or a little jar) we go. If I should find myself standing in front of some massive golden gates after my demise, faced with a list of my lifelong sins I shall eat my words then and start praying.
Point is, there's not enough time on earth to worry about what everyone else is thinking. If you believe there is a god and heaven and eyeballs, fingernails and juji-fruits were designed by god then by all means go right ahead. If you want to believe we are a random and common occurance throughout the universe then you should pursue that. As long as your beliefs are not forced upon others and you don't demand others go out of their way to respect them there should really be no problems.
btw, there is no god.
ummmmm... Apr 08, 2009
So, just a question.
What if it turns out that in fact Aliens started all life on this planet and it is in fact they that are responsible for everything we know on earth? Would they be this "god" being spoken of?
Also, what is said Aliens in fact thought of earth as some sort of giant, galactic farm and came, knife and fork in hand, ready to eat EVERY LAST HUMAN BEING AND ANIMAL ON THIS PLANET (except pigs of course)??? Would they still be considered god then?
Is god allowed to eat us?
I was just kind of wondering.
somecanuckchick Apr 08, 2009
Hilarious. Really. Thanks! :)
nilky Apr 08, 2009
Yet another one... http://imgur.com/H37H9.jpg
Orfn Apr 08, 2009
You do realize that all that aid money has only made the situation in Africa WORSE right? Trillions of dollars have been wasted so that corrupt officials can continue buying themselves nice cars, fancy clothes, and air-conditioned homes. Pat yourself on the back, you're only damaging the situation by throwing money at it instead of actually finding a solution.
Gwarek2 Apr 08, 2009
Here's a little something something...
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7915/religionr.jpg
pinky214 Apr 08, 2009
Something I read somewhere:
It's natural to think that living things must be the handiwork of a designer. But it was also natural to think that the sun went around the earth. Overcoming naive impressions to figure out how things really work is one of humanity's highest callings.
Our own bodies are riddled with quirks that no competent engineer would have planned but that disclose a history of trial-and-error tinkering: a retina installed backward, a seminal duct that hooks over the ureter like a garden hose snagged on a tree, goose bumps that uselessly try to warm us by fluffing up long-gone fur.
The moral design of nature is as bungled as its engineering design. What twisted sadist would have invented a parasite that blinds millions of people or a gene that covers babies with excruciating blisters? To adapt a Yiddish expression about God: If an intelligent designer lived on Earth, people would break his windows.
The theory of natural selection explains life as we find it, with all its quirks and tragedies. We can prove mathematically that it is capable of producing adaptive life forms and track it in computer simulations, lab experiments and real ecosystems. It doesn't pretend to solve one mystery (the origin of complex life) by slipping in another (the origin of a complex designer).
Many people who accept evolution still feel that a belief in God is necessary to give life meaning and to justify morality. But that is exactly backward. In practice, religion has given us stonings, inquisitions and 9/11. Morality comes from a commitment to treat others as we wish to be treated, which follows from the realization that none of us is the sole occupant of the universe. Like physical evolution, it does not require a white-coated technician in the sky.
-STEVEN PINKER
Tonya Apr 08, 2009
My only question is... why waste all your time arguing with each other trying to win this long standing argument. Christians, live your lives, praise your God and be joyful. Atheists, live it up and stop worrying about that which you should not want to change. Why does it matter to you if someone wants to believe in a Higher Being? All that should matter to you is that you don't. This constant bickering is what causes wars... the need for every side to be proven right. Can't we all just get along? Get a life!!
Marc Smith Apr 08, 2009
thank you =D
Ian Apr 08, 2009
I have to agree with what Scott K said on Dec 13th - if god suddenly showed up i'd have to acknowledged he existed, but i dont think i'd follow him. The god of the bible is not a very nice god. He strikes me more a psychotic petulant child.
For those of you that believe in god let me ask you this - can god lie? He's all powerful right? How do you know he didn't lie to you about any of this? Why would any being that's so loving require us to bow down and worship him or suffer for all eternity? Use your brain for a minute - does that really sound like anything that's all loving?
How do you know religion isn't a test? Maybe there is a god - maybe the bible is even his words. How do you know it's not simply a test to see who is willing to defy the illogical and accept the rational? You cant prove it's not a test since you believe god is all powerful and you cant really know his mind. So maybe all the major religions are just his way of weeding out the people who have evolved to the next level - and everyone else maybe gets to go around the merry go round again until they get it right.
That makes a hell of a lot more sense to me then believing the god of the bible is a good god and someone worth worshiping.
Personally i am agnostic, not athiest. You can neither prove or disprove gods existence. So why bother wasting time on him/her/it? My view is if being a generally good person (helping my friends/family, being generally nice to other people and in general trying to leave the world a little better off then it was ) is not good enough for a god to accept me, then he's really not worth wasting any time on.
If you want to believe someone created all of this - fine. I can understand that and maybe even respect it, even if i dont believe in that myself. But i will not respect anyone who thinks the god of the bible is worth worshipping. You could have someone run around and murder and rape a 1000 people but on his death bed say he's sorry and he gets into heaven, whereas i can run around and help a 1000 people but still refuse to believe, so i should suffer forever? And you think that's a system you should believe in and worship? No - i will not respect that.
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
Ian wrote: "Personally i am agnostic, not athiest."
Actually, you are both, since you have no belief in deities.
See, this is why statistics show there being fewer atheists than there really are. Some atheists won't claim the label because its definition has been skewed and they don't really know what it means (lack of theism, that's all), while others know what it means but refuse to use the label because others will misunderstand what it means.
You don't have to deny the existence of gods to be an atheist. Lack of belief is enough.
I agree with the sentiments in much of your post, Ian, but we can't just ignore religion, unfortunately. Just as we need doctors to cure illnesses, we need to speak up to keep religion from spreading, infecting our politics, trying to force its way into science class, causing people to commit suicide and/or kill others, emotionally abusing children, etc. As the saying goes, evil thrives where good men (or women) do nothing.
Children these days are less religious than they were a generation ago, thanks to people speaking up and educating others. We need to keep it up while we have that momentum going.
Evan Apr 08, 2009
"why waste all your time arguing with each other trying to win this long standing argument"
Why? Because, if the way we teach our children and progress as a society is dependent on Christian ideas that evolution is a crock and that in fact there is no need to explain what we see (as we can always just say "God did it" if we cant figure it out) then how can progress possibly be made? The only way we progress is by taking something and analyzing it. Take the light bulb for example. A great invention, i think everyone agrees. Would the light bulb have been invented if no one ever considered that maybe "the candle isn't the best way to produce light". And once the light bulb was invented did we just stop trying to improve and make it better? What could possibly be done to such a perfect invention? Well we could use more than 25% of the energy to make light for starters (thus the invention of fluorescent light bulb). Will we stop there in improving this idea? Certainly not. Then why, i must ask you, should we not challenge things so that they work better, are more efficient and further progress rather than restrain it? Just as sun gods and gods of harvest were analyzed and revamped to fit with knowledge, so should the modern religions. I'm not just talking Christianity here, but all religions, religions that lead to things like terrorist attacks, religions that lead to not allowing things like stem cell research, ones that prevent freedom, nearly every religion in fact could stand to be re-evaluated. So that is my answer to why we must argue this (although it would be in the best interest of everyone to keep it civil).
I myself am not an atheist. The best way to describe me would be to say that i am an agnostic. I have gone to a catholic/Christian school my entire life and i have learned in my own time about other religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Muslim, etc. (I have learned at least some about all the "major" religions) Through this study i realize that perhaps everyone worshiping/believing in the same thing. Whether you believe in one god, two, or seven, you are using these gods as a way to explain the unknown. So really you believe in explanations. Why then should you not, instead of creating a puzzle piece to fill in the gap, go find the puzzle piece? Atheists believe that they can find all the answers through science, theists believe that they can find all the answers in God. We all have to have faith in something, why not in what can progress us all as human beings rather than something that slows our progress.
BillyWarhol Apr 09, 2009
very well said!
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
"Why then should you not, instead of creating a puzzle piece to fill in the gap, go find the puzzle piece?"
I love that, Evan. Excellent way to put it. :)
Joshua Apr 08, 2009
Ok, so the playing field seems to be quite large here, so I'll give my own 2 cents. I definitely believe in an omnipotent, omnipresent "IT" (I don't say God because, let's face it, with all of the religions out there, who's to say what name is to be used?) One of my favorite quotes is, "...(God) is too big of a concept to fit into one religion." If everyone would just stop bashing one another about who's right and who's wrong, and accept that there are always going to be more questions than answers, then we would have an extremely better world to live in. I have studied a great number of belief systems, and if I had to stick to one, my most closely matched would be Buddhism. Although I don't believe in tying myself into one system, I prefer a more broad approach to this subject. I designed my own ideas based on what I've seen, read, and understand, and so far, I live a comfortable life. I guess you would call me "Spiritual" and not "Religious".
We all live our own lives, and it's nobody's place to judge anyone else based on their beliefs. In the Early Christian Era, and leaked all the way down, doesn't almost all forms of the Bible say that Man was given freedom of choice? Then why try to take that away from someone else if they so choose to use it?
I think people need to treat others with respect and decency, and to each his/her own.
drew clark Apr 08, 2009
To be honest I think both religion and science can have the same positive and negative effects on people and society. On one hand we have religion: each one of them gives people something to believe in, because religion knows that this factor will keep us humans going somehow. It's inevitable, religious or atheist, that at some point we ask ourselves the Big Questions: "why are we here? where will we go? how did we get here? etc....
these questions drive us, make us live and learn. Life is also full of grief at times and most religious books are just full of common sense, giving us indications on how to lead a life the best way possible for us and those around us. Don't steal, don't lie, don't hurt, forgive, understand even when you think it's wrong.... these rules work. The problem with religion is that a bunch of fanatics have taken advantage of the above mentioned questions and played with peoples faith, specially when they were feeling the most vulnerable.... when they were looking around themselves asking: "what the f***ed happened and why?". In those moments you'll be certain to believe anything that gives you hope that life isn't so shit after all.
on the other hand you have atheism. the rejection of an existence of any form of God, or deity. Fair enough. I'm very much like St. Thomas, I believe in what I see or even more what I touch. and I have to say I'm very happy with that. Travel around the world and what you see and hear and feel can be extremely beautiful and sublime to not need a God to believe that life can be beautiful and changes for our well being can be done. I think that lacking faith in a God is easily done and can lead to a much freer life, therefore a life bound to develop and evolve more than one that isn't. Where I think a problem lies, is that most atheists, having chosen or just simply not believing in God, find that science and technology are our solutions. Science will lead us to space, science will give us great technology... But to what use?
Science spends so much of its time trying to cure all our diseases..... people rely on science, almost like religious people rely on God... they both have given us a fake hope. The world will never be disease free, there will always be something that will affect our health and science isn't actually making it better rather making it worse. What doesn't kill us here (i.e. a flu) will kill a tribesman in the jungle... probably many cultures still alive of which we don't know to much of, have fought disease like cancer and HIV in their own way, who knows how many have developed the immunity to them. Science strives to know the unknown, to discover space,and we still haven't finished to discover our planet.... there is a very high percentage of rainforest that we haven't discovered as such, and lets not forget, we are destroying it already....
when we learn maths at school... you need to study sums, multiples, subtractions and all that before you can solve an algebra equation. How is science going to answer anything if it's not dealing with the main issues. Unfortunately, we will never be supermen, no matter how much ultracool things will be created, we will just look like x-men. at the end of the day we are animals, we are here for a certain amount of time, we need to eat, drink, sleep, keep fit, breath, and take care of ourselves. We live and WE DIE. and this is where for me all of it lies, DEATH....
so many of us are just scared of it, science and religion are just not being honest. Some of us are or will be weakened in our lives, some of us will die young and some won't. we should stop trying to fix it. People think that we are different from animals because we have feelings. we are still animals. (and that doesn't mean animals don't have feelings, who will ever know, really!) By me taking my Hiv meds I'm giving myself hope, constant hope. Is that really good for me? wouldn't acceptance be a good thing to remember too. Science gives Hiv people the thought of having their own children :"OH, well, science nowadays can wash the Hiv virus out out of the sperm a certain percentage of the time".... why would you put any percentage of risk on the life of your daughter or son.
essentially we are greedy and foolish.... we focus on all the wrong things sometimes, atheists and religious. Most of you have spent time arguing on who is right and who is wrong, the believers or the non believers.... which one will lead to a faster evolution of the human being
the only thing that will help us evolve and grow is the belief in eachother, the belief in love and friendship, the belief of unity within deifference. There is no right and no wrong, there just is!!!
and till people don't realise this, nothing will be solved, the day a natural disaster will wipe out our planet, our land or home you won't have God nor an i-phone to help, your gonna wish you have even your grumpy and smelly neighbour to hold hands with just to know that you are not alone asking that question: "what the f***ed happened and why?"!!
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
drew clark wrote: "on the other hand you have atheism. the rejection of an existence of any form of God, or deity."
Atheism = Lack of theism.
SOME atheists will deny the existence of gods, just like SOME four-legged animals are cats. But not all four-legged animals are cats, just as one doesn't need to deny the existence of gods in order to be an atheist.
I fit the label of atheist, simply because I am not convinced by theist claims. Likewise, I also fit the label of agnostic, because I don't claim to know whether or not some 'IT' exists ... although I will say a 'HE' or 'SHE' seems far too improbable to even consider, as any sentient creator -- with a gender, at that! -- would have to be too irreducibly complex to exist without a creator, who would also need a creator, ad infinitum. ;)
cOwMoO Apr 08, 2009
Some atheists are motivated by empathy and compassion, some by greed and selfishness, this has nothing to do with being an atheist.
I could also say some people with green shoes are motivated by empathy and compassion, some by greed and selfishness.
Motivation and religion are simply not connected for an atheist.
For a theist on the other hand, the two are connected (to varying degrees between followers) and this can and has spelled disaster many times.
There is also an inherent lack of assumed responsibility with theism, as theists feel they are doing the work of a god, thus abstaining from accepting responsibility, again this causes massive problems.
Why not do away with the whole thing and simply blame people for their actions?
"Good men will do good deeds, and evil men will do evil deeds, but for good men to do evil, it takes religion"
Rebecca Apr 08, 2009
"When I was still trying to find truth in religion and mysticism my life was much more defined by these things. When I accepted a more elegant model of the world I became defined by own reasoning and observations, rather than the parroted justifications of other people's faith."
For 'more elegant' read: 'Easier. (I got sick of choosing between theories that other people put forward for the meaning of life and, forgetting to then use my OWN brain to address the question of God, decided to make a series of posters making fun of other people. It felt right.)'
Mike Apr 08, 2009
haha thanks for putting this together! its awesome.... I work in a place covered in christian motivational posters.. i only wish i could post some of these up in my office without being fired...
Sepehr Apr 09, 2009
I'm a Persian Atheist.That is awesome page.
All of the religious people believe god because THINKING IS HARD and god is HOLLY !!!!!
Bob Apr 09, 2009
Why go out of your way to attack a religion ?
Healthy debate is one thing, but these crass posters just show the creators feel threatened by the idea of God and accountability to something higher then their own convictions.
You can run, but you can't hide from truth. Hopefully you will listen to what's written in your hearts eventually. Don't run forever.
nope Apr 09, 2009
Most of those scientist lived in an age where a disbelief in god made one extremely uncomfortable/persecuted/put to death. Nowadays the majority of scientists and the well educated, ~70% according to the last poll I saw, are atheists, Coincidence?
BillyWarhol Apr 09, 2009
These are all Hilarious!! ;)) Be even Funnier if they weren't so TRUE!
All ya can do is Laff!!
Iron Gigus Apr 09, 2009
I do like how most of the comments on here, even from god-fearing peoples, are rather intelligent. That's very refreshing to here from some of you.
SMeech Apr 09, 2009
Listen you can't just say things as if they are true. Please provide citations.
According to wikipedia, Einstein viewed himself as an agnostic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Einstein#Religious_views
Id Cris Apr 09, 2009
"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
- Albert Einstein
Redalert Apr 10, 2009
"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed." - Albert Einstein
Both can be applicable to the theist and atheist, happens when one is fixated, failed to comprehend his true significance and fully realized his potential.
------------------------------------------------------------------
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
Id Cris Apr 09, 2009
"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed."
- Albert Einstein
Redalert Apr 10, 2009
"If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed." - Albert Einstein
Both can be applicable to the theist and atheist, when one is fixated, failed to comprehend his worth and fully realized his potential.
------------------------------------------------------------------
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
Vandad Apr 09, 2009
What is it: is man only a blunder of God,
or God only a blunder of man?
Friedrich Nietzsche (Twilight of the Idols)
Ryan Apr 09, 2009
Who would be so shallow and low to help someone just because they believe god will reward them for it? Elephants help injured elephants. If elephants can do it without religion then why cant we? Many of our "morals" are innate. No superstition is needed to help someone. And if people help someone because there religion encourages them to, that says nothing about whether the belief system is true.
lunartrik Apr 09, 2009
Theres alot of stuff in this universe that people do not understand.
Modern scientific knowledge appears to be fractal, with each discovery opening up progressive layers of new research to infinatum.
"God" exists in the margins between our knowledge and the "truth" of reality, be that the knowledge we had thousands of years age or the knowledge of the present day.
The greater our knowledge the greater our abilty to define god and our relationship.
I Know that people should accept that everyone has to travel there own path in life in the important things,athiest fundamentalist or somewhere between the two extremes.
I personally find Bible quoters reasonably irratiting because the bible can be used to justify nearly any activity, contradicts itself in a ridiculous amount of places and has been edited, translated and modified so much that to claim its as a direct word of god is just wrong.
Extreme atheiests are more amusing because of the creative quotes they plagarise to support there positions, and because they are good with the intuhweb.
Jesus Apr 09, 2009
Can one of you religious freaks answer to the Epicurus quote in the posters?
god Apr 09, 2009
its time i clear this all up. i do exist. and i encourage everyone to molest children and kill each other. in my name. amen.
Sean Sanford Apr 09, 2009
If gods not real and this life is our only one, whats to stop us from doing everything morally wrong just to further our own joy?
I'll tell you. People only do what they think is right. Hitler thought it was right to exterminate the Jews and the people who instigated 9/11 thought they were doing the right thing. I could go on and on about people doing things they thought were right, but it all boils down to your social upbringing. Society is what tells us what's moral and immoral, not some ancient text (unless you live in a theocratic dictatorship). Your own moral code is based on your social experiences growing up. Friends, family, neighbors, the media, the community, your church. Everything around us influences our view of whats right and wrong. Not God. Now me personally, I have nothing against religion, but organized religion is the biggest scam in the history of mankind. All organized religion has done for mankind is rob them of their money and lives. The bible even tells us we're sheep and and God is our shepherd. If you do not give to the church you are damned to burn in hell. I dunno about you but that sounds like an organization that's trying to control me.
If God is truly omniscient, omnipotent, kind and benevolent then I think you'll go to heaven for just being a good person, not for accepting Jesus and/or going to church every Sunday. Since God sees everything I do and is everywhere I go, it seems kinda redundant to go to church and repent seeing as I could do it in the comfort of my own home.
My ideology leans more towards atheistic agnostisism because, I have never experienced anything divine, the most atrocious acts in history were carried out in the name of religion and science is my main belief system. If you can give me solid proof, an actual scientific theory on the existence of God I'll change my opinion. But until then the ball's in your court theists.
Michael Apr 09, 2009
Scott,
I am very thankful for the compilation of posters... that my friend was some very funny stuff. Hope you don't mind, but I'd like to link to you from my blog.
Cheers,
Michael
EVOLUCIEN1 Apr 09, 2009
Thanks for the posters...I can't wait to show them to my friends at work. We are the minority where we work and we get pretty sick of the holy rollers always wearing their Jesus merit badges, etc.
I recently returned from Istanbul and these posters reinforced what I sifted from the history there: religion was/is a bloody, cruel affair. My biggest frustration with organized religion are the interpretations. 1 1 in religion can add up to 44 gallons for one and 3 to the other follower...similarly to how politicians gratuitously use vague words like "justice", "freedom" and "respect"...religion pollutes reason, thus creating emotional, rather than logical reactions. Worst of all, religion tends to attract and promote people with mental health disorders.
OptToMiss Apr 09, 2009
I think it's wrong, in general, to persecute anyone on the basis of their beliefs(or lack thereof). Let actions have consequences-not thoughts.
That being said, I don't hear of anymore atrocities being committed by Atheists then I do Christians. If Atheism is 'so' immoral why don't we hear more about massive atheistic crime sprees? There's a significant enough number that if Atheists had no moral compass crime rates would be a lot higher.
Moonlitdances Apr 09, 2009
Ha, loved it even though I'm not an Atheist.
Though some of those commenting( for all their proclamations of being intelligent and caring people with a moral compass) seem quite closed minded and have an undeniable need to persecute a belief that is not their own and the Christians aren't doing much better.
Try and play nice guys, to you we may all be primitives who worship something that isn't there, but there are a few of us who respect your views and see science as an extension of a greater unknown we'd all like to know more about....also we're biding our time for when the right motivation posters come along to make fun of you :P
Cameron Apr 09, 2009
This.
Perfect example of why wars start
Fighting over beliefs. Getting angry and aggravated over something some people choose not to believe.
Baptized Catholic, Catholic elementary, Catholic middle, and Catholic highschool, got to college, realized that religion is a bogus and a ploy to control society.
Stop believing when my mom suffered for 3 years with cancer. Don't come on here and tell me it was Gods plan to have her suffer, BULL****, it was cancer that took her, not Gods plan.
Religion = bogus
But the people that do believe....keep believing, it gives you peace of mind, so therefore its not my business, whatever helps you sleep at night.
Taylor Apr 09, 2009
The movie Zeitgeist may help many of you "believers."
Stephanie Apr 10, 2009
It's sad how people rely on religion to make things better.
Stephanie Apr 10, 2009
Believe what you believe, go ahead, I'm not stopping you. Don't get mad when someone says they don't believe. And what's the point of saying, "You have to have faith in something". Why? I don't understand.
Tom Apr 10, 2009
It's easier and more disappointing than you would like:
"You have to have faith in something" sounds mysteriously and is supposed to make you interested in what this "something" is. Because nobody really KNOWS, what this something is, but nobody wants to be stupid not understanding, what this something is, disappointing amount of people just make something up in their mind! Now they have something! And it feels really good for some mystical reason.. so now they think that EVERYBODY has to have this "something" to believe in. But most people are too sane to make something like that up in their minds. For those people there are nice stories about amazing divine guys. But because everybody has different "something", all the stories about this something have to be vague and nondescript avoiding describing this something to not contradict with all the possible somethings. So everybody can go on feeling good for really nothing.
I don't want to say that it's wrong to make people feel good. But I really think it's pointless to be able to feel bood about your stupidity.
It's TOTALLY OK to not understand this statement. It just means you are sane person. You don't have to beat yourself up because of it! Enjoy it while it lasts! It may pass..
Mark Apr 10, 2009
Religion is based on faith and assumption (created to help us understand reality and live happily).
Science is based on theory and the scientific method (manmade belief systems created to help us understand reality and live happily)
Human beings will always have differing beliefs. The only way to make peace in this world is for all of us to acknowledge and accept that.
Tom Apr 10, 2009
So what's new in the bible in last .. few hundred years?
Just asking because this science-belief thing is making up new stuff every day. So let's accept that some people stop learning new stuff, because they already know everything they will ever need to know.. and your statement will make perfect sense!
John Apr 10, 2009
The problem with this is that, although by any measure of stated importance helping poor and injured the theist make us look bad, when you measure who is actually helping the poor and underprivileged the most it turns out to be the secularist.
For the theist perspective see:
Poll: Atheists less likely to 'do good www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=26675
For the secular perspective (and what's wrong with above presumptions):
Religious Doctors No More Likely To Care For Underserved Patients www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070731085614.htm
Note that bpnews overstates their case while sciencedaily understates theirs in the headlines. And yes, even the author said it was both a surprise and a disappointment. Only I wasn't surprised, I've researched this issue from many different angles.
Natalie Apr 10, 2009
Loved it, thanks!
mansi Apr 10, 2009
love it to no ends.
Stupid Idea Apr 11, 2009
"And missionaries don't do it just for the reward, it comes from the love of their fellow man. Which granted is the same reason others that aren't Christian do it. To do a good work for the reward is hypocritical and wrong for ANY person regardless of faith or lack thereof."
So if people (Christians and athiets alike) do good deeds just because they want to help others, then we can say that it has nothing to do with religion, right?
Agreed. The desire to do good comes from within, not from any particular relgion.
Stupid Idea Apr 11, 2009
Oops, posted this in the wrong spot.
Drawde Apr 11, 2009
Dude, where can i find the hi-res version of those pictures?
I'm interesting to print one of them.
Thanks anyway.
Greetings from Indonesia
Joni Ruhs Apr 11, 2009
The Pope picture is the best!
Marc Apr 11, 2009
First off, I have no problem with religion. worship what you want, its your life. from an imaginary friend to a rock in your backyard it makes no difference to me (until you try to convert me in which case i will squash you like a bug)
Second, i was raised Catholic, and did extensive research on various branches of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Daoism, Muslim and Buddhist religions before deciding to be an atheist.
All religions have their flaws (without exception). but to stick to Christianity, since thats where most of the focus is:
your religion (or branches there of) has caused more deaths over the course of history than ANY other factor.
I realize these are extremists in recent history, and uneducated in the past... but the fact still remains.
that, and ponder this a bit will ya?
You are following a belief (which can be defined as a vague idea in which some confidence is placed) of a group of uneducated, primitive humans.
and while they THOUGHT that god existed, they KNEW (with no doubt whatsoever) that the earth was flat.
The bible is just a nice story book filled with good morals.
I obviously have no proof that your god does not exist, it is merely my BELIEF. Your free to have your own, and i dont have to understand it. but until the extremists and crazies calm down or get put down, you will always be under attack by non-believers who suffer as a result.
mew4ever23 Apr 13, 2009
Indeed. The Bible is NOT the word of God. It is the words of MEN about god, and quoting it cannot help prove points, especially if said quotes are taken out of context.
S reply Apr 12, 2009
"Do you happen to have any scientific means able to read the heart of those religious people that you seemed inclined to construe their actions as reward motivated and not out of sincere compassion and love?"
And do you have any religious means to explain why the non-religious do good for others? Listen, I'm not saying that all religious people help others because of religion, but the first comment that I replied to was stating just that. I'm just saying that people shouldn't need religion as the reason for helping and giving to the world. And by the way, it is psychologically proven that people help others for a selfish internal satisfaction- which in turn is rewarding for both sides.
"I wish you can satisfy his curiosity when your nephew asked where we all came from, justifying the mathematical probability that all what we see living now first came from non living."
My nephew knows all versions of creation and scientific explanations for life (probably better than most people do); he simply chose the one that made the most sense, the one that continues to expand, explore, and make breakthroughs. He stopped believing in Santa Claus a few years back (to partly relate back to this page).
P.S. The apple doesn't far from the tree.
Jepthah sacrifices his only daughter because he gave his "word to God," and Abraham almost sacrifices his son to prove his dedication to God, and not to mention Jesus who sacrifices himself. But since those are in the Bible, of course they're not disturbing.
Jenny Apr 12, 2009
I believe we are all here for a reason, that we have a purpose. I believe we are here to grow and learn, to become more aware of who we are and why are here. I believe in free will. I don't believe in coincidences.
For me life is like a maze. It's like I'm a mouse in a maze and I'm looking for the cheese. Sometimes I take a wrong turn and get to a dead end. Sometimes I get really close only to take another wrong turn and end up at another dead end. If and when I (hopfully!) get to the cheese I have found my life purpose - I may, for example, realise that my current career is not the one for me and I quit even though the money was excellent and I start a job that I've always dreamed of doing or maybe I finally decide to end a bad relationship that was going nowhere, these decisions will all take me closer to my true purpose. We make the wrong choices because we have free will and sometimes we let our fear guide us.
I believe it is very important to trust our instincts. We should all develop that aspect of ourselves. Some people do this through organised religion, others opt for a more independent option. Whatever you choose make sure you listen to your instincts. Don't let a religion control you and tell you what to think and likewise don't let your atheist beliefs cloud your instincts either. Trust in them, they are always right.
And finally, although I can see some of the humor in the above posters, I find them quite distasteful. It is the kind of thing that will just give atheism a bad name. Not a smart thing to do in my humble opinion.
S reply Apr 12, 2009
I, honestly, just really didn't think they were that funny.
Kodanshi Apr 12, 2009
I found this one:
http://i40.tinypic.com/f9dsvm.jpg
eidolon413 Apr 24, 2009
Out of everything I have seen here, this made me laugh the most! Thank you!
boo Apr 13, 2009
god is holly. red dwarf.
Debar Apr 13, 2009
Yo,
First off Im agnostic, these were entertaining, but most of them just state the same things over and over. and Ive seen them on multiple other sites, sites which also posted the anti-atheism motivational posters, I obviously see your stance but I do believe its a little unfair. Heres my thoughts on religion & atheism (dont bother responding I will probably never come back here, I just stumbled on it anyways)
A) Prayer is not useless, but prayer without action is evil. A study of people meditating to reduce crime in Washington is supposed to have actually reduced crime by about 23% (the murder rates stayed about the same but other crime went down) Meditation is very similar to praying, except more introverted instead of extroverted.
B) Religion is not the cause of war or destruction, or any of these things, they have been around far longer than organized religions have exsisted and to think that religion is the only cause of such things is silly. Religion is normally a "reason" for the uneducated masses for why we go to war, but in actually most organized religions teach peace, or peace was in their original message, it is the fanatics who derange it for their own personal benefit.
C) Science and Religion should have nothing against each other, one is a philosophical view on life and the other is a method for expanding our intelligence as a species.
D) Epicurus was an idiot, I have not personally studied him, but from that single quote of his he acts like if there were some kind of great divine being that this being would stop death and pestilence and all the "bad" things in the world, but this goes on to a deeper philosophical understanding of what is "good?" The fact is that good and bad are just terms which we use to point at things we do and dont like.
E) Final argument that the Christian Dark ages somehow caused the collapse of the roman empire and thus the collapse of all roman technology is completely historically inaccurate. In fact just the opposite is true. Its true that the roman empire did fall, but it wasn't Christians who caused this, it was the Goths, a group of tribesmen who were held under Roman sway and eventually rose up to sack Rome and move on to Spain where they converted to Christianity and became known as the Visigoths. Also by this point Rome itself had already converted to Christianity. Another thing is that writing was kept by Irish monks, allowing scripts & other documents to survive the fall of Rome. completely debunking the idea that Christianity somehow holds people back.
In finality its true that some fanatical religious views hold people back, but so do fanatical atheistic views, or any kind of fanatical view, I mean you spend so much time debating on a forum about whether God exists or not and in the end it is a moot point, get out and live your damn lives, if you wish to be religious then be religious, if you wish to not believe in god then don't. Unless someone physically tries to stop you from living your life then you shouldn't need to argue. But Im making too much sense, carry on debating.
mew4ever23 Apr 13, 2009
OK, first off, I was not raised religious, I did not, and do not, go to church (honestly, I have better things to do with my Sunday), and I went to public school.
Honestly, most of the comments I see for this article I see people pressing people to believe what they believe with bible quotes taken out of their proper context that, in their context, have no meaning. This is morally wrong, and the people doing it should be ashamed of themselves. There is absolutely no reason for religious people to be angry at Atheists. Freedom of speech, freedom of thought.
mew4ever23 Apr 13, 2009
PS: [url = " http://steamcommunity.com/groups/traingod"]ALL HAIL THE TRAIN GOD![/url]
meeper Apr 14, 2009
You shouldn't need religion in order to do good things.
MJM Apr 15, 2009
here's a poster" http://www.atheistnexus.org/photo/motivator6335772-1?context=user
guest Apr 16, 2009
epicurus lived ~300 BC...
sasquatch Apr 16, 2009
Nice man lol
Atheist Nation Apr 17, 2009
Join the League of Reason
Madafakin Apr 18, 2009
GUWNO
Joel Apr 19, 2009
We created God. Don't see god as a being, god is a concept (I am only trying to explain my point, not trying to insult you in any way). We try to explain things we don't understand by making up a god. I don't know if Christians refer to a god like a part of us which represents something "good". What I only see is Christians talking about Jesus like a Santa.
I also think we should try to know humanity on it. gotta go. will finish this later.
Redalert Apr 20, 2009
Man is naturally spiritual in nature thus religion in any form ain't going nowhere. And while godless people keep poking fun on everything that represent religion, just like science, religion is maturing too.
Atheist Demotivators Apr 21, 2009
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SYH_7PE3rVI/AAAAAAAAAGY/jYXlDp7X5bc/s1600-h/consensus.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SX9XBmM_21I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xmzuTiND8ac/s1600-h/NoTrueAtheist.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SXZHIRt_oKI/AAAAAAAAAFw/j6kmhIdEQTI/s1600-h/ATHEIST+LOGIC.jpg
Atheist Demotivators Apr 21, 2009
Can I not type a 'plus sign'?
Scott Klarr Apr 25, 2009
Sorry about that; it has been fixed. I wrote this site from scratch and forgot to take into consideration the effects of a plus sign when dealing with ajax.
Barry Apr 21, 2009
It's a sad fact that in today's society people who don't believe in God (otherwise known as atheists) are likely to be discriminated against. Of course, there are many different concepts of God, and I'm sure there's some concept of God we can all feel comfortable about believing in. I mean, if you want to define "God" as an immaterial being that created the universe and has had no interaction with it or us ever since and that has nothing to do with defining morality and that doesn't expect us to worship or fear or obey it or even acknowledge it in any way, then sure, why the heck not...
http://www.cafepress.com/barrysworld/3053183
Jonny Apr 21, 2009
Everything boils down to nothing if you leave it on the stove long enough. This is the sort of discussion where that is the only real conclusion you can come to.
EthanAnarchy Apr 22, 2009
So. Yeah. I'm in 11th grade. i dont understand everything you guys say. but i can say.. if thre's a god... what created him? lol.
EthanAnarchy Apr 22, 2009
like really. religion leaves it at. god created the universe. the what created him really? science has no loose ends. everything can be explained. besides, i prefer to think there isn't an all powerful being who has the balls to watch people suffer and go through hell, so to speak, without doing a damn thing. When you can tell me how your "amazing god" can be so great, WHILE watching innocent people perish and disease spread, THEN i will believe you.
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
Well-reasoned, Ethan. :)
Joel Apr 23, 2009
Read "I don't have enough FAITH to be an athiest" by Norman L Geisler and Frank Turek. It's an amazing book that will really make you think. it is a hard read tho.
Scott Klarr Apr 25, 2009
If you read a book of my choosing, I will read that one. I have already read reviews and rebuttals to the content contained within so I pretty much already know what is in the pages of that book, but I will bother reading it if, like I said, you will read a book of my choosing. I don't know if you will even see this comment, but if you are interested you can email me or reply here.
Joel K Apr 23, 2009
oh and God is infinite. he deosn't have a begining. He created the universe with a thought. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, there has been sin. sin caused disease, pain, evil. God is not responsible for your actions, YOU are. you have a free will. you dont have to go out and, say mug someone for their money. but you also dont have to go out and give to the poor.
Scott Klarr Apr 25, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRCEr2JlqPw
John May 06, 2009
Have you ever stopped and listened to yourself? The absurdity in what you're saying is baffling.
Sean Apr 27, 2009
God disproof: VELOCIRAPTORS
Logic 1, Religion 0
Barry Apr 30, 2009
A bunch of additional atheist motivational posters can be found at the following site:
http://www.cafepress.com/theatheist
BMW41 Apr 30, 2009
Religion is just peoples' perception of what will happen after death or what we believe we originated from. I believe that religion was formed from the elderly, close to death, to have something comforting to lie on before they lose all their senses and die. Religion is just the cushion to help us endure the inevitable fate we all will experience.
We all are animals. We all have hearts, brains, muscles, nerves, etc. that all species have. I do not understand why we are believing that we are one some higher ground than other species. Eagles have a heightened sense of sight; dogs have heightened sense of smell; it's just that humans acquired the ability to think better than other species. But that shouldn't be the reason why we separate ourselves from them. If you agree, then answer me this: Why do we believe that humans are the center of everything in the universe - our families, our societies, our world? Why do we believe that this infinitesimal world with one "super-smart and superior" species is the center of the whole universe? Have any of you taken into account how small the earth is compared to the solar system alone? And may I remind you that Earth is infinitesimal to our own star itself? And also notice that the sun is small as fuck compared to other stars in our galaxy alone. The solar system is one out of hundreds of billions in a single galaxy and hundreds of billions of galaxies in the universe. Hmm... has it ever occurred to you how small our single planet is? So why do we think we are that important?
We are not, and neither are the religions we make up.
David May 05, 2009
There's no point in arguing with religious people. No matter what logic you use, it won't work. The whole argument has destroyed itself from the start, because you're not arguing with people who value logic and reason. You're arguing with religious people. No matter what the argument is, there's no point. They have an answer for everything, because they can just make it up. Because they can make things up that they will honestly believe, and they will be at rest and satisfied that there are no inconsistencies in the universe.
Sometimes I envy them for that. Here I am, using logic, reason, science, actually working to ensure that I have a full understanding of how things work, of how things should work, of how the universe operates, and all along there are those who don't have to raise a single finger, because they can make up whatever they want to and honestly believe that it solves the issue. Even if there is proof against religion, proof of evolution, paradoxical proofs against an all-knowing and all-powerful sentient being, relativistic paradoxes about sending information faster than light being impossible, destroying any possibility for anything to be "all-knowing", no matter what proof or evidence you use, there's no point. Logic is the work of the devil. Fossils are the work of the devil. Relativity is the work of the devil. Mathematical proof is the work of the devil. When "faith" is involved, there's always an answer, and it always serves whatever belief you want it to. That's the genius of religion and the ultimate power of faith. And that's why it's so difficult to argue against.
So there's no point. Give it a rest, guys, go have a beer or something.
Set May 06, 2009
It's funny people say the "crazy" examples of people doing "God's work" (such as killing their children) are made up by the people. Yet, the bible itself and all its stories, etc, which are also "God's work", or word, or whatever, just AREN'T made up! It's so simple! If it's good, it's true, if not, no way! It's selective ignorance. Stop choosing to be naive.
The argument of missionaries doing work being better than other work, and helping because they want to not because of heaven is mute. It's all relative. In my honest opinion, I don't think it's helpful AT ALL to go to underdeveloped countries and teach people a religion and tell them it's the truth and it will save them! That's terrible. So your "work", in some opinions (at least mine), is detrimental because it takes from the constructive lives some people are TRYING to live, and leads them on a path of religious following that they don't even get a opportunity to fully explore. And the most disgusting thing is that they are told "if you know this and do not follow it, you will go to hell and never see your family again after you die." Wow, such thoughtless love missionaries show! Join the Peace Corps.
The problem for us atheists is that we wouldn't care if people were religious, but it encroaches on every aspect of life EVERY day. People bother you about religion. People judge based on religion. People vote for presidents that LEAD OUR COUNTRY because of religion, rather than politics. People kill, steal, hate, hijack planes, and manipulate because of religion.
No one is saying SOME religious people don't do good things, plenty do, but it's just as easy to do good things without it. We all enjoy other people and helping and appreciation, it's the reason for all of it. But religion is the NEVER ENDING, IRREFUTABLE, BLIND, CARELESS excuse for a lot of the BAD things people actually do. Without religion it's hard to see much reason for some of those "crazy" examples, other than the people are crazy! People do bad no matter why, let's not give the bad people a scapegoat.
John May 06, 2009
Leviticus 25:44-46
"The servants you have, men and women, shall come from the nations round you; from these you may PURCHASE servants, men and women. You may also purchase them from the children of the strangers who live among you, and from their families living with you who have been born on your soil. THEY SHALL BE YOUR PROPERTY and you may LEAVE THEM AS AN INHERITANCE TO YOUR SONS after you, TO HOLD IN PERPETUAL POSSESSION. THESE YOU MAY HAVE FOR SLAVES; but to your brothers, the sons of Israel, you must not be hard masters."
Is this Commandment of Slavery an example of your benevolent god's Will?
Rick Lawson May 08, 2009
Like Mark Twain said, "Religion is believing in what you know ain't so"
mehdi May 12, 2009
realy i enjoy.
i love this pic.
the god if able chenge this picture with religion picture!
can god make heavy rock that he can,t move it? yes or no!!!!
dustin May 12, 2009
WOW lots of comments!! How bout this one: Atheism, we know that science books, theories, and what we absolutely know to be true, changes every few years, but really we got it figured out this time, we are positive!! Matter of fact were so sure of ourselves that were going to make fun of everyone elses beliefs.
Sam May 13, 2009
Fail. Catholicism is not polytheism, sorry.
I do think it's slightly amusing (but probably more pathetic) that so much is being said about this topic. Atheists and believers are fundamentally in opposition, and nothing is going to change that. Some atheists think that religion is for people with the inability to think for themselves - that's cool. Some people of faith believe that atheists are bound for hell - well, that's cool too. At the end of the day, nothing anyone says will convince a true atheist to start believing in God, nor will it miraculously make a Christian/Muslim/Jew see the error of his/her ways.
It's a moot argument, and it has been since the moment it was conceived.
Scott Klarr Aug 13, 2009
>> At the end of the day, nothing anyone says will convince a true atheist to start believing in God, nor will it miraculously make a Christian/Muslim/Jew see the error of his/her ways.
Not entirely true. There are people who convert both ways after hearing arguments they may not have considered before.
Jester May 14, 2009
Melvin Snerdley May 18, 2009
Atheism is based just as much on the faith that there is no God as the Believer's faith that there IS a God. It's all about Faith, dude. If atheism makes you happy, then so be it. But don't insist on it being the Truth, because you must might be wrong.
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
Melvin Snerdley wrote: "Atheism is based just as much on the faith that there is no God as the Believer's faith that there IS a God. It's all about Faith, dude. If atheism makes you happy, then so be it. But don't insist on it being the Truth, because you must might be wrong."
You're basing your whole argument on a misconception, Melvin. Atheism is merely the LACK of belief, which is quite often based on a lack of evidence. Other times, it may be based on having never been introduced to the concept of deities, and one certainly can't believe in something they've never heard of. How can one believe in something when they have (1) never heard of it, or (2) heard of it but the only 'evidence' is in books that involve talking snakes, three-headed dragons, or gods giving birth to other gods out of their heads (to name stories from a few different myths)? When we can discredit the "holy" books that tell us about these alleged gods (which we have), then what other "evidence" do we have? And therefore, why should we believe, when the "evidence" has been discredited? We can say, "Ok, so maybe there is one or more gods, but none of them got it right," but that doesn't mean we should BELIEVE there IS one or more gods.
It takes faith to make an assertion without any evidence whatsoever. Being unconvinced of wild-sounding assertions that have NO evidence takes NO faith whatsoever.
There COULD be an 8-legged dog somewhere due to a birth defect, but I'm not going to believe it unless I see one, or at least hear it from credible sources. Does it take faith to not believe in that 8-legged dog? It's much more plausible than the gods described in the Bible, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Epic of Gilgamesh, or any of the other ancient myths that not only claim that gods exist, but also claim to know their nature.
WhyDebate May 19, 2009
I used to not care about these debates and respected peoples beliefs as their own. But ever since 9/11 & the last 8 years of the Bush administration, I've started to realize that widespread religion and faith in unverifiable deity and events and places (heaven & damnation in hell for instance) is not good for human civilization. Spreading religion is also encouraging people to be lazy intellectually. Because why seek evidence and solution to world problems when you can just give up and chalk it up to god's will and master plan? Not seeking evidence, advancing technology, health care, social sciences, and other progress is a poor decision for us all. What's the point if there will be armageddon, why preserve the planet? These beliefs are dangerous to everyone, especially when politicians believe in them and make decisions with disregard for real evidence.
If you see a car coming towards you, you get out of the way. The evidence is that a car is coming towards you, the action you take is to get out of the way in the interest of self preservation. Not blindly believing that you'll be safe and pray that the other car will change course at the last second. If we apply evidence, reasoning, and counter viewpoints to ideas and actions in almost everything we do everyday, why is religious faith so special and not applicable to the same rules?
I believe religion was created as a way to explain the mysteries back in ancient times before we had scientific methods, technology, and even documented literature to share and pool our knowledge. Religious faith helped people feel good in an uncertain world. It has outlived it's usefulness and is now impeding humanity's progress by promoting discrimination and cultural wars. As for religion helping the poor and underdeveloped countries. It's really just a temporary and ineffective way to help and for those involved to feel better about themselves. It's much more effective to study social issues through research and the scientific method, and then propose solutions to end poverty. We have a much better chance of success using the same process that allowed us to develop satellite communications, airplanes, cancer treatments...etc.
I attended a Richard Dawkins speech locally, where his topic was "Why We Need Purpose". Finding purpose is a human adapated condition. When we are presented with a strange object, our first inclination is to ask what is it for? This innate curiousity is part of our human nature, likely developed through natural selection and evolution so we discover/use tools to survive in the wild. Whatever it's origin. The result is that we seek purpose in everything. So we often want to know what is the purpose of life? Mr. Dawkins posed other questions such as "What is the purpose of the moon?" "What is the purpose of a banana?" "What is the purpose of stars in the sky?" Just because something exists does not mean there must be a purpose for its existence. This may sound depressing for those theists, but once you accept it, it enriches your life because you'll feel a sense of urgency in accomplishing something and make an impact with your life rather than wait for death and the after life.
Regarding the big bang, some scientists believe there's a god that created it, or question what was before it? An out-of-the-box hypothesis would be time is infinite, the big bang was not the beginning, but just one point in time of the universe. The universe could be in an infinite expansion and contraction loop, and the big bang was just the begining of the current expansion cycle. Such thoughts would not be possible unless one thinks freely, and one cannot think freely if one is limited to seeking answers in the bible and 2000 year old ideologies.
For those open minded enough, watch the documentary "The God Who Wasn't There" ( http://www.thegodmovie.com). Another good one is "Religulous". They do a much better job debunking religion and explain why it needs to be debunked. It's time non-theists stand up and get rid of all this nonsense so we can make progress and a better society for our future generations.
Lesa Jun 02, 2009
WhyDebate wrote: "I used to not care about these debates and respected peoples beliefs as their own. But ever since 9/11 & the last 8 years of the Bush administration, I've started to realize that widespread religion and faith in unverifiable deity and events and places (heaven & damnation in hell for instance) is not good for human civilization."
This is exactly why I started speaking up. I get into debates with creationists, knowing the creationists aren't going to listen, but also knowing that someone looking for answers can come across these debates, see how full of holes the creationist's arguments are, and also see the logic in mine. The key is exposing people to these ideas before it's too late for them, or while they are questioning beliefs they used to cling to but are now looking for answers that their church fails to provide.
I've heard of creationists coming around in rare cases, but it's more efficient to get the ideas out in public where the fence-sitters can find them. Also, we need to stress often how religion DOES hurt society when it pushes its ideals onto the general public through politics and other means, otherwise we get people like the ones here who keep saying we should respect their beliefs and stop saying bad things about their religion. I'm sorry, but religion is a virus that spreads and mutates, and we need to develop and provide the vaccine if we want our society to be healthy.
Keep fighting the good fight, WhyDebate and others here. :)
David May 27, 2009
Atheism: Because you can't see what's above you when you're always looking down on people.
Colin Jun 03, 2009
I figure that whether there's a god or not, its a waste of time trying to convince people one way or the other. if people believe in god, let them do that. If they commit atrocities in his/her/its name, then treat them as you would someone who did it not in god's name. I dont really believe in god myself, but why shouldn't other people be free to do so?
and if people don't believe then why should people try to force them to? if people just stopped trying to force their beliefs on each other the world would be a better place. don't hate on religious people, and don't hate on atheists either.
Scott Klarr Aug 13, 2009
I don't think many atheists (if any at all) believe that others should not be allowed to believe what they want. But just as they have the freedom to believe what they want, we have the freedom to laugh at them.
Dereck Aug 13, 2009
Hey,
I just found this article while searching for motivational posters.
Well, I couldn't help but read the comments (or at least the beginning of them), and I must say I'm impressed with the quality of arguments I've read so far. Noone has been discrediting someone else.
Anyway, I've been atheist since 2006, and to be frank from 2004 to 2006 I had my own religion (before that time I was too young to care about religion), a belief in God, but differently. I could describe it as simply having God in mind constantly, and sometime ask him for help. Well, you might not believe me, but sometimes what depended on total luck ended up as I asked.
Now, let's get to the point. So, I've been atheist since the middle of 2006, and, well, the only difference I see with Christians is the faith. I listen to music, I'm concerned about problems my country can have and I drink a beer every now and then. Just like everyone else. My point is, apart from believing in an entity or not, we're all the same - that is, humans.
So instead of showing who's doing the most good, who is being correct or not (in terms of what they said, not what they believe in), we should just get it over with.
I mean, who really cares what religion is this guy or that guy? Personally, when I talk to someone, I don't ask them their religion. As an example, I didn't know most of my classmates were atheists until a few months ago. I was seeing them five days per week for two years, and I never cared about their religion. Then again, if they told me they were Muslim or Christians, that would have not made any difference for me.
So, to resume my kind of messy arguments, I think that we should just get religion into the background instead of the foreground. There is no need to change one's behavior with someone because of his belief.
Once again, I must say I was really impressed with the quality of arguments and how the conversation didn't end up badly here, so my arguments might be a little inappropriate, yet I hope some of you will like them and pass them on.
Good night to all.
Brandon Aug 15, 2009
I think we should all just live and let live the way God or science or whatever it is tells us to live. I personally think the Bible is full of things I'd not like to believe, but if people do good because of that and if people feel comfortable from believing that, feel free. Although Christianity may have a bit more than a dozen faults, I don't think we should find one and bash Christians for that. I also don't think we should argue with/about Atheists. If they give you shit about your religion, walk away. You know what you believe in and they know what they believe in.
I'm sure someone here has heard of co-existence. I think it'd be a very good thing for this world to do. We would be able to focus on new studies instead of making Christians feel worse about themselves. If we all just minded our own buisness when in a negative manner, there would be peace.
Scott Klarr Aug 15, 2009
When religion regresses back to being a private, behind-the-doors matter then most of us will stop attacking it. But since religion is so public and forced on the citizens, we are not going to just sit back and be quiet.
Andro Aug 17, 2009
Not true at all.
beau vivant Aug 27, 2009
im only 15 and i guess ima atheist but i just read some of the arguments here and thought (seriously not to cause arguments) if the christians god is so omnipotent and stuff why are there other religions and atheism? if someone could answer without takeing my head off itd be apreciated
Scott Klarr Aug 27, 2009
The likely argument that a theist would put to you in response to that is that we have free will (we actually don't - our universe is deterministic) and so god will not interfere with the people or their decisions (unless of course your pray to him really really hard *rolls eyes*).
Ben Aug 28, 2009
I just don't understand how you can think all of this came from nothing. can a car be created without someone behind it? can a painting be painted without an artist? No. Everything around you was created by someone else behind. including this Earth that, in your terms, somehow contains all the perfect conditions to support life. There is no way that is just chance.
Scott Klarr Aug 28, 2009
We don't think everything "came from nothing."
Are you telling me there is a snowflake factory somewhere where every unique snowflake formation is "designed" by a "designer?" No! Things that appear to be designed can in fact come about by natural processes. The way that evolution works is absolutely fascinating and if you take the time to understand it, you would comprehend HOW we were "designed" by nature.
Also a huge flaw to the complexity of life argument for a god is that if there was a god who created us, it would stand to reason that he is more complex than we are... this leads to the regression of your argument: who created the god?
Yneos6 Sep 09, 2009
These are funny, but, assuming that the definition of Ockham's Razor is as the poster describes, it fails to assert Atheism's superiority to Christianity. They are different formulae with different results. Atheism: Cataclysm. Christianity: Afterlife. Regardless, There's no evidence for the existence of a god, so it wouldn't do us much good to assume such.
Scott Klarr Sep 09, 2009
Yeah the Occam's razor ones are weak. Occam's razor can only really be applied to two theories that *equally* explain the same facts, that are both fallible, that both have facts to back up, etc (and even then there is no guarantee that the simpler one is the more accurate choice). Using Occam's razor in the matter of religion is intellectually dishonest.
Little 15-year old Sep 12, 2009
Hmm, well, I don't know very much about all of this religious and scientific information, or exactly what it all means; I'm a Christian, but I can see what it is on both sides.
Here's my argument- no, my belief, I'm not one to argue- as to why there is a God- or at least, should be one.
I think we just need something to believe in- and I'm not talking about a reason to be good, I'm talking about a reason to continue living. And okay, okay, I understand that not everyone goes through really bad times in life, and not everyone feels depressed about stuff, but some of us need something to believe in for hope. Especially with the world the way it is today; sometimes we just need something to keep us moving forward. I think He's a force, something that's in people- so for you atheists that help people, I think he's still working within you, somewhere...
As for the thing about where He comes from and that the concept of time was created by humans: that's a good point, that there's no such thing as time- infinity itself is a concept, not a thing, so there can't be a "before". So why do we believe that the universe "began" with a speck of dust? That EVERYTHING "began" with that initial explosion? What if that explosion was only the next step in a series of things? We call it "the circle of life," so why doesn't that include EVERYTHING? For all we know- since time doesn't exsist- there actually might've been something before that speck of dust. A a whole other universe could've been created, expanded, and gone before then. Millions of universes. It never "started" because there is no time, so it will never "end" either. God created this universe, the Earth, and us- but no one ever said that this was the first time he'd done this. Things are meant to be born, then die, then start over- and maybe that's just what happened long before us. Then He created another speck of dust and said, "okay, time to do this all over again!" I mean, God must've been doing SOMETHING before, I think that would be boring is he just sat around litearally forever and then suddenly decided to do something. Maybe we- are universe- is merely the next step in the GRANDEST scale of things. Maybe He's just trying out different things each time around and such, like maybe last time the sky was green, the grass was blue, and we all had some shade of purple skin. I don't know- I really DON'T. Nobody does, and I think that's what's so great about it. I can't prove I'm right, you can't prove I'm wrong; the important thing is what goes on inside of us, what our souls are made of... and for those of you who disagree, for those of you who want to argue- be my guest. It's interesting, this whole thing about living and being alive. Life is beautiful, the whole concept of it- even the idea of sorrow and pain and how it kicks us around and is annoying; there's just a wonder to what it's all for...
I'm 15 years old, and I don't know anything about the universe; to me, some things just cannot be explain with human reason. We have limited ourselves and thinking possibilities to what we already know- which could very well be wrong. I think we should all think what we want to think, work for the good of each other, and just see how all our efforts turn out in the end.
One more question, which is not related to this exactly but I would love to have an answer to: WHY is it that we're looking for other planets that have Earth-like life sustaining conditions?! I think that's the DUMBEST thing in the world, that we won't go past that- i mean, what if there are beings out there who live off of breathing helium and and die from too much oxygen, things like that? Why do scientists limit themselves like this, there are beings living in the Earth's most extreme and humanly toxic places? ...But okay, maybe that's not the dumbest thing; with such a realm of possibilties, maybe it's just best to narrow it down to what we're already familiar with... still, though...
Well, that's then end of my insight on these issues, I doubt I've really affected any of you, though. I'm not stupid- I'm a straight-A sophmore heading into the IB program next year, so if you would like to have an intelligent discussion I will try my best. I doubt that anyone will contact me anyways, though. Oh well. :)
Scott Klarr Sep 12, 2009
>> I think we just need something to believe in- and I'm not talking about a reason to be good, I'm talking about a reason to continue living.
But how really does believing in a God make *your* life any more purposeful? Do you believe your life has the purpose of telling the almighty how much you love him? How does believing in God make your day-to-day life any more meaningful than if you didn't believe in him? If anything, in my mind, believing that this life is all we get makes every day THAT much more special because you know it is limited. Imagine that you lived in a very rich family in the richest country in the world. You never have to worry about food being unavailable because you have more than you will ever need. You probably are not going to put a high value on bread. Now imagine just the opposite: you live in the poorest country there is and you get to eat maybe 3 times a week. You know what food you do get is limited. How much do you think you will appreciate every bite? Probably a WHOLE lot, right? The same thing goes for life. If you think that after your time on earth, there is an eternity of living waiting for you, you are probably not going to put as high of value on every day. On the other hand, if you believe there is no afterlife and the 50-100 years you have on earth is all you have, you are likely to appreciate every minute you have much more than if you were expecting to live for eternity. Put into perspective like this, it is very difficult for me to understand why people think that believing in god makes their life any more purposeful or fulfilling.
As for your contemplations of "before," you are absolutely right, we have no idea if there was a "before" our current universe or if there will be an after (or if there ever was a beginning or if there will be an end). We just don't know, and scientists don't claim to know. But that lack of knowing does not justify filling the gaps of science with imaginary beings. There are many things we don't know: if there is a God, what happened before the universe, if there are other universes (parallel or inline), etc. What it boils down to is this: it is perfectly reasonable to contemplate and fantasies about what COULD BE, but it is wholly illogical to assume you know certain truths that are so plainly unknowable (such as if there is a god, if they care about us, what they want us to do, etc). I think it is reasonable to accept the *possibility* of god(s), but until there is evidence, that openness to possibility should never turn into belief.
>> I'm 15 years old, and I don't know anything about the universe; to me, some things just cannot be explain with human reason.
You are still young and you appear to be smart. Perhaps one day you will gain an interest in science and truly understand how magnificent it is. Unlike religion, science is based solely on observing facts of nature and the wonders of our physical reality are awe-inducing.
>> the important thing is what goes on inside of us, what our souls are made of...
The concept of the soul has never been anything more than a myth. It was mere speculation to explain consciousness and all arguments for the existence of a "soul" are nothing more than speculation without evidence trying to keep alive speculation that was formed, once again, on no evidence. If you are interested in learning about the scientific aspects of who we are, do a search for material on neuroscience, neurobiology, evolutionary psychology, consciousness (Daniel Dennett) as well as superorganism. Every aspect of human nature and being has been, in one form or another, linked and reduced to mere brain activity. Also a book that is a light read and humorous regarding the scientific attempts to locate/weigh/study the soul: Spook by Mary Roach.
>> WHY is it that we're looking for other planets that have Earth-like life sustaining conditions?!
Why not? In doing so, we may discover something that will change the course of our future. Much of the technology and understanding we have today has roots in "pointless" scientific pursuits.
Little 15-year old Sep 13, 2009
Well then, a response!
>>But how really does believing in a God make *your* life any more purposeful?
*Note that I may very well contradict myself, excuse me if I do.
When I said that some of us need a reason to continue living, I.. hmm, let me put it this way. I'm not living life more appreciarively because there is a god, I'm living it more confidently. Sure, a hard-working man can bring himself prosperity, but when he tumbles all the way down to the bottom, into the deepest pits of despair with no one else around to comfort him- where does he turn? Would he rather walk alone, to clean up this mess all by himself, to suffer this saddness without any hope- I mean, people fall down and get hurt. Really badly. We push ourselves off the cliffs by ourselves sometimes, too. And sometimes we just feel alone- so we turn to God as a source of comfort and inspiration. When we feel like there's not another person in the world who could love us, God always will. I am not living life any less appreciately because of an afterlife; life is beautiful and I try to recognize that with every breath I take, my time here is short.
So God sounds like a fairytale- a Santa Clause for adults, as one poster says. Why is it wrong to believe in a fairytale? Why is wrong to believe in something that doesn't make any sense logically? Why shouldn't I shun the idea that there are somethings that are impossible? Why should I limit myself like that?
So yeah, science is tangible, it's provable... but there is something beautiful, to me, in the idea that there are some things that have no answers, that we can believe in the scientifically impossible. If I get to the end and find out that there never was a god... well, then I can only say that it was a was a great illusion. I'd have no regrets.
Steve Sep 13, 2009
So I think we can agree that
a)Atheists have morals
b)They are looking towards bettering mankind, or at least not putting a limit on thought
Atheism on the whole, is a logical belief, whereas most religions are not(I'm not bashing, but faith is the belief, despite lack of evidence)
People keep complaining about atheists always trying to spread their belief, or lack there of, but it is very similar to spreading any other belief. It is spread because we are looking towards the betterment of mankind, religion has caused a lot of harm. Atheists spread there non belief through logical and rational dicussion not through fear of repercussions or violence. Now religion isnt logical but people are, which is why people who already have a religion are usually so set in there ways. For example Judaism vs Christianity when the arguments start they base not changing their belief based on the illogic of the others belief, while ignoring the holes within their own. Now this problem doesn't arise when arguing an atheist because the only defense of their attacks on the holes present in your religion is to justify those faults in the religion. When arguing an atheist you cant attack their belief cause they dont have one, you can only backup your own, which has already been shown to be full of flaws, and not just by atheists, but by practitioners of other religions.
I personally argue for the sake of atheism because it holds no prejudiced against anyone(just against the ignorance shown in other religions, shown through the many evident faults present in almost every religions doctrine). It does nothing to prevent our learning and in fact incourages it in order to further justify our position. The arguments of atheism are always evolving with out changing its whole position this is beacause every new flaw found in religion serves to build up our argument, this cant be said about of a lot of religions which change and further alienate some of their earlier beliefs.eg. stoning
Other religions have kept the same arguments since their inception, but the flaws remain, and cant be explained away and so are ignored. Yet these religions continue to study these texts to the point of exclusion or even arguing against any scientific advancement.
So if we can accept that most athiests are moral people we can argue that logical argument has a much more sucessful chance nowadays to convince people against what they believe, rather than another equally flawed belief. So whereas religion has lead to a number of atrocities and still promote the ideas behind such atrocities, would it not be to the betterment of everyone to drop these religions and embrace atheism. If there were not these religions warring against each other causeing strife across the planet, i think it is safe to say the world would be a better place. And since most religions argue on behalf of improving mankind, how can you justify not doing what is the potentially best for mankind, when sticking to your religion continues to cause strife.
And hey since atheism is based on logic if someday we did discover that your religion was the correct one, well now everybody would be a practitioner of it, and what harm would have been done in the meantime.
Little 15-year old Sep 14, 2009
Well, I think this whole argument is very intersting, and i have fgreat respect for both sides. I may not be able to prove myself right, but I cannot prove you wrong. :\
All I have, Scott Klarr, is one final question:
We both seem to agree that life should be appreciated. If people do not have souls and all of my thoughts and feelings are merely "brain activity-" which i can make several assumptions about to prove towards the truth of it- why is life beautiful if all of our joy is to be accounted for by something so defined? Beauty is not something to be put in numbers, and though the best have tried, it cannot be 100% accurately put into words. What is beauty? What's the feeling you get when you see it, when you feel it? Why is it there, why does it exist?
I doubt you will ever see it from my point of view. There's just too much to account for, in each individual life. I must thank for this food for thought, though; you never know whatt you belive until someone tries to prove you wrong; then you must first prove to yourself that you are right. The only evidence I have is, of course, not justifiable by facts- by solid, widely accepted and provable facts. All I have is what I trust. This discussion has made me ask questions to myself, and it's all only made my faith stronger. So thank you, Scott Klarr. I wish you a wonderful life.
What is life, anyway?
Shag Sep 23, 2009
i like turtles
Shag Sep 23, 2009
i like turtles a lot
W/E Sep 24, 2009
I honestly think it doesn't matter if we discuss it because in the end since God (if he is real) lives outside of time so we wouldnt know if he is alive or not so im open to everyone else's believes but just don't bash on other peoples religoun cause if they are right and your wrong they are in Heaven chilling laughing at you cause your dumb ass is burning in hell so be open minded listen to other peoples believes if you disagree so what just don't bash on there bieleves
Sheepalert Sep 27, 2009
"Andrea Yates is a disturbed woman and what she did is not because of her belief in God, not because she grew up in religious environment but because she is mentally disturbed. Nobody here I think can claim religion taught her to kill innocent children."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but in the bible, did "god" not tell Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac? Abraham was all too willing to do this in the name of god. Last I checked, Isaac was an innocent child. I'm not saying religion teaches people to kill innocent children, although this is a damn good example. There's another instance in the section of the book pertaining to Moses, where he states that no "women or child will be exempt." I'm too lazy to actually recall the circumstances or actually wording, but I'm pretty damn sure that revenge is no reason to kill innocent children. In this case, revenge being brought about by none other than "god."
alex Oct 07, 2009
nobody gives a fuck about any of your opinons these are just funny
for our children Oct 11, 2009
If you need to believe in something, believe in yourself, your children, and the people around you that make your life complete. If you need something more tangible, believe in the Sun, it's there everyday and will be unbiased and glorious. God, he's cool but sometimes takes a long lunch break.
Nathan Motz Oct 17, 2009
I've got one for you:
"Atheists: the world's hope for the advancement of mankind into the next hopelessly pointless generation."
Or how about,
"Why not Atheism?: Because it's more fun to gripe all day about how stupid all those God-lovers are."
Or,
"Christianity: what have they ever done for humanity? Oh, except for Newton....oh, and Mother Teresa, and those people who run soup kitchens and shelters for the poor and homeless. Oh, and the ones that believe that rape, murder, lying, stealing, cheating, hating, etc.... is wrong. Those guys are ok, except for that they're Christian."
victoria Oct 19, 2009
hahaha matt lauer can suck it that damn jew!!!
Tony Hansen Oct 21, 2009
Seems to me like atheists are attacking the wrong target. I have been fighting the corruption and lies of religion almost my whole life. I think the bible does a much more eloquent job of condemning them than the logic I see in these posters. Doctrines like destiny, trinity, soul are ancient greek philosophy, they are not biblical. The whole idea of a clergy class is not biblical. Nationalism isn't either. Just as ignorance and inability to use the bible is not biblical ignorance of science while singing its dogmas is not science either. I would really love to meet an atheist or a catholic that is even willing to talk. Muslims I know will talk but know almost nothing about their own holy book and from what I can see it condemns their beliefs and actions also.
Tony Hansen Oct 21, 2009
My definition of religion is encompassing enough to also include things like materialism and nationalism. These things blindly destroy planets and societies. They have gods, people live and die for them, they have high priests, doctrines, arrogance, unreasoning masses of followers and ill informed promoters who spread the culture. Atheism also appears to have some credentials as a religion to me.
curious Oct 22, 2009
Has anyone ever heard of memetics? It seems to provide an interesting perspective regarding this debate, and could potentially lead to some enlightening revelations on the topic of religion. I may however be ill informed and I would be glad to hear some opinions. :)
Anti-Chris Oct 24, 2009
first, which "holy bible" do you refer to? the one that says anyone who doesn't accept the tooth fairy as their lord and savior will burn eternally in fire? or the one where if they don't believe santa clause is their savior then they are infidels? You religious types all try to make EXCUSES for logical things happening, ALWAYS. As simple as why did the chicken cross the road: a religious person would say to find god, whereas a logical(whether atheist or not) would say that the chicken did not have the mental capacity to know any better. Religious people are sheep, and sheep are Led by a shepherd which in this day and age are televangelist's and people like yourself who claim to "pray for my soul" how about you don't waste your 15seconds at the dinner table talking to your imaginary friend and instead go tell a sensible Psychiatrist the truth. say this: "I find myself talking to an imaginary person/thing every morning, before every meal, before I go to sleep at night, and I go and talk to him in his house every Sunday". Now if anyone said the sensible truth of it, they would be put in a nuthouse or on extreme amounts of medication, am I not correct?
Bree Nov 05, 2009
Militant Atheists have compareably no balls to the rest of society. Just an opinion
Scott Klarr Nov 07, 2009
Religious people have comparably no brains to the rest of society. Just an opinion.
MrD Oct 24, 2009
Guys seriously. I think that the best way to go is believe in everything and nothing all at once.God may exist in some form or he may not.You can't prove either cause its a beeing that is infinite which is a concept that the human mind cannot comprehend infinity because the human mind is not equiped for that.There is no infinity in nature.Everything that begins eventually ends.Not counting theoretical mathematics which is exactly that. Theoretical. So imo neither atheists or creationosts ar correct.Because you can't prove either theory. Thats right theory. Thats what both are theories.The oly sure thing in life is that we will all die eventually.Maybe. So live life as you wish believing in what you want.It won't make a difference in the end.
Scott Klarr Oct 24, 2009
You believe in Santa Claus?
>> So imo neither atheists or creationosts ar correct.Because you can't prove either theory. Thats right theory. Thats what both are theories.
Not believing in something without evidence is not a "theory", it is common sense. Until you can prove to me that magical faeries exist, the only logical stance to have is to not believe.
Really? Nov 23, 2009
You sir, are a dumbfuck.
Guillaume Nov 25, 2009
I've glanced over some of the posts, so I hope I'm not repeating anything that's been said before.
I'm an atheist, and atheism has brought me no answer as to our purpose, nor has it brought me any inner peace. At this point in my life, I like to think that's because there might not be an answer, and I'm ok with that. I have no inner peace, but I refuse to take the easy way out and let blind faith sooth over this "mal de vivre". I have faith (haha, get it?) that existence as a whole is marvelous enough to be worthy of worship. My God is reality. My inner turmoil can only be conquered by myself.
The real point I want to make however, is to warn atheists. Like most things, religion has good and bad in it. Religion gives peace and harmony to many who - just like you and me - feel this "mal de vivre". One thing I believe everyone can agree on is that we should all strive to lessen suffering, which exists everywhere.
You see the problem is that by blaming religion, you are mistakenly targeting an overwhelming majority of believers who will never force their views on anyone, who do not believe science should be hampered, or religion taught in school. This categorization is a great discredit to your cause, namely freedom of will, research and education. Keep in mind that bringing down religion will only leave a gap to be filled by another entity which may be filled by a greater evil.
Now I'm not saying we should choose the status quo because it may be the lesser of two evils. I am saying: make sure your arguments and debates are properly targeted. Your beef is with hampered scientific research, and freedom of religion (or lack thereof).
Sending flak to religion as a whole makes you no better then those you accuse.
Brian Nov 28, 2009
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.... So, has an athiest ever stopped to think "hey, what if we're wrong?" Good luck with that after life thing if you are! In the mean time, I will have the respect of Christians AND athiests because of my urge to be good in accordance with Christian doctrine. If I'm worong, Christianity, real or imagined, will have made me the better person and I will be remembered. Athiest, not so much. I have enjoyed a much richer life and have missed nothing because of my belief except more heartache and pain. Nobody tought me, I found out on my own the truth. Good luck and (athiests cover your eyes) God bless.
noxidereus Dec 02, 2009
"So, has an athiest ever stopped to think "hey, what if we're wrong?""
That's an incarnation of Pascal's wager. You do know that there are more choices than Christianity and Atheism, right? There are countless religions. What if you're wrong? What is some obscure religion is correct and you and I both go to some horrific hell, just for choosing incorrectly even though there is absolutely no evidence that exists to show that one particular religion is correct over all the others. With all of the religions out there, there really is no good bet to make, so your argument is a far stretch from reality, because in reality this is not a boolean choice (true/false), it's a choice from countless "possibilities".
"If I'm worong, Christianity, real or imagined, will have made me the better person and I will be remembered. Athiest, not so much."
Why because atheists are necessarily bad people? We are equally human and thus we have human emotions. Empathy and caring for one another is a human trait, not some gift from a god. We all have feelings, do you deny that atheists are human? It sounds like you are. It sounds like you are suggesting you are superior because you choose to believe something that may or may not be true, and that believing in that makes you special. It doesn't. As much as this may disappoint you, you as a Christian, and I as an atheist are equally human and we both feel emotions and empathy for our fellow human beings.
TomB Dec 04, 2009
Nicely put Nox.
Your post has given me good answers to Pascal's wager and the point that religious people do good work.
Thanks.
Fred Dec 08, 2009
Noxidereus. philosophy is to "find truth through deep thought alone" This was their science in those days of old because they did not believe in controled experiments, scientifical evidence. The truth is, know one REALLY knows whether there is a god or not, but no matter how many holy books you read and contemplate over it, you are using phylosophy to guide you, and i think we can all agree that phylosophy is flawed. Our greatest hope of learnign more of our universe and our fate and our origon, is to persue the path of science and observation. Only then can we truly justify out beliefs. Religion only brings nirvana or peace of mind because the phylosophers have trully mastered the physcological concepts of the human mind... i mean, why do you think so many people are brainwashed by it. Moses was a fricking genius at swaying the minds of troubled people ruled by corrupt leaders. But they were arlso ignorant uneducated people, so that made it a bit easier. However as the years passed, we became more oblivious to our ignorance